Fall Break slows action in Jones College’s Bobcat Math League
ELLISVILLE – While nine of the thirteen teams participating in Jones College’s Bobcat Math League were off this week for various school-related programs, next week everyone will be observing Fall Break. This week’s matches were fairly uneventful scoring-wise but division rankings were affected.
Northeast Jones and West Jones High Schools came out ready for battle. Science Division leaders, the West Jones Mustangs were able to keep its first place ranking in the division as they trampled over the Laurel Tornadoes, 46 to 35. Because the Northeast Jones Tigers earned the win against the Raleigh Lions in a close match, 27 to 21, combined with Laurel High School’s loss, the Tigers moved up a notch to third place in the division, knocking Laurel out of second place. Presbyterian Christian moved up to the second place spot even though they did not compete this week.
In this week’s race to be the Most Outstanding Player, Sacred Heart’s Benjamin Dunn keeps the top spot with his 75 percent accuracy average. Previous second-place MOP student from Laurel High School, Maxwell Dobbs moves to third place tied with Wayne County’s Joshua Curry with a 65 percent accuracy average. Presbyterian Christian’s Mathew Morgan keeps his second place MOP ranking with a 70 percent accuracy average despite having this week off. Four students were tied for fifth place with a 60 percent accuracy average.
Competition returns the week of October 15, with the likelihood of more divisional changes. Top contender, West Jones will battle it out with cross-county foe, the Northeast Jones Tigers in the “Jungle.” Laurel High School gets the opportunity to possibly rise in the ranks as they face the Presbyterian Christian Bobcats who have the advantage of meeting on their home turf. Raleigh has the “bye” this week.
In the Technology Division, the Sacred Heart Crusaders will be bracing for an attempt from the Oak Grove Warriors to knock them off the top, allowing the Warriors to possibly take the lead in the Engineering Division. In order to accomplish that feat, the Wayne County War Eagles would have to lose its match against Wayne County foe, Wayne Academy which is currently in third place in the Technology Division. The odds are in favor of the War Eagles based on cumulative points but the Jaguars are ready to pounce on its cross-county competitor. Blocking any possible gains in division rankings for Wayne Academy could be the final results between the Columbia Academy and Heidelberg match-up. The Cougars have a solid grip on second place in the Technology Division and could also benefit from an Oak Grove win. Throwing a kink in everyone’s plans to rise in the division is the Perry Central Bulldogs who face the Quitman Panthers. Depending on who wins the match, an upset in the rankings is probable.
Results will be posted on the JC Bobcat Math League web page under “Division Standings/Schedules at: http://www.jcjc.edu/bobcatmathleague/ and scores in real time will be posted on the Bobcat Math League Facebook page: Bobcat Math League – Facebook. Weekly results can also be found in local media outlets. For more information about the Bobcat Math League contact Dr. Jessica Bunch (JC Bobcat Math League Commissioner) at 601-477-5422 or email at jessica.bunch@jcjc.edu.
Comic book characters to heroes on display at Jones College art gallery
ELLISVILLE – Tupelo native and current Hattiesburg resident, Thomas Jackson’s artwork is on display at the Jones College Eula Bass Lewis art gallery on the Ellisville campus. His talents produce a wide range of art styles including oil pastel paintings of superheroes to literary figures and scenery. The comic book enthusiast is working on his modern version of the classic art form and will be on campus for an “Art Talk” on Tuesday, October 23, at 1 p.m. The gallery and the Art Talk is open to the public at no cost.
Since 1998, Jackson has been performing as a musician. He fell in love with songwriting and performing while studying graphic design at USM. Since then, he’s been a full-time musician, teaching in Hattiesburg and painting on his off days. While he’s been drawing all of his life, Jackson said he’s only been serious about art for about five years after getting engaged.
“I did an oil pastel drawing of a comic book character for a friend and posted it on Facebook. People started asking me if I could do other characters and it went from there. So I’ve been a part-time professional artist for about five years, doing mostly comic book related stuff,” said Jackson.
