May 12, 2015 Pictures by Pete Sullivan and Don Threm

MSCC Graduation Speaker Emphasizes Character, Determination, Leadership

While Mid-South Community College graduates earned a variety of degrees and

certifications on May 7, commencement speaker Andre’ Coleman encouraged them to

pursue yet another.

“I want to make sure you leave here tonight with your CDL,” said Coleman, who

oversees more than 1,000 employees as Executive Vice President and Chief Fiscal

Officer of ServiceMaster Facilities Maintenance

of Memphis. “When they hear CDL, most people

think about a Commercial Driver’s License, but

the CDL I’d like to share with you tonight is

character, determination, and leadership.”

Coleman described character as “doing the

right thing. Your character is revealed by the way

you treat individuals who can’t do anything for

you. Good character means that you speak the

truth and treat others the way you want to be

treated. Your character will determine the type of

opportunities you are afforded.”

Along those lines, the speaker told

graduation participants to think carefully about how they use social media.

“There are certain things that should never be put on Facebook,” Coleman

pointed out. “Once a post is made or a picture taken, it can never be retrieved. Make sure

that the digital footprint you’re leaving is one you can be proud of.”

Coleman said the graduates had already demonstrated a high level of

determination by completing their programs of study, and he encouraged them to remain

resolute.

“Tonight is a milestone for each of you, but I hope you won’t let tonight be the

end of your educational endeavors. I encourage each of you to be determined to keep

learning, keep improving yourself and your skills. Be determined to be the best at

whatever it is that you do.”

Coleman said a leader

is someone willing to take the

initiative, think outside of the

box, solve a problem,

volunteer, and help others.

A leader “is a person

who encourages everyone to

do their best,” Coleman

pointed out. “Leadership is

unlocking people’s potential to

be better. Each of us should be leaders right now. You can encourage people to keep up

with their education more seriously. You can be a leader in your church. You can be a

leader at home. Even voting demonstrates leadership.

“Tonight I encourage each of you to be certain before you leave this ceremony

that your CDL is valid. This CDL is good for all walks of life, and it is yours for a

lifetime. This CDL is a testimony. You keep improving your life with every new

opportunity. Character, determination, and leadership is the formula for success.”

Coleman closed by relating the story of the Chinese bamboo tree which doesn’t

begin growing above the ground until its fifth year.

“Our patience is tested as we begin to wonder about our efforts,” he said. “Will

we ever see a reward? Finally, in the fifth year, behold a miracle. We experience growth,

and what growth it is. The Chinese bamboo tree grows 80 feet in just six weeks.”

He explained that the plant spends its first four years developing a root system

strong enough to support its potential for outward growth in the fifth year and beyond.

“The same principle holds true for people who patiently toil toward worthwhile

dreams and goals, building strong character while overcoming adversity and challenges.

They grow their internal foundation to handle success. Through your time at Mid-South

Community College you have been provided with the nurturing and caring to develop

your root system to support your growth.

“Your roots are strong now. Keep nurturing your dreams and making incremental

steps toward them, and you will reach your goal. You will succeed and become what you

were destined to be.”

Following the presentation, Mary M. Toney, chair of MSCC’s Board of Trustees,

and Dr. Glen Fenter, MSCC president, presented Coleman with an honorary Associate of

Arts degree.

Mid-South graduates with their degrees and honors are as follows: (Note: AA

stands for Associate of Arts in General Education; AAT denotes Associate of Arts in

Teaching; AS stands for Associate of Science; AAS signifies Associate of Applied

Science; TC represents Technical Certificate; and CP, denotes Certificate of Proficiency.

Graduation honors include cum laude, cumulative GPA of 3.25-3.49; magna cum laude,

3.50-3.79; and summa cum laude, 3.80-4.00).

