Co-Lin graduates celebrate, look ahead
Published 11:08 pm Saturday, May 18, 2019
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Allison Carter adjusts her cap before the graduation ceremony Friday night. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)
Several graduates celebrate the occasion by decorating their caps. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)
Vanessa James paid a tribute to her mom, who recently died. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)
Kiara Donaldson smiles as the graduating class in presented Friday night. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)
The graduating class of 2019 processes out of the convention center hall Friday night. (Ben hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)
Aja Coleman peeks into the convention hall before the spring commencement ceremony begins. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)
Verressia Chatman, Sondra Clemons and Kenisha Cogdell rehearse how to shake hands and accept their diplomas before the service Friday. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Demcrat)
Hall of Fame member Geovani Lara gives the commencement address Friday night. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)
Copiah-Lincoln Community College President Dr. Jane Hulon speaks at a past event in this file photo. (File Photo / The Natchez Democrat)
Copiah-Lincoln Community College graduates prepare for the beginning of the ceremony at the Natchez Convention Center Friday night. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)
Copiah-Lincoln Community College President Dr. Jane Hulon gives her remarks during the 2019 commencement ceremony. (file photo)
(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)
Zana Kennedy waits for the Co-Lin Spring Commencement to begin. (Ben Hillyer / The NAtchez Democrat)
Heather Bradford talks with Kiara Burkes Friday night as they prepare for graduation. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)
NATCHEZ — Friday night was the end of one journey and the beginning of another adventure for 160 graduates of the Natchez campus of Copiah-Lincoln Community College.
Co-Lin Hall of Fame member Geovani Lara told the crowd of family, friends and Co-Lin staff that Friday’s spring commencement is a special moment for the class of 2019.
“Everyone has their moment, and this is our moment,” Lara said. “Despite the various struggles students face, we have made it to the finish line.”
Lara said even though graduation felt like an ending, the day was only a beginning.
“Our journey is far from over,” Lara said. “Regardless of the paths we choose, we should be grateful for Co-Lin.”
“Co-Lin really is the place to be, and I will miss it,” Lara later said.
President Jane Hulon, Ph.D., welcomed the graduates to Co-Lin’s “long and distinguished history.”
Marking the end of her first year as the school’s eighth president, Hulon said this year’s graduation was a special time for her and the graduating class.
“Your graduation today is a positive reflection of you, your family and our college. We are so proud of you,” Hulon said.