Coahoma21 has inserted another time-transcending graduation day in the books.
"On a scale of one to 10, I'd have to give it a good 12," said class of 2021 salutatorian Richard Cole while described his excitement for graduation day, which was held May 8, 2021, in a 'Tiger Talk' interview with the CCC Office of Admissions two weeks before the College's 69th Commencement.
Now, career launches and, for some, matriculation is a short distance away.
Miss Homecoming 2020-21 and recent graduate Takiya Alford has plans to continue her collegiate education at Delta State University. Receiving her associate's in general studies, she will study pre-physical therapy to enter an essential branch in health care. She says that of her two years spent at Coahoma, her freshman year was most memorable.
“I enjoyed everything about it from cheering, the vibes & atmosphere,” said Alford, who was also a CCC cheerleader during her attendance.
What added to the amplifying fire in cheers she performed at games and events was the moment she was announced the 2020-2021 Homecoming Queen.
Toward the close of the 2020 substitute for Homecoming festivities, “A Celebration of Tigers,” Homecoming queen candidates faced an announcement of the winner bestowed the most votes. During CCC’s ‘Giving Back to Move Forward’ telethon that broadcast live on Facebook on October 22, 2020, Alford was stoked to discover that several Tigers viewed her as the top choice.
“When being announced as the winner, it was an unexplainable feeling, and I felt so proud about it because I had accomplished something that many people were scared to do,” Alford recollected, noting that the moment is a memory she will hold forever.
It was in that triumphant moment that Alford realized her strong efforts in convincing her counterparts she would represent the institution well did not go unnoticed. Alford, who also served as captain of the cheerleading team, even joined her squad in an exhilarating cheer on a highly competitive afternoon of campaigning where all the candidates and their teams aimed to secure votes from students.
“Through the whole week of campaigning, it was so exciting,” Alford recollected. “I had support from family, friends, and cheer sisters.”
While COVID-19 concerns have prevented a striking crowning ceremony, she highly reveres being entrusted with the title.
“Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, I was unable to get crowned, but I’m looking forward to it in the fall,” Alford expressed.