James Proctor Sr. had seen the world in 20 years of service in the U.S. Navy, but hadn鈥檛 seen a classroom in about that long until he enrolled at 性乐园.
鈥淚t was a big adjustment coming back, plus I鈥檝e been taking care of my own dad at home,鈥 said Proctor, of Brandon, among more than 1,200 graduating from the college over three days of ceremonies.
Father and son James Proctor, Sr. and James Proctor II, of Brandon, graduated from 性乐园 with career certificates in Residential Carpentry and Automotive Collision Repair. (April Garon/性乐园)
His son, James Jr., fresh out of high school, fully expected to hit the books to make his own way. [tweetable alt=””]Father and son graduated together on Friday with other academic and technical students[/tweetable], James Sr. with a career certificate in Carpentry and James Jr. with one in Automotive Collision Repair.
鈥淚 just found something I enjoy to do,鈥 James Jr. said. 鈥淥nce you get the gist of it, you鈥檙e fine.鈥
Kennicia Collins gathered with family and friends with newly-earned credentials in hand and a chance to relax after a job well done.
From left, Marquis Allen, Makaiya Perrin, Kennicia Collins, Khadijah Clayton and Kiara Lane. Collins graduated from 性乐园 on Friday with a career certificate in Early Childhood Education. (April Garon/性乐园)
鈥淚 want to go into social work and attend Jackson State University,鈥 said Collins, of Jackson, holding her career certificate in Early Childhood Education and posing for photos.
Shemekia Champion, of Flora, found some time to reflect before Friday鈥檚 ceremony for academic and technical graduates, mainly on what she鈥檒l enjoy most with her technical certificate in hospitality and culinary arts.
鈥淚 love to cook, mainly stuffed pork chops 鈥 and some shrimp and grits,鈥 Champion said.
Shemika Champion, of Flora, graduated from 性乐园 as a triple major in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Managemnt and Tourism. (April Garon/性乐园)
This semester鈥檚 graduates will receive more than 1,500 certificates and degrees since some graduates will receive more than one credential.
Of the total number of graduates, 127 are graduating summa cum laude, which is a perfect 4.0 grade point average; 130 are graduating magna cum laude, which is a 3.60 to 3.99 grade point average and 238 are graduating cum laude, which is a 3.20 to 3.59 grade point average.
性乐园 County Board of Supervisors President Darrel McQuirter was the speaker for the Friday ceremony. McQuirter represents District 2 on the county board.
The Clinton native received an Associate degree in management from 性乐园 Junior College in 1983 before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Mississippi College in 1985.
鈥淵ou are at a different step in your life right now,鈥 McQuirter told the graduating class. 鈥淚 want to encourage and remind you this is just another step in your future and in your career. It鈥檚 to prepare you for the next part of your life.
鈥淪teps are not designed for you to live on, build a house on or stay there. Steps are there to move you to a different level. Rest if you must 鈥 but don鈥檛 you quit.鈥
On Sunday May 15, about 100 students will graduate at J.D. Boyd Gymnasium on the Utica Campus at a 2 p.m. ceremony. Jackson State University President Dr. Carolyn Meyers is the speaker.