Lawton, OK: Lawton Public Schools (LPS) is excited to announce the addition of the Comanche Language I course. LPS Indian Education Liaison Raylisha Stanley shared that this course has been in the works for the past year.
“Superintendent Hime and Comanche Nation Chairman Mark Woommavovah were both absolutely vital in making this possible,” Stanley said. “We hope to continue to make this program grow by adding Kiowa Language I in the near future.”
The course is held at the Life Ready Center and is taught by Martie Woothtakewahbitty. Students enrolled in the course will receive a World Language credit upon completion.
“We worked hard to find a certified teacher with state and tribe credentials,” Stanley said. “This was important to both entities.”
Chairman Woommavovah shared how this partnership is a great opportunity to keep the Comanche language alive.
“Even though many of our Native languages have disappeared now, many are still spoken,” Woommavovah said. “When the last speaker of a language passes away, the language is gone forever. Our Comanche Language is the essence of our culture. It’s our People’s way of living, our history, and our pride.”
LPS students interested in taking the course can visit with their school counselor.