Summer Session Honor Roll at Jones College Announced
ELLISVILLE – Jones College has announced the 2023 Summer 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.
President’s List Honor Roll Summer August 2023
Clarke Meridian: Erika Delaine Dotson.
Covington Seminary: Peyton Matthew Rogers.
Forrest Hattiesburg: Jamal Q Barnes, John Hunter Sims and Lanett S Travis.
Forrest Petal: Jonathan Michael Pierce.
Greene Leakesville: Dawson Craig Hobby and Caleb Bryce Sullivan.
Greene Lucedale: Trevor Hall McLeod.
Greene Neely: Lillie S Coxwell and Trevor Brian Parker.
Greene Richton: Taylor Meagan Adcock.
Jasper Bay Springs: Jason Thomas Cannon.
Jefferson Davis Bassfield: Laura Kimberly Hendry.
Jones Ellisville: Sarah Nicole Blancett, Joshua Davis Butler, Michael A Price and Ian M Tate.
Jones Heidelberg: John Aaron Broadhead and Thomas Caleb Broadhead.
Jones Laurel: Analy Monserrat Cordoba Jarillo, Allari Hernandez and Annabelle Walters.
Jones Moselle: Sally V Sharplin.
Lauderdale Meridian: Latoya Nevida Steele.
Lauderdale Toomsuba: Leigh Ann Coppins.
Lincoln Brookhaven: Demetria Karin Lewis.
Marion Columbia: Sarah Nicole Kelly and Jamie Lavoy Lambert.
Perry New Augusta: Annie Gabbrielle Runnels.
Perry Richton: Brady Nicholas Inmon, Dalton Tyler Strickland and Rachel Ryuka Womack.
Scott Morton: Joddrick Deshun Williams.
Smith Louin: Shakiara Campbell.
Union Union: Connor Joseph Smith.
Wayne Buckatunna: Abigail Grace Rigney.
Wayne State Line: Shaqueria Monique Harris and Jermeneshia Kinyatta Jordan.
Wayne Waynesboro: Shelby Danielle Brazell, Tylan Reshawd Chambers, Doneja Abrielle Hinton and Chloe Nicole White.
Dean’s List Honor Roll Summer August 2023
Covington Collins: Carley Rae McNair, Keegan Luke Pickering and Madison Mae Smith.
Forrest Petal: Haley B McSwain.
George Lucedale: Peyton Mariah Bullock.
Greene Leakesville: Kayla Michele Dueitt and Jasper Nathaniel Everett.
Greene McLain: Hayden Alexander Burley.
Greene Neely: Catie Nicole Boothe.
Greene Richton: Hannah Lauren Manning.
Greene Stateline: Randall Keaton Hollinghead.
Harrison Long Beach: Ethan Todd Pittman.
Hinds Terry: Julius E Green.
Jasper Stringer: Brayden Kellum Jennings.
Jefferson Davis Prentiss: Michael Osha Pickering.
Jones Ellisville: Dawson Ellis Shepherd.
Jones Laurel: Carter J Brodnax, Joseph Wayne Harrison, Michael Tyberious Jenkins and Joey Allen Taylor.
Jones Moselle: Jerrett L Smith.
Jones Ovett: Elaina Morgan Walters .
Jones Soso: Bailey Grace Wedgeworth.
Lamar Hattiesburg: Emily Claire McCrary .
Lauderdale Meridian: William Campbell Partridge.
Marion Tylertown: Shonda Lilley.
Perry Richton: Alejandro Fortino Rios and Braxton Joel Thompson.
Smith Louin: Mercideas Dove Wilson.
Wayne Waynesboro: Micah Blake Burgess, Brenna Dixon , Michael T Greenhaw and Garret D McCollough.
Faculty List Honor Roll Summer August 2023
Grove Hill, AL: William Tyler Coats.
Millry, AL: Christina Foster.
Clarke Quitman: William Joshua Jackson.
Covington Collins: Jada Jamya Brinson.
Covington Seminary: Jade Noelle Knight.
