Month: May 2024

ELLISVILLE – Jones College has announced the 2024 Spring Session honor roll scholars. Full-Time students with 15 hours or more and who maintain the following grade-point averages will make the honor roll: President’s List–4.0; Dean’s List–3.99-3.5: Faculty List–3.49-3.0.

Jones College President’s List Honor Roll Spring 2024

England, Loughton: Andie Boo Mills.

Venezuela, Barquisimeto: Daniela Valen Tina Tovar Carrasco.

Germany, Hardthof: Sebastian Sascha Nowak.

Chatom, AL: Jeffery Jaylen Wimbley.

Silas, AL: Sydney Paige Sikes.

Franklinton, LA: Cayden Emile` Bellanger.

Lafayette, LA: Meredith Claire Fontenot and Ava Kathryn Prejean .

Covington LA: Emily B Boudreaux.

Clarke Enterprise: Mallory Anne Milstead.

Clarke Meridian: Ava R Parker and Riley J Smith.

Clarke Quitman: William Joshua Jackson, Kathryn Elizabeth Nichols, Lainey R Parker.

Clarke Shubuta: Hunter Joseph Burke and Christopher M Coleman Jr.

Clarke Stonewall: Ember Mixon.

Covington Collins: Marcus Ray Brinson, Halie M Dunn, Kyra Monet Woullard and Madison Dawn Yates.

Covington Seminary: Wes Garrett Armstrong, Sebastian Colt Bozeman, Owen Bradley Massey and Isaac Riley McQueen.

Covington Sumrall: Audrey Faith Barry, Logan Paul Jordan and Hannah Marie Luker.

DeSoto Lake Cormorant: Scarlette Rose Roberts

Forrest Hattiesburg: Richard Seth Aultman, Jamal Q Barnes, Barry S Bolton, Bryan David Broom, Rebekah Anne Lawless, Shaughnessy Alaihya Martin, Kami Anne Moler, Triniti Joy Scott, Naomi Grace Thompson, Katie Nicole Walker and Naia-Leagh A Winfrey.

Forrest Petal: Mallory G Anderson, Eli Manuel Chancellor, Meagan E Hall, Kallie Juliania Hinton and Haley K Shepherd.

Forrest Seminary: Alexis M Knight.

George Lucedale: Jaycee J Scott.

Greene Leakesville: Dawson Craig Hobby, Bradley Jackson Snyder and Cameron Scott Williams.

Greene Neely: Eliza Michelle Holder.

Greene Richton: Abigail Leanna Brewer, Britton C Dunnam and Kelsie Grace Mitchell          .

Greene State Line: Dalarrus Jevontae Cooper.

Hancock Pearlington: Anna Cagle Courtney.

Harrison Biloxi: Andrew Kravette.

Harrison Gulfport: Brooklynn P Montana.

Hinds Ridgeland: Samuel Jeffrey Hadley.

Jackson Vancleave: Jeffery A Grimme.

Jasper Bay Springs: Chelsea Jahisa Amerson, William Matthew Brasfield, Aliese Lanay  Keller, Sylvia Mae Leonard and Madison Elaine Stringer.

Jasper Heidelberg: Robert Patrick Edwards and Ty A Herrington.

Jasper  Laurel: Kyle Allen Cosper, Jedidiah Jacob Hill, Sophia Nicole Lunstrum and Brinna Kate Moss.

Jasper Louin: Landon Bernard Jones and Jacobi Moncrief.

Jasper Pachuta: Zackary Hunter Bishop and Lauren O Buster.

Jasper Rose Hill: Jonathan Clayton  O’Dell.

Jasper Stringer: Malik Keshad Gammage, Caleb Levi Jenkins, Hailey Alexandria Jones, Grace M King and Delsie G Parker.

Jasper Vossburg: Destiny Bernay Lott.

Jefferson Davis Prentiss Eddison Settle.

Jones Ellisville: Sophia A Bowden, Mycah Lashay Callahan, Toni Ashton Clark, Titus Crouch, Bradley Travis Ellzey, Molly Kathleen Griffin, Kayla Nicole Hamil, Ja Kera Marshell Hill, Mckenzie Connor Lee, Meredith Scot McCraw, Christian Xavier McMullan, Kaitlyn Noel Millsap, Logan Cole Odom, Celine Ottah, Jordan Macy Parker, Nora D Pitts and Sophie Diane Wansley.

