MCC hosts four commencements spotlighting students’ achievements
Cheers, applause, and some tears could be heard and seen throughout Meridian Community College’s Graham Gymnasium repeatedly as the College celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026 with four commencements, honoring students from Career and Technical Education and University Transfer Programs, marking the end of one chapter and the start of another.
MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner praised the graduates for their hard work and determination. “MCC has helped these students find their potential and gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed,” he said. “Watching them reach for their dreams reminds us why we do this work.”
The highlights of the ceremonies were the announcements of two scholarships: the H.M. Ivy Scholarship, presented to Reine Akombo of Yaounde, Cameroon; Nicholas Lewis of Meridian; and Aleah McMullan of Decatur, and the Phil Hardin Foundation Scholarship awarded to Abdulhalim Obid of Meridian; and Emma Sowell of Meridian.
Dr. H.M. Ivy, the founding father of Meridian Community College, is remembered through the Ivy Scholarships. This year marks the 52nd year for outstanding graduates to receive scholarships. The honorees each receive $3,600 for their junior year of study, and if their academic excellence continues, they will get another $3,600 for their senior year of study. These awards, which are based on academic excellence, extra-curricular participation, financial need, and faculty appraisals, are funded through an endowment established by the Phil Hardin Foundation.
The Hardin Scholarships, which are $5,000 awards to each honoree, pay tribute to the life of businessman Phil Hardin and his philanthropic endeavors to support education. These awards are funded by the Phil Hardin Foundation through the MCC Foundation.
Akombo is a civil engineering major with a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. An international student-athlete and member of the Women’s Varsity Tennis Team, she is actively involved in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), Ivy League Recruiting, and numerous campus and community service initiatives. Akombo plans to transfer to an engineering program while continuing her tennis career. Her long-term goal is to become a civil engineer focused on sustainable infrastructure, bringing innovative and eco-friendly solutions to improve communities in her home country and beyond.
Lewis is a political science major with a 3.85 GPA and plans to attend the University of Mississippi. He serves as president of PTK and is actively involved in the Phil Hardin Foundation Honors College at Meridian Community College, Ivy League Recruiting, and campus music programs. Lewis plans to pursue a law degree and build a career in public service, contributing to policymaking and governance.
McMullan is a broadcast meteorology major with a 3.63 GPA and plans to attend Mississippi State University. She has been involved in the Honors College, PTK, Baptist Student Union’s Lead Team, and MCC’s tennis and inaugural volleyball teams. McMullan’s goal is to become a broadcast meteorologist.
Obid, a University Transfer student with a 3.97 GPA who plans to attend Mississippi State University, is one of two Phil Hardin Foundation Scholarship recipients. A member of PTK, he has been actively involved in community service through campus initiatives. Obid aspires to become a mechanical engineer, designing tools and systems that improve daily life while promoting energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Sowell is a conservation biology major with a 3.82 GPA and plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi. She is a member of PTK and the Honors College and has volunteered with organizations such as Care Lodge and Habitat for Humanity. Sowell’s goal is to work in wildlife conservation, helping rehabilitate animals and return them to their natural habitats.
Also, during the ceremonies, 33 graduates were chosen as members of the Spring 2026 Circle of Excellence. The students who studied in the College's University Transfer and Career and Technical Education programs were saluted for their academic achievement, leadership, community service, and spirit.
Dr. Huebner said MCC has a long history of outstanding graduates, and the Circle of Excellence is one way the College recognizes these students who excelled at MCC. "These students have made an impact on this place, and we look forward to watching them take flight and impact the world," Dr. Huebner said.
Named were: Daniel Espin of Ambato, Ecuador; Karlee Pierce of Bailey; Avery Dronet of Biloxi; Clayton Phillips of Brandon; Reine Akombo of Yaounde’, Cameroon; Katherine Bruner, Oscar Fields, Steven Lewis, Josie Reid, Elizabeth Shirley, Laken Williams, all of Collinsville; Aleah McMullan of Decatur; Ariadna Magana of Flowood; Chelsea Hillhouse of Forest; Derek Byrd of Jackson; Austin Tate of Little Rock; Jasper Molden II of Loxley, Alabama; Tausha Bianchi, Reagan Dyess, Macy Galyean, Daylon Horton, Nicholas Lewis, Abdulhalim Obid, Caleb Purvis, Emma Sowell, Hanna Tingle; and Alayham Zaidan, all of Meridian; Makayla Feasel of Noxapater; Elijah Griffin of Philadelphia; Evyn McDaniel of Preston; Presley Black of Richton; Brittany Martin of Ridgeland; and Maggie Diamond of Toxey, Alabama.