Forrest Hattiesburg: Kyra Brown, Nicole Erin Fagan at Tasha Mechelle Matlock.
Forrest Petal: Jeralyn Christine Doss, Julie Ann Harvey, Samuel Tate Hoover and Zoee Priscilla Smith.
Greene Neely: Garrett Case Henderson.
Greene State Line: Laskyla D Eskridge.
Jasper Laurel: Sandreka S Campbell.
Jasper Stringer: Shelsea Gene Butler, Emma Grace King, Abigayle M Kupperschmid and Sarah Elaine Thompson.
Jasper Vossburg: Kailya L Pierce.
Jefferson Davis Prentiss: Madelyn Annelise Berry.
Jones Ellisville: Brittany Barnes Barnes, Madalyn Grace Bynum, Kristopher David Dobson and Phillip Trey Windham.
Jones Laurel: Nickolas Ray Bustin, Bailey Holifield, Laneshia Chanea Jackson, Kaneshia Monique Kirk, Conner N Leonard, Ariyana Monique Logan, Samantha McGowan, Fernando Alexis Ramirez and Michael Chris West.
Jones Sandersville: Stacy Shondale Farmer.
Jones Soso: Sydney Denise Knotts.
Lamar Hattiesburg: Ashanti Billyan Keyes, Dayna Rose Miller and Lakuita S Shaw.
Lamar Purvis: Jada Makyla Holmes.
Lamar Sumrall: Monica N Lawrence and Kaice Janae Lumpkins.
Lauderdale Collinsville: Jessica Lauren Wood.
Madison Flora: Lantavius Montrell Johnson.
Marion Columbia: Regenia A Hamilton.
Pearl River Carriere: London Signe Littlefield.
Perry Petal: Abel Na Ramirez.
Perry Richton: Emily Grace Edwards.
Pike Mc Comb: Mckenzie Samone Moses and Creshona Zy’kavia Kenny.
Smith Bay Springs: Cornell Butler and Camarion Jones.
Smith Louin: Alexus K Nixon and Kamilia A Ross.
Smith Mize: Destinee Braiden Burton and Victoria A Sims.
Wayne Richton: Adisyn Mae Gainey.
Wayne Waynesboro: Destini Rashanti Keeton and Tyler Lederris Rankins.
Jones College’s High School Equivalency grads challenged to “keep going”
ELLISVILLE – The more than 120 students from Jones College’s High School Equivalency program were challenged by graduation keynote speaker and Mississippi Community College Board Professional Development Specialist, Brandi Ratliff, to keep going past this “moment” in their lives and pursue excellence in everything. After dropping out of high school in Grenada at the age of 17, Ratliff explained she earned her HSE diploma in hopes of finding better opportunities to position her for success.
“I felt a strong calling towards education. I wanted other people to have the opportunities that I didn’t know that I had,” explained Ratliff who is currently earning her doctorate degree. “You have unlimited opportunities in front of you no matter what happens, no matter what path you take when you leave here. I hope you know this is only a ‘moment’ right now. The moment continues in everything you do hereafter, and in every life you impact hereafter. Sitting here today, you have already proven it can be done…. My encouragement for you today is that I hope you’ll keep going and I want to say, I’m so proud of you!”
One of the graduates, 49-year-old Jeffry Nichols of Quitman could relate to Ratliff’s desire to find more and better opportunities. He decided in February, after recovering from a year long battle with cancer, to get his High School Equivalency when his 19-year-old daughter, Kathryn decided to get her HSE. She was homeschooled and a little nervous about attending classes alone, yet she dreamed of becoming an author. With a little encouragement from his wife, Cindy, the two came to classes at the Clarke County Center in Stonewall. Soon after, a friendly competition ensued as they learned their scores were similar.
“I actually stayed with something and achieved the goal of getting the HSE and I did much better than I expected to,” said Jeffry. “It’s kind of a competition, not heated but a friendly competition seeing if I could score well. Once we took the first test, we were pretty close so I thought if I put a little more effort into it, I could get closer to her score. Then, she did better. Kathryn finished with one point better, a 91. She inspired me and I helped with her nerves being in a classroom.”
