Pinning ceremony honors 16 new nurses

CLARKSDALE – When Mid-Delta Home Health founder Clara Reed became a licensed practical nurse in 1973, one hospital offered her a starting monthly salary of $375.

“That’s was not much better than chopping cotton,” she told 16 new practical nursing graduates at Coahoma Community College’s pinning ceremony Tuesday night in the Pinnacle.

Delivering a high-energy commencement address before an audience of 300 educators, relatives and friends, Reed commended the class for reaching a milestone and becoming an important part of the health care industry that needs workers.

“You can become whatever you want if you stay focused,” said the speaker who frequently punctuated her admonitions with “Amens.”

“This is just a beginning for you,” she said and urged them to continue their education and become registered nurses.

Reed continued her own education at Mississippi Valley State University, became a registered nurse, staff nurse, supervisor, the first African-American nurse in her hospital, and founded Mid-Delta Home Health of Belzoni.

“Race has nothing to do with it; don’t stop now and be satisfied with where you are,” she continued. “Be proud and keep looking up.”

Reed challenged the graduates to be on time, be organized, and be self-disciplined.

“Be the best in your field; be encouraged; give 110 percent and 150 percent; do it for yourself,” she said.

Introducing the speaker was class president Keelah Ray of Clarksdale, recipient of the prestigious Furniss Nursing Award awarded annually to a graduate over 25 who has overcome obstacles to become a nurse. Ray also was cited for the highest academic average.

Other graduates receiving awards were Cicely Taylor of Cleveland, second highest academic average; Tabitha Conner and Tasheba Conner of Clarksdale, top clinical awards; Tangela Walker of Tutwiler, citizenship award who also read her poem, “Don’t Look Back; You’re Not Going That Way”; and Samantha Hardmon of Clarksdale, class spirit award.

Presenting the invocation was Ricardo Buckner of Merigold. Congratulating the graduates were Anne Clark, CCC career technical dean; and Dr. Vivian Presley, CCC president.

Graduates are Ricardo Buckner of Merigold; Tabitha Conner, Tasheba Conner, Samantha Hardmon, all of Clarksdale; Sharonda Head of Cleveland; Mary Lawson of Gunnison; Anna McNeal of Clarksdale; Shanta Menton of Greenville.

Renee Moore of Clarksdale; Nakitha O’Braint of Renova; Angela Payton of Cleveland; Keelah Ray of Clarksdale; Shaunita Strong of Batesville; Cicely Taylor of Cleveland; Franklyn Thomas of Greenville; and Tangela Walker of Tutwiler.