La Fiesta Brava owner, Mariano Arellano finds hope and a new career at Jones College
ELLISVILLE – Most know Mariano Arellano in Hattiesburg as the owner of La 
Fiesta Brava asking on TV, “How about lunch?” Now the 54-year-old is asking, “How about a career?” After serving thousands over the last 26 years, the impact of COVID-19 forced Arellano to sell his restaurant. With more people staying home, paying the bills became overwhelming.
“I never expected to close my business like I did. I was behind in payments, and I didn’t want to put my house at risk,” said Arellano. “I spent half of my life in the restaurant business and now I feel like I lost a member of my family. I feel like I lost everything. I was very depressed.”
But before the doors closed permanently, a customer suggested Arellano should explore some options through Jones College’s Workforce College. Building things always interested the former restauranteur, so after a few phone calls, he was signed up for the welding program.
“When I got to Jones and started taking welding classes and meeting all the employees here, it seem
ed like every person opened a different door for me. They really helped me get out of my sadness, my depression. Now, I feel like I’m going in the right direction, thanks to everyone because I don’t know if I would have made it without them,” said Arellano.
While learning a new trade through Workforce College, welding instructor, Tracy Warden inspired Arellano to
explore even more options. Arellano earned his High School diploma when he lived in Mexico in 1981, but he knew he would need his American High School Equivalency to continue his education here. In one month, Arellano earned his HSE and the Workforce Welding & Heavy Equipment Certificates. He also plans to begin classes in the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration program in August.
“My life has changed 360 degrees,” said Arellano. “In the restaurant business,
it seems like there is always equipment in need of repair. I often did some troubleshooting before calling a repairman. I always wanted to do something else, mechanical or build something. Now, it’s become my new career.”
Arellano is currently working at Smith Welding in Ellisville, as part of the crew building a two-story building structure. He also has new goals on his horizon. In fact, with his Certificate in Workforce Welding & Heavy Equipment, along with his High School Equivalency diploma from Jones College, next year, Arellano said he may open another business after he earns his associate degree in Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration. For more information about Jones College’s Workforce College, click on the link: https://www.jcjc.edu/workforce/
A new goal for Jones College’s SGA President equals new opportunities
ELLISVILLE – Soccer is just as much a part of 19-year-old Acacia Rodriguez’s life as breathing. The Clinton resident can’t remember a time when she wasn’t playing the game or kicking a ball. Soccer is also the key to opening the door for her to play for Lady Bobcat Soccer Head Coach, Dolores Deasley, which was not on her radar.
“My goal was to go to the University of West Florida where my high school coach played soccer. Coach Dolores reached out to me my senior year of high school and told me why she thought a JUCO would be right for me,” said Rodriguez. “I knew Coach Dolores was an international player and played for her country of Ireland. She has participated in top-level soccer and I want to do just that. Coach Dolores has the experience and knowledge to get me to the next level.”
The sophomore is well on her way to the “next level.” Rodriguez not only helped the Lady Bobcat Soccer team to a 14-3 record during the 2021 spring season, but she also helped the Bobcats qualify for its first-ever appearance in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament in Evans, Georgia. Her work paid off by being named to the NJCAA Division II All-Tournament Team and the All-MACCC First Team for the season. Rodriguez soon realized Jones College could equally prepare her to be just as successful transferring to the university and discovering other opportunities.
“I came to this campus with an open mind and a willingness to succeed and Jones has provided nothing but opportunities for me to do so,” said Rodriguez, who is majoring in Sports Management with a goal of playing soccer in Hawaii.
Rodriguez’s success on the soccer field should give Jones College students an idea of her ability to multi-task and use her time wisely. When she decided to run for the office of President of the Student Government Association, she knew it would be challenging to juggle her roles as a student-athlete and keep her 4.0 GPA. Rodriguez said she did not originally plan on leading the largest student organization on campus, but she knew she would be capable of organizing and accomplishing different projects for Jones and the community.
“I was a bit shocked that I won the election as Student Government Association President,” Rodriguez confessed. “I signed up for the ballot because I thought it would give me the opportunity to put myself out there. I am very excited, however for the chance to represent the student body and bring some exciting new projects and ideas to the college.”
A few projects the new SGA President wants to incorporate include more healthy living activities like bike races, walk-a-thons, and marathons around the city of Ellisville.
