May 7, 2026
POPLARVILLE, Miss. — Families and friends of nearly 700 graduating students packed Pearl River Community College’s Dobie Holden Stadium, anticipating the culmination of years of hard work.
The morning ceremony awarded degrees to 274 students from Career Technical Education programs, including Allied Health and Nursing. The invocation was given by Natalie Treadaway of Picayune, the National Anthem was sung by Tynesha Sibley of Hattiesburg, and the Benediction was delivered by Shanterrious Harrell of McComb.
The afternoon ceremony recognized 403 students receiving an Associate in Arts degree. The invocation was given by Garrett Holder of Petal, the National Anthem was sung by Riley Smith of Hattiesburg, and the Benediction was delivered by Joshua Jordan from Mount Olive.
“You are about to become Pearl River Community College Alumni” said PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood. “That is a distinct honor that will remain with you for the rest of your lives.
“You are part of a group of graduates known as Wildcats. Graduates who can rely on not only one another, but also on all the PRCC graduates who have come before you and all those who will come after you. Today, you become part of something that is mightier in its numbers than any of us will be by ourselves.”
Several student groups were honored by Breerwood throughout the ceremonies, asking associated students to stand and be congratulated. The groups included Phi Theta Kappa, the National Technical Honor Society, PRCC Middle College, Dr. William Lewis Honors Institute, military veterans, and more.
Graduates were also reminded of the Wildcat Way: Pride, Respect, Class and Character.
“It is up to you to help grow the next generation of Wildcats,” said Breerwood. “We know the value of helping people grow River Strong, and we know you have what it takes to help the growth continue.”
Kaitlyn Seal Langenstein of Poplarville returned to The River to earn a second associate degree in business marketing and management after earning an Associate of Arts degree with a focus on music in 2024. She has been a touring musician and has sung with a band for the past few years and wanted to learn more about business as preparation for the future.
“It’s so much easier with a smaller community, being able to get one-on-one with your professors and the smaller classes,” said Langenstein. “It’s really nice being in a small-town environment, because a university can be really overwhelming.”
Family and friends cheered from the sidelines as their loved ones walked the field to shake Dr. Breerwood’s hand. For many, the day marked the end of a journey to reinvent themselves with a new career. Ciarra Walker of Poplarville elected to walk at graduation after attending the Associate Degree of Nursing pinning ceremony the day before. Her husband, her four children, her mother, and her mother-in-law all attended the special day. The last two years tested her limits as she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant and attended the ADN program full-time. Her goal is to garner a few years of experience before seeking a role as a hospice nurse, something she sees as a calling.
“I fell in love with all my patients and decided while I was doing hospice that I was going to go back to school to become a nurse,” said Walker. “I think PRCC is a perfect environment. Without some of the teachers, I don’t know if I would have made it. So I’m grateful to all of them.”
Walker’s eldest daughter plans to attend PRCC after she completes high school. Walker is looking forward to celebrating milestones with her children while working in the ICU at Our Lady of the Angels in Bogalusa, Louisiana, the same facility where she had most recently been employed as a CNA.
Dondiago Collins of Laurel was on the football team at The River and is looking forward to continuing his time as a student-athlete at Mississippi Valley State University.
“My time at Pearl River Community College was great,” said Collins. “Everyone should consider coming here first. The academics and culture are what I most appreciate, as everyone is looking out for you. Coach Smith runs a good football program.”
Both ceremonies were livestreamed for families and friends who were unable to attend the events of the day in person. The footage will be available on PRCC’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
GETTING STARTED AT PRCC
Enrolling at Pearl River Community College requires just a few simple steps:
1. Apply for Admissions online and have your transcript sent
2. Apply for Financial Aid, including doing your FASFA
3. Apply for Housing if needed
Visit prcc.edu/future-wildcats/admissions/ to become a Wildcat today.
Anyone interested in a tour of Pearl River Community College can reach out to the Office of Recruitment by calling 601-403-1197, emailing recruitment@ prcc.edu, or visiting the webpage prcc.edu/future-wildcats/recruitment/
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 Kaylee Fortenberry and Laura O’Neill.