Candidates for Spring 2026 graduation include:
Daniel Alejandro Espin of Ecuador; Mauricio Jose Delgado Rojas of Paraguay; Charlee Marie Smith of Atoka, Tennessee; Thomas J. Autrey of Auburn, Alabama; Austin K. Bailey, Brett Anthony Busbea, Morgan Clair Campbell, Thomas P. Murr, Karlee Faith Pierce, Justin M. Ramirez, Gabriel D. Ward, and Jordan Amari Wilson, all of Bailey; Shannon R. Yarborough of Bassfield; Hannah Grace Buckley and Alexis Belle Sides, both of Bay Springs; Samuel Ray Burke, Akeelah S. Cain, and Avery Elizabeth Dronet, all of Biloxi; Jaihanna Nichele Alford of Boligee, Alabama; Katherine Marie Bruner, Annelise M. Guess, Allie G. Loftin, Willena L. Payne, Clayton S. Phillips, Janeisha L. Simpson, Aiden Wesley Tuura, and B'Anca Monique Wallace, all of Brandon; Chiquita Latrice Holcombe of Butler, Alabama; DeAnn Michelle Paul of Byram;
Badlwim Jared Escobar Cifuentes of Columbia; Shanice Oliver, Jameria Amya Slaughter, Antoine Donnez Spillman, and Shawond Webster, all of Canton; Sarah Lauren Hollis, Brianna Ne'Shay Carmichael, Jenna Christine Chamblee, Jewel S. Leflore, and Janna E. Pinter, all of Carthage; Reine Sirri Akombo of Cameroon; Marsha Renee Berry of Choctaw; Jazmine A. Meza of Chunky; Mia Isabella Luciano of Cleveland; Mia S. Card, Danielle L. Davis, Latowina Deasia Davis, LaShundra Fay Gray, and Kameron Montez Wilkes, all of Clinton; Eliel O. Aldana, Jayden A. Ball, Matthew Boswell, Shon L. Cole, Merrick A. Crocker, Alana Darlene Herrington, Matthew Jackson, Makensie Marie Junkins, Steven Skyler Lewis, William Thomas Mitchell, Jordan Miracle Murray, Kyle Jay Parten, Josie M. Reid, Jacob S. Rodgers, Elizabeth M. Shirley, Aaron Teffeteller, Henton Carter Walton, Hayden G. Williams, Laken Brooks Williams, and Tyler J. Williams, all of Collinsville; Issace Lamont Grady Jr., Randall G. Robles, Megan Renae Rodriguez, Sierra Leslie Spears, Shanderica A. Thompson, and De'Aireal Williams, all of Columbus; Tazzden Thomas of Conehatta; Gabrielle A. Davis and Tineka Shunte Rogers, both of Crawford;
Alexis Gabrielle Cole and Erin Renee Henry, both of Daleville; Earisene Michael Bigsby of Dallas, Texas, Keith W. Dailey and Aleah C. McMullan, both of Decatur; Tianna S. Davis, Clifton C. Grace, Andresha Grady, Jaheim Deonte Holliday, Hunter Jarman, Jamequecca T. Overstreet, and Kym'Mara Myrelle Pearson, all of DeKalb; Rico Renard Lott of Ellisville; Kylee Grace Atkinson, Joel K. Deloatch, Reagan L. Dyess, Macy B. Galyean, Destini Paige Haney, James Lucas Ivy, Jonathan R. Jackson, and Dillon Turner, all of Enterprise; Rylee F. Turner of Fair Hope, Alabama; Amelia Ja'nai Simmons of Flora; Mary Coumbe and Raegan M. King, both of Florence; Ariadna Magana and Cameron Jarod McFarland, both of Flowood; Kristy D. Evers, Chelsea Hillhouse, Tommecia A. McClendon, Nadia Chyslin Noguera Ortega, Cameo Kiara Odom, and Michelle L. Taylor, all of Forest; Raven R. Jones of Foxworth;
