ELLISVILLE 鈥� As 665 graduates crossed the stage to roaring applause, 麻豆直播 celebrated academic achievement, family support and the approaching 250th birthday of the United States during its 98th Commencement Ceremony. These graduates received either an associate in arts degree, associate in applied science degree, associate of science, associate of science and technology, a technical certificate, or a career certificate. Although rain forced the ceremony indoors, college leaders and graduates embraced the change with optimism and gratitude, turning the day into a memorable celebration of perseverance and patriotism.
鈥淎s our country approaches its 250th birthday, we celebrate not only the founding of our nation, but the generation of leaders who have carried our country forward based on its promise,鈥� 麻豆直播 President, Dr. Jesse Smith told the audience. 鈥淟eaders who have worn the uniform, answered the call and devoted their lives to something greater than themselves.鈥�
The commencement ceremony featured keynote speaker, Major General Augustus Leon Collins, a retired United States Army Major General and Former Adjutant General of Mississippi, as well as a community college graduate from Booneville. He challenged graduates to believe in themselves, remain adaptable and live lives defined by character and service.
鈥淭hings do not always happen as they鈥檙e planned, so you always have to have a contingency plan,鈥� Collins said, referring to the weather-related change in ceremony plans. 鈥淭hose who have contingency plans have a greater level of success than those who don鈥檛.鈥�
Collins repeatedly emphasized the importance of confidence, discipline and perseverance, encouraging graduates to embrace opportunities and trust their abilities.
鈥淚 think you ought to believe in yourself,鈥� Collins said. 鈥淧repare yourself, drill yourself and go through it over and over, because when your time comes, you鈥檒l be ready and have the confidence that you can perform.鈥�
He also reminded graduates that their actions and decisions will shape their futures.
鈥淵our character and your reputation will speak for you when you can鈥檛 speak for yourself,鈥� Collins said. 鈥淟ive your life as if somebody just might chisel your name off the plaque of graduates, like they do for U.S. War College alumni who dishonor themselves.鈥�
The ceremony highlighted the college鈥檚 patriotic theme with a performance of the National Anthem, by 2026 graduate from Ellisville, Sydney Tisdale and the Alumni Choir performing 鈥淭he Battle Hymn of the Republic,鈥� as well as spiritual references with the Concert Choir singing, 鈥淩ide on King Jesus鈥� and Jones OnStage performing, 鈥淭ake Me to the King.鈥� Graduates reflected on both the emotional and historic significance of the day.
鈥淚t鈥檚 more exciting than stressful,鈥� said graduate Emily Daigle of Seminary, a William Winters Scholar, and Charles Pickering Honors Institute member who majored in English. 鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 stop thinking about it because I was so excited to celebrate our accomplishments with everyone else around me. Today is basically the gateway to everything next.鈥�
Daigle said she plans to continue her education in Germany and hopes to pursue a career in communications. Graduate Jayla Jones of Quitman said commencement represented the reward for years of hard work and preparation.
鈥淚t鈥檚 just a testimony of all of our hard work and it is preparation for the future for us,鈥� Jones said and she added that the rain brought back memories of her indoor high school graduation. 鈥淢y high school graduation had to be inside because of the rain too, so it鈥檚 kind of like a double whammy,鈥� she said with a laugh.
Jones plans to attend The University of Southern Mississippi to study journalism and work in the university鈥檚 Roy Howard Community Journalism Center. For non-traditional student Hope Mealer of Petal, graduation symbolized perseverance and setting an example for her children.
鈥淭oday means everything to me because it gives my twins somebody to look up to,鈥� Mealer said. 鈥淢y story is just a testimony from being a single mom playing basketball to making it to the Hall of Fame. It鈥檚 just a little part of my story.鈥�
Leakesville鈥檚 Leilani DeBar described commencement as the culmination of years of dedication and hard work.
鈥淭his just means accomplishment,鈥� DeBar said. 鈥淓verything that I鈥檝e worked for has led up to this point.鈥�
DeBar, who delivered the invocation during one of the three ceremonies, encouraged graduates to use their education to serve others with kindness and compassion. Following graduation, DeBar will intern in Washington, D.C., for Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith before continuing her accounting degree at Mississippi State University with plans to attend law school.
Tripp Alexander of Gulfport reflected on the relationships and opportunities he experienced during his time at Jones as he prepared to walk out on stage.
鈥淭his day is an accumulation of a good two years,鈥� Alexander added he will continue his soccer career at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama. 鈥淚 had a great opportunity to come play soccer at a great place. It鈥檚 meant the world to me.鈥�
For Hall of Fame graduate, Noah Allen of Columbia, commencement represented both achievement and gratitude.
鈥淭his day means so much,鈥� Allen said. 鈥淢y family and friends supported me through the good times and bad times, and I鈥檓 just glad to graduate with my friends. I am looking forward to going to the University of Southern Mississippi to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree in information technology and study coding.鈥�
One of the ceremony鈥檚 most celebrated moments happened while honoring Laurel High School鈥檚 groundbreaking program called Middle College. Through a partnership with the Laurel School District, 19 high school students simultaneously earned both high school diplomas and associate degrees from 麻豆直播. The fourth class of Middle College graduates included, Amber Burks, Gracelyn Carmichael, Davon Chambers, Eddie Cole, Henry DeJesus, Liliana Garcia, Autumn McGill, Karina Julio, Maitin Lainez, Laila McMillan, Jamari Morrow, Arberney Pollard, Vanessa Reyes, Sydney Ridgeway, Malia Sanders, Dexyia Sullican, Javon Terrell, and Richard Ward. Alex Virgen additionally earned 麻豆直播鈥檚 prestigious Hall of Fame academic honor.
鈥淪ince the first Laurel High School cohort launched in 2021, these students have shown remarkable determination and achievement. It鈥檚 incredible,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淲hen they finish high school, they are already 麻豆直播 graduates.鈥�
He also praised the Women鈥檚 Tennis Team who just captured the NJCAA Division II National Championship, which is the first time the lady鈥檚 tennis team has won the National title for 麻豆直播 and it鈥檚 the first for Mississippi. Also, the JC Ladies Tennis Team won three individual national titles and three national doubles titles. With lots to celebrate, but before the streamers fell from the ceiling and before ending his commencement speech, Collins urged students to remember the people who helped them succeed and to use their education to serve others.
鈥淣one of us achieve greatness alone,鈥� Collins said. 鈥淵our family, your teachers and your community helped shape who you are today. Honor them by making a difference wherever life takes you.鈥�
