“We attended college during a pandemic. Many of us may have also had other struggles outside of the pandemic or struggles that the pandemic made even worse. Yet, we did not let those obstacles hold us back, so, again, well done.”
鈥淪he is the most courageous person I know. She has never let any of her hurdles stop her or slow her down. She continues to push through life and continue to accomplish everything that she feels she should,鈥 Hudson said.
The Jackson native and 1963 Lanier High School graduate had returned to school about five years ago to work on a college degree he鈥檇 long thought about, but just hadn鈥檛 finished.
“It鈥檚 been crazy getting here,鈥 he said. 鈥淏ut after 31 years in the making, it鈥檚 special.鈥
“Every graduation ceremony is special to the college, as we celebrate the success of each student. It is important that we truly celebrate what our graduates have achieved 鈥 they have overcome a series of unusual circumstances over the last several months,” said 性乐园 President Dr. Stephen Vacik.
“性乐园 has been absolutely incredible to my journey, more than I could have ever imagined. I had been home-schooled and came to 性乐园 five years after I had finished high school. I was unsure how I would do, but I was able to thrive here because of the instructors and small class sizes.”
A lot of praying, studying and a few cries every now and then. But it鈥檚 a great program with great people who teach you a lot. You learn a lot about yourself during the process.”
The festival is held each spring to encourage and support the pursuit of literary arts among Rankin County high school students and foster their interest in higher education.
鈥淭he night was so surreal. It was confirmation of all my hard work and I could not have done it without the help of my instructor and my WHUC News 7 team. It was just a blessing to see our hard work prevail.鈥
Her record of service is 42 years and counting, as she continues to serve as a part-time instructor in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department.