Author: Teresa McCreery

ELLISVILLE – After two weeks of fine-tuning the musical and technical skills of the 180-member Jones College Typhoon Marching Band during band camp the first weeks of August, the band is eager to perform. The largest student organization on the Ellisville campus represents majors from every academic and technical program. Entertaining the crowds who gather to see the show continues to be the goal of every member of the Typhoon.

“I am very excited about this group!” said Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge. “Each fall I say that I am proud and that they work really hard, but there is truly something very special about this group of young adults! They have been extremely focused, extraordinarily kind, and have gone above and beyond in each and every task.”

Percussionists, dancers, and the colorguard arrived in late July to begin their training along with the student leadership. Freshman drum majors, Elisa Cook of Meridian and Chaz Welborn of Ellisville joined sophomore drum majors Braden Yarber of Ellisville and Hannah Latham of Sandersville this season. These student leaders assisted Burge, Associate Band Directors, Dr. Lindsey Keay and Dr. Josh Frans and Touch of Gold Choreographer, Lora Davis and Colorguard/Winterguard Director, Meredith Owen when the remaining band members arrived for pre-season camp routine on August 6. Every note and show step will be mastered before debuting the first football game-halftime show in Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field on Thursday, August 29. Bobcat fans will hear the traditional pregame show including the “JC Fight Song Fanfares,” the National Anthem, and other football stadium favorites like the “Hey Song” and the “JC Jam.”  The Touch of Gold dance team will be featured during the pre-game show performing the Phil Collins pop hit, “Easy Lover.” 

“Overall, I think the band students came in and were very productive,” said Lora Davis, the Touch of Gold Dance Choreographer for the last 33 years. “The dancers worked so well together, and we were able to knock out a lot of choreography. I’m always excited for alumni to see what each team brings to the field each season.”

The Typhoon will also debut a new look later this fall with newly designed uniforms reflecting the College’s new color launch, using cardinal, Vegas gold, and white colors. Additionally, the Touch of Gold and Colorguard will also be wearing custom costuming in the new color scheme.

“The students are very excited to perform in our new uniforms and I believe that the Jones Family will be very proud of the new look for the Typhoon in their new digs!” said Burge.

The halftime show production called, “Remix!” honors our campus slogan for the fall, “Embracing legacy, forging the future.” Musically, we are going to perform some of our favorite tunes from the last decade with selections from Daft Punk, Sheila E., Prince, and Lady Gaga. With one of the largest trumpet sections to march in JC history, the 27 trumpeters are putting out some serious sound.

“The band has had an incredible start to the fall with a camp full of fantastic work ethic, great attitudes, and excellent musicianship, despite the grueling heat conditions. We are so proud of what they have accomplished so far and are really looking forward to a fun and fulfilling season with our band family!” said Associate Director of Bands, Dr. Lindsey Keay.

Also, for the first time, Jones College will be hosting the USBANDS organization for the Southeastern Marching Showcase & Competition on Saturday, October 5, 2024. High School bands from throughout the Southeast will be on campus competing for regional accolades. The Typhoon will be the exhibition band at the event and will be working with Laurel High School to co-host this event.

“USBANDS has been fundamental in the promotion of the marching arts since 1988. Having them in south Mississippi and providing the expert level judging panel for our area students is really exciting,” said Burge. “This will be an excellent opportunity for the public to see regional high school musicians performing and executing remarkable shows.”

USBands has supported the development of scholastic performing ensembles through exceptional service, high quality adjudication and world class venues. Over the past 35 years, USBands has expanded to include thousands of bands in 150+ marching band, indoor and concert band events nationwide including local high school bands like South Jones in Ellisville, which has won first place in these competitions. For more information about this event or the Jones College Marching Band, email ben.burge@jcjc.edu or click on the link to the JC College of Art, Music and Performance, https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/

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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, Terrell Tisdale Library, 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 – Jones College has announced the 2024 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 Honor Roll Summer 2024

Clarke Stonewall: Ember Mixon.    

