by: Elaine Hobson
The Winston County Self Help Cooperative honored educational achievement and lifelong service during a recognition celebration on Monday, September 14, 2026, at its Highpoint-Weir Road campus. The program celebrated Mr. Cordale “Smoke” Ellis for earning his GED and recognized Ms. Clara Cooper and Ms. Glendia Cooper for reaching 50 years since their college graduation.
The celebration combined recognition, remarks, song, prayer, and fellowship while honoring individual achievement and the cooperative’s commitment to service.
Ms. Mary Kelly served as mistress of ceremonies. She stated, “Today, we are showing appreciation,” and emphasized encouraging one another, honoring people for their achievements, and giving people their flowers by showing appreciation, offering thanks, and speaking blessings over them while they are still living and can appreciate them. She invited the audience to join in acknowledging those being honored.
Ms. Joan Eiland welcomed everyone warmly, noting that although “welcome” is a small word, it carries great meaning. She said every guest should feel at home on the cooperative’s campus, like part of one big family. On behalf of Winston County Self Help Cooperative, she thanked everyone for attending and invited everyone to return.
Ms. Elaine Hobson delivered the occasion remarks. She said the gathering celebrated milestones in education, lifelong learning, hard work, and courage. She explained that the program would recognize individuals with major achievements, including a high school equivalency credential, 50 years since their college graduation, and other milestones. Her message encouraged continued learning, helping one another, and using education to strengthen communities.
Pastor Annie Thomas delivered the prayer. Pastor Thomas said, “We are here to celebrate the honorees. We are family, and we love and appreciate their achievements. We pray for health and strength. We give God praise and glory. We can do nothing without you, so we acknowledge you in all you allow us to achieve. God, we thank you for our sisters and brothers today. Amen.”
Ms. Mayla Odom performed a solo performance of “Lean on Me” and invited the audience to join her in song. Her heartfelt selection added warmth to the program and reflected the cooperative’s spirit of support, encouragement, and togetherness as one family.
Ms. Mary Kelly told the graduates they did not just reach the finish line; they earned it through persistence, courtesy, and hard work. She said looking back on what they overcame should remind them how capable and worthy they are. Ms. Kelly read a poem honoring Mr. Cordale “Smoke” Ellis, calling him a jack of all trades and a master of more. She said he leaves things better than before, makes every project whole, and deserves thanks for his tireless hands and time.
The program continued as Ms. Pamela Obryant kindly recognized the graduates. She invited audience members who graduated 10 years ago or more to stand. The audience included graduates from as far back as 80 years ago, and the program highlighted Reverend Sylvester Miller for reaching the 80-year mark. She encouraged the audience to inspire younger generations to value education and pursue their educational goals.
Cooperative President Mr. Frank Taylor delivered the inspirational message, congratulating the honorees on their milestones and reminding them that every meaningful task requires work, focus, and the desire to succeed. He encouraged them to prepare for life’s journey, use their gifts, continue their education, improve their communities, and help those in need, noting that a plan is a step toward something greater.
Dr. Tarie Todman presented certificates to Mr. Cordale “Smoke” Ellis, Ms. Clara Cooper, and Ms. Glendia Cooper. Mr. Ellis was honored for earning his GED, while Ms. Clara Cooper and Ms. Glendia Cooper were recognized for reaching 50 years since their college graduation. Dr. Todman said their education, hard work, and service represented a moment of pride and inspiration and that the celebration honored both their achievements and their lasting impact.
Ms. Glendia Cooper said her life is all about service; her parents and grandparents taught her to give, help others, and do what she can to improve her surroundings, and she does that every day. She chartered the Kiwanis Club of Louisville and has devoted her life to service since returning to Louisville, Mississippi.
Ms. Clara Cooper discussed her different jobs through the years. She said she obtained a degree in Elementary Education, but the Lord called her to do something else. She worked in many positions at Georgia-Pacific and later as a Lead Teacher for Winston County Early Head Start.
Mr. Cordale “Smoke” Ellis expressed great joy in receiving his GED. He thanked everyone who encouraged him to pursue it and said, “I have my GED, and I am proud to have made it this far.”
After the honorees received their certificates, several individuals offered the graduates words of encouragement to keep working in the community and go a little further. In closing, Mr. Frank Taylor thanked the graduates again for their achievements and said the Winston County Self Help Cooperative is a place of happiness where families can come together. Reverend Lee Mark Taylor blessed the food, thanking the Lord for the nourishment it will provide and for allowing everyone to meet again. Lunch included grilled chicken, baked fish, potato salad, green beans, banana pudding, iced tea, and lemonade, prepared by the Big Boys BBQ team and the Winston County Self Help Cooperative staff.
Announcements included a free health fair for Prostate Awareness Month at J. Z. George High School Gymnasium in North Carrollton on September 19, 2026; a Fire Safety Workshop at the Winston County Self Help Cooperative campus on September 28, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.; Taylor’s Funeral Home Dedication Ceremony at 1973 Greensboro Road in Louisville, Mississippi on October 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.; and a reminder to vote on November 3, 2026. Early voting for senior citizens and voters who will be out of the area begins September 21, 2026.
The gathering honored the graduates, their milestones, and their contributions to the cooperative, the community, and society.
For more event photos, click here.
