PEARL – Hinds Community College 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.
“Hinds 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, Hinds 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 Hinds Community College 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/Hinds Community College)
Emily Penton McWilliams of Pearl passed away on Dec 1, near her graduation date at Hinds Community College. Her husband Kolby McWilliams, center, and father Ernie Penton, right, were given her diploma by Hinds President Dr. Stephen Vacik, left, just before the Dec. 14 graduation ceremony. (Brad Smith/Hinds Community College)
Sydney Moore of Brandon received an associate degree in General Studies at Hinds Community College 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/Hinds Community College)
Trevell Vivians of Carthage graduated from Hinds Community College 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/Hinds Community College)
Glenn Alan Peacock III, who goes by Trip, said he plans to take his carpentry credentials and go to work. He graduated from Hinds Community College on Dec. 14. With him is Rankin Campus Dean Gary Fox. (Brad Smith/Hinds Community College)
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 Hinds Community College on Dec. 14 and, after a break, she plans to study business at the University of Southern Mississippi. (Brad Smith/Hinds Community College)
Hi-Stepper dance team member Chelsea Porter of Jackson graduated from Hinds Community College on Dec. 14. Her next step is nursing school at Belhaven University. She is with Hinds President Dr. Stephen Vacik. (Brad Smith/Hinds Community College)
Before retiring as Vice President at Hinds Community College, Sherry Bellmon of Brandon participated in one last graduation ceremony on Dec. 14. (Brad Smith/Hinds Community College)
Mia McGahey of Florence received an associate degree in General Studies at Hinds Community College on Dec. 14. She is with mom Laryssa McGahey and Grayson Coker, 8. (Brad Smith/Hinds Community College)
Evan Holbrooks of Brandon graduated from Hinds Community College on Dec. 14 with a degree in Diesel Mechanic Technology. He is working at Stribling Equipment in Richland. (Brad Smith/Hinds Community College)
Bryan Johnson of Jackson, left, received a career certificate in Electromechanical Technology from Hinds Community College on Dec. 14. He is with dad Kenneth Johnson and mom Gerline Johnson. (Brad Smith/Hinds Community College)
Tanner Moak of Raymond, second from left, graduated from Hinds Community College on Dec. 14. He is with Hinds President Dr. Stephen Vacik, left, and his parents, Marvin and Leslie Moak. (Brad Smith/Hinds Community College)