Coahoma Clarksdale: Kenya R Johnson.   

Covington Seminary: Kaleb Michael Harrell and Hannah Elizabeth Moore.        

Forrest Hattiesburg: Jordan Andrew Johnson, Damian Lea, Hartmann Anderson Marblewright and Kami Anne Moler.

Forrest Petal: Kevin James Smith.  

Greene Leakesville: Jessie Vander Highsmith and Cameron Scott Williams.        

Jasper Bay Springs: William Matthew Brasfield.   

Jasper Laurel: Polly Leaann Myrick .

Jasper Stringer: Emily Gracyn McCallum.

Jones Ellisville: Nartasha Monae Johnson, Jesse Daniel McDonald and Christopher Isaac Walters.     

Jones Laurel: Tayler Holifield, Carter Mason Jones, Kinsley Paige Melton, Jaqueline Mendez, Laken Mary Minchew, Joey Allen Taylor and Jordan Haley Thurman.         

Jones Ovett: Wyatt Cole Bullock.    

Jones Seminary: Sam G Griffith.

Lamar Hattiesburg: Conner Omari Davis and Lawrenette Shirrae Oatis. 

Marion Foxworth: Hunter Anthony Ford.  

Perry Beaumont: Braxton Tyler Lott.         

Perry Richton: Jacob Andrew Herring.       

Smith Bay Springs: Eli Kevin Raby.

Smith Raleigh: Thakarius Jaquaveon Smith.           

Wayne Clara: Daxton Wayne West.

Wayne Waynesboro: Lottie Idell Boyles, Mason C Coxwell, Tyler G Freeman and Patricia M Gandy.      

Dean’s List Honor Roll Summer 2024

Forrest Hattiesburg: Jacob David Farmer.

Forrest Petal: Brighton Brooke Hutchinson, Justin Wayne Jones and Dane Michael McCormick.

Greene Leakesville: Daphne L Highsmith and Dawson Craig Hobby.

Greene Richton: Andrew D Lott.

Harrison D’Iberville: Tristian Jean Hall.

Harrison Gulfport: Shelby Leighanne Duckworth.

Jasper Bay Springs: Mallory Rose Avary.

Jasper Laurel: Alley Payton Gunter.

Jasper Louin: Jackson Rex Brown.

Jones Ellisville: Amber Lynn Bolton, Jimmy Lee Brownlee, Caroline Grace Strange and Calista Dynisha Walters.

Jones Laurel: Coley Clayton Clark, Ian Alexander Marks, Dejarris Levell Page and Jeremy Pineda.

Jones Ovett: Hunter Garrett Pulliam.

Lamar Sumrall: Brannan Davis Jorns.

Smith Mize: Tymber Brooke Eubanks.

Smith Morton: Chandler Blake Wade.

Smith Mount Olive: Paula D Harvey.

Smith Taylorsville: Stephanie Renee Hall.

Wayne Laurel: Monica Nicole Doherty.

Wayne Waynesboro: Shaniya Tyriel Evans and Brianna A Williams.

Faculty List Honor Roll Summer 2024

Clarke Enterprise: Rachael Allen Benefield.

Clarke Pachuta: Olivia L Conerty.

Clarke Shubuta: Hunter Joseph Burke.

Covington Collins: Jaqura Beyonce’ McDonald, Aquashus Lakyla Pope, John Mitchell Rogers and Annalee C Stringer.

Covington Mount Olive: Chelsey L Booth, Kayla Margarette Howell and Jikei S Thompson.

Covington Seminary: Lillian K Norris and Susannah Faythe Walters.

Forrest Hattiesburg: Derayvia Diyana Bell, Mercedes Jade Charleston, Marquavious Rashad Porter and E’lshanti Natrese Smith.

