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ELLISVILLE –Jones College’s Christmas with the Arts and Salvation Army Toy Drive has been bringing “more smiles” to children over the last 12 years thanks to the generous support of the community. This year, the toy donations were in addition to the price of a ticket to see the annual Jones College Christmas program featuring the Concert Choir, Jones OnStage, JC Jazz Band, Touch of Gold and a lady’s quartet.

“We appreciate Jones College, faculty and students and the community members who donate toys because we get to see more smiles as we distribute these toys. Without people assisting the Angel Tree program with their new toy donations, we would not be able to serve 183 families which includes 465 children,” explained Valeria Glover, Salvation Army’s Program Coordinator.

The new unwrapped toys will be distributed on Monday, December 23, to the families who signed up for the program, who have children needing a little Christmas joy. Hopefully, the remaining “‘Angels Tree” names still hanging on the tree in the mall in Laurel will be adopted soon.

“We are so thankful for what the college and community do to help every year with this program. We love doing the ‘most good’ for the community, which serves as a blessing to so many people because of the generosity of others,” said Hilda Sargent, Salvation Army Social Services.

Necessities and Christmas gifts are provided for disadvantaged children from infants to age 12, through the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program in Jones, Jasper, Wayne, Clarke, Smith and Simpson counties. For more information about the Angel Tree project, go to https://salvationarmyalm.org/

For more information, call the Jones College of Art, Music and Performance Office at 601-477-4203 or follow Jones College Art, Music and Performance Facebook Page and “X” or Twitter.

ELLISVILLE- The Mississippi Association of Community Colleges (MACC), which includes Jones College and the 14 community colleges in Mississippi, have signed an agreement with Belhaven University allowing Mississippi community college students a seamless pathway to earning their Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education. Effective immediately, the agreement allows students with an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree from any of the MACC institutions to transfer directly into Belhaven University, where the A.A. degree will fulfill the first two years of the University’s Elementary Teacher Education Preparation Program.

“This articulation agreement represents our steadfast commitment to creating seamless pathways for student success,” said Belhaven University Provost Dr. Audrey Kelleher. “By fostering collaboration between the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges and Belhaven University, we empower students to achieve their educational goals. Together, we are strengthening the bridge to higher education and enriching opportunities for learners across Mississippi.”

The partnership includes a comprehensive transfer and course equivalency guide that guarantees the transferability of applicable credits. MACC students who meet all admission requirements and follow the recommended program of study will be eligible for direct admission to Belhaven University.

One of the agreement’s central goals is to facilitate smooth transitions for students pursuing a teaching career in elementary education. Those completing an A.A. degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher can transfer directly into Belhaven’s Elementary Teacher Education Preparation Program without any loss of credits. This ensures future educators have a streamlined path to entering the workforce prepared and equipped for success.

Belhaven University’s Dean of the School of Education, Dr. David Hand said, “With the ongoing shortage of elementary teachers in Mississippi, this agreement is designed to simplify the transfer process for teacher candidates from community colleges into our Teacher Educator Preparation Program. Our shared goal is to prepare more qualified teachers to help address the critical need for teachers in our state.”

“This agreement underscores our shared commitment to expanding access to higher education and supporting student achievement,” Dr. Audrey Kelleher added. “By working together, we’re making it easier than ever for Mississippi students to reach their academic and professional aspirations.”

About Belhaven University

Founded in 1883, Belhaven University is a top-ranked Christian liberal arts institution offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines. With a mission to prepare students academically and spiritually, Belhaven University is committed to equipping students for meaningful lives of leadership and service.

About the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges

The Mississippi Association of Community Colleges represents the state’s community and junior colleges, serving students across Mississippi with affordable and accessible higher education opportunities. MACC institutions are dedicated to supporting student success and workforce development.

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Jones County Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Jones County Junior College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 3033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Statement of Non-Discrimination and ADA Statement: Jones County Junior College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policy: The (ADA/ Section 504) Wendy Evans, ADA Coordinator, Terrell Tisdale Library, phone 601-477-2673; email ADACoordinator@jcjc.edu and Title IX Coordinator, Brittany Weatherford-Barron, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127; email brittany.weatherford@jcjc.edu. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.

ELLISVILLE- For the last five years, Jones College Foundation’s Day of Giving event has surpassed its goal with this year being no exception. Thanks to the generosity of the alumni and friends of the two-year college, the $200,000 goal was surpassed before noon on the National Day of Giving event, which is held each Tuesday after Thanksgiving. At the end of the day, $258,727.64 was raised.

“We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of our Legacy Donors as well as new donors, whose contributions made these milestones possible. It is an honor to witness such selflessness and dedication. These donors are not only leaving a legacy, but they are also leading the way toward excellence. Their generosity is truly inspiring, and it leaves a lasting mark on the future of Jones College,” said an excited Sabrina Young, Jones College Vice President of External Funding and the Executive Director of the Jones College Foundation.