BARTLETT, Tennessee – Patrick Alexander Destefano, TC-Aviation Powerplant

Maintenance Technology;

COLLIERVILLE, Tennessee – John M. Braxton, AA, cum laude; Patricia Denise

DeSomma, AAT, magna cum laude;

CRAWFORDSVILLE – Hunter James Chandler, CP-Film & Video Production;

Alisha Ann Clark, AAS-Medical Assistant Technology, CP-Phlebotomy, magna cum

laude; William Neal Coleman, CP-Film & Video Production; Trevor Gage Conlee, CP-

Gas Metal Arc Welding Technology, CP-Shielded Metal Arc Welding Technology;

Brenda Sue Lancaster, AAS-Business Technology, CP-Administrative Office Procedures,

magna cum laude; Kelly Elizabeth Walton, AAS-Respiratory Care, cum laude;

DRUMMONDS, Tennessee – Allison Michelle Mullins, AS-Business;

EARLE – La'Mycal Malik Brooks, CP-Heavy Truck Diesel Maintenance; Torrie

L Clark, CP-Nursing Assistant; Robin Nichole Derrick, TC-Pharmacy Technology;

Elisha Bailon Dunn, CP-Machine

Technology Machine Attendant;

Bernitha D. Freeman, TC-Pharmacy

Technology, CP-Phlebotomy;

Charisma Renae Hood, CP-Film &

Video Production; Billy James

Karow, CP-Gas Metal Arc Welding

Technology, CP-Shielded Metal

Arc Welding Technology; Denita

Lashun Malone, AAS-Business

Technology; Michael Dwayne

Means, CP-Machine Technology

Machine Attendant; James Paul

Moore, CP-Heavy Truck Diesel

Maintenance; Jacquisa L. Pugh, CP-Nursing Assistant; Christopher Cortez Rowland, CP-

Heavy Truck Diesel Maintenance; Juanita LaShell Sanders, AAS-Medical Assistant

Technology, CP-Phlebotomy; LaJericha Lasha Toombs, CP-Nursing Assistant; Marcus

Alan Waits, CP-Microcomputer Upgrade and Repair;

EDMONDSON – Tiana Leandra Haynes, AA, magna cum laude; Laikyn Emari

Johnson, Associate of Arts; Leanza Sinclair Perry, AA, magna cum laude;

FORREST CITY – Jonathan Christopher Brown, TC-Aviation Powerplant

Maintenance Tech, magna cum laude;

GILMORE – Raven S. Jones, AS-Business; Raven Symone' Jones, AA;

HUGHES – Casey Lynn Barkley, AAS-Medical Assistant Technology, CP-

Phlebotomy; Dakota Danielle Prestage, CP-

Nursing Assistant; Eric Thomas Skipper, CP-

Gas Metal Arc Welding Technology, CP-

Shielded Metal Arc Welding Technology;

JONESBORO – Kenyatta Renee

Anderson, AAS-Respiratory Care;

LAKE CORMORANT, Mississippi –

Georgetta Wilks Douglas, AAS-Respiratory

Care;

LEPANTO – Jamie Denise Johnson,

AA, magna cum laude; Whitlee Laine Malone,

AAS-Respiratory Care, magna cum laude;

Meredith Ellen Ruiz, AAS-Respiratory Care,

CP-Nursing Assistant, magna cum laude;

MARION – Moshe Diane Abram, CP-

Gas Metal Arc Welding Technology, CP-

Shielded Metal Arc Welding Technology;

Xiomara Guendolin Barnes, AA, CP-Nursing

Assistant; Gary Christopher Barton, AA of

Arts; Natalie Margaret Basye, AA; Jessica

Dawn Beecroft, AAS - Medical Assistant Tech,

CP-Nursing Assistant, CP-Emergency Medical

Technician, CP-Phlebotomy, cum laude;

Matthew Noah Beeler, CP-Flux-Core Arc

Welding Technology, CP-Gas Metal Arc Welding Technology, CP-Gas Tungsten Arc

Welding Technology, CP-Shielded Metal Arc Welding Technology; Christopher Michael

Bowman, AA; Gregory Scott Bowman, AA; Katlyn J. Brick, AA, cum laude; Jamie N.

