Hinds CC Adult Education graduates overcome obstacles to obtain education dream

RAYMOND – JoAnn Varnell dropped out of high school at age 14 after getting pregnant. Thirty-five years later, the 59-year-old Jackson woman began adult education classes in 2015 with the goal of finishing high school, but her schooling was interrupted when her husband had a stroke.

Despite that setback and others, Varnell was determined to further her education. On June 25, dressed in a gray cap and gown, Varnell walked across the stage at Hinds Community College’s Cain-Cochran Hall and received not only her high school equivalency certificate, but a National Career Readiness Certificate, an OSHA safety certification and a technology certificate.

She’s only getting started, she said.

“It’s shocking to think I have done this, but I am not finished. I’m going to try to get an associate degree in something,” the soft spoken, petite woman said. “I am glad I have this done so I can get a job.”

Varnell was one of nearly 115 adults participating in the High School Equivalency (HSE) recognition ceremony. Some said while life circumstances made it difficult for them to finish traditional high school, they eventually found a way to continue their education.

Antwan Waters, 41, of Jackson, said he dropped out of high school in Savannah, Ga., at age 17 to go to work. He recently completed an HSE program at a private school but learned the school was not accredited when he tried to apply to a four-year college.

He had to find another avenue to get a credential, Waters said, which led him to Hinds.

Waters, a gospel rap artist who recently released his first single, “Never Forget,” on YouTube, said he is passionate about reaching people through music.

“I know that I will help a lot of people worship God through music. Not everyone worships the same way,” said Waters, who plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music at Jackson State University. “I want to open a music studio where people can come to express themselves creatively.”

During the ceremony, Hinds President Dr. Stephen Vacik told graduates their accomplishment is a big milestone and should be celebrated, but earning an HSE is not their final destination. Others will be inspired to follow in their footsteps.

“This is a huge step for you and probably opening doors for you and your future. But I do not want you to think that this is the end. You have so much more in store for you. This is simply a beginning,” Dr. Vacik said. “Others are going to come behind you and they’re going to see your example of perseverance and commitment and willingness to overcome. I want you to leave those footprints deep in the sand for them.”

Graduation speaker Rev. Hugh Holowell, pastor of Open Door Mennonite Church in Jackson, said many people go through life complaining about their lot but do nothing to change their path. Those who were recognized in the ceremony imagined their life could be different – and took action, he said.

“Dreaming is not enough. The dream is free. The hustle is sold separately,” Holowell said.

He said he knows the graduates are not afraid of hard work, which is necessary to continue to reach for their dreams.

“You’re not afraid to work hard because what you have done was hard, it meant doing what was hard instead of what was fun, like when you hit the books instead of sleeping in…It meant coming home from work exhausted, but instead of collapsing on the couch you did the thing that could change your life,” Holowell said.