She continued to explain that the Day of Giving supports the college’s Legacy Giving Campaign which is supporting the Napier School of Art and Design, JC Healthcare programs and career and technical education. Providing scholarships in those specific programs will help students overcome obstacles, succeed and transform their lives.

Representatives from the Ellisville High School Class of 1964 announced they were establishing one of the newest scholarships as part of the Day of Giving at Jones College. The original high school was established in 1911, as Jones County Agricultural High School and began offering college courses in 1927. The high school eventually became known as Ellisville High School, and it remained on the current Jones College campus. As schools were later consolidated, South Jones High School was established in 1965.

“One day, no one will remember the high school because it was closed in 1965. We were the next to last graduating class before consolidation,” explained Tommie Lowery. “Everyone in this group of about 20 or so of us decided we’d start this scholarship. We did not do any fundraisers or anything like that. It was just because we want our Ellisville High School to be remembered through the years and that’s what it’s all about.”

Once the scholarship is endowed, which Lowery expects to be soon, Jones College student recipients will get a brief history about Ellisville High School as a way to continue its legacy.

“I hope that students will realize there were lots of footprints that came before them on this campus, and many of us had the most wonderful experience at Ellisville High School. Many of us stayed and attended Jones for two years and I would have been here for more if they would let me stay!” shared Lowery. “We want JC students to know how important we think the college is because we were here before. The college has grown into such a beautiful campus. It was beautiful then, but it’s extremely beautiful now. We want them to know that we care about education. We care about Jones College; we care about them.”

Scholarships are one way to continue a legacy with a far-reaching impact for decades. Young said she is thankful so many friends and alumni of the college have reached out to support the future of education.

“I want to thank all the donors, and the Jones College Foundation Board members who continuously support the Foundation and the College, not only through their leadership but also through their time and contributions,” Young said. “Without their assistance and support we are limited in the ways we can expand and enhance our student’s ability to serve our community in the areas that are highlighted in healthcare and career and technical education, through professional development for faculty members as well as with scholarships,” said Young. “

As a special thank-you, donors participating in the one-day event were entered into a raffle for the Grand Prize, a Jones College custom grill handcrafted by our talented students in Workforce Welding. Additionally, donors could receive one of three gift baskets packed with items from B&R Industrial Supply, Community Bank, Magnolia State Bank, Adam Trest, Shug’s, Lowes, Alexander’s Hardware, The Knight Butcher, and the Scotsman Company.

The “Day of Giving” is an opportunity for anyone to help Jones College continue to offer excellence in education and inspire another generation to share the vision Jones College established in 1911. Tax-deductible donations can be accepted online at any time at the link, https://www.jcjc.edu/alumni_foundation/day-of-giving/  To keep track of the progress goals are reached, follow us on social media at Facebook-JCJC Alumni and Foundation, Instagram @jc_foundation_alumni/,   Facebook-Jones College, and Jones College-Twitter or “X”. For more information contact the Jones College Alumni and Foundation Office at 601-477-4145.

ELLISVILLE –Jones College’s Concert Choir and JC Voices will be spreading a little Christmas cheer in Downtown Ellisville on Thursday, December 12, from 11 a.m. until about noon in the park across from Community Bank and next to Ward’s Pharmacy. The free concert will include some favorite Christmas songs like, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, What Child is This? and Five Favorite Holiday Songs.

“We want to spread a little Christmas Joy to everyone,” said Jones College Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Imgyu Kang. “This is a special time of year, and we hope singing Christmas music would brighten the day as everyone rushes to lunch or shopping.”

For more information about the JC Fine Arts follow Jones College’s School of the Arts, Music, and Performance on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JCJCFineArts and on “X” formerly,  Twitter.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College sophomore from Ellisville, Kayla Hamil was crowned Most Beautiful at the Jones College Most Beautiful Pageant held November 8, in the M.P. Bush Fine Art Auditorium. Forty contestants vied for the title this year.

The Top Five winners included: First Alternate-Abigail Trejo of Moselle, Second Alternate-Emma Grace Buckley of Bay Springs, Third Alternate-Kameron Upchurch of Laurel, and Fourth Alternate-Ashlyn Buster of Pachuta.

The ladies making up the group of Top Ten winners were Tashayla Broomfield of Lawrence County, Haley Fortenberry of Collins, Xoe Lockhart of Carriere, Anna Grace Bolivar of Laurel, Cambrey Irby of Enterprise, Abigail Trejo of Moselle, Emma Grace Buckley of Bay Springs, Most Beautiful-Kayla Hamil of Ellisville, Kameron Upchurch of Laurel, and Ashlyn Buster of Pachuta. Additionally, Xoe Lockhart of Carriere won the Most Photogenic award, and Hamil won the Audience Choice award.

Former Jones College Most Beautiful winner, Miss Jones County and Miss Mississippi 2021 contestant, Caidyn Crowder of Ellisville entertained the audience throughout the pageant along with Jones OnStage.

The pageant, sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs and the JC Lair Yearbook, uses part of its proceeds to fund the Madge Mailey scholarship, which is offered through the Jones College Foundation.