PRCC’s Adult Education program graduates another large class
May 30, 2024
It was another record-setting year for the Adult Education program at Pearl River Community College.
During commencement Thursday, May 23, at the Lake Terrace Convention Center, some 160 students walked across the stage to receive their high school equivalency diplomas.
A full house was on hand at the Lake Terrace Convention Center for the Adult Education program at Pearl River Community College.
More than 250 students graduated this year, making it one of the program’s biggest graduation groups ever.
“This is a night for true celebration,” PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood told the graduates. “What we are witnessing here are life-changing experiences for all of you. You have faced adversity and you have faced challenges in your life. You did it and you are here. We are proud of you.”
Graduation speaker was Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker. “This is a big step but it is not your final destination. You must be focused on the job ahead. This certificate gives you a path forward. Have a good attitude and never stop wanting to advance to yourself.”
Graduation speaker was Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker.
Some graduates celebrated as a family. Mom Ashley Kravet, her sister Kelci Stout and her daughter Alexis Butt, all of Picayune, walked across the stage to get their certificates.
Mom Ashley Kravet (right), her sister Kelci Stout (left) and her daughter Alexis Butt (center), all of Picayune, walked across the stage to get their certificates.
“This feels amazing for all of us,” said Kravet. “We enjoyed it and loved our teacher (Darby Carroll). We all loved the experience and would recommend it to future students.”
At 60 years-old, Mary Zedina Dawson of Bassfield was all smiles.
Mary Zedina Dawson, 60, of Bassfield was all smiles when she received her diploma.
“This is the greatest feeling I have ever felt,” said this mother of five children and seven grandchildren. “This experience was fulfilling because I have completed what I had started so long ago. I thank God and everyone that helped me along the way.”
Some graduates, like Gregory Page of Purvis sees this as a life-changing experience.
“I am happy to be done with this first chapter of my life, and get ready to begin the second stage, thanks to PRCC,” said Page, 17. “I am the first in my family to graduate. My overall experience was awesome.”
The same goes for Clayton Williams, 17, of Hancock County.
“I am so happy to have this behind me so I can start my new journey,” said Williams. “It is an awesome feeling. I love my teachers.”
Some of the graduates not only got their diplomas, but also received special recognition.
Malaki Broome received a half scholarship, for second highest score with a 95. Trevor Nicholas received a full scholarship for highest score with a 96.
The Assistant Dean of Adult Education and Youth Services at PRCC is Ruby Smith. Chris Maul is the Adult Education Program Manager, Michele Seal is the Lead Instructor/ Site Supervisor, and Diane Blackman is the Adult Education/MIBEST Counselor.
Special guests on hand for the Adult Education graduation were, from left, Dr. Angenette Dixon, Grants and Compliance Specialist, Mississippi Community College Board; PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood, Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker, Ruby Smith, Assistant Dean of Adult Education and Youth Services at PRCC; Chris Maul, Adult Education Program Manager; and Rebecca Brown, Dean of Workforce, Economic Development and Adult Education.
Graduates by Location
Graduates from the Hancock County area included from right: First row – James Willie, Larry Duncan, Caden Grilletta, Shaylynn Grilletta, Jenny Wyatt, Jordan Seals, Tiyuana Morris, Mia Fortner, Anthony Xavier McKenna, Daelyn Alexander, Isaiah Hill, Jennifer Avery, Olivia Patton, Taylon Siggers, Hailey Luttrell. Second row – Clayton Williams, Kristy Figueroa, Theresa Martinez, Emily Ladner, Melissa Wilson, Skylar Young, Alexandra Stieffel, Lane Roby, Wesley Arnold, Madison Williams, Brice Hart, Tanner Johnson, Jessie Shelton, Ambrajsha Lewis. Third row – Teacher Cheryl Barns Miller, Brandi Osborn, Jessica Cooper, Kadarius Lewis, Bobbi Cappo, Thadeus Bishop, Kristian Caspolich and teacher Vicky Wood.Graduates from the greater Hattiesburg area included from right: First row – Kyleigh McLain, Aanaya Pruitt, Calandra Taylor, Carolyn Stubbs, Destinee Schloss, Aleksander Waters, Stephon Lang, Rosa Solano, Kameshiah Henry, Gregory Page, Mary Dawson, Regan Stephens, Cortez Stewart, Malaki Broome, Caleb Chandlee. Second row – Mandy Odom, Jada Strong, Alyssa Dire, Robin Breazeale, Allison Albritton, Alexa Wells, Allee Perkins, Caden Horton, Hakey Cooper, Harley Russell, Amber Lee, Marlee Jhon Cyrus, Samantha Hubler, Alexis Fogg. Third row – Faith Barhum, Taylor Hickman, Haley Saul, Taylor Prescott, Dillon Gaskill, Madison Gaskill, Brycelynn Baker, Olivia Collum, Amber Hawthorne, Jaydn Spencer, Maggie Goar, Emily Anderson, Kaylynn Garza, Quintina Alexander. Fourth row – Cadyn Foxworth, Jeffery Blanton, Madilynn Lott, Madison Ward, Alexis Ward, Hartley Broome, Amberly Stevison, Brandon Averett, Antonio Santiago, Alejandrina Duarte, Aaron Paul Fitzsimmons, Chase Kinnison, Ivy Hilbun. Fifth row – Madelyn Easterling, Elijah Ford, Camryn Gale, Benjamin Waters, Gabrielle Brackett, Artea Chilton, Javonta Roberts, Hayden Broussard, Douglas Christopher Knight Jr, Seriah Watts.Graduates from the Picayune, Poplaville and Columbia area included from right: First row – Stevie Cash, John Wilson, Omarion Woods, Jaedyn Lee, Madison Hudson, Timothy Palmer, Grady Matheny, Jamie Wheeler, Melissa Morgan, Laci Moreland, Hannah Holifield, Payron Colon, Jo Sullivan, Nalita Anderson. Second row – James Henderson, Shelby Shears, Laneah Madison, Jo Waller, Noah Cambas, Lissette Borrero, Alexis Butt, Kelci Stout, Ashley Kravet, Deanna Tate, Christmas Cole, Unique Moseley, Dawn Hopkins, Gayelyn Marie Terrell. Third row – Alex Marter, Zoe Davis, Kimberly Faye, Bailey Vance, Precious Flowers, Landen Brewer, Caden Belken, Jarran Lee, John Dewberry, Danielle Robinson, Erin Morrell, Mya Smith, Harley Culpepper. Fourth row – Monica Easterling, Emori Jackson, Veronica Matheny, Alexis Bauer, Cawanda Griffith.PRCC Youth SPARK Program graduates from left: Bottom row – Kyleigh McLain, Aanaya Pruitt, Calandra Taylor, Destinee Schloss, Aleksander Waters, Stephon Lang, Rosa Solano, Kamesiah Henry, Gregory Page, Kate Barhum, Carolyn Stubbs, Rae Stephens, Cortez Stewart, Malaki Broome, Chase Kinnison. Top row – Alyssa Dire, Robin Breazeale, Allison Albritton, Alyssa Wells, Allee Perkins, Caden Horton, Haley Cooper, Harley Russell, Amber Lee, Jhon Cyrus.
Each community college president is asked to bring two (2) wrapped door prizes, minimum value of $50 each. We will have a station set up at the conference for you to drop off the door prizes.
Each community college is asked to provide name tags for their Board members, administration, and staff attending the conference.
