�²�� CC Graduate: ‘Shoot Beyond the Stars

PEARL – �²�� graduated nearly 600 students in two fall graduation ceremonies on Dec. 14 at the Muse Center on the Rankin Campus.

The graduates received a total of 879 credentials, with some students receiving more than one credential.

Among the graduates, 217 students graduated with honors.

123 graduated cum laude, which means that they have maintained a 3.2 – 3.59 GPA out of 4.0
74 graduated magna cum laude, which means they maintained a 3.60 – 3.99 GPA
20 graduated summa cum laude, which means they earned a perfect 4.0 GPA.

The speaker for the 2 p.m. ceremony was Chelse McGrew of Hazlehurst, who received an associate degree in Kinesiology. She plans to transfer to the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg to get a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and become a physical therapist.

“�²�� has taught me to shoot beyond the stars because only stars soar. I am here today to tell each and every one of you to reach for the stars. Take those stars and shine bright, only you shall dim that light. Life is about to unfold for you in all its forms — love, heartaches, accomplishments, disappointments and testing of faith,” McGrew said.

Offering the invocation and benediction at the 2 p.m. ceremony was Eric Dotson of Kosciusko. He received an Associate Degree in General Studies. He plans to join the Army National Guard after graduation and then transfer to a four-year college.

In his message to graduates, �²�� President Dr. Stephen Vacik singled out three things for them to keep in mind: Listen first, speak last; color inside the lines; and be patient.

“It is almost always better to color within the lines – that is, work within the system and strive to make it better from the inside. That does not mean that the system is always right or perfectly just, but any company, institution or nation – just like a large ship with a small rudder – turns slowly, and often because of just a few individuals,” he said. “However, sometimes the ship will not be moved and you may HAVE to color outside the lines. … The bottom line is that you can change the system from within, and it is almost always the straightest road to success.”

Chelse McGrew of Hazlehurst, center, was the student speaker for the 2 pm. Dec. 14 �²�� graduation ceremony. Offering the invocation and benediction was Eric Dotson of Kosciusko, right. On the left is Dr. Ginger Robbins of Brandon, Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Workforce Development. (Brad Smith/�²��)

Emily Penton McWilliams of Pearl passed away on Dec 1, near her graduation date at �²��. Her husband Kolby McWilliams, center, and father Ernie Penton, right, were given her diploma by �²�� President Dr. Stephen Vacik, left, just before the Dec. 14 graduation ceremony. (Brad Smith/�²��)

Sydney Moore of Brandon received an associate degree in General Studies at �²�� on Dec. 14. She plans to apply to Dental Hygiene School at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry. She is with Rankin Campus Dean Gary Fox. (Brad Smith/�²��)

Trevell Vivians of Carthage graduated from �²�� on Dec. 14. The defensive back on the football team said he has 17 Division I offers to play football that he is mulling over. He is with Rankin Campus Dean Gary Fox. (Brad Smith/�²��)

Glenn Alan Peacock III, who goes by Trip, said he plans to take his carpentry credentials and go to work. He graduated from �²�� on Dec. 14. With him is Rankin Campus Dean Gary Fox. (Brad Smith/�²��)

Her cords and other bling show that Asya Purcell of Greenville was a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and the Alpha Beta Gamma business honorary and was also a resident assistant. She graduated from �²�� on Dec. 14 and, after a break, she plans to study business at the University of Southern Mississippi. (Brad Smith/�²��)

Hi-Stepper dance team member Chelsea Porter of Jackson graduated from �²�� on Dec. 14. Her next step is nursing school at Belhaven University. She is with �²�� President Dr. Stephen Vacik. (Brad Smith/�²��)

Before retiring as Vice President at �²��, Sherry Bellmon of Brandon participated in one last graduation ceremony on Dec. 14. (Brad Smith/�²��)

Mia McGahey of Florence received an associate degree in General Studies at �²�� on Dec. 14. She is with mom Laryssa McGahey and Grayson Coker, 8. (Brad Smith/�²��)

Evan Holbrooks of Brandon graduated from �²�� on Dec. 14 with a degree in Diesel Mechanic Technology. He is working at Stribling Equipment in Richland. (Brad Smith/�²��)

Bryan Johnson of Jackson, left, received a career certificate in Electromechanical Technology from �²�� on Dec. 14. He is with dad Kenneth Johnson and mom Gerline Johnson. (Brad Smith/�²��)

Tanner Moak of Raymond, second from left, graduated from �²�� on Dec. 14. He is with �²�� President Dr. Stephen Vacik, left, and his parents, Marvin and Leslie Moak. (Brad Smith/�²��)

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