Two Students Named Valedictorian and Salutatorian Twice

Two students at Coahoma Community College just accomplished something remarkable: they earned the same top honors in college that they held in high school.

Mar'Kayla Williams from Marks, Mississippi, has been named valedictorian of the 2026 graduating class, while Briauna Mosby from Mound Bayou earned salutatorian. Both students held these exact same distinctions when they graduated high school just one year ago.

Williams, a general education major and 2025 graduate of Madison Palmer High School, said the achievement feels deeply meaningful. "My hard work and consistency have paid off, and I'm grateful for the support from my family, teachers, and mentors," she shared.

She credits her involvement in the Honors College and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for shaping her growth. "My journey taught me discipline and commitment, and through my involvement and faith, I've grown as a leader," Williams said.

Mosby, a psychology major from Northside High School, described the transition from high school to college as challenging but rewarding. "Being named Salutatorian means a lot to me, and I'm proud knowing the hard work and long nights paid off," she said.

The psychology major found strength in her campus community during the adjustment. "College has been a life-changing opportunity, and I'm grateful for the support from my faith, family, friends, and faculty that pushed me to succeed," Mosby explained.

The Ripple Effect

Their achievements highlight something bigger than individual success. Coahoma Community College, a historically Black community college founded in 1949, serves the heart of the Mississippi Delta with accessible education pathways.

The institution combines affordable tuition with generous scholarships, creating opportunities for students who might otherwise struggle to access higher education. Williams and Mosby represent the college's mission in action: providing supportive environments where dedicated students can thrive.

Both students maintained their academic excellence while adapting to new challenges and responsibilities. Their consistency from high school through college demonstrates how the right support systems can help students reach their full potential.

The college celebrates these two graduates as examples of what's possible when perseverance meets opportunity in an environment committed to student success.