Clark triplets make their mark at Co-Lin

Published December 8, 2023

Copiah-Lincoln Community College sophomores Galen, Gavriel, and Gary Clark Jr. of Brookhaven have all found their place at The Place To Be. During their senior year at Brookhaven High School, the trio signed band scholarships with Co-Lin’s Blue Wave Show Band where they are now members of the low brass section, and Gary serves as president of the Co-Lin band. They are the sons of Teresa and Gary Clark Sr.

“The Clark triplets are three outstanding, hardworking students. All three are on the band's leadership team,” said Juanita Proffitt, Co-Lin Director of Bands and Fine Arts Division Chair. “Anytime we need something done, they are there and always have a positive attitude. Their presence has made an impact in their sections and on the rest of the band. We are extremely proud to have the Clark triplets at Co-Lin.”

Academic excellence has been top priority for the brothers, and all three have been inducted into the Eta Omega Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. Galen was also inducted into Mu Alpha Theta, the mathematics honor society, and Sigma Kappa Delta, the English honor society. Beyond academics, the brothers have made special memories of being involved on campus.

“So far, my favorite memory at Co-Lin has to be when the band traveled and played when our football team went to play in the MACCC championship game this year,” said Galen. “One of the reasons I came to Co-Lin was because of the really great band scholarship they offered me. It was much more affordable to come to a community college first instead of going straight to a university. I have absolutely been happy with my decision to come to Co-Lin.”

Earlier this semester, Gary had the honor of being elected by his peers as Mr. Co-Lin.

“Being elected as Mr. Co-Lin was a dream come true. Growing up, I was a shy person,” Gary said. “Then at Brookhaven High School, I encountered an environment that was all new to me…the classes, people, and student groups and clubs were more than I imagined they would be. Specifically, joining the band at BHS had the greatest influence on my personality. It increased my friendliness, discipline, and leadership. And now, I am president of the Co-Lin band and Mr. Co-Lin. To put it simply, it feels amazing to be voted Mr. Co-Lin.”

The Clark triplets were recently honored by being selected to Who’s Who at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Students selected to Who’s Who must be outstanding sophomores with at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate leadership in academic and extra-curricular activities, citizenship and service to Co-Lin, and potential for future achievement. Students must be nominated by a faculty or professional staff member.

After Co-Lin, Galen is headed to the University of Southern Mississippi to continue his education in Cybersecurity, while Gary and Gavriel are both headed to Ole Miss to pursue dreams of becoming physical therapists, a decision their time at Co-Lin helped them reach.

“I wasn’t concrete on what I wanted my career to be when I was in high school,” said Gary. “So, coming to Co-Lin helped me pinpoint what career I truly wanted to pursue.”

Gavriel agreed and reflected on his time at the college.

“Co-Lin has done an amazing job at preparing me for Ole Miss. I’ve learned things and accomplished things I thought I would never be good at,” said Gavriel. “One of the classes that has helped me a lot was English Composition I and II taught by Ms. Glenda Silverii. Knowing how to write papers is going to be very crucial for my next step. Another class that has prepared me is Human Anatomy I and II with Mrs. Anita Cliburn. I thank those two instructors and my academic advisor, Mrs. Stewart. The overall experience at Co-Lin has made me feel very confident in my future…I feel like I can accomplish anything.”

CUTLINE: (Top) From left, Brookhaven triplets Galen, Gavriel, and Gary Clark Jr. have all found their place at Co-Lin.

Galen at Phi Theta Kappa induction.

Gary on the first day of the fall 2023 semester.

Gavriel marching with the Blue Wave Show Band.

Photos and story by Scarlett Hart.