The top superlatives of the 2022 graduating class were announced at the Presidential Scholars program held in April. Chelniah Pollard has been named valedictorian and Jaylen Townsend, salutatorian, of the graduating class of 2022. Coahoma’s 70th Commencement is set to take place at James E. Miller Stadium on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 9 a.m.

Chelniah Pollard, a native Clarksdalean, is the daughter of Rochelle and Lavon Pollard. She hopes to soon begin study in a Practical Nursing program. A member of Phi Theta Kappa, the biblical text found in Isaiah 41:10 has served as a source of comfort while on her course to success—Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

She shares that Coahoma offers an “at-home experience with very helpful, involved teachers.”

“I never felt left out or “on my own” here at Coahoma,” she adds.

In terms of her future, Pollard says, “I aspire to continue to strengthen my faith in the Lord and continue to strive for success. I hope to never feel content at any point in life, as the sky is always the limit. I hope to forever remain kindhearted and humble!”

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Jaylen Townsend, of Shelby, Miss., is the son of Waukesah Townsend and Reginald Reed. The English major is proud to have served as an active member of Phi Theta Kappa and vice president of the Honors College at Coahoma Community College.

He considers his goals set for his time in Tiger Nation fulfilled. Those goals included obtaining a quality education, using rich knowledge and skillsets learned to build on his foundation, and inspiring others to attend CCC.

Townsend wholeheartedly believes that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” the words of Nelson Mandela.

An avid lover of English, he plans to further his studies in English education and minor in special education at Delta State University to become an astounding mentor and educator.

Dr. Corey Wiggins, federal co-chairman of public service and government agency, the Delta Regional Authority, will address graduates at Saturday’s commencement.

Chairman Wiggins, a Hazelhurst, Miss., native, has served in the U.S. Senate as a Barbara Jordan Health Policy Fellow and as the executive director of the Mississippi State Conference of the NAACP.

The graduation will stream live on CCC’s Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CCCTigers.