November 18, 2025
Malone Chapel was filled with jubilation as the first Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) class on the Poplarville Campus of 91福利 graduated on Nov. 12. Friends and family filled the pews, cheering on their loved ones as they celebrated their accomplishment.
Front Row: Instructor Adina Whalum, Gracie Dunaway, Carleigh Rawson, Deionnie Wiggins, Cheryl Walker, Tammy Sones, and Instructor Marissa Brandon.
Back Row: Jesse Davis, Lisa Schjott, Kelsey Smith, Emily Mooney, and Cynthia Beasley.
Photo by Patrick Peerboom.
Workforce project manager Tasha May welcomed guests and set the tone for the family-friendly ceremony, letting parents know that a little noise is just fine.
鈥淲e celebrate every student and their family tonight, because this graduation isn鈥檛 just a moment鈥攊t鈥檚 a memory built on hard work and encouragement from loved ones,鈥� said May. 鈥淭his first-ever CCMA class in Poplarville has shown how education brings people together鈥攎others, sons, aunts and nieces, all inspiring each other to succeed.鈥�
Marissa Brandon, a registered nurse, has been the CCMA instructor in Hattiesburg since the program began in 2019.
鈥淭his program isn鈥檛 easy, especially for working adults juggling jobs and families,鈥� said Brandon. 鈥淏ut every single graduate tonight proved they could overcome the challenges with the support of those around them.鈥�
Full-Circle Success
Adina Whalum was a student in the first CCMA class. When Workforce Training decided to expand the program to include an evening class in Poplarville, Whalum was Brandon鈥檚 ideal choice for the CCMA instructor.
鈥淭o see former students like Adina go from my very first class to leading her own tonight is a full-circle moment and proof of what this program can achieve for our community,鈥� said Brandon.
Whalum had been applying for the Practical Nursing program when she heard about the CCMA opportunity. She elected to use that class as a launching point into healthcare and ultimately nursing. After completing the CCMA program and beginning work, Whalum was accepted into the Practical Nursing program, graduating in December 2021.
鈥淚 often find myself smiling when I think about where I am now,鈥� said Whalum. 鈥淚 literally whisper, 鈥楾hank you, God,鈥� for giving me this opportunity. I know how valuable this program was for me, and I want students to recognize that same value.鈥�
Whalum had words of encouragement for the students.
鈥淎s someone who once sat in these very seats as a student, I know firsthand that completing this program is about so much more than starting鈥攊t鈥檚 about finishing strong and finding your greater purpose,鈥� said Whalum.
鈥淭his graduation isn鈥檛 just an ending. It鈥檚 the start of new opportunities, and I am so proud of the professionals you are becoming.鈥�
When One Leap Inspires Another
Toie Davis of Poplarville entered the program after spending 12 years in another career. She had always been interested in healthcare but had held back on pursuing it. She completed the CCMA program in Hattiesburg two years ago.
鈥淭aking a chance on this program changed my life,鈥� said Davis. 鈥淚 researched, I studied, and now I鈥檓 proud to be working at the Poplarville Clinic.鈥�
Davis聽inspired her聽son Jessie Davis of Poplarville聽to become聽one of the聽graduates from the inaugural Poplarville class.聽He hopes to find employment close to Poplarville as his roots are here.聽
鈥淪eeing my mom succeed in the CCMA program inspired me to follow her path and make a meaningful difference for patients every day,鈥� said Davis. 鈥淭his is just the start for me. I鈥檓 hoping to move from CCMA to LPN, and one day to RN, all right here at home.鈥�
Graduates of the first evening CCMA class in Poplarville are Cherly Walker of D’Iberville, Kelsey Smith of Foxworth, Jessie Davis of Poplarville, Emily Mooney of Poplarville, Gracie Dunaway of Columbia, Carleigh Rawson of Purvis, Lisa Schjott of Grand Bay, Ala., Deionnie Wiggins of Angie, La., Cynthia Beasley of Columbia, and Tammy Sones of Columbia.
About the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Program
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program at 91福利 offers a rigorous, 500-hour hybrid curriculum combining flexible online courses, twice-weekly in-person skills labs, and a full-time clinical externship. Designed for students seeking both convenience and hands-on training, participants benefit from live instruction, collaboration with classmates, and immersive learning opportunities that prepare them for real-world medical office environments. Graduates are equipped with practical skills to pursue careers as clinical medical assistants, phlebotomy technicians, or EKG technicians, with eligibility to sit for nationally recognized certification exams.
Classes are offered during the fall and spring semesters in Hattiesburg and Poplarville. Visit prcc.edu/workforce-training/certified-clinical-medical-assistant/ for more information, including how to apply.
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Article by Laura O’Neill. Photography by Laura O’Neill and Patrick Peerboom.
