August 8, 2025
Parents returning to college to upskill or change careers sometimes find themselves alongside their adult children on campus, but rarely is it the whole family as the case with one Petal family.
On July 24, a dual graduation ceremony featuring Pearl River Community College’s Medical Laboratory Technology and Massage Therapy classes was held at the Lowery Woodall Technology Center.
Melissa Grimes, 47, mother of five, graduated from the Massage Therapy program. At the same ceremony, daughter, Lace Reid, 22, graduated from the Medical Laboratory Technology program.
Earlier son Rowdy Reid, 20, completed the HVAC program at PRCC and another son, Dash Reid, 18, is enrolled at PRCC for the fall semester.
“It was really special to share a ceremony with my daughter,” said Melissa. “She helped me learn the ropes when I started the program – school has changed quite a bit in 25 years – and we’ve commiserated all year about exams and clinicals.
“I am extremely proud of her, and it felt serendipitous to complete these processes together.”
Said Lace, “This graduation celebration was special for me because I have literally put my blood, sweat, and many, many tears into this degree. I remember when I found out that MLT was going to be sharing the ceremony with massage therapy.
“I was in the lab after class studying for a final exam when an administrator told my teachers right in front of me, they both looked at me, smiling. I called my mom as soon as I had finished my final exam. Sharing this day with my mom was very special.”
Melissa grew up in Meridian, and moved to the Hattiesburg area right after high school. She has been in Petal for 15 years. She admits, “I am a single mom, but I have a village of support.”
Her youngest sons, Noah Grimes, 14, and Nyah Grimes, 12, attend Petal schools.
PRCC has been a part of mom’s life for quite some time. Her previous positive influence has carried over to her children,
“I graduated from the respiratory program at PRCC in 1999, and have practiced for many years,” said Melissa. “I have also had side work as a personal fitness trainer and yoga teacher.
“I made the change out of a desire for creativity and autonomy in my work, and I chose massage because of my deep belief in the power of nurturing touch. I plan to pursue continuing education in Thai massage, lymphatic drainage, and Perinatal modalities. I’m actually traveling to Florida next month for classes in barefoot massage.”
She will be working at the Lotus Day Spa in downtown Hattiesburg.
“Melissa graduated from the massage therapy program with confidence and persistence, consistently engaging with her coursework and advocating for herself,” said Shannon Scharwath-Busby, her Massage Therapy instructor.
As for Lace, who graduated from PRCC with her first degree in general studies in 2024, she said she has always been drawn to science, laboratory and biology.
“I really enjoyed the medical lab program, although it was one of the most challenging accomplishments I have ever achieved,” said Lace. “I plan on continuing my education, hopefully beyond the medical field. I would like to continue to study science, but I am contemplating something more environmental, ecological, or geological. I have even considered becoming a teacher.”
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Article by Chuck Abadie.
