Author: Teresa McCreery

ELLISVILLE – Two Jones College students earned individual honors through the International Honor Society for two-year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa. Sophomore psychology major, Aliyah Watts of Sandy Hook was selected to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s All-Mississippi Academic First Team. Accounting and Finance major from Waynesboro, Pablo Lopez was selected for Second Team honors.

“Pablo and Aliyah are such fitting recipients for these honors,” said PTK Advisor, Eric Shows. “There are many things that set these two genuinely, wonderful students and leaders apart besides their academic performance. Their work ethic, their commitment to service, their ability to unite and connect with others is unwavering and authentic. They are the epitome of what it means to be servant leaders.”

At Jones College, Watts was actively involved as a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Concert Choir, Chorale, Jones OnStage, Gospel Choir, and she served as the Student Government Association Vice President and the Vice President of Fellowship for Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Watts also performed in the spring musical productions, “STARCROSSED” and “Grease” and was selected for Hall of Fame and is one of only five sophomores to be a Tullos Scholar.

“This feels surreal to me to be nominated for this program because sometimes I feel like I’m not doing enough when it comes to my academic career. I work hard, but I am also really busy with classes, performing arts and organizations on campus. Moments like this reassure me that my work is important. It’s so motivating for me to lean on academic accomplishments, especially when I feel overwhelmed and exhausted. I am thankful to the PTK Advisors and team for this opportunity,” said Watts.

 In addition to earning her bachelor’s degree and doctorate degrees from either the University of Southern Mississippi or William Carey University, Watts plans to become a forensic psychologist in hopes of helping youth.

“I want to be a voice for teenagers and young adults who are struggling with mental health issues. I personally struggled in middle school with panic attacks and depression when my parents divorced. Learning to cope on my own, left unresolved trauma as a college student but I’ve since learned how important it is to take care of my mind. Hopefully, I will not only be able to help teenagers and young adults navigate the things they encounter daily, but to also be the person I wish I had telling them it’s okay to not be okay,” explained Watts.

Her volunteer work involves student ministry at Venture Church in Laurel and performing at Salem Heights Baptist Church’s Ark Event. Tamara Pittman and Chris Watts are her parents.

Pablo Lopez served as the Vice President of Leadership for PTK and was a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute and he was a member of the Intramural Soccer Team. He was also selected as a member of the academic Hall of Fame, and is one of only five sophomores to be a Tullos Scholar. Additionally, Lopez serves as a Deacon, and he is on the Board of Directors of his church in Waynesboro, while also volunteering for Tim Tebow’s “A Night to Shine” and the “Giving Back Project” where he gathered gifts for foster children during the Christmas season.

“This honor is a tangible representation of what hard work and dedication are and it has great significance to me. It reminds me of the economic principle, ‘If the benefits of doing something are greater than the costs, then do it.’ I am pleased to say, that all those costs are nearly nothing compared to the benefits. All of what I do is never only for me, but it is for my parents as well. This honor represents their hard work in the past, today, and their hard work tomorrow, all to have me here,” shared Lopez.

After earning his bachelor’s degree at Mississippi State University, Lopez’s goal is to get a job with a corporation and eventually start his own business.

“My parents, Pablo and Marlen Lopez, have been the foundation of my life and the ignition to my drive to succeed. Without them, things would have played out very differently for me. At home, my parents raised me with the highest values and ensured that all I did was done at its best. They are my biggest supporters and inspiration and I hope to be only half of who they are. Papi y Mami los amo mucho. Gracias por su apoyo. Ustedes son mi mas grande orgullo,” said Lopez.

The two JC students competed with more than 1,800 nominations from each of the 15-community colleges in Mississippi. As part of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society’s annual academic and workforce competition, each student submitted an essay, answered discussion questions, and described their leadership roles and activities while in college.

The highest scoring nominees from each of the 15 two-year colleges earned First Team All-Mississippi honors and $500 scholarships provided by the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges. All team members received special medallions, certificates, and printed resolutions from the Mississippi Legislature.

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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 (ADA/ Section 504) ADA Coordinator, Student Affairs, phone 601-477-2673, and (Title IX) Title IX Coordinator, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127, have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policies. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.

ELLISVILLE – Fifty-six Jones College faculty and staff members were recently honored for their years of service to the college during a special Employee Appreciation program. Administrators and the JC Foundation treated the Jones College faculty and staff to a spring luncheon and awards ceremony. JC administrators honored employees for their service at five-year increments, beginning with those who have served at least five years. 

Topping the number of service years was Bonnie Warren with 45-years being employed in various roles at Jones College. After Warren graduated from JCJC, she began working in I.T., then the Registrar’s Office and Student Affairs. She is currently serving as the Director of Enrollment Operations.

Social Science instructor, Stacy Ruth and Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith (right) were honored for working 30-years at the college during the Employee Appreciation Luncheon.

Four employees accumulated 25 years of experience working at the college, including guitar instructor, Dr. Michael Boyd; Dr. Corey Jones, Dean of the School of Business, Mathematics, and Technology and math instructor; Mike Cummings, Associate Degree Nursing Director and Pam Brownlee, Twin District Workforce Coordinator.