“I also want to bring back the social environment lost because of Covid-19. I would like to orchestrate different activities that would bring students and teachers out of their classrooms and dorms and socialize again,” she said.
Rodriguez was first introduced to Student Council in junior high school. Getting involved in huge projects around the community, allowed her to get to know more people. When she came to Jones College, she knew she wanted to get involved in campus activities on a larger scale. Rodriguez offers this advice for anyone not sure of the best way to succeed in college and life.
“Get out there! Everyone is friendly and ready to accept you with open arms. There is always a way to become involved! Another big thing that helps, treat everyone you meet with respect and that respect will be reciprocated.”
Jones County Drug Court Coordinator, Consuela Walley keynotes Jones College’s High School Equivalency graduation
ELLISVILLE – About 70 graduates of Jones College’s High School Equivalency program from 2020 and 2021 are expected to participate in the commencement ceremony being held on Thursday, July 22, at 7 p.m. in the Whitehead Advanced Technology Center in Ellisville.
A scholarship will be awarded to the top-scoring student in each of Jones College’s eight-county district. Also, the Jones College Foundation Inc. will bestow the overall top-scoring student with an additional scholarship to Jones College.
HSE graduates will hear from the keynote speaker, Jones County Drug Court Coordinator for the 18th Circuit Court District of Mississippi, Consuelo W. Walley. She was appointed to that position in August 2018 by Jones County Circuit Court Judge, Dal Williamson.
Walley is a graduate of Jones College, the University of Mississippi and Mississippi College School of Law. Her undergraduate degree and her law degree include the areas of criminal justice, sociology, constitutional law, criminal law, and procedure.
Previously, Walley had been serving as the director of Dying to Live Ministries, Inc. after volunteering with the ministry for almost 10 years. She has also served as curriculum coordinator and instructor for ZAC House Recovery Center and the Waltman House of Hope in Laurel since 2017.
For more information about JC’s Adult Education programs including the High School Equivalency program and the Out of School Youth Grant, contact Wendy Evans, Director of Integrated Pathways at 601-477-2228 or email wendy.evans@jcjc.edu
Jones College’s Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration program leads to a “cool” 2nd career
ELLISVILLE – The first time 35-year-old Joe Johnson graduated from Jones College in 2006, he earned a degree in Automotive Technology. Fifteen years later in August, the Mize resident will not only be graduating with his associate degree from the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Program but he will also be starting a new business.
“When I started almost a year ago, I knew very little about heating and air conditioning and now I have enough knowledge to fix just about anything. I will be fine-tuning my skills but the knowledge I gained in this program at night is amazing and the teacher, Thomas Johnson is the icing on the cake. When you have a teacher who can teach, get down on your level and make it relatable, that makes all the difference in the world,” said Joe Johnson who is embarking on a new, “cool” career.
Jones College’s Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Program instructor, Thomas Johnson said the reason he started the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Program night class was for people like Joe Johnson who want to make a career change. Joe Johnson had worked in the automotive business for several years before working as a welder at Deep South. With limited opportunities to move up in the company after nearly 15 years, Joe Johnson began exploring his options.
“The night program is for people like Joe who work all day and yet want to look for another career. This is an excellent option for them,” said Johnson. “Joe welds all day long at Deep South in Seminary and when he’s done, he drives to Ellisville for my night class which meets Monday through Thursday, from 5 p.m. until about 9:30 p.m. He has never missed a day and he’s a top-quality student who has made the President’s Honor Roll. I am extremely proud of him!”
Since August of 2020, Joe has begun the day at 5:30 a.m. He finishes at about 10 p.m. after welding all day and being in class all night without an issue.
“I knew it would be a struggle coming in two weeks late to the class, but now I’m starting my own business,” said Joe. “I’m not scared because Mr. Johnson gave me the confidence and knowledge I need to work in this business.”
He also credits the support from his wife Chelsie, and their three children ages 10, 12, and 13, for allowing him the time to focus on his new, “cool” career.
“I have my business license and Tax ID number and about five jobs lined up. I know it will be long hours because this is a 24/7 job with high demand,” said Joe. “It was not easy coming back to school, but I promise you it has been the most fruitful thing I’ve ever done in my life as far as education goes, being here at Jones.”
For information about the upcoming Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Program course schedule, visit the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/heating_air/ or call Thomas Johnson at 601-477-4247.
