High school seniors get a taste of college life at Hinds' Utica Campus

by Karin Meadows

Utica, MS (07/17/2025) —

Contact: Karin Meadows

240-888-8359

Karin.meadows@hindscc.edu

July 17, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

High school seniors get a taste of college life at Hinds' Utica Campus

UTICA - Rising high school seniors attending the first Thurgood Marshal College Fund S.O.A.R. Summer Camp at Hinds Community College's Utica Campus heard from former students about what it is like to attend the college.

During a July 16 panel discussion with about 50 campers dressed in black T-shirts bearing the S.O.A.R. (Seeking, Observing and Achieving Results) logo, recent Hinds alum shared advice on topics like getting involved on campus, becoming a leader and how to live on a college budget. They also encouraged the aspiring college students to pursue grants and scholarships to help finance their studies.

Alumni Jaylan Blount of Jackson graduated from Hinds in 2023 and is working toward a psychology degree at the University of Southern Mississippi. Blount said her experience at the Utica Campus was transformative. Change is good, she said.

"If you don't change, you're the same person as when you came in. Where are you starting from, who do you want to be or what do you want to major in?" Blount asked the students. "Your major may change 10 times and that's OK. Change is important."

Ezekial Harris of Canton graduated with an associate degree in mass communications in 2023. He described himself as "sheltered" when he arrived in Utica. Today, he loves to be the center of attention. He said his teachers and the staff helped him break out of his shell. He was voted Mr. Freshman and Mr. Utica.

"The faculty and staff helped. They are not just teachers and administrators. You've got mom and dad and cousins - it's a family. It shaped me," Harris said. "We motivate each other. Living in the residence halls, we're all we've got so we supported each other."

About 100 campers attended the immersive experience July 13-18, which provided the students with a unique opportunity to explore Historically Black Colleges and Universities, gain insights into college admissions, financial aid and scholarships and discover career pathways and academic programs.

Zoe Griffin of Raymond, who is pursuing an early childhood education degree at Alcorn State University, told the high schoolers she also was extremely shy as a starting freshman. Staff and administrators pushed her to get involved.

"You are told not to sit by yourself in the cafeteria. You are going to get involved, voluntary or not," Griffin said.

The small environment was a great fit for Jereimy Wright of Utica, who grew up just down the road from the Hinds campus.

"I chose the campus in 2020 during Covid. I didn't want to go too far," Wright said. "I didn't really like to talk a lot then, but I got out of that mindset."

Wright said he received a full scholarship to attend the Utica Campus through the choir program and has no college debt to-date. He encouraged the campers to pursue scholarship opportunities to finance their education.

When the panel was asked how young black men and women can become leaders, Wright said leading by example is a way to stand out. "You don't have to do what the other guys are doing," he said.

He encouraged the high schoolers to be willing to be take the lead in student clubs and other organizations. Now president of his social fraternity at Tougaloo College in Jackson, doing so has helped him learn to manage multiple roles at a time and to become a better man and a better leader, he said.

______________________

With six campuses in central Mississippi, Hinds Community College is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills.

Our Mission: Hinds Community College is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.

Our Vision: Hinds Community College will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.

Our Values: Hinds Community College aspires to the following IDEALS: Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Stewardship.

To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.HindsCC.

Media Attachments