By Danny Barrett Jr.

HCC Media Relations

Rodtresse Vaughn is in the 11th grade and already drawing up quite the plan for what he’ll pursue after high school.

“I’m studying animation simulation here,” said Vaughn, among about 500 students from Vicksburg, Warren Central, Porters Chapel and St. Aloysius high schools in attendance for the College Carnival recruiting event March 22 at Hinds Community College Vicksburg-Warren Campus.

Vaughn was among several high school students at the event who is dually enrolled in college credit courses at Hinds, giving him a leg up on earning his college credentials on the way to building a career. “I’ve always loved drawing cartoons.”

Held each spring, the event gives prospective students a chance to find out about admissions, majors, financial aid, registration and more from faculty and staff during the come-and-go event.

Alaina Huskey, a senior at Porters Chapel, did so with advisors with the college’s nursing and allied health programs.

“I want to go into neonatal care,” Huskey said. “I’ve grown up around hospitals and healthcare.”

Students heard from college officials and fellow students about the many advantages of starting college at Hinds before enjoying activities outside the Loviza Building.

“Starting your education here versus a four-year university can save your parents thousands of dollars on your education overall,” said Emily Mitchell, in recruiting for the college. “You can get hundreds or even $1,000 just for a good ACT score, but if you don’t apply, you get zero dollars.”

Ariana Coleman, studying business management technology, stressed the small class sizes and individual attention students receive at Hinds.

“You get a lot of one-on-one time with your instructors and all the tools you need to advance in school and in life,” Coleman said.

Candice Moore, a Hinds student and member of the campus Student Government Association, told students she’s enjoying the benefits of having started her college life close to home.

“I was in the same position a few years ago as you guys are now,” Moore said. “You can start here at Hinds, save money and have a great relationships with your teachers.”