Butler, AA; Jessica McKinley Cain, CP-Gas Metal Arc Welding Technology, CP-

Shielded Metal Arc Welding Technology; Shirlina Bolleros Calabretta, AAS-Respiratory

Care, CP-Nursing Assistant, magna cum laude; Eunice Lizeth Cardenas, CP-Nursing

Assistant; Dana Elizabeth Chamness, AA; Taylor Renae Conrad, AA, CP-Nursing

Assistant; Daija Sonae' Cunningham, AA, magna cum laude; Nicholas Blake Cupples,

CP-Heavy Truck Diesel Maintenance; Kaitlyn Allison Evance, AA, summa cum laude;

Dylan Tyler Gattis, TC-Diesel Maintenance Tech; Alexis Cheyann Griggs, CP-

Microcomputer Upgrade and Repair; Chyna Rose Harper, CP-Nursing Assistant; Justin

Colby Harrington, AA, CP-Internet Web Professional; Michael D Harris, CP-Emergency

Medical Tech.; Courtney Lynn Hodge, AA, summa cum laude; James Mason Honey, TC-

Aviation Powerplant Maintenance Tech; Brandon Paul House, AS-Business; Lorena

Katelynn Huff, CP-Microcomputer Upgrade

and Repair; Stephanie Eaton Hummel-

Young, AAT, summa cum laude; Wesley

Derrick Hunt, AA, cum laude; Kanekia L

Hutchinson-Levy, CP-Nursing Assistant;

Jonathan Wade Kent, CP-Gas Metal Arc

Welding Technology, CP-Shielded Metal

Arc Welding Technology; Erica C.

Kronberger, AA; Tiawatha L. Macklin, CP-

Nursing Assistant; Shaunta M. Martinez,

AA, CP-Nursing Assistant, cum laude;

Amanda Lynn McClain, AA, magna cum

laude; Sara Elizabeth McDaniel, AAS-

General Technology, CP-Mechatronics - Electrical I, CP-Mechatronics-Mechanical I,

summa cum laude; Montrese Roshelle Furr McGhee, AA; Benjamin Wade McGruder,

CP-Heavy Truck Diesel Maintenance; Oscar O. Meneses, CP-Gas Metal Arc Welding

Technology, CP-Shielded Metal Arc Welding Technology; Robert Lee Miller, CP-

Emergency Medical Tech; Billie ShanDale Miner, AA, magna cum laude; Randy Lee

Morris, CP-Gas Metal Arc Welding Technology, CP-Shielded Metal Arc Welding

Technology; Wesley Cade Nabors, CP-Heavy Truck Diesel Maintenance; Zackary Keith

Nicholson, AA, cum laude; Cameron Emmanuel Price, CP-Heavy Truck Diesel

Maintenance; Kent Hiram Renfroe, Jr., AA; Caleb James Riggleman, CP-Flux-Core Arc

Welding Technology, CP-Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Technology, CP-Shielded Metal

Arc Welding Technology; Heather Nicole Riley, AA, CP-Nursing Assistant, cum laude;

Michael John Rivers, CP-Film & Video Production; Megan Ann Root, AA, CP-

Phlebotomy; Angela Sue Rosensteel, AAT, summa cum laude; Adara Jewel Russell, CP-

Film & Video Production; Erica Sha'kena Simmons, TC-Pharmacy Technology; Britney

M. Uhiren; AAT, cum laude; Kayla R. Valentine, CP-Microcomputer Upgrade and

Repair; Taylor Renae Willis, CP-Nursing Assistant; Paul Riley Yates, AA, magna cum

laude;

MARKED TREE – Ashton Lynn Martin, AA;

MASON, Tennessee –

Gary C. Giordano, AAS-General

Technology, magna cum laude;

Raushan Naadir Giordano, AAS-

General Technology, magna cum

laude;

MEMPHIS – Tacardis

Tanell Brock, AA; James Bradley

Exton, CP-Heavy Truck Diesel

Maintenance; Anthony Earl

Geiser, AAS-Aviation

Maintenance Technology, TC-

Aviation Powerplant Maintenance

Tech, summa cum laude; Eric Shane Gladden, AA, summa cum laude; Eduardo Fabian

Guevara, CP-Heavy Truck Diesel Maintenance; Michael Robert Hardison, CP-Heavy

Truck Diesel Maintenance; Christopher Gerald Johnson, AAS- General Technology, cum

laude; Precious Lethia Love, CP-Emergency Medical Technician; Dellamar Deshun

Pennington, Sr., AA; Nolan Thornton Robinson, TC-Aviation Powerplant Maintenance

Technology; Lisa Jo Stephens, AAS-Respiratory Care;

MILLINGTON, Tennessee – Erin Taylor Clark, AA, summa cum laude;

MUNFORD, Tennessee – James Edward Cook, AAS-General Technology,

magna cum laude;

NESBIT, Mississippi –

Aaron Ira Fitzgerald, CP-Heavy

Truck Diesel Maintenance;

NORTH LITTLE ROCK

– Cassandra Coatney Rader, CP-

Emergency Medical Technician;

OSCEOLA – Barbara A.

