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GROUP OF SPRINGHILL SOUTH KOREA - MOBILE, Alabama -- Today, Melissa Garcia became the first in her family to graduate from college. "I'm so happy and I've made my parents so proud," said the 22-year-old Garcia, adding, "My parents come from poor backgrounds" and couldn't afford to attend college. She said her parents are her "inspiration." One of three children, the Houston resident received a bachelor's of arts degree in graphic design during Saturday's commencement at Spring Hill College. She was one of 300 graduates who made the walk down the historic Avenue of the Oaks on Spring Hill's campus for commencement. Garcia also is among the first group of Donnelly Scholars to complete their undergraduate degree. The Donnelly Scholars program was established in 2008 to serve first-generation college students at Spring Hill. The program is named in honor of the Rev. W. Patrick Donnelly, S.J, the 31st president of the college, who served from 1946 to 1952. Garcia said if she can't find a job in the Mobile area she plans to return home to Houston. "It almost feels a bit surreal," said 22-year-old Michelle Connor of Mobile as she waited to line up to receive her diploma. "It seems like we were just arriving on campus." Connor, who received her Bachelor of Arts degree in graphic design, is also a Donnelly Scholar. Connor is also job-hunting for something in her field. She said she's proud of what she's accomplished, but it's "frightening as well" being out there without a job. "Still, I'm ready to take the world head-on," said Connor. Senior Class Orator Brock Philip Boone, who graduated Magna Cum Laude, received mixed reactions during his speech, which drew some "boos" from the crowd when he told the graduates not to let Fox News and Rush Limbaugh sway their opinions. He received mixed reaction when he said the money the government is spending in Afghanistan could be better used funding education and feeding the poor. Sonja F. Bivins,

MOBILE, Alabama - Drury Lane in Country Club Estates has the look and feel of a country lane: secluded, narrow - less than two lanes wide - and heavily-wooded, with well-kept homes appearing as if by magic among the trees. Yet some of its 17 homes, including corner lots at Wimbledon Drive to the south and Hillwood Road to the north, are within a short iron shot of the Country Club of Mobile north nine golf course and about two blocks from the main club buildings themselves. Residents of Drury Lane, from near and far, had high praise for the Spring Hill area and their neighbors. "We love it here. Absolutely love it. Drury Lane is a wonderful street. The best street in Mobile, I believe," said resident Lee Robinson, a Mobile native, who grew up 300 yards away on Wimbledon Drive, where his parents, Lee and Helen Robinson, still live.