Ironically, the end of the 2021 fall term is a new beginning for a set of Health Science Tigers. On yesterday afternoon, a total of 27 graduates from the Electrocardiogram (EKG), Emergency Medical Technology, Nursing Assistant, and Paramedic programs earned the right to wear uniforms of distinction.

Dr. William L. Booker, MD, a family medicine doctor, keynoted the ceremony. Booker serves the cities of Tunica and Clarksdale, holding the title of medical director for Aaron E. Henry Community Health Services Center, Inc. Booker approached the audience congratulating the graduates for having the courage to enter the healthcare field.

"Despite the things that are happening in health care all over the country, still, people are going to be sick, and people are going to need people just like you," he said.

Honing in on the importance of proper care to patients, Booker addressed the graduates, saying, "We have a lot to offer, and it has to be offered in a sense and in a way that you feel first good about yourself."

He passed down the main rule he was taught in medical school: to do no harm.

"We have found out that healthcare is not an important item to a lot of the government officials, but that does not mean we have to take that same attitude. To me, it's the most important thing in the world," he said.

"It's more important, sometimes, than family because sometimes you have to separate yourself from family for a while to do what you need to do. The people you're taking care of, no matter what size, age, race, what language they speak, they all are dependent on what you tell them, what you do for them."

Using the letter 'P,' he gave graduates a leg up. Present yourself as caring and concerned, knowledgeable and confident, he urged. Continuing on, he encouraged them to promote themselves with positive interaction, protect their patient, take pride in their work, participate in legislation involving health-care, protect the dignity of oneself and the patient, and be professional.

"We need blood like you all so that we [Clarksdale] can get back to the status that we used to be, not for selfish reasons," he noted. "The pride of the work will show in what you do, and the rewards and riches will come. Health-care is our heart, and we have to keep our heart in healthcare."

EKG instructor Zaqua Ervin then awarded certificates to EKG graduates. Nursing Assistant program director Katina White pinned CNA graduates along with instructors Undra Haggan and LaTonya Newson. Program director Rhett Nelson and instructor Sarah Morris graced EMT and Paramedic graduates with certificates.

Paramedic graduate Erica Jackson of Indianola, Miss., received the award for the highest academic average in the Paramedic program. The Childress-Mitchell Award was given to Paramedic graduate Elias Caldwell of Jonesboro, Arkansas. EMT graduate Catherine Seno, of Cleveland, Miss., also took home a Highest Academic Average award. An EMT graduate from Cleveland, Miss., Jimmy Hathorne, graciously accepted the Johnny Brister Award.

President Dr. Valmadge T. Towner delivered closing remarks, noting that Booker's speeches were long missed. He recalled an address from the Tutwiler, Miss. native to Phi Theta Kappa inductees in 1995.

"We're so appreciative of Dr. Booker; he's made this world better," he said, asking the audience to join him in celebrating Booker's service. "What an inspiration. We're so grateful for his life and the contributions that he has made."

Wishing the audience members an early Merry Christmas, Towner lauded the support of the graduates' family members and friends as well as the graduates.

"We're so proud of you; we salute you, and we certainly encourage you to continue going on from where you are now," he said. Towner recommended application submission and pursuit of Coahoma's Health Science programs.

"Dr. Booker made mention of how our hospital has dwindled; we have fabulous, high-quality programs at Coahoma Community College," Towner continued. "These programs are second to none. People that work in them are second to none. And students who are going through these programs are second to none, which is verified with exam passing rates."