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.