Forrest Petal: Derek Johnathan Blades, Ethan Andrew Gerlach and Kalla E Yates.

Greene State Line: Cierra Jaquez Ward.

Jasper Bay Springs: Essie Lynn Susano.

Jasper Heidelberg: Kydrekia Nicole Graves.

Jasper Louin: Hannah Grace Fries, Shatara M Keyes, Megan Gable Phillips and Kataya Yahna Shipp.

Jasper Stringer: Caleb Levi Jenkins.

Jones Ellisville: Evan Mikael Nix and Kayla Lynn Purvis.

Jones Heidelberg: Haley Madison Gilman.

Jones Laurel: Magan Lindsi Arnold, Joshua Thomas Dean, Emily Ann Hill, Alesia Danielle King, Bobby Dale Martin, Micah Montez McSwain and Ashley M Page.

Jones Moselle: Katie Malynn Smith.

Jones Taylorsville: Haley Brianna Clark.

Lamar Hattiesburg: Nicholas Drake Singleterry.

Lincoln Greenville: Inari Danielle Reed.

Marion Columbia: Theresa R McHenry.

Neshoba Philadelphia: Lindasee Kakayana Little.

Perry Richton: Sydney Leighanne Conway.

Rankin Florence: Gabrielle Lerandra Batton and Deamberleye E Rankin.

Smith Louin: Emerald Rose Green.

Smith Mize: Melissa Hosey Hughes and Breanna Nichole Stephens.

Smith Raleigh: Erica A Ate, Tasjane’ Laila Jones and Jaylen Makenna Stringer.

Smith Taylorsville: Heather Ladawn Hester and Effie Rawls Klein.

Tippah Ripley: Julia May Gable.

Wayne State Line: Imaya Eileen Binder, Connor Jordan Foret and Myeisha Rekay Lang.

Wayne Waynesboro: Brenna Dixon and Jomeria Elese McDougle.

ELLISVILLE– For some of the approximately 150 students earning their High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma at Jones College over the last year, the Commencement Ceremony held in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium at Jones College recently was also celebrated as a lifetime achievement and historical moment. Daniel “Ryan” Hampton, the 40-year-old father of 18-year-old Adrienne “A.J.” Hampton of Mize walked across the stage together with diplomas in hand after numerous unsuccessful attempts, “life’s” challenges and medical issues.

“My dad inspired me to go back to school,” shared A.J. “I wasn’t even going to finish. I was just going to get a job and do what he had done; get a job, work hard and get through life. But I wanted a high school education and the college experience. I wanted to be able to say I did it because everyone told me I couldn’t.”

That external challenge by A.J. is what also pushed her dad to go back to school and get his HSE diploma.

“I got tired of her saying, ‘You didn’t get your diploma so why should I?’” shared Ryan. “I also had a neck and hand injury at work and began to realize I may be confined to a wheelchair and without my education, I may not have a job.”

Moreover, Ryan credits his HSE teacher, Terica Chapman at the Jasper County Center in Bay Springs for inspiring him to keep going and keep moving.

“Everybody at Jones College’s Jasper County Center was fantastic about encouraging us and they just kept me uplifted, kept me going forward, and I never let it get in my head,” Ryan explained. “Being an adult, you’ve lived life, so now you know not to let things get in your head anymore because you know it’s the enemy trying to defeat you, to destroy everything within you and you know, being a child of God, the Lord helped me through this. You can ask Miss Chapman. I prayed at every test, even practice tests.”

Leakesville’s Ian Stowers also proudly earned his HSE diploma after some challenges in high school which forced him to be homeschooled. After passing his HSE, the 18-year-old Stowers pursued the workforce electrical program at the Greene County Center in Leakesville.

“I took the Smart Start program and got paid to come to school along with a certificate to help get a job,” said Stowers. “In August, I’m going into the electrician program and earn my associates degree and become an electrician.”

