Coahoma Community College has proudly announced Christopher Murphy as valedictorian and Khamiya LitteJohn as salutatorian, leading the graduating Class of 2023. The 71st Commencement ceremony will be held at James E. Miller Stadium on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.
Clarksdale native Christopher Murphy is the son of Christopher Murphy Sr. and Yolanda Murphy.
Murphy was immediately shocked when his name was called as the valedictorian of the Class of 2023. The moment marked the near summation of endless hours of dutiful study and preparation.
"I've been out of school a few months and was not sure how that would affect my chances, but to my surprise, my name was called," said Murphy. "Now that it has sunk in that I am the Val, it feels like business as usual. I was the Valedictorian of my high school, so it felt like the next logical step for me."
Murphy said balancing social life, and academics was challenging, but the work needed to be done to get where he is today.
"Sometimes I would have to give up going to some games or not being around my friends, but it had to be done to achieve my academic goals," he said.
Murphy has made the most of his experiences at the Triple C. He has been a member of the Student Government Association (SGA), a room advisor (RA), a Math and Science Club member, a Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society Member, a Phi Theta Kappa Member, an Honor's College member, recognized as an HBCU Scholar, and a manager for the girls' basketball team.
He expressed his time being an active Tiger here as a few bumps in the road, but in the end, he has enjoyed his time here and is glad he chose Coahoma.
Having majored in mathematics, the Honors College member anticipates becoming a mathematics instructor at a college/university after graduating from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss).
Murphy gives praise to his fantastic family, which consists of two loving parents and two entertaining brothers. He feels proud to call Clarksdale, Mississippi home.
"I would not be where I am if it was not for this place that allowed me to attend two rival schools simultaneously through programs and credit opportunities," said Murphy.
Murphy encourages students to go for the gold and believes that every goal is attainable given hard work.
"If you want something bad enough, you'll make it happen. You need to apply yourselves."
Khamiya LittleJohn, is a Cleveland, Mississippi native and the daughter of Kimberly Beamon and Michael LittleJohn. The CCC scholar felt an unexplainable feeling learning of her salutatorian status.
"I am still speechless, but I am also so proud of myself," said Littlejohn. "It has not fully sunken in that I am the salutatorian, but I feel so honored and blessed. This shows me that my hard work has truly paid off."
Littlejohn recalls her journey as one of ups and downs, balancing student life and academics being challenging.
"I haven't had much time for a "student life" because I am always working or studying for something. However, this has not bothered me by one bit because when I do have free time, I get to relax and enjoy myself because I know I deserve it," she shared.
Littlejohn is also an exceptional Tiger, a Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society member, and Vice President of Leadership in PTK. She always works actively in all of PTK's events, and as she moves forward in her educational career, she hopes to join more clubs.
"Being a CCC tiger has been a life-learning experience and has prepared me for future endeavors. I love that CCC is a family-oriented environment, and you will not only make lifelong friends, but you will also make lifelong brothers and sisters," said Littlejohn. "I also love how everyone here has school spirit and is involved in something campus or community oriented."
Having majored in pre-nursing, she plans to start the License Practical Nurse (LPN) program at CCC or pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at Delta State University.