May 13, 2025
Nineteen new graduates of the Physical Therapy Assistant Technology program at Pearl River Community College marked the transition to health care providers with the annual pinning and black coat ceremony. It was held at the Ethel Holden Brownstone Center for the Arts on the Poplarville campus on April 30.
Students were presented with a pin and a black coat they can wear while working.
They also received praise from the faculty for perseverance in a difficult program and encouragement to be lifelong learners.
Tangi Carter, a criminal defense attorney in Hattiesburg, issued a challenge for the graduates to embrace lifelong learning. Included was her list of ten things she wished she knew when she was a college student.
“Socrates once said the only true wisdom is in knowing that you know nothing,” said Carter. “So, we are constantly growing and learning. Lifelong learning gives us the tools we need to stay relevant, to keep up with change, and to take advantage of new opportunities.”
Graduates from the program are Jessalyn Ball, Kathryn Blackledge, Joshua Boone, Janiece Brady, Lindsey Hampton, Liberty Hinton, Kayla Hooker, Annabelle Hudson, William Tyler Maples, Joshua Montes, Asharei Moore, William Murphey, Adriane Pico, Gerrin Shaw, Elizabeth “Libby” Smith, Shawn Trahan, Madison Turnage, Kacie Walker, and Lisimba Young.
The opening prayer was led by Annabelle Hudson. Class President Ball shared remarks on behalf of her classmates. Montes was recognized as the PTA Student of the Year, an award originally presented at the Forrest County Campus Award Day.
As part of the PTA program, second-year students serve as mentors for first-year students. Kaleigh Sullivan represented the PTA Class of 2026 to award Mentor Awards to Blackledge, Montes, and Trahan.
Montes, Shaw, and Smith were recognized for induction into Phi Tau Alpha PTA National Honor Society. To be eligible, students must maintain at least a 3.5 GPA overall as well as in all PTA technical courses, earn superior ratings in every clinical education experience, serve as a mentor, and receive recommendations from their instructors. These high standards reflect the program’s commitment to excellence and leadership in the field.
Brady was recognized as the first recipient of the Excellence in Physical Therapy Scholarship. The scholarship was established through fundraising efforts with several program alumni donating to help a student in need. As several students in the program have previous degrees, they do not qualify for most financial aid or scholarship opportunities.
Blackledge served as the class social chair. She shared a class video compiled from photos taken throughout their two years. Then, Program Director Dr. Tracie Lee Thornton presented unique awards to each of the students with creative titles such as the Silver Lining Encourager and the Grace Under Pressure awards.
About the Physical Therapy Assistant Program
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is a two-year program of study that prepares students to work within the practice of physical therapy under the supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs are employed in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, extended care facilities, home health agencies, and other health care settings. Admission to the program is selective and competitive. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students earn the Associate in Applied Science degree and are eligible for state licensing.
Dr. Tracie Lee Thornton serves as Program Director. Instructors are La’Briska Sylvester and Teri Ann Williamson.
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Article by Laura O’Neill. Photography by Lauren Johnson.
