A SMT News Report

POPLAR BLUFF, M0. – The men and women who graduated from Three Rivers College on Sunday afternoon received praise for their tenacity and determination in completing a degree at the region’s community college.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee was the guest speaker at Sunday’s commencement, held in front of a crowd of more than 1,200 people at the Black River Coliseum.

“You know this was the path to a better job and a better future,” Huckabee told the graduates. Until last week, Huckabee was considered one of the leading contenders for the GOP nomination for president in 2012. "Your presence on this stage, receiving this diploma in an indication you are capable of doing what you wanted to do. Keep doing it.”

Huckabee praised Three Rivers and America’s community colleges in his Poplar Bluff address.

“The real builder of the workforce in America’s future is in community college,” Huckabee said. The former presidential candidate said that community colleges have the ability to meet changing needs of a workforce.

Friend and U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson introduced Huckabee at the commencement ceremony. Emerson said Huckabee “understands our way of life” and appreciates the work ethic represented in the Three Rivers graduates.



Photos Above: Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee was the guest speaker at commencement at Three Rivers College on Sunday afternoon. Huckabee shared the stage with U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson and TRC President Dr. Devin Stephenson (top photo). Huckabee (bottom photo) praised the college graduates for their hard work and dedication. (ShowMe Times photos by Andrew Cato)