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RIDGELAND, Miss. — Holmes Community College celebrated its Massage Therapy Class of 2025 during a pinning ceremony held on the Ridgeland Campus Dec. 12. Graduates included Kassandra Aguilar of Jackson, Elizabeth Lawanda Brown of Newton, Deanna Burke of Vicksburg, Sheneka Floyd of Magee, Tiffany Hathorn of Bassfield, Noah Huff of Brandon, Jocelyn Murillo-Gamez of Ridgeland, Daniella Solano-Ortega of Canton, Ava Walker of Florence and Jordan White of Jackson.
Family, friends, faculty and staff gathered to honor the graduates as they marked the completion of their program and prepared to enter the healthcare workforce.
Director of Health Science Allison DeWeese welcomed attendees and congratulated the graduates on their hard work, professionalism and dedication throughout the program.
Graduate Lawanda Brown delivered student remarks, sharing her reflections on the class’s journey and the significance of reaching this milestone.
“Today we gather to celebrate reaching a significant milestone in our lives,” Brown said. “It’s a moment filled with pride, joy and a sense of nostalgia as we reflect on the journey that has brought us here. When I first stepped into the program I was unsure of what to expect, but I thought ‘I’m already a nurse this will be a breeze.’ Then came long kinesiology. I quickly realized this wasn’t just about learning techniqueor anatomy; it was about understanding the profound impact that touch can have on our clients’ lives. Massage therapy is more than a profession; it’s a calling to help others heal, relax and find balance. Throughout this journey, we’ve shared countless hours in the classroom, practicing our skills and supporting each other. We’ve formed bonds that will last a lifetime, learning from one another and growing together. Each late-night stusy session, every practice and all the feedback from our instructor has prepared us to step into the world as competent, compassionate therapists. I want to especially express gratitutde to our instructor, Ms. Liz, who has guided us with her expertise and with such passion. Thank you for your patience, your encouragement, your sometimes sternness and for instilling in us the values and professionalism.”
The ceremony continued with guest speaker Kwantrell Green, a motivational speaker known for his message of resilience, purpose and positive transformation. Green encouraged graduates to approach their new careers with confidence, compassion and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Massage Therapy instructor Liz McLain also addressed the audience, offering words of encouragement and recognizing the determination and growth demonstrated by the class. She then presented the Massage Therapy Student of the Year award to Deanna Burke.
“They are all wonderful, but one student I want to recognize today is someone who has not missed class,” McLain said. “She helps with anything you need help with, comes in early, and that is with her driving an hour each way to school. She is an overrall wonderful person who will be a fabulous therapist.”
Career-Technical Counselor Jovonna Parker presented certificates to each graduate while McLain pinned the students, symbolizing their readiness to enter the field.
Ridgeland Campus Vice President Dr. Bronwyn Martin delivered the closing remarks, commending the graduates on their accomplishments and emphasizing the vital role massage therapists play in promoting wellness and improving quality of life.
For more information about the Massage Therapy program, contact McLain at lmclain@holmescc.edu or 601-605-3324.
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