Hinds CC nursing grad pays tribute to deceased classmate in remarks
College graduating more than 1,150 in May
Pearl, MS (05/13/2026) — On a day of celebration for Hinds Community College nursing and allied health graduates, student commencement speaker N'Kyah Kendrick remembered a former classmate who didn't walk the stage Wednesday.
Kendrick, who received an Associate Degree in Nursing on May 13, paid tribute to Veronica Howard, who passed away from cancer in October 2025 during her third semester of nursing school. Howard had worked for more than 20 years in home health and nursing homes. She was working toward an ADN at the time of her death.
"Miss Veronica was small in stature, with bright red hair and had a presence that filled every room she walked into. At 62 years old, she sat right alongside us - keeping up, showing up, and reminding us that determination does not have an age limit," Kendrick said.
"She was driven to become a registered nurse and contribute to cancer research. She was compassionate, selfless and deeply intentional in everything she did. But what made Miss Veronica unforgettable wasn't just her goals - it was her heart," Kendrick said.
When she learned she had cancer and had to withdraw from school, "she did not respond with fear - she responded with strength. She reassured us. She encouraged us. She chose to carry her burden quietly so that we could stay focused and keep moving forward."
Kendrick challenged classmates to take the impact Howard had on them and use it as "power to make a difference."
"In a system that can sometimes feel cold, we will be the warmth. In moments filled with fear, we will be the reassurance. In darkness, we will be the light," she said. "This is not just a career - it is a calling, a responsibility and a privilege."
Hinds Community College is awarding more than 1,500 degrees and certificates during five graduation ceremonies this week, Wednesday-Friday.
Among the graduates, 615 are graduating with honors; 239 students are graduating cum laude, which is a 3.2-3.59 grade point average out of 4.0; 177 are graduating magna cum laude, 3.6-3.99 GPA and 199 are graduating summa cum laude, which is a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Graduating students offer the invocation, benediction and speak on behalf of classmates at all five ceremonies.
Serenity Montgomery of Vicksburg offered the invocation. She has completed the Respiratory Care Technology program at the Nursing Allied Health Center in Jackson. While at Hinds she participated in Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Her next step is to enter her chosen career.
Offering the benediction was Jake Wooten of Flowood. He has been attending the Rankin Campus and will earn his Associate Degree in Nursing. He is employed at Baptist Medical Center as a nurse extern in oncology. He has also been accepted into the University of Mississippi Medical Center Advanced Standing Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
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
N’Kyah Kendrick of Jackson used her graduation speech to pay tribute to a former classmate who passed away from cancer. Kendrick received an Associate Degree in Nursing from Hinds Community College on May 13.
Offering the invocation at the May 13 Nursing Allied Health graduation ceremony at Hinds Community College was Serenity Montgomery of Vicksburg, left. Offering the benediction was Jake Wooten of Flowood. The graduation speaker was N’Kyah Kendrick of Jackson, far right. They are with Hinds President Dr. Stephen Vacik.
Adrian Cooper of Jackson received an Associate Degree of Nursing from Hinds Community College on May 13.
Graduating with degrees in Physical Therapy Assisting from Hinds Community College on May 13 were, from left, Brayden Williams of Jackson, Raliyah Weathersby of Forest, Hannah Walters of Jackson, Breanna Foy of Vicksburg, Jaterrica Frazier of Tallulah, La., Sarah Wrigley of Brandon and Gaston Bishop of Brandon.
Stace Carter of Warren County, 49, received an Associate Degree of Nursing from Hinds Community College on May 13. She returned to college to try “to advance my career and get better job opportunities.”
Jazmin Russell of Clinton, left and Mallary Smith of Raymond, right, received degrees in Physical Therapy Assisting from Hinds Community College on May 13.
Autumn Edwards of Crystal Springs received an Associate Degree of Nursing from Hinds Community College on May 13.
McKenzie Tripp of Clinton received a degree in respiratory care therapy from Hinds Community College on May 13.
Olivia Bloodworth of Brandon celebrates her graduation from Hinds Community College on May 13 with her nephew Jackson. She received an Associate Degree in Nursing.
Taylor Coward of Morton celebrates his graduation from Hinds Community College on May 13 with his family. He received a degree in respiratory therapy.
Jazmin Russell of Clinton celebrates receiving her degree in Physical Therapy Assisting from Hinds Community College on May 13 with her husband Jake.
Micayla Ross of Jackson received an Associate Degree in Nursing from Hinds Community College on May 13. She is with her parents Shawana Ross and Steven Ross.
Stacie Milstead shoots a selfie with her sister Crystal Barron of Madison, who received an Associate Degree in Nursing from Hinds Community College on May 13.
Tritt Crowder of Vicksburg embraces his friend Jashaunda Allen after receiving an Associate Degree in Nursing from Hinds Community College on May 13.
Ja’Onna Jones of Flowood celebrates receiving an Associate Degree in Nursing from Hinds Community College on May 13. She is with her boyfriend and son.