Chilocco Honors Chairman Cypress

By Iretta Tiger

TULSA, OK — Since it’s opening in 1884 the Chilocco Agricultural Indian School has helped shape the minds of thousands of native youths. Among its alumni are some of Native America’s most accomplished, including actor Wes Studi and former Seminole Chairman and Indian Gaming pioneer Howard Tommie.

From June 9–11 the Chilocco National Alumni Association held its 122nd Annual Reunion in Tulsa, Okla. and at this 2006 reunion Chilocco inducted George England and Seminole Chairman Mitchell Cypress into their Hall of Fame.

Also honored was the “golden” class of 1956. Among the ’56 class was Wonder Johns who was also celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary to wife Mary Johns.

The reunion kicked off with a golf tournament. For those who did not participate there was a memorabilia room and a hospitality room.

The memorabilia room was great to explore. There were displays of those who were inducted into the hall of fame, displays of Chilocco’s history and boxes of photographs. The best part was the copies of the yearbooks; there were yearbooks for every year the school was open, 1884–1980.

Looking through the yearbooks it was great to go back in time to see Seminole elders in their youth. Attendees were able to find yearbook pictures of quite a few people including Cornelia Osceola, Virginia Tommie, Naomi Fewell and Mitchell Cypress. There was also pictures of dearly missed Tribal citizens: Cecil Johns, Edna Cypress and Nancy Motlow.

Events for the first day of the reunion started with a Tribal dress fashion show where those who dressed in tribal regalia displayed their outfits and gave an oral history of it. Those from the Seminole tribe participated together as a group which made quite an impression.

Chilocco alumni were treated to a beautiful performance by the Oklahoma Cherokee Nation Children’s Choir. The choir has performed for US presidents, at the site of the Work Trade Centers and at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.

Day one of the reunion closed with an indoor pow-wow. Cypress was honored at the pow-wow with a beautiful Pendleton blanket. The blanket had his name and the date of his hall of fame induction embroidered on it.

On day two the Seminole Tribe of Florida sponsored a pool tournament. The tournament was held at a local billiards establishment. The Seminole Tribe also sponsored an exhibition by billiards champion Vivian Villarreal. Villarreal then offered a game of 9 ball to a brave few.

The first place winners of the tournament received a Seminole jacket. Prizes were awarded to the top four slots in the men’s and women’s divisions. Tribal citizen Jenny Johns placed fourth in the women’s; one of her competitors for this place was her sister Alice Smith.

Following the tournament and the highlight of the reunion was the banquet. This much anticipated event first honored special awards to Juanita Tate, class of 1928, and Velma Jones, attended Chilocco 1922–1933. These two ever sharp women were presented with gorgeous native pottery made especially for them by another Chilocco alum.

Service awards were then presented to Fred and Judi Underwood, Trent and Peggy Tilley and Lou Ellen Henson.

This year Chilocco inducted two of its alumni into their hall of fame. The first is George England, class of 1953, who was also the master of ceremonies for the banquet. England is also the Chairman for the Chilocco Hall of Fame.

Fellow Tribal citizens and Chilocco alumni Jenny Johns and Alice Smith introduced Chairman Cypress, class of 1966, with a slide presentation. They also provided narration for the slides which included a very amusing senior photo of Cypress.

Oklahoma Senator, artist and Principal Chief of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Enoch Kelly Haney presented Chairman Cypress. Senator Haney jokingly alluded to Chairman Cypress’ high school nickname and spoke highly of Cypress’ merits.

“Mitchell comes for a humble beginning,” said Senator Haney. “Coming from a humble beginning makes people more passionate. This passion is what makes a good leader and it keeps you connected to the people.”

Upon receiving the award Chairman Cypress dedicated it to the class of 1966 and to his Tribe.

“I’m honored to be here with you all. It’s not just about me, it’s about all of us. We helped each other then and we’re still in it together now,” said Cypress.

Next year’s reunion will be held in Albuquerque, N.M. For updates, please visit to www.chilocco.org.