Jones Laurel: Latoya Diane Allen, Levi G Allen, Hailey R Brown, Hudson T Bryant, Leonard Beau Busby, Daniel Jay Chastain, Virginia G Coleman, Jayla Arayale Davis, Makayla Zahara Davis, Raegan A Drummer, Josie Garcia, Laura Elizabeth Gatzman, Caleb Austin Griffin, Lexus Jade Hall, Alan Lee Hamilton, Ollie John Hammonds, Marcie D Harrison, Joshua Blake Higginbotham, William Thomas Hoffman, Caleb Allen Holifield, Carley Madison Holifield, Jermaine Ivory, Reginald Duval Jones, Destini D Jordan, Kallie Claire Jordan, Dawson Gabriel Kervin, Jamel Mckinley Knight, Demetrius Devonty Lang, Lacy Angel Long, Jennifer Lizett Lopez Munoz, Benjamin Cole Masters, Emily Diane McLain, Journee Aubreana Moffett, Rebecca D Parker, Caroline Marie Phillips, Da’d Bent Muhammed Pigford, Heather Kale Powell, Kaden Shamareon Pruitt, Kailee L Rogers, Karlee L Rogers, Brenda Cerecedo Santiago, Kena Monique Smith, Keri Dale Smith, Dawson William Stringer, Kaleigh Morgan Sullivan, Joey Allen Taylor, Secily S Thomas, Blayne A Turner, Carlos D Tuyub Palacios, Seth Walker, Elijah C White, Madison Larissa White, Elizabeth Grace Young and Ella K Young.

Jones Moselle: Gabriela Isabel Cruz, Andrea E Gonzalez, Taylor Grace Lawrence and Tressie Richardson and Kirkland Chad   Sharplin.

Jones Ovett: Gabriella Antionette Dominguez and Britlyn  Jade Phillips.

Jones Sandersville: Karsen B Lightsey.

Jones Seminary: Sidnee Ann Blackwell and Christian Alexander Kitchens.

Jones Soso: Deanna Marie Coston, Leah Michelle Englett, Camdyn E Goddard and Devin O Lucus.

Lafayette Oxford: Caroline G Wilson.

Lamar Hattiesburg: Carly N Adkins, Sharon Ann Beeman, Georgia C Boudreaux, Conner Omari Davis, Richard Allan Downing, Christopher Carson Goolsby, Julianna Caroline Smith, Madison L Swales, Audrey E Whitehead, Katherine H Wimberly and Lillian G Yawn.

Lamar Purvis : James Broc Bookout, Monique Shantell Crosby, Devon Michelle Degenhart, Joshua Adam Melton, Reagan Hope Taylor and Jonah Brayden Williamson.

Lamar Sumrall: Adanely Espinoza and Landon James Robertson.

Lauderdale Lauderdale: Annabelle H Simmons.

Lee Plantersville: Annalyn V Housley.

Madison Canton: Jamijah Roshun Day and Dannah A Knighton.

Marion Columbia: Natalie G Ball and Destiny Alexis Wilson.

Marion Sandy Hook: Aliyah Christiana Watts.

Pearl River Carriere: Xoe A Lockhart.

Pearl River Picayune: Christon D Parker.

Perry Petal: Austin James Holder.

Perry Richton: Jacob Andrew Herring, Brady Nicholas Inmon, Pacen Odom and William Tyler Roberts.

Pike Jayess: Joey Lee Freeman.

Pike Mccomb: Ashlynn Grace Byrd.

Rankin Brandon: Aubree Ainsworth, Graham Harris Harris, Benjamin Gayle Means, Emma Helen Moore and Maggie Savell.

Rankin Florence: Kaden Sterling Cook.

Rankin Flowood: Harleigh A Abernathy.

Rankin Pearl: Josephine Lynne Duncan, Chanel Latreece Evans and Irish N Horne.

Simpson Braxton: Gavin L Barry.

Simpson Harrisville: Natalie Grace Abraham.

Simpson Magee: Daniel Gregory Baldwin, Emma Landry Cockrell, Kaden W Harper and Vivian Deidra Russell.

Smith Bay Springs: Issac Gage Phillips.

Smith Magee: David H Garner and Leia C Puckett.

