NATCHEZ &045; They rose proudly, some two dozen strong, to thunderous applause Friday evening at the Natchez Convention Center.

They were the former employees of International Paper’s Natchez Mill, which closed in 2003 sending more than 650 workers into different personal and professional paths.

A small group chose to retrain and retool themselves at Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Natchez campus, which held its 33rd commencement Friday and saw a record 221 earn degrees and certificates.

During the ceremony, the former IP employees were asked to stand and be congratulated; two of them, Curtis Bailey and Keith Myles, gave graduation speeches.

&uot;Many of us came to Co-Lin, Natchez two years ago as non-traditional students,&uot; Myles said in his farewell address. &uot;We never dreamed that we would be sitting within the four walls of a classroom instead of performing our daily tasks in the workplace, but the closure of International Paper Company and other industries within our community changed the lives of many in this graduating class. However, through dedication and perseverance, we have overcome that obstacle in our lives.&uot;

&uot;Today marks another end for us, and tomorrow we will start yet again to pursue our place in life. As we move forward, may the bonds of friendship reamin strong between us.&uot;

Also, Bailey prayed in his benediction, &uot;Father, it is through you that we realize when one door closes, another door opens. As we walk through this door (of graduation), we pray for wisdom and guidance, so that we not only enrich our lives, but the lives of others. We ask that you continue to guide and direct our paths.&uot;

Two other non-traditional students &045; those with a significant break between high school and college &045; also gave addresses.

&uot;We graduates have accepted and accomplished many challenges in the last few years, but we still have one challenge to meet. It is a great responsibility, but a wonderful opportunity. That challenge is to use the courage, knowledge, and ability we have gained at Co-Lin Natchez to give something back to our community. Let us always look for that opportunity,&uot; said Rebecca Henry in her commencement address.

Also, Teri Troxler, who was inducted into the Co-Lin Natchez Hall of Fame in April, offered the invocation.

&uot;Father, we thank you for the wonderful faculty and staff here at Co-Lin. We owe a special ‘thank you’ to them because of their dedication, their patience, their never-ending kindness and encouragement.&uot;

Dr. Ronnie Nettles, Co-Lin executive vice president, presented the graduating class, while Eugene Bates, chairman of the board of trustees, and Dr. Howell C. Garner, Co-Lin president, presented diplomas.