Simmons, CP-Nursing Assistant;

PARKIN – Destiny Ciera

Mason, AA, cum laude;

Veronika Lasha' Pounds, CP-

Nursing Assistant;

PROCTOR – Blake Pearson Armour, CP-Heavy Truck Diesel Maintenance;

Biancia Nicole Bailey, CP-Nursing Assistant; Mark Aaron Barrow, CP-Film & Video

Production; Deborah Marie Burton, AA; Joshua Zahn Renaldo Dantzler, CP-Film &

Video Production; Mollie Denise Johnson, AS-Business, summa cum laude; Melinda

Annette Laster, AAS-Respiratory Care, CP-Phlebotomy, magna cum laude; Samantha

Rae McHenry, AAS - Medical Assistant Tech, CP-Nursing Assistant, CP-Phlebotomy;

Brodrick Terrell Prackett, AA, AAS-Business; Hunter Wayne Stewart, CP-Gas Metal

Arc Welding Tech, CP-Shielded Metal Arc Welding Tech; Harrison W. Strong, CP-

Emergency Medical Technician; John A. Thorne, CP-Heavy Truck Diesel Maintenance;

Lawton Scott Warren, CP-Machine Technology Machine Attendant; Nusasha M.

Williams, CP-Nursing Assistant;

TITUSVILLE, Florida -- Bryan James Crum, CP-Flux-Core Arc Welding

Technology, CP-Gas Metal Arc Welding Technology, CP-Shielded Metal Arc Welding

Technology;

TURRELL – Ke'alondria Rayshawn Banks, AS-Business; Dyisheeta Varnell

Davie, AA;

TYRONZA – Sue Ellen Lucas, AAT, cum laude;

WEST MEMPHIS – Robin L. Abbott, AAS-Information System Technology, CP-

Microcomputer Upgrade, CP-Network Associate and Repair, cum laude; Kierra Renee

Adams, AA; Montanece Monae' Andrews, CP-Microcomputer Upgrade and Repair;

Megan Leigh Barnes, AA, AAT, cum laude; Yakemeia KeEricka Yarkese Bates, CP-

Film & Video Production; Samantha Dale Bergsrud, AS-Business, magna cum laude;

Melanie Lorraine Blakely, CP-Film & Video Production; Tylachea Lashawn Boyce, CP-

Nursing Assistant; Jonathan Christian Branch,

AA; Spencer Charles Brooks III, CP-Film &

Video Production; Arneshia Shacole Brown,

AA; Lashoyne Brown, AAS-Business

Technology; Deshawne Marie Bruce, AAS-

Business Technology; Tiffany I. Bruce, AA,

AAS-Business Technology, AS-Business, cum

laude; Amanda Kaye Burchett, AAS-Business

Technology, magna cum laude; Linda Faye

Burks, AAS-Medical Assistant Tech, CP-

Phlebotomy; Cameron R. Camp, AAS-General

Technology, magna cum laude; Breona L.

Carter, CP-Nursing Assistant; Lena Mary

Chandler, AAS-Medical Assistant Tech, CP-

Nursing Assistant, CP-Phlebotomy; Timothy

Latwan Chism, CP-Heavy Truck Diesel Maintenance; Missy Renee Clark, AA, AS-

Business CP-Nursing Assistant, cum laude; Mallory Niko Condery, CP-Nursing

Assistant; Takyra Lapreice Cooper, CP-Nursing Assistant; Shakia Sharice Couch, CP-

Film & Video Production; Donnedra Alexius Crayton, CP-Nursing Assistant; Shaquille

Culbreath, AA; Whitney Lashaun Danner, AA; Latasha Renee Davis, AA, CP-Nursing

Assistant; Rachel Renee Davis, AAS-Respiratory Care, cum laude; Velma Ardena Davis,