Earning a diploma has impacted the future of Stowers and the Hampton’s lives, just like seeing Jones County and Youth Judge Wayne Thompson’s parents’ diplomas impacted him and his brother growing up. As the Keynote speaker for the HSE Commencement, Judge Thompson explained that his parents dropped out of high school to get married, and his father went to work on a chicken farm. The elder Thompson realized later, a high school degree would be necessary to go into the ministry and Mrs. Thompson would have to get a job. Years later, when they both earned their degrees, Judge Thompson shared the diplomas hanging on the wall always made him think about his future.

“Seeing those diplomas did things to me that words never could. It inspired me because your diploma is not just a piece of paper. It is a symbol of determination and of hope and endless possibilities.” Thompson emphasized. “Look at it. Let it remind you of what can be achieved in this good life we have. Understand that success is not in the one-size-fits-all concept. It’s not about just titles and salaries, material possessions. True success lies in finding purpose, making a positive impact and living authentically. You must define what success means to you and don’t be afraid to sacrifice for it. Looking at my dad’s diplomas growing up would inspire me and my brother to go further in education. I’d go off to law school, he’d go off to medical school. He’d become a vascular surgeon. I’d practice law. My brother’s and my future changed when two teenagers almost 50 years ago decided that they were going to be different and not settle.”

Also determined to make a difference in her two-year old daughter’s life was Phaylon Gandy of Laurel. The 18-year-old said, “The math test was quite the challenge, but I did it for my daughter and my father. They inspired me and motivated me to earn my diploma.”

Eight students with the highest average score on their HSE test at each of the HSE centers in the Jones College eight-county district were awarded scholarships. Jones County’s Portia Jefcoat of Soso learned she was one of the recipients and the recipient of the only Academic Distinction Scholarship for scoring 25-28 on the ACT.

“A scholarship would fund everything for me. It would be a lot of help in my journey to be a cosmetologist,” said an excited Jefcoat. “Today is a big accomplishment for me. My very first big accomplishment, and it’s going to be a big boost, hopefully for my education in my future.”

Also earning the full-tuition scholarship for two semesters are Covington County’s Marissa Evans of Seminary, Clarke County’s Alareia Smith of Shubuta, Greene County’s Grace Dickerson of Leakesville, Perry County’s Faith Cooley of Richton, Smith County’s Kendaysha Keys of Raleigh, Wayne County’s Angel Ruppel of Waynesboro and Jasper County’s Olivia Conerty of Pachuta, who also earned the Overall High Scorer Scholarship.

“It will make a world of difference to me because I don’t have very much money and my family doesn’t have much money,” said the 16-year-old Conerty who wants to be a lawyer. “We work very hard to get what we have. Right now, getting a scholarship for Jones College to complete my education here would be incredible!”

Ten additional ACT scholarships were announced during the ceremony including Elliot Sholtz of Moselle and Faith Cooley of Richton who each earned an Academic Achievement ACT Scholarship. Rising Excellence ACT Scholarships were awarded to Isabelle Beasley of Ellisville, Kaden Bradley of Ellisville, Memoree Hawk of Laurel, Eli Massey of Moselle, Wyatt Phillips of Bay Springs, Marissa Rogers of Ellisville, and Sarah Jo Rogers of Ellisville.

Director of Integrated Pathways at Jones College, Wendy Evans commended the students for their hard work in not only earning their diplomas but also for earning nearly $75,000 in scholarships. Many of these new HSE grads are still enrolling for college and could earn more scholarships. Even though Kristopher Lee of Hattiesburg didn’t earn a scholarship, the 28-year-old said he is proud he now has his HSE diploma.

“I earned an Occupational Diploma in 2014 but I came back to school because I really wanted my HSE diploma,” explained Lee. “Now that I have this diploma, I can go out and conquer the world as a nurse! I start classes August 19th at Jones College!”