The Nichols also decided to walk across the stage at the HSE commencement ceremony and celebrate their accomplishments together, with family.
“I was really happy to get to share that moment together, walk together and receive our diplomas on the same day,” said Kathryn Nichols.
Both HSE graduates also earned academic scholarships, with Kathryn earning an Academic Distinction Scholarship and Jeffry earned an Academic Achievement Scholarship. The two also have plans to return to Jones College in the fall.
“I knew the academic side wasn’t really for me, the technical side is what I’m hoping to do, like the electrical program, residential construction or electro-mechanical technology all interest me. I have done some residential carpentry, so I’m also interested in the HVAC program and doing a little welding,” said Jeffry.
County Supervisors from each of the eight counties in Jones College’s district, awarded an academic scholarship to the highest High School Equivalency test scorer in each of the counties, that will be attending Jones College in the fall. The full tuition scholarship for two semesters was awarded to Covington County’s Kaleb Harrell, Clarke County’s Ember Mixon, Greene County’s Eliza Holder, Smith County’s Sandra Page and Wayne County’s Tyler Freeman. Perry County’s Kylie Atwood and Jones County’s Carmen Pearson also earned the Rising Excellence Scholarship, while Jasper County’s Alex Davis earned the Academic Achievement Scholarship. Additionally, Mixon was awarded the HSE Overall High Scorer Scholarship of an additional $500 presented by the Jones College Foundation Director of External Funding, Sabrina Young.
“Coming to Jones was a simple choice because I earned so many scholarships and it is a great place for an education. I love all the teachers. They make it enjoyable to learn and be inspired,” said Mixon. “I was homeschooled and my older sibling, Tabitha Lee Mixon also earned her HSE diploma and came to Jones so I figured if she could do it, so can I!”
Mixon also earned a Presidential Excellence Scholarship with her high ACT score, which translates to $13,000 over four semesters at Jones College for her to earn a nursing degree. Director of Integrated Pathways at Jones College, Wendy Evans told the large audience at the commencement ceremony that this group of graduates has earned more than $100,000 in scholarships. An additional eight students earned ACT scholarships after the ceremony. Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith proud of the HSE’s accomplishments, concluded the evening with a few rousing words of encouragement for the new graduates.
“Look around the hallways at these Championship banners in the Bobcat Gym. We have so many we had to store them. There’s a word on there that tells you what you are, and I don’t want you to forget it. That word is ‘Champion.’ Don’t forget it. You are a champion today. It is awesome to share this experience with you today. I leave you with the words of Tina Turner, you are simply the best!! You are the best!!!”
HSE Scholars Scholarships
Ember Mixon, Stonewall Presidential Excellence, Clarke County HSE Scholarship, Overall HSE Scholarship
Kaleb Harrell, Seminary Covington County HSE Scholarship
Eliza Holder, Neely Academic Achievement, Greene County HSE Scholarship
Alex Davis, Bay Springs Academic Achievement, Jasper County HSE Scholarship
Carmen Pearson, Laurel Rising Excellence, Jones County HSE Scholarship
Kylie Atwood, Richton Rising Excellence, Perry County HSE Scholarship
Sandra Page, Raleigh Smith County HSE Scholarship
Tyler Freeman, Waynesboro Wayne County HSE Scholarship
Kathryn Nichols, Quitman Academic Distinction
Caitlyn Myers, Petal Academic Distinction
Noah Shows, Stonewall Academic Distinction
Isman Brady, Laurel Academic Achievement
Emily Daigle, Seminary Academic Achievement
Lillian Hall, Moselle Academic Achievement