CP-Phlebotomy; Kynvieya Reggieniekka Donnerson, CP-Nursing Assistant; Ketrick

LaDale Dotson, AAS-Business Technology, magna cum laude; Marc Angelo Emerson,

CP-Gas Metal Arc Welding Tech, CP-Shielded Metal Arc Welding Tech; Aaliyah Shante

Felton, CP-Nursing Assistant; James M. Foley, AAS-Aviation Maintenance Technology,

TC-Aviation Powerplant Maintenance Technology, summa cum laude; Stanley Bernard

Gaines, CP-Heavy Truck Diesel Maintenance; Jeannetta C. Gilliam, AA; Marcus K.

Graves, CP-Emergency Medical Technician; Shaniese Jenay Gray, AAS-Medical

Assistant Tech, CP-Phlebotomy, Jasmine S. Grubbs, CP-Nursing Assistant; Raymond

Lloyd Gustavus, Jr., CP-Gas Metal Arc Welding Technology, CP-Shielded Metal Arc

Welding Technology; Robyn Renee Hall, CP-Nursing Assistant; Bobby Franklin

Hamrick, TC-Aviation Powerplant Maintenance Technology; Shannon Cynthia Harrison,

TC-Pharmacy Technology, CP-Nursing Assistant; Gary H. Henderson Jr., CP-Machine

Technology Machine Attendant; Kimberly Nichole Henderson, AAS-Respiratory Care,

CP-Phlebotomy, magna cum laude; Octavius Cortez Henderson, CP-Machine

Technology Machine Attendant; Kimberley Carlean Hendrix, AA, cum laude; Jose'

Antonio Hernandez, CP-Heavy Truck Diesel Maintenance; Kaitlyn E. Hinson, CP-

Nursing Assistant; Briana Nicole Hite, CP-Nursing Assistant; Reaghan Michelle

Holcombe, CP-Film & Video Production; John Harvey Holloway, CP-Machine

Technology Machine Attendant; Karlin D. Holmes, CP-Gas Metal Arc Welding

Technology, CP-Shielded Metal Arc Welding Technology; Raneisha Arletha Hopkins,

CP-Film & Video Production; Edward Barrie Hosken, CP-Film & Video Production;

Matthew Phillip Howard Sr., AAS-General Technology, TC-Diesel Maintenance

Technology, CP-Heavy Truck Diesel Maintenance; Leslie Michael Hubbard, AAS-

General Technology, cum laude; Jaterika Samone Jackson, CP-Phlebotomy; Theresa Dan

Jae, AAS-Medical Assistant Tech, CP-Phlebotomy, CP-Nursing Assistant, magna cum

laude; Alexis R. Jeter, CP-Microcomputer Upgrade and Repair; Jerry Dewayne Johnson

Jr., CP-Heavy Truck Diesel Maintenance; Kevin L. Johnson, CP-Heavy Truck Diesel

Maintenance; Quentavious Demond Johnson, CP-Microcomputer Upgrade and Repair;

Tiffany Renee Johnson, AA; Christin Octavia Jones, AA; Erica Denise Jones, CP-

Nursing Assistant; Estella Jones, AA, CP-Nursing Assistant, CP-Phlebotomy; Deborah L.

Kinney, AAS-Business Technology, CP-Administrative Office Procedures, summa cum

laude; Destinee Aliegha Landreth, CP-Film & Video Production; Steven Jarquiz

Ledbetter, CP-Gas Metal Arc Welding Technology, CP-Shielded Metal Arc Welding

Technology; Clarisa Tapican Lindley, AAS-Respiratory Care, CP-Nursing Assistant,

magna cum laude; Teddy Morgan Loftin, CP-Film & Video Production; Dumaurier

Shamar Looney, CP-Film & Video Production; Angela M. Mablin, AAS-Medical

Assistant Tech, CP-Phlebotomy; Isabella Marie Marotti, CP-Nursing Assistant; Val D.