Honored for completing 20 service years in 2023, were eight employees: Shannon Odom-Testing Center; Lauren Bell-A.D. Nursing instructor; Kathryn Davis-Psychology instructor; Joel Cain-E.V.P. of Student Affairs; Anna Brashier-Burns-Family & consumer science instructor; Dr. Jessica Bunch-Math instructor; Dr. Joanna Cooley-Speech instructor and Missie Meeks-English instructor.

The group completing 15 service years consisted of eight employees: Dr. Caleb Smith-Geology/Social Science instructor; Crystal Nail-Alumni Affairs; Amy Myers-Practical Nursing Director; Jennifer Wood-Enrollment Management; Fawn Shoemake-CTE Dean Administrative Assistant; Sabrina Smith-Enrollment Management; Cynthia May-A.D. Nursing instructor and Rickey Gaddy-Maintenance.

Twelve employees began serving the college 10 years ago. Ashley Adams-AC/Refrigeration instructor; Jimmie Freeman-Maintenance; Greg Griffith-Electrical Technology instructor; Christina Nixon-Childcare instructor; Ryan Hearn-Civil Engineering instructor; Mark Walters-Biology instructor; Tim Morris-English instructor; Tommy Freeman-Welding instructor; Susie Polk-Environmental Safety; Bobby Dykes-Campus operations; Teresa McDonald- Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Chantra Parker-Health Care Assistant instructor.

More than five years ago, 21 people joined the Jones College family. The honorees included Dr. Brittany Barron the Title IX Coordinator and radiology instructor, and LaTrece Evans, who works in external marketing. Also honored were Reed Walters who works at the Wayne County Center as the Out of School Youth instructor and Adult Education instructor, and Cindy James, the Technical Assistant for the Out of School Youth program in Greene County. From Enrollment Management, Taryn Tyree, Rachel Jefcoat, Aubrey Phillps and Hanna Burnette were celebrated. Football employees, Kwesi Drake, Brian Hudson, David Queck and Steven Hall, along with Head Softball Coach, Tori Dew were all honored. In Information Technology, John Robertson and Daniela Deviney were recognized, in addition to Greg Smith in maintenance, Melissa Garretson in Career Pathways, Alexis Rambo in the library, and Darel Parker in Environmental Safety. Welding instructor, Mason Cook and A.D. Nursing instructor, Sara Purvis, were also honored for completing five years of service at Jones College.

Each honored employee was given a special item designed for each level of achievement: 5 years-small plaque; 10 years-large plaque; 15 years-clock; 20 years-small acrylic trophy; 25 and 30 years-medium acrylic trophy and 45 years-large plaque. 

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s Rho Sigma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society captured for the first time in recent history, some top honors at the regional and international conventions. Perhaps earning for the first time ever, this year’s chapter of honor society students took home the award for the Most Distinguished College Project in the Mississippi/Louisiana Regional competition. JC’s Project also captured a Top 10 College Project Award at the international level.

“With Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith’s vision, we took his idea of a teaching garden and began establishing a space in the middle of campus,” explained College Project Director, Natalie Graves of Laurel. “The goal was to get as many people on campus involved as possible, including culinary arts and horticulture students. Biology instructor, Dr. Melinda Butler also saw it as an opportunity for all students to come and learn. It’s definitely been an amazing opportunity to be a PTK Officer because it taught me leadership skills and it was fun.”

The garden is currently located outside of the Thomas H. Harris Science Building with plans to expand it and make it a continuous project. With broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, parsley and other vegetables, PTK President, Kadin Johnston hopes the idea will “grow” in the future.

“We can make a bigger garden in years to come to help provide for Jones College and the community. This ‘test run’ proved it is possible, but we want this to keep growing every year. It plays right into our agricultural roots as a college, and I hope it becomes our legacy that we made a difference,” shared Johnston.

Honors in Action Director, Chanel Evans of Pearl, led the efforts in securing a grant to provide Loving Mother’s Day Care Center of Ellisville, with new recreational equipment such as wagons and toddler-sized playhouses. The chapter’s work received a Top 3 Honors in Action Theme Category Award and a Top 10 Honors in Action Project Overall Award at the Regional conference.

“To be a part of Rho Sigma Chapter’s historic Regional and National victories is such a gift!” shared Evans. “It has truly been an honor to lead alongside some of the best and brightest in academia! Among the overarching initiatives and challenges that we have conquered together is the resounding success that accompanies collectivism.”

Additionally, Jones College’s PTK students earned a Top 10 Most Distinguished Chapter in the Region and Five Star Chapter honors at the regional conference. At the International conference with competition amongst more than 1200 chapters, Rho Sigma garnered a Top 100 Chapter and was declared to be the 44^th Most Distinguished Chapter. 