Caden Lane Skelton of Gallion, Alabama; Isaac K. Anderson and Kayla A. Jones, both of Gautier; Kelton Makhi Jones of Grenada; Richard J. Smith of Gulfport; Anders Nymann Jensen of Denmark; AnnaGrace C. Hoover of Hammond, Louisiana; Alaysia K. Jordan, Mollie K. Mitchell, and Akira Myers, all of Hattiesburg; Timia Washington of Hazelhurst; Bri'Asia Nicole Ward of Heidelberg; Jessica Taylor Moorhead of Hickory; Brittany N. Allen, Lasonya Bournes, Derek Byrd, Larrson Calhoun, Montez Matthew Hayes, Walker Felton Van Meter, Ahtia M. Walker, and Shakea M. Winford, all of Jackson; Kevonte E. Hutchinson of Kenner, Louisiana; Ademola O. Oladipo of Killeen, Texas; Madison C. Brent, Jaylen Grace, Joslyn T. Logan, Christopher Torres Rangel, and Jimmie Smith, all of Lauderdale; Ben Thomas Cole IV, Joseph Hernandez and Anaka Grace Sullivan, all of Laurel; Samantha Renea Perry of Lena; Fabian Andre Miyahira and Matias Adrian Miyahira, both of Peru; Dylan Brand, Shannon Lyndsey Russell, Austin T. Tate, Madeline K. Vance, Kaleigh Grace Williamson, all of Little Rock; Hannah Renae' Capello of Livingston, Louisiana; Savannah Raye Sims of Louin; Alexis Brooklyn Cowart, Jacquala Brianna Goss, and Amber R. Stone, all of Louisville; Kenny L. Cortina of Lucedale; Shannon Perryman of Lumberton; Emilee Boswell and Darrell D. Brooks, both of Maben; Markita Horne and Emma Claire Patterson, both of Macon; Jenna Grace I. Dent, Alondrea Edwards, Blessing Onyinye Igwe, Erica Bouldin McCaskill, and James Edward Drake Turner, all of Madison; Shaquana D. McAfee of Magee; Qumy Mykelti Chapman, Madison Rose Drake, Carli Isabel Espino, Bethany S. Smith, Braylen E. Tingle, Jordan M. Ward, all of Marion; Daisi Anna Kukuljan of Australia; Johnathan Bohanner of Memphis;
Jaeden Vashone Alford, Jyzalon J. Alford, James Asher Alsobrooks, Roy'Quarrius Q. Arrington, Olivia M. Avera, Kambrianna Desarae Bailey, Ethan R. Bassett, Robin Michelle Bateman, Nathan Hunter Bazyari, Tyra S. Benoman, Tausha Bianchi, Katrina Jordan Binion, Christopher Logan Blackshear, John Barry Boldin, Amiya Chanelle La'Kay Boyd, Alexander J. Brooks, Corea L. Brown, Rogue Marie Brown, Sampson I. Brown, Timiahis Brown Wallace, Austin Thomas Bucurel, Makailyn Allise Bullock, Hannah E. Burkhalter, Tonda E. Burks, ZyBaria K. Burton, Antonnio U. Bush, Caleb J. Cain, Brei Morgan Carreno, Emily M. Casey, Donna Renee Chaney, Ivan T. Clark, Treshea A. Clark, Willyum Austin Clinton, Diamond Alora Cole, Keshun Oreyon Cole, Marzett Cole, Ta'Nayja Lamariya Cole, Eugenea D. Collins, Keyshawn D. Collins, Jayland R. Comans, Haley L. Coody, Madilyn Pitts Corley, Gabriel F. Creekmore, Jaquan Tyrail Curry, Camari Roshad Curtis, Samarius Leevirium Davis Kylar A. Dean, Kilah LeeAnn Dearman, Shenitha Lasha Denis, Je'caryous Martiqiue Dinkins, Bryson J. Drummond, LilReginald J. Dunnigan, Shannon Nicole Dybas, Saniesha N. Erving, Chase Essix, Quardiacious Lateese Fennessee, Oscar S. Fields, Mikayla Figueroa, Keotis Keshun Fountain, Jose Angel Garcia, William J. Garrett, Autumn Marie Gilland, Keeley T. Gillespie, Mason Natanael Gonzalez, Miguel Antonio Gonzalls-Boswell, Colin Patrick Goodin, Mason James Goodman, Cooper