54 • GRADUATION 2020 • MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL • THE MERIDIAN STAR
Kyler S. Yarbrough,
A member of MHS Boys Varsity Basketball Team, is a selected 2020
Premier Prep honoree and Mississippi Scholar. Kyler will be attending
Coahoma Community College or Itawamba Community College to further
his sports journey. His career goals are to pursue a degree in Occupational
Therapy. Kyler attends Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church in
Collinsville, MS.
He is the son of Rodney and Pamela Dubose Yarbrough.
Congratulations from Cedric D. Clark Memorial Funeral Home
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Excel Against the Odds
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As we approach the time of the year typically
known as “graduation season” due to the various
grade school and institutions of higher learning
commencement ceremonies, we know this year
will be quite different from previous years. The
class of 2020 has had to pivot from the norm due
the global COVID-19 pandemic, and there is grave
uncertainty for rising students. Many questions
surround what is to come as institutions plan
how to relaunch their programs effectively and
make the transition to the new norm as smooth
as possible for students. Although, these are truly
nontraditional, unprecedented times, there is a
message of encouragement to all students that
“you can excel against the odds!”
Meet Pearl Rice Huggins, now affectionately
known as Dr. Pearl Huggins. Dr. Huggins is an
example of excelling against the odds. Currently,
a first grade teacher at Crestwood Elementary
School, Huggins has an extensive history as
an educator. However, the teacher would
now become the student as Huggins made
the decision to enroll into the graduate school
program at Mississippi State University. Huggins
was now a nontraditional graduate student, which comes with its own set of challenges.
Studies show the likelihood of returning to graduate school decreases with age with less
than 5% enrolling after age 45. Unlike typical non-traditional graduate students, who
may delay entrance into post-undergraduate education by a few years, Huggins was now
entering graduate school in her late 60s, which is quite a rarity. As mentioned, she already
has an extensive work experience as a grade school teacher, but at this point in her life,
she is also a wife, mother, grandmother, business owner, and the pastor of First Apostolic
Church in Meridian, MS, which she has been for 36 years. These are huge responsibilities.
None of which were suspended when she enrolled in graduate school.
Huggins faced the same challenges that many nontraditional students face such as
finding the time to work and study, balancing family commitments, learning the use
of modern technology, balancing financial obligations, and having the self-confidence
to successfully complete the program. However, she confronted and conquered those
challenges with grace. Despite the statistics, Huggins proved it is never too late to return
to school. She proudly received her Master’s Degree from Mississippi State University on
December 12, 2019 as well as received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Christ Temple
International Apostolic University, San Diego, California.
Thus, during this time, all student but especially rising college students, are encouraged
to learn from Dr. Huggins. No matter what challenges may come or how unconventional
the method may be, if you are steadfast, you can excel against the odds and succeed in all
your pursuits. Congratulations to the class of 2020! Stay encouraged!
Wishing this year’s graduates a letter-perfect
day as they celebrate the culmination of so
many yearsof hard work and dedication.
Happy Graduation to the Class of 2020!
THE
MERIDIAN
Publishing since 1898
Phone: 601-693-1551
814 22nd Avenue • Meridian, MS 39302
www.meridianstar.com
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