By Josh Troy
Clarksdale Advocate
Coahoma County High School senior Eriana Holden has been well-rounded with academics, student activities and community involvement for many years. Holden, a Clarksdale native, currently holds a 3.5 GPA and scored a 19 on the ACT. After attending George H. Oliver Elementary School and being in the Clarksdale Municipal School District, Holden transferred to the Coahoma County School District. She played the clarinet and was in the school band.
“I got involved in band during eighth grade when I first transferred to Coahoma County,” she said. “I had been involved with the band from 8th to 10th grade.” Holden was the Coahoma County Jr./Sr. High School Student Government Association Secretary from 2021 to 2022. Holden is also involved in Teen Health Mississippi, an organization devoted to helping all teens receive high-quality sex education and youth-friendly healthcare. She also checks on the elderly from time to time.
She is a member of First Apostolic Church in Clarksdale. “I’ve been involved in my church growing up,” Holden said. “I’ve been involved in the church for as long as I can remember.” While Holden is involved in her school and community, she finds time to enjoy herself. She recalled a Christmas vacation in New York City back in 2015. “I went to Madame Tussauds (celebrity wax figure museum),” Holden said. “I ate an interesting soul food restaurant. I had the best experience in NYC for Christmas.”
Holden, the daughter of Tamicka Miller and Ehrich Holden Sr., said praying, reading the Bible, self-motivation, and receiving support from her family, kept her on a positive path. “My family inspires me because they motivate me to do my best,” Holden said.
Holden’s favorite teacher is Pamela Anderson. “She is my College Career Readiness teacher and she has been my teacher for three years,” Holden said. “She goes above and beyond for her students. I experienced an amazing moment where I was in need of help on a essay and she took the time out to help me.”
Holden’s favorite high school milestone is becoming a senior, and she looks forward to graduating in May.
“My favorite quote is by Misty Copeland she once said, ’Decide what you want. Declare it to the world, and remember that if you are persistent as well as patient, you can get whatever you seek.’” Copeland is a ballet dancer.
Holden shared a message with youth in the community. “Never give up always strive to do your best,” she said. “Be whatever you want to be. You are intelligent and amazing don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It’s alright to be different.”
Holden plans to attend the University of Mississippi, major in allied health studies, and minor in entrepreneurship, to become a nurse practitioner and business owner.
