PEARL 鈥 性乐园 graduated 611 students during the summer semester at its six locations.
Among 319 participating in two ceremonies July 27 at the Muse Center on the Rankin Campus was Tierra Williams, of Jackson, who earned an Associate in Arts degree from the college. 听
In all, 391 credentials were conferred to the 611 who graduated from the college.听
Jasmine Coleman lost her mother several years ago and has dedicated each step in her education to her memory.
听鈥淚t was sudden to have lost her, just before my high school graduation,鈥 Coleman said. 鈥淪o, I鈥檝e dedicated both my high school and college graduations to her.鈥
听Coleman, 22, of Jackson, earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education, a field she鈥檚 eager to enter spread her caring sense and motherly instincts.
听鈥淚 have a son, Morgan, who is two, so he鈥檚 in that dedication as well,鈥 Coleman said.
听Yolanda Houston, the college鈥檚 district director of Teacher Education, based on the Utica Campus, is a close confidant to Coleman and a family friend.
听鈥淚 taught her in grade school,鈥 Houston said. 鈥淚鈥檝e watched her mature and be strong through adversity and still be able to graduate.鈥
Of the total graduating, 197 did so with honors. That includes 85 who earned the cum laude designation, which is a 3.2 to 3.59 grade point average. Another 47 graduated magna cum laude, or a 3.6 to 3.99 grade point average, and 65 graduated summa cum laude, or a 4.0 grade point average. The total field of honor graduates equaled about one-third of the summer graduating class. 听
Crystal Mays had waited a long time to celebrate a graduation in her family, which made her sister鈥檚 commencement from 性乐园 all the sweeter.
鈥淚鈥檝e waited a long time for this,鈥 Mays said amidst tears as she watched her sister, Eronda Graham-Daniels, walk across the stage after earning her Associate in Arts degree. 鈥淭his is why I talk so much about finishing school.鈥
Peggy Hobson Calhoun, who represents District 3 on the 性乐园 County Board of Supervisors, spoke to graduates at both ceremonies. Calhoun implored graduates not to give up when adversity strikes when they enter the workforce.
鈥淵ou may think your vision of becoming successful is too difficult to realize, but it can become real,鈥 Calhoun said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 know what your aspirations and pursuits are, but don鈥檛 blind your vision. Hold on to your visions and your dreams. Your vision defines what it is you want to accomplish out of life.鈥
Shelby Blakenship, center-right, of Brandon, earned an Associate in Applied Science from 性乐园 during summer graduation ceremonies July 27 at the Muse Center on the Rankin Campus. She completed the Transition to RN program and plans a healthcare career. With her are her brother, Bryce; her mother, Maria; her father, Kirk; and 性乐园 President Dr. Clyde Muse. (性乐园/April Garon)
性乐园 President Dr. Clyde Muse, left, and Shelby Blankenship
Tirzah Burt, center, of Brandon, earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Practical Nursing from 性乐园 during summer graduation ceremonies July 27 at the Muse Center on the Rankin Campus. From left are Hannah Burt, Lizzy Burt, Rachel Williams and Sarah Hartman, all her sisters, and Ella Kate Elmore, her cousin. (性乐园/April Garon)
Andrea Felder, center, of Jackson, earned an Associate in Applied Science degree from 性乐园 after having completed the Associate Degree Nursing program. With her during summer graduation ceremonies July 27 at the Muse Center on the Rankin Campus are husband Karick, son Avery, and son Everette. (性乐园/April Garon)
Javeon Green, of Brandon, left, and Deloris Greer, bookstore manager at 性乐园 Utica Campus, pose before summer graduation ceremonies July 27 at the Muse Center on 性乐园 Rankin Campus. Green earned a Technical Certificate in Automotive Technology. (性乐园/April Garon)
Jasmine Coleman, right, of Jackson, earned an Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education during summer graduation ceremonies July 27 at the Muse Center on the Rankin Campus. With her is District Director of Teacher Education Yolanda Houston, left.
Crystal Mays, of Louisville, sheds tears as she watches her sister, Eronda Graham-Daniels, graduate from 性乐园 during summer graduation ceremonies at the Muse Center on the Rankin Campus. (性乐园/April Garon)
Tierra Williams, of Jackson, was among more than 600 students who earned credentials during the summer semester at 性乐园. Williams earned an Associate in Arts degree during graduation ceremonies July 27. With her is friend Tamara Sullivan. (性乐园/April Garon)
Matthew Jiles, center-left, earned an Associate in Arts degee from 性乐园 during summer graduation ceremonies at the Muse Center on the Rankin Campus. He plans to study aerospace technology. With him are Joseph Jiles, his father, Esther Jiles, his mother, and Joseph Jiles Jr., his brother. (性乐园/April Garon)
Ignatius Fluker, right, earned a Technical Certificate and a Career Certificate from 性乐园 in Diesel Equipment Technology during summer graduation ceremonies July 27 at the Muse Center on the Rankin Campus. With him is his grandmother, Christine Fluker. (性乐园/April Garon)
Sha’quitia Williams, center, of Vicksburg, earned a Career Certificate in business from 性乐园 during summer graduation ceremonies July 27 at the Muse Center on the Rankin Campus. With her, from left, are friends Kimmer Williams, Chasity Jefferson, Kontonia Smith, and Janeshia Jefferson. (性乐园/April Garon)
From left, Advancement Specialist Bethani England and Jackie Granberry, executive director of the 性乐园 Foundation, who was the mace bearer for summer graduation ceremonies July 27.,
Erin Rawson, left, of Brandon, and Kimberly Prater, of Yazoo City, await summer graduation ceremonies July 27 at 性乐园. Both earned Associate in Applied Science degrees after completing the Transition to RN program. (性乐园/April Garon)
Christopher Hunsinger, right, of Clinton, earned an Associate in Arts degree from 性乐园 during summer graduation ceremonies July 27 at the Muse Center on the Rankin Campus. With him is his girlfriend, Shantenicka Henry. (性乐园/April Garon)
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