“I’m happy, proud, and grateful! I am overjoyed that the hard work of our officers and members was recognized and rewarded. The college project, our campus garden will not only allow us to teach students biological concepts with hands-on activities, but it will also provide usable products for our campus community and illustrate the work that goes into producing the food that we eat. Our Honors in Action project invested in the well-being and development of young children in our area by improving their ability to play and explore, and we hope that the benefits extend beyond this point in their lives,” said PTK Advisor, Eric Shows.

The PTK Officers who led the Chapter to success include, President, Kadin Johnston of Waynesboro; Vice President of Scholarship, Davis Brown of Ellisville; Vice President of Leadership, Pablo Lopez of Waynesboro; Vice President of Service, Maria Terry of Laurel; Vice President of Fellowship, Aliyah Watts of Sandy Hook; College Project Director, Natalie Graves of Laurel; Honors in Action Director, Chanel Evans of Pearl, and Fundraising Coordinator/Treasurer, Sophia Bowden of Ellisville.

ELLISVILLE – Thirty-six graduates of Jones College’s Associate Degree Nursing program are entering the nursing profession at a time when demand for skilled medical professionals continues. The graduating class of 2024 includes Hollie Brooks-Ovett; Madelyn Broome-Richton; Karla Clark Sumrall; Hannah Daley-Columbia; Joseph Daley-Collins; Jerrika Davis-Waynesboro; Hannah Dickerson-Leakesville; Marlee Dickinson-Laurel; Ginger Ekes-Laurel; Kelian Ferrill-Jackson; Taylor Frey-New Orleans, LA; Amber Goldman-Lucedale; Kennedy Herrington-Ellisville; Makenze Hudson-Stringer; Makenzie Ishee-Taylorsville; Andrea Kiser-Lucedale; Ta’Kyra Lampton-Columbia; Heather Lee-Mize; Laquana Magee-McComb; Jacob McLeod-Leakesville; Josie McMullan-Raleigh; Varia Mickel-Taylorsville; Logan Nunnery-McComb; Ashley Parker-Bay Springs; Paige Phillips-Laurel; Rejanah Powe-Waynesboro; Mariza Puebla-Moselle; Emily Sutton-Hattiesburg; Graceanne Walters-Leakesville; Josie Walters-Moselle; Rebekah Walters-Laurel; Madison Warren-Collins; Hailey Weems-Baton Rouge, LA; Shyra Williams-Whatley, AL and Abby Windham-Ellisville.

Graduates earning additional recognition at the Pinning and Graduation ceremony included Hannah Dickerson of Leakesville, Marlee Dickerson of Laurel, Makenzie Hudson of Stringer, Heather Lee of Mize, Logan Nunnery of McComb and Madison Warren of Collins for being inducted into the A.D.N. Honor Society, Alpha Delta Nu, Gamma Mu Chapter at Jones College.

A.D. Nurse graduates May 2024

1. Hollie Brooks-Ovett, Laurel Christian High School

2. Madelyn Broome-Richton, Richton High School

3. Karla Clark Sumrall, Sumrall High School

4. Hannah Daley-Columbia, Columbia High School

5. Joseph Daley-Collins, Mount Olive High School

6. Jerrika Davis-Waynesboro, Wayne County High School

7. Hannah Dickerson-Leakesville, Abeka Academy*

8. Marlee Dickinson-Laurel, Wayne County High School*

9. Ginger Ekes-Laurel, Northeast Jones High School

10. Kelian Ferrill-Jackson, Forest Hill High School

11. Taylor Frey-New Orleans, LA; Oak Grove School

12. Henley Garrett-Raleigh, Raleigh High School

13. Amber Goldman-Lucedale, George County High School

14. Kennedy Herrington-Ellisville, West Jones High School

15. Makenze Hudson-Stringer, Stringer Attendance Center*

16. Makenzie Ishee-Taylorsville, Mize Attendance Center

17. Andrea Kiser-Lucedale, Antioch Christian Academy

18. Ta’Kyra Lampton-Columbia, East Marion High School

19. Heather Lee-Mize, Covenant Christian High School*

20. Laquana Magee-McComb, South Pike High School

21. Jacob McLeod-Leakesville, Greene County High school

22. Josie McMullan-Raleigh, Abeka Academy

23. Varia Mickel-Taylorsville, Taylorsville High School

24. Logan Nunnery-McComb, North Pike Senior High School*

25. Ashley Parker-Bay Springs, Laurel Christian High School

26. Paige Phillips-Laurel, Northeast Jones High School

27. Rejanah Powe-Waynesboro, Wayne County High School

28. Mariza Puebla-Moselle, South Jones High School

29. Emily Sutton-Hattiesburg, North Forrest High School

30. Graceanne Walters-Leakesville, Greene County High School

31. Josie Walters-Moselle, South Jones High School

32. Rebekah Walters-Laurel, Jones College GED

33. Madison Warren-Collins, Mount Olive High School*

34. Hailey Weems-Baton Rouge, LA; Parkview Baptist School

35. Shyra Williams-Whatley, AL; Thomasville High School

36. Abby Windham-Ellisville, South Jones High School

*Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society members