Hinds CC graduates 900 students during fall ceremonies
Pearl, MS (12/12/2025) — Skylar Johnson was the only female in her commercial aviation cohort at Hinds Community College. The 19-year-old Brandon native loved her student experience at Hinds, but sometimes people not connected to the school would make unkind remarks about her pursuit to become a pilot.
To encourage Johnson, her grandmother often wrote the words, "I can," or "Psalms 3:14" on the inside of Johnson's hand. The Bible passage refers to the lament of David fleeing Absalom, expressing distress over foes but finding hope in a higher power.
"It would be just for her to look at in class if she needed it to give her strength. No one else could see it," grandmother Donna Chapman of Byrum said.
Johnson joined 900 Hinds students earning nearly 1,300 credentials during four graduation ceremonies held Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 at the Muse Center. She graduated magna cum laude and will pursue a bachelor's degree in aviation business science and management at Middle Georgia State University while accruing enough hours to obtain her pilot's license.
Among the entire class, 466 students graduated with honors, including 239 cum laude, or 3.2 to 3.59 grade point average; 166 magna cum laude, or 3.6-3.99 GPA and 63 summa cum laude, a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Also graduating on Thursday morning at 10 a.m. - the ceremony for students with last names beginning H-O -- was 56-year-old Catrina Kitchens of Pearl. A licensed hair stylist for 33 years, she decided to return to school to pursue her passion of working with children. She stopped taking college course when she had children.
"It's been in the making for years," the mother of four and grandmother of six, ages 2-13 ,said. "I just never did it. I want to set an example to my grandkids that it is never too late to go after something."
Kitchens plans to obtain a bachelor's degree in early childhood education at Jackson State University and open a daycare center.
Honors student Chloe King, 19, of Terry, offered remarks on behalf of her classmates during the ceremony. After graduation, King plans to attend nursing school and continue her education to be come an OB/GYN.
"Even when it was hardwe didn't give up," King said. "Some of us came to be the first in our families to graduate. Some of us came to start over. Some of us came chasing a calling. But all of us came because we believed, somewhere deep inside, that we could become more than who we were. And we did."
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
Hinds graduates celebrate after receiving their diplomas during commencement exercises at Muse Center on Dec. 11 during a 10 a.m. ceremony.
Hinds Honors graduate Chloe King presented remarks on behalf of her classmates at the Dec. 11 morning graduation ceremony at Muse Center. The 19-year-old Terry graduate plans to pursue becoming a registered nurse and, eventually, OB/GYN.
Hinds President Dr. Stephen Vacik (center) with Dec. 11 morning student commencement speakers Keveion McClain, 21, of Grenada (left) and Chloe King, 19, of Terry.
Skylar Johnson, 19, of Brandon, wears her Hinds CC graduation cap, decorated to celebrate her progress in reaching her dream of becoming a pilot.
Hinds magna cum laude graduate Gavin Keir, 22, of Clinton, plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in history at Mississippi College. Kier was one of about 900 Hinds students graduating on Dec. 10 and 11 at Muse Center.
Hinds graduate 56-year-old Catrina Kitchens of Pearl, a licensed hair stylist for 33 years, decided to return to school to pursue her dream of working with children. She graduated with an associate degree in early childhood education on Dec. 11 and will attend Jackson State University. She wants to open a daycare center after obtaining a bachelor's degree.
Hinds graduates, from left, Jerries McLaurin, 44, of Brandon, Kayla Lee,19, of Lena, and Jayda Lindsey, 19, of Byrum show off their decorated caps before morning commencement exercises on Dec. 11 at the Muse Center.
Hinds graduate Skylar Johnson, 19, of Brandon, was the only female in her commercial aviation classes. She graduated magna cum laude on Dec. 11 and will pursue a bachelor's degree in aviation business science and management at Middle Georgia State University while accruing enough hours to obtain her pilot’s license.
Hinds Community College
Karin Meadows (601) 857-3343, karin.meadows@hindscc.eduShare this Story
Recent News
- Hinds CC honors Foundation scholarship recipients
- Hinds CC-Western Governors University Partnership Signing
- Hinds CC honors Foundation scholarship recipients on Vicksburg Campus
- Hinds CC trainees graduate from AWS upskilling program aimed at meeting Mississippi workforce needs
- Hinds CC Hi-Steppers ready to dance during 2025-2026 school year
- Hinds CC graduates summer class of electrical line workers
- Hinds CC enrollment up as students begin fall class
- Hinds CC - Atmos partnership provides education and skills for in-demand jobs
- High school seniors get a taste of college life at Hinds' Utica Campus