Special to the Democrat

NATCHEZ — Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Natchez campus said farewell to nearly 160 students Friday night at the Natchez Convention Center.

The 39th commencement ceremony had moments of cheers and tears.

One graduate in particular was both proud and sad.

Jamal Banks of Natchez, who has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair, said graduating was “one of the proudest moments of my life.”

“There were many times I could have given up, but I didn’t,” he said.

He credited the faculty and staff for helping him to remain committed to his goals: first getting his General Equivalency Diploma and on Friday night earning his associate’s degree.

“Co-Lin is like my second home,” he said. “When I attended Co-Lin doors started opening for me; maybe some more doors will open for me.”

Banks said he would like to own his own business someday.

The graduation ceremony began with a procession of Co-Lin officials and the graduation candidates.

Natchez Campus Vice President Teresa Busby gave the welcome said.

“It has been my pleasure to work with this wonderful group of students,” she said. “You have impressed me with your drive and desire to learn and even more importantly, with your desire to help others. You will always be a part of the Co-Lin family.”

In her invocation, Mary Louise Burlison said, “Father, we come before you on this joyous occasion for your blessings as we go forward on our journey. For many of us, our journey has just begun. We thank you for all the families and friends gathered here to share our achievements and our joy. We thank you for the faculty and staff who helped us to achieve those goals.”

Nathanael Gassett, a recent inductee into the Natchez campus Hall of Fame, delivered a commencement speech.

“Today is a very special day for everyone in this room. It is a day of thanks, remembrance and celebration. Thanks to everyone who made this day possible, remembrance of all the long and arduous hours that the faculty and staff have put into each and every student here, and celebration, because today also marks the realization of an important milestone in our lives.

“It is because of the devotion of teachers such as these that we as students have the motivation to further our education in the classroom or take the skills which we have been taught out into the workplace. We now have the abilities to succeed no matter which path we choose. In front of you are the products of your hard work and dedication.”

Roy Winkworth, vice chairman of the Co-Lin Board of Trustees, and Dr. Ronnie Nettles, president, presented diplomas. Dr. Jane Hulon, vice president of instruction, presented the graduates.