Lyric Hawkins is a member of the Mvskoke (Creek) Nation and recent graduate of Memorial High School. We are proud to announce that she is a recipient of the 2020 Indian Education Students of Excellence award.

During her time at Memorial, Lyric participated in Latin Club, Muscogee Creek Nation Challenge Bowls, and FCA. 

She shared that her parents were vital in helping her to learn about her Tribal Nation.

"My parents were instrumental in helping me learn more about my Tribal Nation’s history. My father always shared as much knowledge as he could on our Native background, as it comes from his side of the bloodline,” said Lyric. “Both of my parents always encouraged me throughout middle school and high school to participate in the Muscogee Creek Challenge Bowls. I would also attend the Native American summer camps.”

Lyric shared that she is honored to receive this award and will always look back and be proud of it. She is most proud that she embraced her culture and was enlightened about her tribal history. 

"What I enjoyed most about high school was meeting many new people. I met people from many different backgrounds and experiences, which helped me become more open-minded and intrigued to learn what makes people who they are,” said Lyric. 

That interest in people is leading Lyric to Oklahoma State University with plans to major in psychology. She hopes to have a career as a therapist upon finishing school. 

For more information on the Indian Education Students of Excellence award, click here.