Three rows of proud family members helped 31 graduates of Meridian Community College’s ABE/ GED program celebrate their academic milestone.

    McCain Theater on the MCC campus was packed to capacity with well-wishers there to witness the momentous occasion. Among them was Carolyn Walker, whose son, Jacquez Haynes, walked across the stage to accept his diploma. For Walker, the night was both an emotional and proud moment .

    Haynes, 18, struggled in school with English and other subjects and fell behind. He knew he wanted to complete his education but felt the GED program was the best option for him.

    “He came to me and told me what he wanted to do [to finish his education] and I told him I would fully support him,” Walker said. “He wanted to continue his education and possibly play football at a junior college level.”

    Walker said when her son successfully completed the GED program she was ecstatic.

    “I’m so excited and overwhelmed to be here tonight. You never know exactly how you are going to feel about these things, but for me this is real big – bigger than anything I could have imagined,” she said.

    “When I found out he passed and was going to graduate, I was in tears.”

    Those graduating were: John Anthony, Sophia Calhoun, David Cheatham , Shunta Clemons, Latariel Cole, Beunkia Collins, James Corey, Ruben Cruz, James Dawson, Denise Eason, Kira Fehler, Shannon Gandy, Jacquez Haynes, Kevin Herrington, Kimberly Holliday, Earnquarius Jackson, Kimberly Jenkins, Marie King, Keshia Larkin, Jennifer McMillan Cedric Moulds, Amy Pass, Tarah Price, Tatashia Randle, Latoya Sears, Christian Sillman, Miria Snowden, Austin Taylor, Brittany Tubby, and Robert Wickwier.

    Meridian Community College’s Adult Basic Education and GED program offers free morning and afternoon classes to help students prepare for the GED test. All candidates are required to take a diagnostic test to determine their strengths and weaknesses.

    Classes are held at MCC, Wesley House Community Center, Meridian Housing Authority/ Carousel Place and the WIN Job Center. For more information, call (601) 484-8796 or (601) 484-8798.