PRCC celebrates 2026 Barbering and Cosmetology graduates 

July 1, 2026

Malone Chapel at Pearl River Community College filled with family, friends, and applause as graduates of the Barbering and Cosmetology programs were honored Thursday, June 25. The ceremony celebrated months of hands-on training and the achievements of students preparing to enter the workforce. 

Families and friends gather outside Malone Chapel at Pearl River Community College following the Barbering and Cosmetology graduation ceremony. Graduates and guests mingle on the walkway beneath the chapel's bell tower on a cloudy day.

Dr. Amy Townsend, Dean of Career and Technical Education, greeted the graduates and attendees. Jamie Thompson, a 2022 graduate from the Cosmetology program and stylist at Blossom Salon in Picayune, provided an address to the graduates. Diplomas were distributed by Dr. Martha Lou Smith, Provost, alongside instructors. 

Graduates walk down the center aisle of Malone Chapel during the Pearl River Community College Barbering and Cosmetology graduation ceremony. Family members seated in the pews applaud and capture the moment on their phones while graduates wait on stage in the background.

Seven students graduated from the year-long Barbering program, led by Instructor of Barbering Donnell Barnett. The program combines coursework and hands-on instruction, with an emphasis on shaving and cutting hair. 

Barbering graduates include Kayden Alexander of Ruston, LA, Jay’vieon Barnes of Sandyhook, Giovanni Cruz of Moselle, Christon Jenkins of Hattiesburg, Brailon Lemus of Jayess, Lorenzo Sanders of Kokomo, and J’Stasia Kashauntee Young of Quitman. 

Barbering graduates celebrate with family and friends outside Malone Chapel at Pearl River Community College. One graduate embraces a family member while classmates smile and gather nearby with diploma covers in hand.

Eighteen students graduated from the eleven-month-long Cosmetology program led by Instructor of Cosmetology Michelle Patterson. Students receive instruction in the fundamentals of hair, skin, and nail care. 

Cosmetology graduates include Jamika Ball of Kokomo, Olyvia Blanchet of Poplarville, Kelly Alyssa Cole of Hattiesburg, Amari Compton of Hattiesburg, Hayley Hatty of Picayune, Madison Holland of Columbia, Eliza Kee of Purvis, Catherine Mitchell of Hattiesburg, Josie-Claire Mitchell of Hattiesburg, Sarah Parker of Purvis, Liah Riley of Poplarville, Jessica Sandoval of Petal, Alexandria Sartor of Picayune, Dixie Lynn Seal of Wiggins, Lorelai Small of Poplarville, Samantha Touchet of Picayune, Morgan Vanness of Lumberton, and Caroline Varnado of Purvis. 

Two people smile for a photo after the Barbering and Cosmetology graduation ceremony. One graduate holds white congratulatory balloons while the other carries a red diploma cover as family and friends gather in the background.

For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG),and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).

Article by Laura O’Neill. Photography by Patrick Peerboom.

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