(Clarksdale, Mississippi) — A historic milestone is being celebrated this graduation season as the first Middle College cohorts from Clarksdale High School and Coahoma County High School prepare to graduate from Coahoma Community College before receiving their high school diplomas later this month.
As inaugural participants in their respective school districts’ Middle College programs, these students are among the first in their schools to earn associate degrees prior to high school graduation.
The achievement marks a significant advancement in educational opportunity across the Mississippi Delta and reflects the impact of partnerships designed to expand access to higher education for high school students.
Students from Clarksdale High School’s inaugural Middle College senior cohort include:
• Rhymes Chess
• Erin Cook
• Malaysia Earl
• Khmara McClenton
• Jazell Moore
• Madison Morris
• MacKenzie Newson
• Brooklyn Taylor
• Myla Walker
• Alexis Young
Students from Coahoma County High School’s first Middle College cohort include:
• Akeelah Galmore
• Tre’jah Carpenter
• Kenya Anderson
• Tamiya Elmore
The students will participate in Coahoma Community College’s Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 9 a.m., before receiving their high school diplomas during ceremonies later this month.
The Middle College initiative allows students to complete college-level coursework while fulfilling high school graduation requirements. Through the program, students earn transferable college credits and, in some cases, complete associate degrees before graduating from high school. To earn their associate degrees, students were required to successfully complete the same 60 credit hours expected of traditional college freshmen and sophomores. These students completed those college-level requirements during their junior and senior years of high school, allowing them to finish the equivalent of their first two years of college before earning their high school diplomas.
For Clarksdale High School and Coahoma County High School, this year’s graduating classes represent the first students to complete the program at this level. The milestone reflects the commitment of students, educators and families who supported the initiative from its beginning.
Balancing college coursework with traditional high school responsibilities required discipline, time management and academic focus. Throughout the program, students maintained demanding schedules while completing the requirements for a college degree.
By earning associate degrees before high school graduation, students gain early college experience, reduce future college expenses and strengthen their preparation for continued academic and professional opportunities.
The achievement also reflects continued collaboration between Coahoma Community College, Clarksdale Municipal School District and Coahoma County School District to create expanded educational pathways for student success. The partnership provides students with early exposure to higher education while supporting college readiness and career preparation.
As graduation approaches, the inaugural Middle College cohorts leave a lasting example for future students throughout the region. Their success marks a new chapter in academic achievement for their schools and communities.
Coahoma Community College recognizes the dedication and perseverance demonstrated by these students as they prepare to celebrate milestones at both the college and high school levels.
About Coahoma Community College
Founded in 1949, Coahoma Community College is a public, comprehensive, historically Black community college serving the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Coahoma offers Associate of Arts degrees, Associate of Applied Science degrees, and specialized certificates across dozens of diverse academic and career pathways. Located on a 99-acre campus in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the College is celebrating 77 years of academic excellence. In addition to its affordable tuition and generous scholarship opportunities, Coahoma has earned widespread recognition in nursing and health sciences, career-technical education, and university transfer programs. Outside of the classroom, students are involved in competitive NJCAA athletics as well as a variety of organizations and clubs, including student government, the celebrated college choir, and the renowned Marching Maroon Typhoon.