POPLARVILLE – Pearl River Community College lays the educational foundation for lifelong success, speaker Karen Ladner Moore told graduates Friday, May 13.
Moore, a 1985 graduate, has wonderful memories from her two years at Pearl River, which has been the higher educational beginning for 11 members of her family.
“It is indeed a pleasure to be back home at Pearl River Community College,” Moore said. “You have reached a huge milestone. It was 31 years ago that I sat where you are today.”
She left PRCC for the University of Southern Mississippi and then took a receptionist job after getting her degree. That led to an administrative assistant’s job, then a manager’s position and, ultimately, to her present job as chief executive officer of Baldwin County EMC, the largest electric cooperative in Alabama.
“It was a big step for me in the next part of my journey,” she said. “You are all on the move.”
Moore is the daughter of longtime PRCC board member Frank and Beverly Ladner of Bay St. Louis. She and her husband, Ken, live in Fairhope, Ala.
Frank Ladner presented his grandson, Austin Ladner, with his diploma during the ceremony.
Approximately 450 students participated in the ceremony, open to about 1,000 students who completed associate in arts or associate in applied science degrees or certificates of proficiency during the summer and fall 2015 semesters and spring 2016.
“I feel good, but I’ll be back” said Jasmine Adams of Bassfield, who received an AA degree and will continue her education in the PRCC practical nursing program.
Bethany Berryman of Carriere and Amanda Drummond of Hattiesburg will be taking their degrees further afield.
Berryman, whose decorated cap read “On to my new dream,” will be working at Disneyworld with the goal of moving into a character role.
Drummond will be using her business management and marketing degree as the assistant manager of a restaurant in Port Arthur, Texas.
“It means the start of the rest of my life,” new graduate David Hale of Bay St. Louis said after receiving his diploma from Dr. William Lewis, PRCC president.
“You are a special part of the Pearl River Community College family,” Lewis told the graduates. “We wish you much success and the best life has to offer.”
Cindy Joyce of Gulfport snaps a picture of Pearl River Community College graduates, from left, Pheonia Arrington of Waynesboro, Sonni Parker of Gulfport and Leslie Anderson of Waynesboro.
PRCC Public Relations photo
Karen Moore, cheif executive officer of Baldwin County EMC, was the speaker for graduation at Pearl River Community College.
PRCC Public Relations photo
David Hale of Bay St. Louis receives his diploma from Dr. William Lewis, Pearl River Community College president.
PRCC Public Relations photo
New Pearl River Community College graduates move their tassles during commencement exercises on Friday, May 13, in White Coliseum.
PRCC Public Relations photo
Jasmine Adams of Bassfield, second from right, had plenty of family on hand to see her graduate from Pearl River Community College, including, from left, cousin Kim McMooain, aunt Lisa Bohannon and sister Janay Booth.
PRCC Public Relations photo
