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Above: Lia Smith of Columbia was the student speaker for the May 13 ceremony at ��«Ӱҵ’s Utica Campus.

In the fourth and final spring 2023 graduation ceremony on May 13, ��«Ӱҵ honored students at the Utica Campus and celebrated the “Golden” ��«Ӱҵ Agricultural High School Class of 1973.

The graduating class of 114 students gathered at the iconic bell tower, the only original remaining structure of the former Utica Institute, for a special ceremony before processing to J.D. Boyd Gym for graduation.

Also recognized were 71 members of the Class of 1973 who wore gold robes with maroon sashes.

Offering the invocation and benediction was Omarion Luss of Clinton. A guard on the Men’s Basketball team his freshman year, he was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa and was among students who received an inaugural Walter Washington Achievement Award. He plans to transfer to Mississippi State University.

The graduation speaker was Lia Smith of Columbia. She played forward on the Women’s Basketball Team for two years and was named a National Junior College Athletic Association All-Academic Second Team Member. She plans to major in Electrical Engineering at Jackson State University.

“This college has laid the foundation for the careers we have chosen to pursue,” Smith said. “It has not only filled our minds with knowledge but gave us a chance for the hands-on experience that is not always given at every college. This campus may be smaller than average, but it is filled with people who push us to become our best as well as students who strive to become their best.”