On Thursday, July 7, the Coahoma Community College Workforce Development Center (WDC)
hosted its Adult Education Graduation Ceremony. The event, which took place in the
Coahoma County Safe House, honored 17 graduates of the program.
The Adult Education Program offers training that enhances students’ opportunities
to obtain and retain employment. Most employers require a high school diploma or GED
and some basic computer knowledge. These programs assist individuals in obtaining
those goals.
Tamara Washington-Travis, director of Adult Education, shared that this year’s class
of graduates persevered throughout the program, even through tough times.“When the students wanted to give up, we pushed them so to where they didn’t, they
kept going,” said Washington-Travis. “We are beyond proud of these students and their
accomplishments.”
After months of hard work, the ceremony served as a peak to countless hours of dutiful
study for the graduates. The Adult Education Programs offer non-traditional students
a chance to prepare for the General Educational Development test (GED), college entrance,
vocational-technical education, employment, or promotion on the job. The program is
also open to helping anyone who wants to improve their basic skills for work o retain
their employment.
Timya Morris, a graduate of the Adult Education Program, shared that participation
in the program has been an excellent experience for her. She sees this opportunity
as the start of many great things to come.
“This experience has taught me many things and has been one of the best decisions
for me. I feel that I am now ready to go to college,” said Morris.
Morris plans to attend Coahoma Community College in the fall and major in Pre-Nursing.
Graduates weren't alone in feeling a sense of pride as the ceremony was well-attended
by many supporters of the graduating class.
Timothy Morris, parent of Timya Morris, shared how much this program has natured his
daughter to reach the accomplishments she achieved today. He couldn't be prouder to
witness the momentous occasion. “The program is awesome! When my daughter chose an alternate route for school, Mrs.
Washington-Travis took her under her wing, brought her in, and helped her blossom,”
said Morris. “Coahoma has shown my daughter lots of love that she has never seen before,
and as a parent, that makes me very happy.”
Morris said that he is genuinely grateful for CCC and noted that others need to choose
Coahoma.
Nikitna Barnes, assistant director of Adult Education for Grants and Special Programs
for the Mississippi Community College Board, served as the event’s speaker. She encouraged
students to rally for themselves and be their own champion. She also challenged the
parents and friends to be in the student’s corner.
“Stay encouraged and be a champion for yourselves because that is what you deserve.
This is a milestone for you, and it will not be your last,” said Barnes. “Parents
and friends, stay in these students’ corner because this is not the end. It is only
the beginning.”
As the ceremony came to a close, graduates of the program were offered a free tuition
waiver for their first semester of attendance at CCC.
To learn more about the Adult Education program, visit www.coahomacc.edu/programs/workforce/adulteducation/index.html .