His inspiration comes mostly from illustrators from the early 20th-century comic books and Pulp magazines while also enjoying the styles of Art Nouveau and Impressionism, like painter Gustavo Klimt. Jackson believes his work balances strong 2 D effects with elaborate handwork, along with the Impressionists’ style of using bright palettes. Aside from superheroes and Sci-fi, Jackson draws and paints a wide variety of subjects from Frida Kahlo to David Bowie.
“I really like color and texture. My lifelong love of comic books has developed into a signature aesthetic look. The portraits of superheroes use colors that evoke the bright basics of the four-color comic book form while also using a complex method of involving many layers of pastel, acrylic and digital effects, adding depth and making each piece a one-of-a-kind. The results bridge the distance between popular and fine art forms,” said Jackson.
For more information about the JCJC art show contact the gallery at 601-477-4148 or visit the gallery which is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The gallery is closed for lunch daily from 11:30 until noon. If you want to know more about the JCJC Fine Arts Department check out the JCJC Fine Arts Facebook page at JCJCFineArts.
Jones College students choose Chambers & Woullard as Mr. & Miss JC
ELLISVILLE – Students at Jones College recently chose two people, BreAnna Chambers and Jared Woullard as the best representatives of the college, as Mr. and Miss JC. This honor is bestowed upon a sophomore who is not only involved in college activities but who also exemplifies Jones and is considered a role model by their peers. Students campaigned using various methods of marketing including posters, social media campaigns and some appealed to the taste buds of students with candy and baked goods.
“Miss JC,” BreAnna Chambers lives in the Buckatunna community of Wayne County and is majoring in speech pathology and audiology. At Jones, she is a member of the Student Government Association, Baptist Student Union and JC Diamond Girls. While a freshman at Jones, Chambers was a member of the yearbook staff and a Resident Assistant for women’s housing. The Wayne Academy graduate was unsure if she’d fit in at Jones last year but quickly discovered her “family.”
“I was unsure of what I wanted out of college or if I’d find a place in any organizations. I was shown after my first month, Jones is like a family and it’s okay to step out of your comfort zone in faith and try something different. I have met people from all walks of life while serving in various organizations. My hope is that I am able to instill in as many people as I can while serving as Miss Jones College this year that the Bible quote from Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me,’ is true. I plan to take the things that I have learned with me to the University of Southern Mississippi as I study speech pathology and audiology,” said Chambers.
Her plans following graduation from JC and USM include owning a private practice for children with speech disabilities in Wayne County. Her parents are JoAn and James Chambers.
Greene County’s Jared Woullard can add another accomplishment to his growing list. JC students selected him to be “Mr. JC.” The engineering major is a member of the academic honor society, Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society. For the last two years, Woullard has been a member of the Concert Choir, Engineering Club, Bobcat Brigade, the student ambassador and recruiting organization, the Presidential Student Advisory Task Force and the Charles Pickering Honors Institute. Woullard proudly served students as the Freshman Class president, was voted as one of the Freshman Class Favorites, and he is currently serving as the Student Government Association president. The Letter “J” Award recipient also finds time to play intramural volleyball, football, soccer, basketball, and softball. The busy college student said he appreciates his peers being receptive to his message.
“Being chosen to be Mr. Jones College is so very special to me because it shows that my interactions with the student body and my efforts to inspire and encourage those to be leaders have been noticed. This achievement is more than a title to me. It is a representation of my commitment to improving student life and leadership here at Jones and I’m happy it has caught the attention of my peers. I am so thankful and will always strive to inspire greatness. My goal for Jones is and will always be to unify our students, improve our campus, and solidify our leadership integrity,” said Woullard.
The Greene County “Wildcat” graduate said he has enjoyed speaking at events, being involved with students during events, spending time with his friends and his girlfriend while at Jones. Woullard shared, he feels it’s important to return home to Greene County and encourage everyone to reach higher and work harder.
“My advice to all is to always chase your dreams and focus on being the best you! Always work hard and pray harder, and never forget where you came from because there is no place like home.”
His future plans include becoming a chemical engineer after earning his bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University. Woullard has three siblings, Dalon, LaDon and Sade’ Woullard and his mother is Monica Wessel.
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.