Submitted by jbraswell on May 12, 2017
POPLARVILLE – Graduates of Pearl River Community College received diplomas and well wishes Friday, May 12, in a traditional commencement ceremony in Marvin White Coliseum on the Poplarville campus.
The occasional rumble of thunder could be heard as approximately 400 students made their way to the stage after state Rep. Brad Touchstone of Bellevue gave them advice for their futures.
“You can achieve success in your life, even if you don’t have all the answers today,” he said.
Touchstone told the graduates he planned to be an occupational therapist when he graduated from PRCC but changed course and earned a business degree and then a law degree.
“I didn’t sweat the details of getting here,” he said. “I went with the flow. You don’t have to have your life figured out yet. It’s ok to have questions. Give yourself time to grow. Develop your interests. Meet new people. Immerse yourself in new experiences.”
The ceremony was open to students who completed certificates of proficiency or degrees during summer and fall 2016 as well as the spring 2017 semester, approximately 1,000 students.
For some graduates, the PRCC diploma will lead directly to a job. For others, it is a step towards more classes at a four-year institution.
“Graduation means a whole range of brand new opportunities that I get to experience because I have a basic college education,” said Alyssa Fuller of Carriere, who will be going to Mississippi State University.
Robert Bounds enrolled at PRCC as a non-traditional student.
“Retirement was no fun for me,” he said. “Graduation today means I can go back into the workforce as an electronics instrumentation engineering tech.”
The ceremony marked the last graduation for Dr. William Lewis, who retires June 30 after 17 years as PRCC president.
“You are a special part of Pearl River Community College,” he told the graduates. “Please know that we wish you great success and the best that life has to offer.”
State Rep. Brad Touchstone of Bellevue delivers the commencement address Friday at his alma mater, Pearl River Community College.
PRCC Public Relations photo
Brandon Moore of Hattiesburg receives his diploma from Pearl River Community College president Dr. William Lewis on Friday, May 12.
PRCC Public Relations photo
Students move their cap tassels to the left side Friday, May 12, to signify their graduation from Pearl River Community College. The ceremony filled Marvin White Coliseum to capacity.
PRCC Public Relations photo