Smith Mize: Ethan Cade Byrd, Angela Lynn Gandy, Steven Aaron Keith, Raelyn E Lee and Austin D Nguyen.

Smith Morton: Logan Grace Medders and Nathan I Prestage.

Smith Mount Olive: Natalie A Plunk and Lauren E Runnels.

Smith Pulaski : Jeteric Jumaine Ellis.

Smith Raleigh: Dylan R Bryant, Rhett D Ivy, Aaron D Mason, Carson Rinehart, Emily K Sims and Caden H Thornton.

Smith Taylorsville: Madelyn G Chennault, Britney Rene Jones, Gracie Merle Jordan and Javon Roshun Page.  

Warren Vicksburg: Alexis Desirea Ta’shay Johnson.

Washington Leland: Molly Marc Elizabeth Giachelli.

Washington State Line: Hannah J Byrd.

Wayne Laurel: Sydney Lynn Mosley.

Wayne Richton: Emily Nicole Walley.

Wayne State Line: Morgan V Guy.

Wayne Waynesboro: Rokenshia Lachell Arrington, Jaylynn S Conner, Paris Serenity Davis, David M Farrior, Tyler G Freeman, Pablo Alexander Lopez, Darcy Claire Miller, Chasity Leighann Mills, Renecia Catassia Mosley, Tanika Quaina Norsworthy, Alexis Rose Smith and Brianna A Williams.

ELLISVILLE – All 12 Jones College Radiologic Technology graduates are employed or looking at other options in the field after completing the six-semester program, according to JC Program Director Mandy Pearson. She credits their excellent performance and dedication to learning and mastering new skills for their success in the job market. Three of the new graduates also earned scholarships to continue their education.

“This is an outstanding group of graduates, and I am proud of them. I look forward to the many valuable contributions they will make as members of the imaging profession,” said Pearson.

Receiving the $400 Mississippi Radiological Society Scholarship was Natalie Lillie of Raleigh. This scholarship is awarded to an Outstanding Radiologic Technology student in the Program annually.  Requirements set forth by the MS Radiological Society are high academic achievement, sound moral character and financial need.    

The $200 Mississippi Society of Radiologic Technologists Scholarship was awarded to Madison Foxworth of Foxworth. Each year the Mississippi Society of Radiologic Technologists presents a scholarship to an outstanding radiography student from each radiography program in the state of Mississippi. The scholarship recipient is a member of the MSRT state professional organization, has demonstrated good moral character and professionalism in both the classroom and clinical settings, while maintaining a competitive GPA. 

At the program completion/graduation ceremony, Jones College Radiologic Technology instructors, Mandy Pearson, Dr. Brittany Barron and adjunct instructor, Lexie McDaniel announced, Heather Puckett of Raleigh was selected by the clinical affiliates to receive the 2024 Clinical Student of the Year Award. Because she demonstrated exceptional patient care and went above and beyond her clinical responsibilities, clinical affiliates said these were a couple of the reasons why Puckett was chosen for this top honor.

Zach Rivers of Ellisville exceeded the program graduation requirements and maintained a competitive grade point average for the duration of their college experience to earn the Academic Student of the Year Award at the pinning and graduation ceremony held recently. Rivers met these requirements while also holding a part-time, student tech position with one of JC’s clinical facilities. 

Additionally, graduates selected South Central Regional Medical Center Radiographer, Summer Austin to receive the Radiologic Technologist of the Year award, presented by JC graduate, Kenleigh Magee at the pinning and completion ceremony held earlier this month. Magee General Hospital’s Jared Mullins also received recognition from the JC Radiologic Technology graduating class. He received the Clinical Instructor of the Year Award at the pinning and completion ceremony.

Support from both professional organizations, the Mississippi Society of Radiologic Technologist and the Mississippi Radiological Society is appreciated by the Jones College Radiologic Technology program instructors and students. The generous scholarships provided each year assists students in advancing in their education. More information about the Medical Radiologic Technology program at Jones College is available at this website: https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/radiography/

Radiologic Technology Graduates 2024

Abigayle Adcox, Magee
Amy Dykes, Florence
Madison Foxworth, Foxworth
Britton Holland, Magee
Natalie Lillie, Raleigh
Kenleigh Magee, Mendenhall
Destiny McDaniel, New Augusta
Abby Parker, Laurel
Heather Puckett, Raleigh
Zach Rivers, Ellisville
Seantelle Smith, Moss Point
Makenzie Williams, Laurel

ELLISVILLE – Five Jones College sophomores were selected as Tullos Scholars, Jaylynn Conner of Waynesboro, Haidyn Houston of Raleigh, Kadin Johnston of Waynesboro, Pablo Lopez of Waynesboro, and Aaron Mason of Raleigh. This is the college’s highest honor for the top five JC students, and it includes an endowed scholarship for the recipients. All five students were nominated by faculty members as they distinguished themselves and impressed selection committee members over the past two years.

Accounting and finance major, Pablo Lopez lives in Waynesboro and serves as a Deacon and on the Board of Directors of his church in Waynesboro. At Jones, he was the Vice President of Leadership for PTK, 2^nd Team All-MS PTK member, and he was a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute. Lopez said he is proud of his Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society scholarship and being named to the 2^nd Team-All State honors but being a Tullos Scholar tops everything.

“It’s just a big accomplishment and to me the one, that’s most important. Being a Tullos scholar, I think was so competitive and honestly, it was unexpected. I just feel good to be just one of five students chosen. It was definitely surprising but I am happy to have it,” said Lopez.

Also from Waynesboro, Kadin Johnston is majoring in physical therapy and was active in Intramural sports at Jones College. As PTK President, he led the Rho Sigma chapter that earned many top honors regionally and internationally. He was also a member of SGA, FCA, Philosophy Club, Bobcat Brigade, and the Charles Pickering Honors Institute.

“I’ve received a few awards at Jones and I’ve been recognized for a lot of things, but it hasn’t been about that here. I got to know so many different people, so many friends, best friends for life at Jones. This is a special place for me because of these people around me; they’re special. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’m a Jones Bobcat forever,” said Johnston.

Waynesboro’s Jaylynn Conner, a journalism major said being named a Tullos Scholar was something she was surprised by, but it means the world to her. During her two years at Jones, Conner served as the Senior Editor for the yearbook, The Lair and the Editor of the student newspaper, Radionian. She was also a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Philosophy Club, and Bobcat Broadcast anchor/reporter.

“Graduating with honors like Academic Excellence, Hall of Fame and being a Tullos Scholar really mean a lot to me because I’m a first-generation college graduate. I didn’t know what to expect but I’m excited to continue at the University of Mississippi in the fall,” said Conner.

Despite being a Jones College student for only one year because of the dual credits she earned in high school, Haidyn Houston was selected for the Tullos Scholar honor. The chemistry major was also an active member of FCA, SGA, and PTK. Additionally, the Raleigh resident served as the Editor for the student newspaper, Radionian, and she worked in the Business Office. Furthermore, she earned the titles of Smith County Miss Hospitality 2024 and Smith County Distinguished Young Woman 2023.

Also from Raleigh, Aaron Mason was named a Tullos Scholar. He is majoring in chemical engineering and served as the V.P. for the Engineering Society, and he was the SGA Science Representative. The husband and father was also a member of the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band, Concert Band, and Percussion Ensemble, and he was a member of PTK.

Requirements for the Tullos Scholarship include being a full-time sophomore, submitting a résumé with two-faculty recommendation letters, having outstanding academic achievements, being engaged in college activities, leadership positions and participating in community service. Each student received medallions and $1,000 scholarships in recognition of being named after the scholarship donors, Gene and Nada Tullos.

Gene Tullos came to Jones in 1960 on a basketball scholarship which he said, gave him a jumpstart and a great foundation to begin Law School. Endowing scholarships, like the Tullos Scholarship Program was his way of returning the “favor” to the college that provided an excellent foundation for a successful career as an attorney in Smith County.

“As he made the single, largest donation ever at Jones, Gene Tullos said he wanted to recognize outstanding students from various majors who are shining stars, to recognize them and encourage them to feel special,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith.  “When Gene established this Scholarship, he explained, because of the encouragement he received at Jones he felt like he could make it and be successful. In fact, Gene was a successful attorney for 50 years, only missing three days of work related to his cancer treatment before he passed away in 2016.”