Graysen Irvin, Laurel Academic Achievement
Tristin Johnson, Laurel Academic Achievement
Nicolas Kelly, Laurel Academic Distinction
Madison Newcomb, Soso Academic Achievement
Jeffry Nichols, Quitman Academic Achievement
Morgan Welch, Ellisville Academic Achievement
Kaden Dunagin, Ellisville Rising Excellence
Keila Escamilla, Laurel Rising Excellence
Micah Holifield, Ellisville Rising Excellence
Kaleb Harrell, Seminary Rising Excellence
Mylee Pitts, Louin Rising Excellence
Zoey McAndrews, Bay Springs Rising Excellence
Memory Smith, Waynesboro Rising Excellence
Wynstin Strite, Bay Springs Rising Excellence
Jonathan Westbrook, Taylorsville Rising Excellence
Jones College High School Equivalency Graduates 2023
Name City
Kylie Cheyenne Atwood, Richton
Breanna Charlene Beatty, Leakesville
Courtney A Booth, Laurel
Judith J.B.H. Borboa Hernandez, Laurel
David Eugean Bourgeois, Laurel
Anna Grace Boykin, New Hebron
Kimberly Lane Bradley, Leakesville
Isman Joshua Brady, Laurel
Alyson Jolene Brownlee, Moselle
V Buquoi, Laurel
Carley Elizabeth Cleaver, Buckatunna
Tyler Lee Cleaver, Laurel
Dalton Paul Cochran, Ellisville
Gabe Hayden Cooke, Ellisville
Amil Ranita Cooley, Laurel
Brendan Zane Cosper , Bay Springs
Lillie Sabrina Coxwell, Leakesville
Caleb Crownover, Ovett
Emily Grace Daigle, Seminary
Hunter Ray Daniels, Raleigh
Micah Lee Davenport, Laurel
Alex Camden Davis, Bay Springs
Bryleigh Lakin Dueitt, Neely
Kaden Dale Dunagin, Ellisville
Jessica Hanna Ezell, Seminary
Rachel Lauren Ezell, Seminary
Tyler Garrett Freeman, Waynesboro
Robyn La’Tora Gaines, Shubuta
Kiana LaQuavier Gavin, Laurel
Gage Michael Graham, Seminary
Ramsay Lee Grimes, Leakesville
Lillian Marie Hall, Moselle
Kaleb Michael Harrell, Seminary
Callie Mackenzie Hawkins, Raleigh
Auderyana Elaine Haynes, Mize
Judith Hernandez, Laurel
Paris Alyssa Hicks, Ovett
Sasha Noel Hogue, Laurel
Eliza Michelle Holder, Neely
Blain Allen Holifield, Ellisville
Ansleigh Brooke Holifield, Stonewall
Kanyen Leighana Hutchinson, Laurel
Wilson Kar Ishee, Bay Springs
Braxton Kirk Johnson, Ellisville
Abigail Alizabeth Kelley, Laurel
Stephen Dakota King, Enterprise
Ardarrin Lavon Kirksey, Shubuta
Christopher David Laznovsky, Laurel
Madlyn Marie Lee, Collins
John Michael Limerick, Laurel
Kimberly Anne Malone, Richton
Becca Elizabeth Martin, Laurel
Zoey Kylan McAndrews, Bay Springs
Cambrie Nicole Mckean, Ellisville
Hanna Jo Miles, Lucedale
Ember Genesis Mixon, Stonewall
Hayden Mackell Moulds, Lucedale
Caitlyn Grace Myers, Petal
Madison Paige Newcomb, Soso
Kathryn Elizabeth Nichols, Quitman
Jeffry Franklin Nichols, Quitman
John Robert Nicholson, Laurel
Leedarius Shondricus Rapheal Owens, Waynesboro
Carmen Pilar Pearson, Laurel
Natalee Bree Peebles, Meridian
Mariah Marsha Pierce, Paulding
Mylee Morgan Pitts, Louin
Cameron Joseph Poolson, Taylorsville
Olivia Jordan Samaniego, Ellisville
Chloe Saul, Hattiesburg
Alleyson Elaina Sellers, Waynesboro
Noah Thomas Shows, Stonewall
Memory Paige Smith, Waynesboro
Chance Jacob Smith, Seminary
Lakyn Alexis Soto, Ellisville
Wynstin Paul Strite, Bay Springs
Essie Lynn Susano, Bay Springs
Preston Thomas Sykes, Louin
Hanna Caroline Tilford, Laurel
Micah Joseph Van Etten, Laurel
Gabriela Vargas, Laurel
Dylan James Claude Vincent, Moselle
Hank Anthony Walker , Louin
Morgan Raine Welch, Ellisville
Jonathan David Westbrook, Taylorsville
Shannon Elizabeth Wheat, Meridian
Jackson Wayne Williams, Seminary
Khloe Williams, Soso
Charles Stanley Williamson, Louin
Phillip Trey Windham, Ellisville
Jones College prepares new students for college life
ELLISVILLE – Jones College rolled out the red carpet and introduced first time students to Jones College “Up Close.” Both parents and students had the opportunity to learn about the college’s policies, academic resources and to take care of business before classes start on August 17.
