Two graduating seniors from Yazoo City High School are a shining example of hard work, determination and commitment. Through their countless academic achievements, the two seniors also leave their marks within the local community through a variety of civic and volunteer efforts. These two students are a perfect example of academic excellence, and the future is bright as they take their foundations from Yazoo into their next chapters of life.
Let’s get to know these inspiring young people who not only graduated with honors but also made history at the local high school.
Karmen Bernard
Karmen Ashlee Bernard has become the first student in Yazoo City High School’s history to complete all requirements for an Associate of Arts Degree from Holmes Community College before graduating from high school. Throughout her tenure at the local school, Bernard has distinguished herself as a scholar of exceptional caliber, demonstrating unwavering dedication and perseverance in pursuit of her academic goals. By participating in dual enrollment courses at Holmes Community College, she has not only maintained academic excellence but has also set a precedent for future generations of students.
Bernard’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in her consistent placement on both the President's and Dean's List at Holmes Community College, a testament to her tireless work ethic and intellectual prowess. Additionally, she has been inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, an esteemed organization that recognizes the achievements of high-achieving college students.
"I am incredibly honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to pursue my academic interests at Holmes Community College," said Bernard. "Completing my Associate's Degree before graduating from high school has been a truly transformative experience, and I am grateful to God and for the support of my teachers, mentors, and family throughout this journey."
Furthermore, all dual-enrollment courses completed by Bernard at Holmes Community College will seamlessly transfer to Prairie View A&M University, where she will begin her undergraduate studies in the fall. Majoring in Chemistry with a concentration in Biomedical Sciences, Bernard’s academic trajectory is accelerated, allowing her to enter her pursuit of a Bachelor's degree as a Junior and fast-track her goals towards becoming an orthodontist.
As she embarks on the next chapter of her academic journey, Bernard serves as an inspiration to her peers and the community at large, embodying the values of scholarship, leadership, and perseverance.
Sammia Allen-Thomas
The list of accomplishments for Sammia Allen-Thomas speaks for itself. Ranking fourth in her graduating class of Yazoo City High School, her many achievements include Highest Honor, Distinguished Academic Endorsement, Mississippi Delta Honor Graduate, ACT 20 Plus Club with a score of 24, second highest ACT score in the district, Miss ACT 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, National Honor Society, National Technology Honor Society, Beta Club, Vice President of the Math and Science Club and Vice President of the National Technical Honor Society.
Along with a heavy academic workload, Allen-Thomas also made a name for herself athletically. She served as cheer team co-captain for three years, was named Cheer as the UCA All American Cheerleader, served as softball co-captain, and was named Softball MVP and softball All District Player.
Allen-Thomas’ hard work was also recognized with the many awards and scholarships she received including the National JROTC Sojourners Award, Delta Honor Scholar, Gerald D. Peyton Scholarship, Yazoo Keeper Scholarship, the 21 Club Pageant winner and Scholarship, the Community Solutions of Mississippi Scholarship, the fourth Annual Shanda Allen-Smith Educational Scholarship and the Yazoo City High School Class of 1992 Scholarship.
Allen-Thomas also accepted a full academic scholarship to Mississippi Valley State University, where she will also join the cheer team. While at the university, she intends to major in Early Childhood Education and later open a preschool to teach children the fundamentals of life, setting a foundation for them at an early age.
And she is quick to give credit to Yazoo City High School for her own foundation into her future.
"Attending Yazoo City High School was a formative experience for me,” she said. “I was challenged academically, and I finished my freshman year of college in high school. I will enter my college career as a sophomore. I was given a lot of opportunities to grow and develop as a person. I feel like I left that school well-prepared for the future.”
Allen-Thomas said it is difficult to select just one teacher who has made an impact on her young life, adding that it takes an entire community to shape and influence a person.
“At Yazoo City High School, I was fortunate enough to have been surrounded by an incredible group of educators, administrators, and support staff who all played a role in my development,” Allen-Thomas said. “Even the cafeteria staff and custodial staff left an impression on me and contributed to the overall positive atmosphere at the school. It truly takes a village.”
As part of her civic duty, Allen-Thomas volunteered at nursing homes and assisted other students with ACT preparation.
“These activities allowed me to make a meaningful impact by bringing joy and companionship to the elderly and by providing support and guidance to students as they prepare for their future academic endeavors,” she added.
Allen-Thomas is also very active in church activities, revivals and other faith-based events within the community. Connecting with others spiritually added to her sense of unity and fellowship within the community. She is a member of New King Solomon M.B. Church, under the leadership of the Late Rev Dr. Gregory Robertson and Lady Denise Robertson.
“By dedicating my time to these various endeavors, I hope to contribute positively to the lives of those around me and create a stronger, more compassionate community,” she said.
One of the secrets to Allen-Thomas’ success? Her family.
“My family plays a significant role in my life and upbringing,” she said. “I have a younger brother named Lorrenzo Thomas Jr. who I cherish and support in his endeavors. My parents, Donjala Thomas and Lorrenzo Thomas Sr., have been instrumental in shaping my values and providing me with a strong foundation. On the extended family side, my grandparents hold a special place in my heart. Delores Angrum, Jamie Angrum, Lonzo Wilson, and Rosemary Wilson have all contributed to my upbringing.”
She added that the most influential person in her life was her great grandmother, the late Katie Smith.
“She has instilled in me the importance of family, love, and resilience,” she said. “Her wisdom and guidance continue to inspire me in all aspects of my life. And as I go through life I lean on the scripture, Proverbs 3:5, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.’”