L. Gordon, Tashena M. Gordon Jordan I. Grace, Lyla M. Graham, Miguel Griffin, Semaj Kewone Griffin, Kaleigh R. Griffith, Emily Marie Guin, Antonio Ramael Hall, Autumn N. Hamburg, A'Darrius Ja'Kari Hanible, Tashayla L. Hardaway, Simone Latreese Hardy, Reginald Dewayne Harris, Ava Hayes, Patrick Heidelberg, Clay R. Higginbotham, Elijah A. Hodges, Henry Franklin Holley, Bradley I. Hooks, Zybreun L. Horn, Daylon G. Horton, Adrian Lee Houston, Tazmine Regine Hudnall, Gabrielle B. Hutchinson, Luke Ishee, Je'lun K. Ivy, Emily G. Jackson, Biyonca Commessa Jennings, Jeffery Ty'Quez Ke'Shawn Jennings, Tatiyana Breashayla Jennings, Jamichael R. Jimerson, Dantwaine Johnson, KeAzeria Shaundra'Neka Johnson, Matesha Danae Johnson, Adam Micheal Joiner, Kenbria La'shanna Jones, Tristen R'tyse Jordan, Carter Alexander Knowles, Sara Lacy, Jer'Torion Orlando Landrum, Daniel Aaron Lane, Nicholas A. Lewis, Mar'Quavon Little, Daveyonia Dynesha Loyd, Kentiear LaTaurus Martin, Jade Marion Matfey, Jatayzeyah Zykira McCaleb, Sh'Mar Deante McDonald, Carlos P. McKinnis, Maston A. McMahan, Alayzia Bariya McNeil, Jeniesia Lashae Merritt, Alyssa Metcalf, Quinton Deton Mitchell, Jasper Molden II, Adreon Tramain Moore, Anesa CaTerra Moore, Charqurius L. Moore, Sarah Christina Moore, Tyler J. Moore, Jason Alexander Moorehead, Angel Mae Morris, Antyreon Jiquan Mosley, Donavan Murphy, Legend G. Nave, Amaya D. Nicholson, Sequoia ZyKera Norman, Abdulhalim Taher Obid, Stephon L. Overstreet, Jbreanna Nyesha Parker, Jaquavion Q. Perrien, Alyssa Jeanette Pickett, Natalie C. Pierce, Nevyn C. Pierce, Kalyn Post, Jaylon Roy Pruett, Caleb Steven Purvis, Nicholas I. Quigley, Ladarius K. Quince, Adam Ivan Ramirez, Altonio L. Ratcliff, Ashton Quayshawn Ratcliff, Stephany Reyes, Samuel R. Rhodes, Presley Alyse Rigdon, Havyn Haze Riser, Nadiya Adriannah Robinson-Doss, Jalen Jamar Rose, Donovan Shane Rowell, Sanchez Ruffin, Addison Laike Satterfield, Desmen LeCardo Scott, Barbara LeAnn Seals, Deanthony Javarious Shaw, D'Mario Deshun Shelton, Andrew Shirley, Clay B. Shumate, Antonio Maurice Silliman, Gabriel A. Skinner, Craven Smith, Jovon Smith, Lakenneth J. Smith, Lamiracle L. Smith, Emma K. Sowell, Jozlyn Simmone Spears, Harley S. Strickland, Kennedy Strickland, Anna Lauren Stuckey, Le'Quisha Shundrea Taylor, Zebreonia Taylor, Alden Brooke Tew, Madilyn W. Thompson, Alexis Morgan Thornton, Hannah K. Tingle, Ebony Tyler, Caitlyn E. Tyree, Lauryn E. Waddell, Grace M. Wade, Desiree N. Walker, Shamiah Miyka Wallace, Kayli N. Warren, Landon Warren, Sarah-Anne Elizabeth Warren, Adilyn G. Way, Brandon Cole Welch, Tiara A. Wells, Braxton Ryan Whitaker, Jaden Nicole White, Isiah Whitlock, Jourdin Williams, Carlysha Brenae Witty, Josie Yoskovich, Jacob Logan Young, and Alayham Zaidan, all of Meridian;
