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RAYMOND — Janna Hodges’ thoughts coming out of high school in her hometown of Eupora, Miss. centered on the best place to pursue a goal of becoming a pharmacist.

“��ż��� offered more classes I could take in my major and more activities than other places I could have gone,” Hodges said. “I’ve always been good in math and science and I have good people skills. I’ve always wanted to be in the medical field and that’s the field that suits me best.”

Hodges was among 619 students who received at least one credential from the college during drive-through ceremonies July 29-Aug. 1 at the Raymond and Utica campuses. Ceremonies were adjusted from the traditional format due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

She earned an associate in arts degree from ��ż��� and plans to parlay a chemistry degree into a career in pharmacy. As a ��ż��� student, she served as vice president for service in the Alpha Omicron Omega chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society at the Rankin Campus.

“The most exciting time of year for educators is graduation,” said ��ż��� President Dr. Stephen Vacik. “It is a milestone for students. It is a milestone for faculty and staff as well. Even in this time of interpersonal challenge, we want to be deliberate in celebrating the achievements of our students. To that end, ��ż��� hosted drive-through commencement exercises over four days. And even though it looked different than past graduations, because it is our affirmative response to an adversary in COVID-19, it will be even more meaningful.”

Hodges earned an associate in arts degree from ��ż��� and plans to parlay a chemistry degree into a career in pharmacy. As a ��ż��� student, she served as vice president for service in the Alpha Omicron Omega chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society at the Rankin Campus. In the fall, she’ll attend the University of Mississippi.

“I want to make a difference and I think I can in this field,” Hodges said.