Graduations

Published 8:30 am Saturday, December 11, 2010

    Two-hundred and twenty-seven students received their diplomas and certificates on Friday evening as Meridian Community College held its fall commencement in downtown Meridian’s Temple Theater.

     Eight of the graduates were spotlighted as recipients of the College’s Circle of Excellence medallions.

     The students, Kyle Maurice Boswell, Ashley Huddleston, Ted Guyse, Michele L. Hillman, Carolyn Elizabeth Hamilton, Jurene J. Jenkins, Ryan Joseph Poythress and Kelly Diane Reed, were tapped as members of the December Class of 2010 of Circle of Excellence. In getting medallions and certificates, the graduates were chosen on the basis of scholarship, leadership, spirit and service.

    Boswell of Meridian is a graduate of the Associate Degree Nursing Program and plans to pursue a career as a nurse anesthetist. Boswell is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the international academic honor society; the Organization of Student Nurses, and a previous member of the MCC baseball team.  He plans to transfer to the University of Southern Mississippi or Mississippi University of Women. Boswell is the father of one son, Keaton Maurice, age 1.

    Huddleston of Philadelphia is graduating from the Cosmetology Program.  She is on the Dean’s List, has participated in hair shows and Campus Life’s FallFest program. Huddleston has volunteered with College for Kids.

    A resident of Conehatta, Guyse is graduating from the University Transfer Program and plans to pursue a major in psychology at Mississippi State University.  His career goal is to earn a master’s degree and become a counselor. Guyse is a member of Phi Theta Kappa where he is also the PTK webmaster, is on the Dean’s and President’s Lists, and has participated in PTK activities such as National Denim Day, cleaning the MCC campus, donations to Care Lodge and the MCC Food Pantry.

    Also a resident of Conehatta, Hillman is a graduate of the Associate Degree Nursing Program.  She has worked full time as a respiratory therapist while in the program and plans to become a nurse practitioner in the emergency room setting.  Hillman is a member of the Organization of Student Nurses, on the President’s List, has participated in both Spring and FallFests, worked on projects for Care Lodge and Wesley House, and works with the youth at Friendship Assembly in Philadelphia.  She and her husband David have three sons, Justin, Tyler and Jacob.

    Hamilton, a Meridian resident, is graduating from the University Transfer Program.  She plans to attend Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus and pursue a degree in elementary education with concentrations in English and social science.  Hamilton is a member of Phi Beta Lambda where she received a scholarship award for outstanding student, is on the President’s and Dean’s Lists, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa where she has served as vice president of service and a member of the executive board.  She has been inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Order of the Golden Key and was nominated for ALL-USA Mississippi Team.  Hamilton has participated in Walk-for-Wishes, March of Dimes, Relay for Life, Keep America Beautiful, National Demin Day for Breast Cancer and Read for the Record.  She has volunteered at Wesley House Lauderdale County Sexual Assault Crisis Center & Hotline, Meridian’s Community Wow Jam, Love’s Kitchen and “My Soldier Project.”  She is the mother of Paiton Kristin Gaylor, age 4.

    Jenkins, a Philadelphia resident; is graduating from the Practical Nursing Program and plans to work with the geriatric population.  She is a member of the Practical Nursing Student Organization and Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA).  Jenkins attends Center Hill Baptist Church and is married with children, Amber and Angel. She is also the grandmother of two, Dalton Matthews and Wesley Nowell.

    A Meridian resident, Poythress is graduating from the Associate Degree Nursing Program and plans to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing and become a nurse anesthetist.  He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Organization of Student Nurses, is on the President’s and Dean’s Lists, and the recipient of several scholarships. Poythress has also participated in MCC’s Scholar’s Bowl and Organization of Student Nurses project fundraisers.

    Reed, of Collinsville, is graduating from the University Transfer Program. She plans to attend Mississippi State University and major in elementary education. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Future Educators of America and is on the Dean’s List.  She is married to Michael and the mother of five children: John, Jessica, Heather, Todd and Chloe.