Harley S. Wright of Millry, Alabama; Awa Diouf of Mobile, Alabama; Rico M. Gray of Montgomery, Alabama; Matthew J. Driskill, Haleigh L. Johnson, and Katherine R. Williams, all of Morton; Kaylynn Jay Harris of Moselle; Nathan B. Trochessett of Moss Point; Piper N. Collins, Haley Dawkins, Andrea Monquie Ruffin, and James Lee Simmons, all of Newton; Angel Renee Jefferson of Northport, Alabama; Lola Louie Smith of Nottingham, United Kingdom; Makayla Grace Feasel of Noxapater; Christopher M. Fox of Ocean Springs; Thomas Mathis of Olive Branch; Amirah S. Nock of Oviedo, Florida; William Ellis of Oxford; Bailey Samantha Morris and Briana Rose Tamayo, both of Pachuta; Iain Quinn Cumbest of Pascagoula; Tomika Renaye Darby, Latisha Shannell Hicks, Abriauna LaKaye Lonie, Cedric Whitaker, and Gabrielle Wright, all of Pearl; Justin Alexander Stewart, AJ Max Alvarez, Maria Alvarez, Chase Dylan Chandler, Ryan Alan Crawford, Felesia Dawn Faile, Javien Grant, Elijah Cade Griffin, Tayah Marie Latimer, Cartelius Marzello Lewis, Shayla Sierra Long, Angelina Ann Martin, Emme Lauren Peavy, Rachel Inez Pope, Amie G. Stewart, Kendril Shane Wallace, Nya Stribling, Payton Davis Pinter, and Jailyn Kristina Stribling, all of Philadelphia; Mykala Keyera Carter of Pinson, Alabama; Jack Tutor of Pontotoc; Rendell Allen, Courtney Kendall Naylor, and James Daniel Roberts, all of Porterville; Evyn Laine McDaniel and Ashlee Grace McDonald, both of Preston; Clara Rose Lott of Purvis;
Sadler Jackson Blackwell, Ashley N. Miller, Layla Rosanna Neyman, Courtney M. Odom, William R. Patrick, Nikki Ann Ray, Rebecca R. Staszefski, and Mason A. Turner, all of Quitman; Carolyn Ann Palmer of Raleigh; Danielle Stegall Clark of Raymond; Presley R. Black of Richton; Jared Eduardo Aguilar Diaz, Jaylon Donavon Blackmon, Veronica Latisha Henry, Brittney Alexis Martin, Jamari Armand Page, and Aracely Villa Franca, all of Ridgeland; James P. Granger of Scooba; Harlin Hovater of Senatobia; Jackson Cade Wages of Shannon; Hunter J. Burke, Jesse Brian Burke, Antonio Kajuan Evans, Jennifer S. Jones, and Lakimbrea Dondre'l Jones, all of Shubuta; Precious M. Jenkins of Shuqualak; Faith Ganbrel Lewis of Silver Creek; Tramon Bell, Desirae P. Robinson, and Makayla My'asia Ward, all of Starkville; Shaqueria M. Polk of State Line; Eric Keiden Graves, Camry Jayd Johnson, and Trevor Jamesa Lockley, all of Stonewall; Na'Kosha Keiam Adams of Terry; Jujuan Demetrius Ray of Toledo, Ohio;
Addison Mchale Baskin, Tadarius George Blanks, Allie Marie Blythe, Jordan Goffrier, Lorenzo Octavian Landrum, Jordan T. Miller, Michael Dewayne Ruffin, Trinity Wilks, and Kaidence Young, all of Toomsuba; Maggie K. Diamond of Toxey, Alabama; Joseph C. Duckworth and Khiyon J. Lewis, both of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Deasia Cook of Tylertown; Daniel Matthew Connelly, Jeffrey Michael Jenkins, John C. Oliver, Charles Giovanna Ratcliff, and Abbie Marie Young, all of Union; Hunter Parker of Vancleave; Ranisha Renae Gentry, Lauren T. Madison, Tiara Michelle Sims, and Kenneth Ray Swayzer, all of Vicksburg; Destini Rashanti Davis, Kaitlynn Amber Locke, Trinity Alyse Lofton, and Neena Marie Walters, all of Waynesboro, and Regan E. Shelton and Terica L. Smith, both of West Point.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu.