Fleming takes the reigns at the JC Greene County Center

ELLISVILLE- A familiar face to Greene County residents has been named the new Director of Jones College’s Center in Leakesville. The former three-term Greene County Superintendent of Education, Richard Fleming replaces Clint James who has accepted an offer to teach at Mississippi State University.

“Clint was involved with establishing this facility when it opened its doors in 2012. He laid the foundation and did a great job of expanding the Greene County Center,” said Fleming. “I’m excited to continue to build upon his success.”

After spending 39 years in education, Fleming retired two years ago.  The Greene County native said he didn’t have plans to return to work but is excited about the opportunity to be working with Greene County residents again. Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith said he is confident Fleming will be able to take the Center to the next level.

“Mr. Fleming brings a wealth of experience and an unending supply of positive energy.  He was crucial to the success of the Center from its inception and we are thankful that he wants to serve his community by being Jones College’s Director of the Greene County Center. We are extremely excited about his vision for growth not to mention our excitement about his natural charisma and leadership skills.”

The Greene County Center opened in 2012 and is currently undergoing an expansion with plans to offer more educational and workforce training programs.  Currently, the Center offers pipefitting, welding, adult education, workforce development training and college credit courses.  For information about the Greene County Center call 601-394-4421.

 

Jones College celebrates Homecoming 2018

ELLISVILLE – Plans are underway to make Homecoming at Jones College a special event.  The weekend of activities will incorporate the Homecoming theme, “Inspiring Bobcats through the Ages” beginning with the student Homecoming pep rally on Thursday, October 18 at 7 p.m. at the Lake.  The “glow pep rally” is sponsored by the Student Government Association and will provide glow-necklaces and glow-sticks for everyone in attendance. This event will be canceled if there is inclement weather.

 On Friday, October 19, the Homecoming festivities begin at 5 p.m. with a Legacy Tree Dedication Ceremony on the Jones Hall Plaza. Four Jones College alumni will be added to the “Legacy Circle of Honor,” which consists of a circle of live oak trees created in 2016 to honor the significant contributions of alumni. This year, the Honorable Judge Charles Pickering of Hebron will be honored and in memory, the lives of Harry Bush of Laurel, Julius “Judy” King of Heidelberg and Laurel, and Vic West of Wayne County and Laurel will be recognized for their dedication and service to Jones and their communities. A reception will follow this ceremony in the Tullos Suite of Jones Hall.

At 5:30 p.m., a State Historical Marker will be revealed on campus honoring the 1955 football team that played in the Jr. Rose Bowl. Following this event, the JCJC 1955 Class Reunion Dinner begins at 6 p.m. at the President’s Home.

 The 50-year Reunion Dinner honoring the JCJC Class of 1968 will gather in the C.L. Neill Student Center at 6 p.m.   Additionally, the 1983 and 1998 Football Team Reunion Dinner will meet in the C.L. Neill Student Center at 6 p.m.

Homecoming Day, Saturday, October 20, is slated with numerous activities for a day of fun for all ages. Events will begin at 9 a.m. with a brunch for alumni and friends at the Terrell Tisdale Library.  Members of the Ellisville High School Reunion for the 1960-1965 classes are invited to register during the brunch.

At 10 a.m. the JCJC Homecoming Parade will wind through the streets of Ellisville and the campus. The parade will feature floats made by the student body incorporating the theme, as well as the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band, JCJC cheerleaders, Touch of Gold, and of course, the 2018 Homecoming Queen and her court.  Parade Marshals are the 2018 NJCAA Division 2 National Championship Softball Team, led by their coaches, Chris Robinson and Bob Herrington.

At 10:45 a.m. the public is also invited to join the Jones family for a pep rally following the parade in front of the C.L. Neill Student Center.   At 11:30 a.m. the JCJC Alumni Luncheon will be held in the A.B. Howard Gymnasium.  During this luncheon, three JCJC alumni, Dennis Bohannon of Laurel, Paul Culliver of Raleigh and Clyde Dease, Jr., originally from Taylorsville and currently living in Picayune, will be honored.  Reservations for the luncheon can be made through the Alumni and Foundation Office at 601-477-4145 or by emailing, jcjcalumniinfo@jcjc.edu.

Before the game, the Ellisville High School Reunion Classes of 1960 through 1965 will meet “Tailgating under the Tents” at the Sim Cooley Football Field, near the Tennis Complex beginning at 11:30.  The cost is $10 per person with a reservation deadline of October 10, by calling 601-477-4049.

The Homecoming pre-game festivities will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the marching band’s pre-game show on the Sim Cooley Football Field at Bobcat Stadium. The game against Co-Lin Community College will begin at 2 p.m.

At halftime, the Homecoming Court will be presented with the crowning of the 2018 Homecoming Queen, Haley Smith. Also during halftime, the JCJC and the Ellisville High School honored classes, and the 2018 Honor Alumni will be recognized.  The festivities will end with a performance by the Maroon Typhoon and Touch of Gold. For more information call the Foundation and Alumni Office at 477-4049 or email jcjcalumniinfo@jcjc.edu.

“Treats in the Streets” at JC on Tuesday, October 30

ELLISVILLE- Jones College’s Office of Student Affairs and Student Government Association along with campus clubs, organizations, and the city of Ellisville will host the annual “Treats in the Streets” night of activities on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. The trick-or-treat trail event will be held on the front lawn area of Jones Hall. Admission is free unless otherwise noted, and the public is welcome to attend all events. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

From 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., JCJC clubs and organizations will have treats and games available in front of Jones Hall. This event is for children ages 0 to 12 years, and all children must be accompanied by an adult to attend. Also, the JCJC all-you-can-eat cafeteria will stay open for dinner until 7:30 p.m. The cost for children ages 4 to 9 years of age is $4.50, and children ages 10 and adults is $7.25 (tax included). Taco Bell will be open until 9 p.m. & the Bobcat Grill will be open until 8 p.m.; both are located behind the A.B. Howard Gymnasium.

The costume contests will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the center of the grassy area of Jones Hall for kids ages 0 to 12.  At 6 p.m. a costume contest for JCJC students will begin.

The annual Treats in the Streets celebration is an outdoor event and may be canceled or modified, if it rains or if the weather is not conducive for children. For more information, contact Dr. Tessa Flowers at 601-477-4845 or email: tessa.flowers.jcjc.edu.

Jones College’s Concert Choir begins fall concert season

ELLISVILLE–Jones College’s Concert Choir will spend the fall performing in churches throughout Jones County. The first concert is scheduled for Sunday, October 14, at 6 p.m. at Salem Heights Baptist church.  Additionally, the 105-member choir will be performing on Sunday, October 21, at 6:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Ellisville and on November 11, at 6 p.m., the choir will be presenting their concert at Hebron Baptist Church in Soso. The season concludes with the annual Christmas Concert at the First Baptist Church of Laurel on Sunday and Monday, December 2 and 3, at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend these free events.

 JC Choral director, Joel Dunlap will be directing the talented members of the Concert Choir singing a varied repertoire including selections such as, “The May Night” by Romantic composer, Johannes Brahms, a roaring concert spiritual, “Daniel, Daniel, Servant of the Lord” by Undine Moore, and an upbeat gospel selection, “He Never Failed Me Yet” by Robert Ray.  The concert will also feature well-known hymn arrangements such as “How Great Thou Art” and “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”  Other selections include, “Keramos” and “In Dulcie Jubilo” and “Ascription of Praise” to close the concert.

Assisting the choir as the group’s accompanist is Jones fine arts faculty member, Dr. Victoria Johnson. For more information contact the JCJC Fine Arts Department at 601-477-4094.

JCJC Concert Choir Members 2018

Sarah Acosta, Oak Grove

Dailen Allen, Liberty

Rebekah Allen, Magee

Zailen Allen, Liberty

Keara Altman, Quitman

Manuel Alvarado, Laurel

K.J. Andrews, Laurel

Curlexis Arrington, Waynesboro

Ella Barker, Hattiesburg

Daniel Ryan Beech, Chatom, AL

Madisyn Blackwell, Laurel

Michael Blanks, Ellisville

Madison Bolling, Petal

Heidi Boot, Ellisville

Layne Boykin, Waynesboro

Madison Brannon, Hattiesburg

William Briggs, Ocean Springs

Keon Cain, McComb

Coco Caldwell, Laurel

Patrick Callen, Laurel

Ka’Lisha Carter, Shubuta

Kassidy Chandler, Laurel

Krimel Chandler, Liberty

Madison Chatham, Laurel

Dylon Chisholm, Purvis

Courtlyn Clanton, Waynesboro

Ebony Cole, Laurel

J.D. Cole, Meridian

Erica Cooley, Waynesboro

Seth Dawson, Laurel

Hannah Dubin, Waynesboro

Antonio Ducksworth, Louin

Nathaniel Duke, Citronelle, AL

Reagan Dukes, Laurel

Lexie Floyd, Quitman

Christen Ford, Ellisville

Eliana Gaddy, Laurel

Nathaniel Gamblin, Waynesboro

Landra Gavin, Laurel

Cortland Goff, South Jones

Jase Golobay, Ellisville

Chance Gossett, Buckatunna

Gracie Green, Leakesville

Kayla Hannah, Star

Avery Harris, Laurel

Victor Harris, Laurel

Jacob Hathorn, Clinton

Khalil Herron, Laurel

Trey Hicks , Laurel

Haley Holifield, Laurel

Virginia Hosey, Laurel

Kaselyn Houston,  Meridian

CJ Hunter, Laurel

Jamar James, Leroy, AL

Sydney James, Waynesboro

Kaitlin Jones, Purvis

Lacoby Keys, Ellisville

Reese Loper, Millry, AL

Kaylee Luckey, Mize

Cooper Mangum, Morton

Denise McAdoo, Bay Springs

Kamryn McGee, Hattiesburg

Anna-Claire McKellar, Vicksburg

Eli McMellon, Moselle

Hallie Meadows, Richton

Christian Millwood, Brandon

Destiny Minter, Ellisville

Eden Murphy, Petal

Chelsea Musgrove , Soso

Madison Newsom, Sumrall

Brooklyn Nicholson, Richton

Caleb Pearce, Ellisville

Olivia Pippin, Laurel

Taylor Pippin, Laurel

Zyion Pittman, Soso

Brianna Read, Laurel

Dawn Reulet, Taylorsville

Jacob Rogers, Ellisville

Mackenzie Rolison, Long Beach

Avyana Russell, Hattiesburg

Scarlett Sandifer, Laurel

Charlie Shattles, Moselle

Callie Shows, Ellisville

James Smith, Jr., Oak Grove

Jacob Strickland, Ovett

Natalie Sullivan, Hattiesburg

Roshunda Sumrall , Sandersville

Johnnie Tala, Seminary

Reagan Todd, Laurel

Kalley Tolbert, Laurel

Grace Toney, Long Beach

Corey Tribble, Leakesville

Deven Ulmer, Laure

Haylee Waite, Laurel

Kaitlyn Walley, Waynesboro

Katelyn Ware, Hattiesburg

Andrew Watkins, Quitman

Sarah Watson, Laurel

Rogers Wesley, Vicksburg

Alyssa White, Laurel

Derrick Williams, Laurel

Jared Woullard, Leakesville

Christian Wright, Lucedale

Sydnee Yates, Brandon

Emily Youngblood, Ellisville

Jones College announces Homecoming Court 2018

ELLISVILLE–Homecoming on the campus of Jones College in Ellisville is set for Saturday, October 20, with the theme, “Inspiring Bobcats through the Ages.”  Some special events and reunions are scheduled for Friday night, October 19.  Last month, JC students elected its 2018 Homecoming Court with the following ladies representing them during Homecoming festivities.

Queen: Haley Smith of Ellisville is majoring in biology with aspirations of becoming an orthodontist.  The Jones College sophomore is a member of the Bobcat Brigade, a student recruiting organization, and the Student Government Association. The South Jones High School graduate participated in the show choir and the Bravettes dance team. Her classmates elected her to Homecoming Queen, Most Beautiful and Miss Congeniality. She was also chosen to represent her hometown as Miss Hospitality of Ellisville. Smith graduated Magna Cum Laude from South Jones and she was honored to be in the South Jones High School Hall of Fame and a Mississippi Scholar. After completing her studies at Jones and William Carey University, Smith plans to further her education at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Veonica and Undrell Covington are her parents.

Escorting Smith will be Avery Millsap of Ellisville. The civil engineering major is a member of the Student Government Association. The South Jones graduate intends to further his education at Mississippi State University and start a business. Millsap’s parents are Alluna Millsap and Maurice Pruitt.

Student Body Maid: Kaitlyn Craig is your Student Body Maid. The Petal resident is majoring in public relations. She is a member of the Jones College tennis team and a member of the 2018 State Championship team, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Bobcat Brigade and the Lead Team Member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. At Petal High School, she was the captain of the tennis team and she was a member of the National Honor Society.  The Honors Graduate was also elected as a Petal High School Homecoming Maid. Craig’s aspirations include being a publicist for a major company after earning her public relations degree at the University of Southern Mississippi. Her parents are Rob Craig and Christy Guthrie.

Escorting Craig is Jon-Mikal “Hunter” Dykes.  He is a Petal resident majoring in nursing. At JC, Dykes is a member of the baseball team and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  In high school, he was the captain of the baseball team winning multiple Pitcher of the Year awards and MVP honors. Dykes’ future plans include pursuing a baseball career, earning his bachelor’s degree and working as a pediatric nurse in the same hospital where he received cancer treatments. His parents are Joey and Sheila McMurry and Terry and Lucy Dykes.

Sophomore Maid: Vicksburg native, Mikayla Banks is a pre-dentistry major. Her JC activities include being a member of the Lady Bobcat Soccer team and the Student Government Association. While at Vicksburg High School, Banks was a member of the soccer and track teams, Key Club, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and the National Honor Society.  Her future plans involve being accepted into Dental School and opening her own practice. Bank’s parents are Michael and Michelle Banks.

Banks’ escort is Rogers Wesley of Vicksburg.  The paramedicine major was active at Warren Central High School as a member of the Key Club, elected Vice President of the Student Council, and he earned the title of Mr. Warren Central High School.  Wesley hopes to become a registered nurse and paramedic after graduating from Jones.  His parents are Cedric Wesley and Beverly Taylor.

Sophomore Maid: Jessica Smith is a Seminary native majoring in nursing.  While in high school, she played softball and volleyball, earning 1st-Team All-District honors for all four years, and she was a Mississippi Scholar. Smith is proud to be a member of the Jones, 2018 NJCAA Softball National Championship team.  Her college plans include earning her Bachelors of Science in Nursing at the University of Mississippi Medical Center with the hope of becoming a nurse anesthetist. Greg and Jenny Smith are her parents.

Smith’s escort is Columbia resident, Charles Davis Thompson, who is an engineering major and is a student manager of the JC 2018 Softball National Championship team. The Columbia Academy graduate was a member of the football team and the 3A MAIS Baseball State Championship team.  He was elected as student body Vice President and graduated in the Top-10 of his class. Thompson’s future plans include graduating from the University of Mississippi with an engineering degree.  His parents are Chris and Andrea Thompson.

Freshman Maid: Kaitlyn Evans of Seminary is majoring in veterinary science.  At Seminary High School, Evans was selected by her classmates as the Wittiest and the student with the Most School Spirit.  Her Jones activities include being a member of the Agriculture Club.  Evans’ plans are to graduate from Mississippi State University with the goal of eventually being one of the top veterinarians in the state. Her parents are Robin and Corey Booth.

Escorting Evans is Javin Moore of Collins who is majoring in computer science. In high school, Moore played football and basketball for Seminary High School.  His future plans include graduating from Jones and eventually working at one of the leading software companies. Moore’s parents are Jerry Moore and Kenya Mead.

Freshman Maid:  Erin Perry of Petal is a psychology major at JC. The Petal High School graduate was a member of the Petal Show Choirs, Soundsations and Innovations. Perry graduated with honors and she was also involved with the Interact Club, Health Occupation Students of America and the National Honor Society. Her future plans include graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi with a master’s degree in child psychology. Robert and Ginger Perry are Erin’s parents.

Perry’s escort is Corey Davis of Petal. The general studies major graduated as a Mississippi Tech Master and Mississippi Scholar.  His future plans include graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi with a business administration degree. Rob and Becky Stephens are Corey’s parents.

The JCJC Homecoming court will also have represented as the flower girl, McClellan Cooley, the daughter of Jason and Joanna Cooley of Ellisville. The six-year-old is in first grade at South Jones Elementary School. Jonah Dunlap, the 2018 Homecoming Court crown bearer is a first grader at Oak Grove Primary School.  The six-year-old is the son of Joel and Jennifer Dunlap.  For details about Homecoming events and activities check out the News page on the Jones College website: http://www.jcjc.edu