“I’m looking forward to experiencing college life and begin focusing on my culinary career,” said Journee Moffett of Laurel. “I can’t wait to prepare for the special events on campus as a culinary student!”
Also looking forward to a new chapter in her nursing education is Mackenna Beech of Ellisville. “I’m excited about starting college at Jones and enjoying some activities on campus, meeting new people.”
Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith encouraged students to make the most of their time here to prepare for their future and become one of the many outstanding alumni like Chapel Hart singer, Devynn Hart, Superbowl MVP, Deion Branch, plastic surgeon to the stars, Dr. Garth Fisher or TOPGUN Navy pilot, Major Nick Laviano.
“I am JC. I live and breathe Jones College and I hope you will also represent us with pride as you journey toward a successful career in life,” said Smith. “Take advantage of the resources available to you and meet new people, network with your peers and faculty. We’re here to help you build a solid foundation for your future.”
For more information about enrolling for fall classes click on the website, https://www.jcjc.edu/fall2023/
Jones College students awarded Gold Key Honors
ELLISVILLE – Five Jones College students were selected by their peers for the special recognition to be named Gold Key recipients. The Merit/Honor Gold Key recipients were engineering major, Gracye Tower of Runnelstown and business administration major, Brady Williams of Puckett. Williams was also the recipient of the Leadership Gold Key Award along with Faith Collins, a computer science major from Heidelberg. Athletic Gold Key honors went to softball pitcher, Holly Craft of Raleigh, a health-related professions major, and tennis player, Tanner Bevard of Hattiesburg who is majoring in kinesiology.
Jones College sophomores receiving the Academic Gold Key honor because of their 4.0 GPA are, William Blakeney of Raleigh; Angela Bollinger of Petal; Brooklyn Brown of Ellisville; Faith Collins of Heidelberg; Virginia Fortenberry of New Hebron; Erin Harris of Quitman; Makayla Mason of Laurel; Jessica McAlpin of Stringer; Charity Miller of Laurel; Bralynn Newell of Newton; Brodie Rials of Pearl; Christopher Ritz of Sumrall; Jennifer Shirley of Waynesboro and Reagan Veon of Petal.
Jones College FBLA students earn top spots at nationals
ELLISVILLE – Four Jones College students earned top prizes at the 2023 Collegiate National Leadership Conference of Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA) which is the nation’s largest Career and Technical Student Organization focused solely on business. The group traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, joining more than 800 college students and educators from across the country for the June 22-25 conference and competition.
Jones College students placed in the top ten in their individual and team competitions like Elizabeth Blair of Waynesboro and Blane Graham of Stringer who placed ninth in the Website Design team event. Graham also took home fifth place in Programming Concepts. Laurel’s Alondra Abad received seventh place in the Public Speaking competition. Taylorsville’s Destiny Brown, who competed in the Foundations of Accounting category, made the semifinals in the Business Presentation competition.
FBLA’s National Leadership Conference brings students together to compete for cash prizes in dozens of competitive events over four days each year. Students also had the opportunity to engage in learning workshops, network with alumni, and meet with potential employers. For more information about the Jones College Business Division check the website, https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/business/