For more information about Jones College, visit the webpage, https://www.jcjc.edu/

ELLISVILLE –Twenty-one Jones College sophomores were selected as Hall of Fame finalists after completing an application listing campus and community involvement, volunteer service, leadership positions or offices held, and academic honors. Students also have a minimum 3.5 GPA. Some of these students are athletes and hold jobs in addition to their academic and campus responsibilities. They received special recognition in the college yearbook and during the spring commencement ceremony in May.

The Jones College Hall of Fame 2023-2024 includes, Sophia Bowden, Ellisville-Business; Davis Brown, Ellisville-Mechanical Engineering; Daniela Carrasco, Venezuela-Civil Engineering; Caden Carter, Laurel-Computer Engineering; Eli Chancellor, Petal-Engineering; Jaylynn Conner, Waynesboro-Journalism; Chanel Evans, Hattiesburg-General Studies; Natalie Graves, Laurel-Art; Haidyn Houston, Raleigh-Chemistry; Kaitlyn Huddleston, Laurel-Culinary Arts; Kendall Johnson, Laurel-Sports Medicine; Kadin Johnston, Waynesboro-Physical Therapy; Lakieundra Kangar, Crystal Springs-Pharmacy; Pablo Lopez, Waynesboro-Accounting/Finance; Aaron Mason, Raleigh-Chemical Engineering; William Mason, Raleigh-Engineering; Kena Smith, Laurel-General Studies; Carson Stanford, Grenada-Music Industry; Dawson Stringer, Laurel-Aerospace Engineering; Maria Terry, Laurel-History and Aliyah Watts, Sandy Hook-Psychology.

Sophia Bowden of Ellisville is majoring in business while also serving as the Student Government Association President and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Treasurer. Also, she was an active member of FBLA and the Charles Pickering Honors Institute.

Davis Brown of Ellisville plans to continue his education at Mississippi State majoring in mechanical engineering. At Jones College, he served as a PTK VP of Scholarship and was a member of the Engineering Society and Philosophy Club while also volunteering for the Ellis Club and ARC of Jones County.

Venezuelan, Daniela Carrasco is majoring in civil engineering and was a member of the Lady Bobcat Tennis Team, where she earned ITA Fall Regional Championship Flight A Doubles Champion, NJCAA All-Academic Second Team and JTA Scholar Athlete honors. Additionally, Carrasco is a member of PTK and on the Dean’s List.

Caden Carter of Laurel is majoring in computer engineering. While a student at Jones, Carter was a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute and PTK, and he served as the Engineering Society Vice President.

Petal resident and engineering major, Eli Chancellor served as Engineering Society President, and he was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Waynesboro’s Jaylynn Conner was honored as one of five sophomores to be named a Tullos scholar. The journalism major was the Senior Editor for the yearbook, The Lair and the Editor of the student newspaper, Radionian. She was also a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Philosophy Club, and Bobcat Broadcast anchor/reporter.

Chanel Evans earned her associate degree in psychology in 2023. She returned for a general studies degree to continue serving in PTK as the Honors in Action Project Director which earned Top 3 honors in regional PTK competition and Top 10 honors overall. The Hattiesburg resident is a member of the JCJC Alumni Association and Mu Alpha Theta.

Art major, Natalie Graves of Laurel served as the PTK Project Director which earned Most Distinguished College Project Honors in the region, and Top 10 honors internationally. She was the President of the Art Club and volunteered as a Sunday School teacher at her church and traveled to El Salvador for mission trips.

During Haidyn Houston’s year at Jones College, the chemistry major was a member of FCA, SGA, and PTK. The Raleigh resident also served as the Editor for the student newspaper, Radionian, and she worked in the Business Office. Furthermore, she earned the titles of Smith County Miss Hospitality 2024, Smith County Distinguished Young Woman 2023 and was selected to be a Tullos Scholar.

Culinary Arts major, Kaitlyn Huddleston of Laurel was actively involved at Jones as a member of the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band and Percussion Ensemble. Additionally, she was a member of PTK, DECA, SGA, SkillsUSA, and the student newspaper, Radionian and the Lair yearbook. She served her community as a volunteer firefighter and caterer.

Laurel’s Kendall Johnson is majoring in sports medicine and keeping busy as Co-Owner of Allie’s on Magnolia. At Jones College she was a member of PTK, FCA Lead Team, and Touch of Gold dance team.