Martin, AAS-Business Technology, magna cum laude; Lucy Mae Rattler Mayhew, AA;

Kevin Grant McAdoo, AAS-Information System Tech, CP-Microcomputer Upgrade and

Repair, CP-Network Associate; Jennifer Nicole McCauley, AAS-Business Technology,

Preston Tyler McFarland, CP - Internet Web Professional; Destiny Montrec's Milam, CP-

Film & Video Production; Matthew Tyler Miller, CP-Gas Metal Arc Welding

Technology, CP-Shielded Metal Arc Welding Technology; Briana Lorraine Mims, CP-

Nursing Assistant; Deandre D. Moore, CP-Machine Technology Machine Attendant;

Jaylen CaTreze Moore, CP-Nursing Assistant; Katelyn Madison Moore, CP-Nursing

Assistant; Vivian Moore, AA, CP-Nursing Assistant; Tiffany Daniell Morey, AAS-

Medical Assistant Tech, CP-Phlebotomy, cum laude; Jazzmyne Noel Mosley, CP-

Nursing Assistant; Laderricka Deseanta Nathan, CP-Nursing Assistant; Angela Marie

O'Day, AA, magna cum laude; Treyvon Lovell Olden, CP-Nursing Assistant; Paul

Dewey O'Neal, AAS-Business Technology, CP-Administrative Office Procedures,

magna cum laude; Charles Craig Parker, AAS-Information Systems Technology, CP-

Microcomputer Upgrade and Repair, CP-Network Associate, magna cum laude; Josie L.

Parker, CP-Nursing Assistant; Raj Kishor Patel, AA; Chloie S. Pennington, CP-

Microcomputer Upgrade and Repair; Marisa Lauryn Perry, CP-Film & Video Production,

Crystal Monique Prewitt, AA; Marcus Deandre Prewitt, CP-Heavy Truck Diesel

Maintenance; Anthony J. Pullum, CP-Microcomputer Upgrade and Repair; Destinee

Ja'Quazia Denise Razor, CP-Nursing Assistant, Jonathan Matthew Robinson, CP-Film &

Video Production; Tia Rachelle Sanders, AA; Ather D. Scott, CP-Heavy Truck Diesel

Maintenance; Stephanie Michelle Selph, CP-Emergency Medical Technician; Christine

Ann Smith, AAS-Medical Assistant Tech, CP-Nursing Assistant; Ashley Nichole Smith,

CP-Nursing Assistant, Christine Ann Smith, CP-Phlebotomy; Khristena Brionne Rene'

Smith, CP-Nursing Assistant; Stanley Alonzo Starks, CP-Gas Metal Arc Welding

Technology, CP-Shielded

Metal Arc Welding

Technology; Karreney

KeAundrea Suggs, CP-

Nursing Assistant; Kenya

Adrienna Sykes, CP-

Nursing Assistant; Latoya

Renee Taylor, AA, cum

laude; Lorenda Ashley

Taylor, AA; Camille

Tennial, CP-Gas Metal

Arc Welding Technology,

CP-Shielded Metal Arc

Welding Technology,

James Harvey Thomas,

CP-Gas Metal Arc Welding Technology, CP-Shielded Metal Arc Welding Technology;

Patrice Ann Trotter, AAS-Respiratory Care, magna cum laude; Allison Marie Troup, AA;

Stacye Upton, CP-Phlebotomy; Kandas Marce' Van Buren, AA, AS-Business, cum laude;

Mallory Elizabeth Voyles, AAS-Medical Assistant Tech, CP-Phlebotomy, CP-Nursing

Assistant, cum laude; Ashleigh Marie Wallace, CP-Nursing Assistant; Daylie R. WatSon,

AA, magna cum laude; Tony Nicholas White, AA; John Henry Williams, AAS-

Information Systems Technology, cum laude; Darnesha Tashay Williams, CP-Nursing

Assistant; Darius Travone Williams, CP-Nursing Assistant; John Henry Williams, CP-

Microcomputer Upgrade and Repair, CP-Network Associate, cum laude; Brittney N.

Willis, CP-Nursing Assistant, Kyle Wade Winders, AA, AAT; Maiyah Jean Winfield,

AA; Riley Miller Young, CP-Film & Video Production; Latundra Nakeil Wright, AA,

magna cum laude;

WYNNE -- Joyce Jeffrey, AAS-Business Technology, magna cum laude.