Congratulations is in order for Copiah-Lincoln Community College. The college on Thursday celebrated 100 years — it started as an agricultural high school in 1915.

Some very wise individuals saw fit to start a school in Wesson. The school added college classes in 1928 and has grown into the community college it is today. How much has the school grown?

The school opened with 125 students. Now, it serves almost 5,000 students annually.

The town of Wesson funded the school’s start with just $8,000. Today, the college operates with a $24 million budget.

The school continues to fulfill its original mission to provide a quality education in a rural setting. Almost all of the state’s community colleges are in small towns, and that’s by design.

Mississippi’s community college system was recently ranked No. 1 in the country by WalletHub. The survey factored in things like cost, educational outcomes and student-teacher ratio. Community colleges like Co-Lin are a bargain when you consider the value that a two-year education can provide.

Some students will go on to universities, while others will enter the work-force. Either way, the education they receive at the state’s community colleges will prepare them for a lifetime of learning.

Community colleges are also great resources for the communities they serve. Co-Lin is certainly a valuable member of this community, and we congratulate them on their recent milestone. Here’s to another 100 years.