Hinds graduates nearly 600

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.

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)

“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.

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

“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.”

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)