Kadin Johnston of Waynesboro is majoring in physical therapy and was active in Intramural sports. As PTK President he led the Rho Sigma chapter that earned many top honors regionally and internationally. He was also a member of SGA, FCA, Philosophy Club, Bobcat Brigade, and the Charles Pickering Honors Institute. Furthermore, Johnston was selected to be aTullos Scholar.

Crystal Springs resident, Lakieundra Kangar is majoring in pharmacy and is a member of PTK Honors Society and the Charles Pickering Honors Institute. While at JC, Kangar served as the Philosophy Club’s Secretary & Treasurer, Powderpuff Team Captain, a Residence Assistant and volunteered for the Hand Mine Ministry.

Tullos Scholar, Pablo Lopez is majoring in Accounting and Finance and lives in Waynesboro. He serves as a Deacon and on the Board of Directors of his church in Waynesboro. At Jones, he was the Vice President of Leadership for PTK, 2^nd Team All-MS PTK member, and a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute.

Raleigh’s Aaron Mason is majoring in chemical engineering and served as the VP for the Engineering Society and SGA Science Representative. The husband and father was also a member of the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band, Concert Band, and Percussion Ensemble, and a member of PTK. Additionally, Mason was selected as a Tullos Scholar.

Engineering major from Raleigh, William Mason served as the Engineering Society Secretary & Treasurer and was a member of the SGA and PTK. He also volunteered for the Children’s Museum and worked at Chick-Fil-A.

Laurel High School-Middle College and Jones College graduate, Kena Smith of Laurel was a member of the JC Concert Choir and PTK. In high school, she was a member of Key Club, Golden Club, Showchoir, Spirit Club, Beta Club, Art Club, and LHS Homecoming. Also, she earned the Advanced History Award.

Carson Stanford of Grenada is majoring in the Music Industry and Recording Industry Program and is the first Jones College student and recording artist for the college’s Free State Record label. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and earned the Letter “J” award and a Presidential Scholarship. Stanford finds time to volunteer for the Food Pantry and Operation 206, as well as performing live on a regular basis.

Aerospace engineering major from Laurel, Dawson Stringer was a member of the Engineering Society, Philosophy Club, PTK, SGA and a Bobcat Brigade Officer. Stringer also volunteers for ARC of Jones County and Ellis Club.

Maria Terry of Laurel is majoring in history. She was a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, and she served as the PTK Vice President of Service.

Psychology major from Sandy Hook, Aliyah Watts was actively involved at Jones as a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Concert Choir, Chorale, Jones OnStage, Gospel Choir, as the SGA V.P. , and she served as the V.P. of Fellowship of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Watts also performed in both spring musical productions.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s High School Equivalency students learned how well they would survive in the “Real World” by experiencing life’s challenges through the Mississippi State Extension service’s “Welcome to the Real World” program. MSU Extension Agent for Jones County, Kim Hancock passed out a random profession and budget worksheet with details about gross salary, taxes, insurance, and family to each of the 40 students. Then, they visited professionals in 10 stations and were given options on how they could spend their salary. Everyone had to budget and make decisions about childcare, clothing, communications, contributions/donations, extra-curricular activities, entertainment, food, housing/utilities, and transportation for themselves and at least a spouse and one child. Additionally, each student drew a “Life Happens” situation which could benefit or harm their budgets. Without an option to quit life, students were left with the choice of being in debt/going broke, getting a second job or successfully budgeting their monthly salary.

“I started with $3,900 for my family with one 12-year-old and a spouse,” explained Kris Lee of Hattiesburg. “After budgeting for a house and everything, I had $455 I put in savings for future expenses because you never know what will happen in life.”

The 28-year-old wanted to earn his Smart Start credential and High School Equivalency (HSE) at Jones College to have more options for employment, after earning an Occupational degree in high school. Today’s exercise in money management helped him reinforce what he has learned in class and in life.

HSE student, Katie Barnett of Laurel also has some real-world experience as a mother of four children, but she realized through today’s “Real World” event there is always something more to learn.

“I realized today how to make some better decisions, so I won’t have to struggle so much to make life better for my family. That is why I am getting my HSE and hopefully a college degree. I want to have more options for my family,” said Barnett.

The MSU extension agency offers this money management training for high school students with the help of volunteer professionals from banking institutions and other professionals in the community. Hancock said the purpose of the program is to plant seeds to help students make wise decisions in the future and help them become better citizens.