Jones College faculty and staff accomplishments honored
ELLISVILLE – Seventeen Jones College faculty and staff members were recently honored for their accomplishments in the workplace over the previous year. The Employee Appreciation Awards began in 2004 with funds contributed by retired JCJC President, Dr. Ronald Whitehead, and the college’s 
Foundation, Inc. Finalists were selected and interviewed by the Faculty and Staff Recognition Program’s Selection Committee. Prior to the employee recognition program, a picnic lunch and games were provided by the college and the JCJC Foundation Inc.
“Celebrating accomplishments and offering an afternoon of fun and fellowship is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for making Jones great,” said Joel Cain, VP of Advancement and Athletics, and Dean of Students. “We wanted to honor and appreciate all of our employees who have worked especially hard through a challenging year.”
The Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence was established five years ago to honor a mid-level administrator whose commitment to the profession stands out amongst their peers. Financial Aid Director, Kari Dedwylder was selected as the recipient of the 2021 Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence. The Ellisville resident has been employed at Jones for six years and works with the Enrollment Management Department.
“Kari was nominated because she goes above and beyond to improve services for students. She has digitized the financial aid and admissions offices creating a more efficient workflow. She also cross-trains the two teams and is always seeking more ways to improve service,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith as he awarded Dedwylder a $500 check and plaque.
English instructor, Amanda Robertson was selected to receive the Barbara
and Gary Sauls Award for Excellence in Teaching Humanities. The Humanities Division faculty member exemplifies intellectual integrity in the classroom, and has encouraged independent analytical thinking skills, loves humanitarian pursuits and fosters a positive rapport with students. This award was initiated by JCJC alumni, Mr. & Mrs. Gary W. “Buddy” and Barbara Sauls. Their daughter, Tracy was a 1990 JCJC graduate. Mr. Sauls was a former JCJC Board of Trustees member and Barbara Sauls is currently on the JCJC Foundation’s Advisory Board. Robertson was awarded a $500 cash prize and an acrylic plaque.
Additionally, 15 individuals from three categories of employees, faculty members, office staff and administrative support, and employees working in, maintenance, housekeeping, campus grounds and campus police were each awarded certificates of achievement. Faculty finalists each received a cash prize of $250 and the overall winner received an additional $750 and an acrylic plaque. Each staff employee finalist was awarded a cash prize of $125 and the overall winner received an extra $500 and an acrylic plaque.
The finalists for the faculty awards were History instructor, Carson Atwood who has worked at Jones for 20 years. Practical Nursing Program Director, Teresa McDonald has taught the Health Care Assistant and Practical Nursing courses at Jones College for seven years. Chris Robinson has been teaching Health and Leadership classes for 20 years while also serving as the Assistant Athletic Director and the Head Coach of the Softball team. Sociology instructor, Stacy Ruth has 28 years of teaching experience at Jones. Workforce Development and Welding instructor, Tracy Warden has been teaching welding, millwright, machining, heavy equipment and NCCER specific industry standards and OSHA safety training for nine years. McDonald was chosen for the overall JC Faculty of the Year Award.
“The faculty awards appreciation is always a special time for employees to come together at Jones College. I was truly honored to receive the award. We are all family and I consider it a privilege to be part of such an amazing family,” said McDonald.
The 1990 Jones College graduate taught the Allied Health and Health Science programs at the Clarke County Career and Technology Center and the Wayne County Vocational-Technical Center before going back to school herself. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 2012 and her Master of Science degree in Nursing Education from William Carey University in 2014. The Wayne County resident began her career at Jones College seven years ago working in the Wayne County Center. She has taught in the Healthcare Assistant and Practical Nursing programs in Waynesboro before becoming the Director of Practical Nursing at the main campus in Ellisville in 2014.
Nominated for the Office Staff and Administrative Support Employee of the Year award included Tina Livingston in Student Affairs, Jessica Martin in Accounting, the Wayne County Center’s administrative assistant, Courtney McInnis, Tamara Parrish in Admissions and the Health Clinic EMT, Kristen Register. Livingston was selected as the Employee of the Year for the Office Staff and Administrative Support division.
In the maintenance, housekeeping, campus grounds and campus police departments division, two employees in the Maintenance Department were finalists. Jason Bonner and Jimmy Freeman. Campus Policeman, Jared Hutto and Scott Sumrall in Transportation were also finalists with Angela Parker in Housekeeping. Taking the top spot as Employee of the Year was Jason Bonner.