The tassel was moved and lives were changed with the graduation of students from Coahoma County High School Friday night, May 31, 2024.
Eighty-one Seniors from the graduating Class of 2024 proudly walked across the stage at The Pinnacle on the campus of Coahoma Community and were handed their diploma.
Parents, teachers and school staff smiled, cried and yelled out loud as each student was honored.
The prayer was given by Assistant Principal Dr. Joseph Lamberth and the welcome by Principal Tyinika Shaw.
“It has been a lot of hard work for many to get you here,” said Shaw in addressing students and parents. “You accepted the challenge to graduate and we celebrate your accomplishment.”
Shaw pointed out more than dozen graduates have scored above 20 on their American College Testing (ACT) exam and have full scholarships to carry them on to college.
Coahoma County High School 2024 Salutatorian Te’Airra Ewings thanked parents and teachers for their effort to help students attain graduation.
“When I left Jonestown Elementary to go to high school, I never thought today would get here,” said Ewings. “I want to point out that was not an ending but a beginning for me. I want to say today is not an ending but a beginning for all of us.”
Valedictorian Birley Gipson, III, spoke of hope, joy and memories of the Class of 2024 as he gave his charge to classmates and the crowd.
“This was a long time coming and I have seen tears today, but this is not a day of sadness but a day of joy,” said Gipson. “We become young adults today!
“I urge you not to waste today and to make tomorrow happen,” he added. “Don’t wait, because the time to act is now.”
And with Gipson’s words of wisdom finished, Shaw told the crowd and class the Class of 2024 was certified as having met all requirements to become graduates of Coahoma County High School and could receive their diplomas.
School Board President Rico Smith echoed Shaw and declared the class ready to use their diploma.
The name of each graduate was read, and honors noted as they stepped across the stage and had their photo taken as they accepted their diploma.
The Coahoma County Junior High School Choir provided two songs of inspiration.
Pastor Emmanuel Boone provided the Benediction and Coahoma County School District Superintendent Dr. Virginia Young gave closing remarks.
“We have reached the point where we end this ceremony,” said Young, as students and those in attendance expressed their excitement for the moment. “But from this point on you will make your future. We expect great things from you.
“You may now move your tassel,” said Young as The Pinnacle exploded in celebration.
The Coahoma County Board of Trustees are, President Rico Smith, Vice President Milroy Harris, members Gerald Johnson, Coreen Richardson and Johnny Moore. School attorney is Nathaniel Armstead.
School officials are Superintendent Dr. Virginia Young, Assistant Superintendent Crystal Hall Gooden, Principal Tyinika Shaw, Assistant Principals McKinley Scott and Joseph Lambert and Counselor Rodericka Robinson-Curry.
Class Sponsors were Eddie Taylor, Denise Calhoun, Latarius O’Neal, Rodericka Curry and Domonique Hines-Johnson.
The Class Motto was “One Class, One Love.” Class colors were pink and gray and the class song was “I’ll Always Remember You.”
