During PCCUA’s Phillips County commencement ceremony, speaker Mayor Joseph Whitfield delivered a powerful message encouraging graduates to recognize the impact their lives and choices have on those around them. Drawing from themes of service, leadership, and community responsibility, Whitfield reminded graduates that success is not solely about personal achievement, but about using their gifts to strengthen the communities they serve.
Whitfield challenged the Class of 2026 to remain engaged, lead with integrity, and remember that true success is measured not only by what they accomplish for themselves, but by how they uplift others along the way.
The ceremony also honored the achievements of students earning degrees and certificates across a range of programs:
Associate of Arts recipients included:
From Bartlett, TN: Mariah Koss
From Brinkley: Mitchell Hicks Jr.,
From Columbus, MS: Jeremiah Aaron
From DeWitt: Camden Westfall,
From Helena: Wesley Barringer, Taylin Esters, KyReunna Franklin, Marcus Hughes Jr., Adriauna Mayfield, Kynsley Wooten
From Jacksonville: Latoris Willis
From Lexa: Stephanie Dunigan, Gunner Livingston, Brittany Wheeler, Brooklyn Wooten
From Marvell: JaBari Booth, Yantasia Morgan
From Olive Branch, MS: Jaiden Brunson
From Poplar Grove: Dekylon Arnold
From West Helena: Karma Bush, Nakayla Cornelious, Alexus Franklin, Kaytreuna Gamble, Qua’Neisha Hawkins, Taylor Smith, LaPrece Stayton, Jermaine Williams
Associate of Science recipients included:
From Helena: Alyssa Elliott, J’Nyah Walker
From Lexa: Gunner Livingston, Brittany Wheeler
From Little Rock: Da'Shaja Radford
From Marianna: Tavaria Porter
Associate of Applied Science recipients included:
From Clarksdale, MS: William Griffin
From DeWitt: Camden Westfall
From Elaine: Jaisetea Jefferson
From Helena: Tikira Burgess, Adriauna Mayfield, Tierra Tose, Jeffery Wages, Tamaro Williams
From Keiser: Zakiyah Brownlee
From Lexa: Lertice Chambers, Kaylynn Ford, Korshaune Henry, Kailey Hollaway, Brianna Wilborn
From Marion: Shanita Cannon
From Marvell: Tashanderlyn English, Maggie Guest
From Pace, MS: Jasmine Towers
From Palestine: Hailey McClanahan
From Poplar Grove: Tamera Carruth
From West Helena: Stephan Billingsley, Chelsea Camp, Kambreyia Donald, Miyah Evans, Jalessa Franklin, Hannah Gates, Sametrious Jones, Shawnessi King, LaTavia Lewis, Felicia Manning, Michelle Parker, Sarah Riddell, Joshua Grant Rohrscheib, Ku'Mauri Washington, Dekota Watkins
Students receiving Technical Certificates were:
From Elaine: Dykeisha Eaton, Keragan Hardesty, Sharnika Jones
From Helena: Za'Ryah Arnett, Najah Collins, Jennifer Green, Alice Jackson, Jahron King, Dalton Mabry, Adriauna Mayfield, Jakyra Powell, Megan Speed, Tamaro Williams
From Holly Grove: Toni Henderson
From Lexa: Terrion Davis, Korshaune Henry
From Marianna: Emma Griffith, Jayvon King
From Marvell: MaKayla Booth, Janiya Wright
From Mound Bayou, MS: Barbara Wallace
From Poplar Grove: Shakira Zachary
From West Helena: Stephan Billingsley, Amari Douglas, Iya Kayali, Michelle Parker, Gracie Pryor, Malik Roberts, Ahmad Walker, Sharron Walker, Avery White