Regardless of the situation that kept these graduates from earning their High School diplomas, Evans is proud of each of them for their accomplishments. With the most HSE graduates celebrating this summer since the Covid-19 Pandemic hit, Evans said the HSE Class of 2023-2024 will always be a little more special to her.

“Each of you has demonstrated remarkable determination and resilience throughout your journey to earning your High School Equivalency diploma. Your commitment to education and personal growth has been truly inspiring, and today we celebrate your accomplishments with great admiration. Behind every successful graduate stands a team of dedicated educators and staff members who have worked tirelessly to support and guide each of you,” said Evans. “Congratulations for doing a great job in reaching this goal!”

The HSE classes are free of charge at Jones College and most tests costs can be covered by grant money. Supportive teachers and counselors at each of the Jones College Centers where HSE classes are taught can help students determine the best pathway for their success for little to no expense. For more information about the Adult Education programs offered at Jones College click on the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/workforce/adult-learning/

Jones College HSE 2023-2024 Graduates

Yosalin Makayla Aguilar, Laurel

Christian Jade Alexander, Ovett

Kaya Danyelle Allbritton, Hattiesburg

Katie Leann Barnett, Laurel

Kase Layne Bates, Leakesville

Clay Justin Beard, Laurel

Isabelle Marie Beasley, Ellisville**

Zylan Bernard Bester, Laurel

Nehemiah Joel Isaiah Boone, Waynesboro

Eion Seth Boutwell, Laurel

Kaden Micah Bradley, Ellisville**

Harley Lynette Bridges, Leakesville

Brittany Leann Byrd, Seminary

Casey Benet Carson, Shubuta

Rocky Scott Cauley, Leakesville

Dixie Page Cauley, Leakesville

Dalton Keith Churchwell, Leakesville

Carson Alex Cochran, State Line

Julia Cook, Seminary

Jabari Deshaun Collins, Heidelberg

*Olivia Lorraine Conerty, Pachuta

*Faith Alanna Cooley, Richton-Greene**

Myiesha Lachelle Cooley, Shubuta

Jordyn Paige Cooley, Hattiesburg

Dora L Cordoba, Laurel

Yazlynn Daniela Cruz, Laurel

Alexis Diane Davis, Brandon

Natalee Paige Dial, Ellisville

*Grace Ann Dickerson, Leakesville

*Marissa Cherelle Evans, Seminary

Lindsey Nicole Fontenot, Laurel

Destiny Faye Fuller, Meridian

Phaylon Dija’Nea Gandy, Laurel

Rohan Dawson Ghimire, Laurel

Kameron Breanna Gray, Laurel

Hallie Grace Green, Laurel

Harlie Faye Madison Hall, Laurel

Adrienne Jewel Hampton, Taylorsville

Daniel Ryan Hampton, Mount Olive

Darrien Kevontae Harris, Waynesboro

Memoree Elizabeth Cheyenne Hawk, Laurel**

Khamani Khris Heartfield, McLain

Emma Grace Herring, Beaumont

Maciah Terrell Hickey, Laurel

Camron Kentrell Hodge, Laurel

Amelia Joy Holland, Leakesville

Alivia Elaine Houston, Laurel

*Portia Abigail Jefcoat, Soso

Aden Javier Jenkins, Collins

Travis Wayne Johnson, Ellisville

*Kendaysha Camya Keys, Raleigh

Kathryn Paige King, McCool

Tito Tyrone Lanier, Jr., Laurel

Kristopher Alyson Lee, Hattiesburg

Miya Lashae Lee, Columbus

London Jada Long, Laurel

Noah Alexander Loper, Taylorsville

Phillip M Lopez, Ellisville

Jose Manuel Lopez, Petal

Justice Dakota Magee, Heidelberg

Maria Guadalupe Marquez, Laurel

Robert Michael Martin, Ovett

Eli Chandler Massey, Moselle**

Caleb Bryce McDonald, Ellisville

Lee’Davion Jakeilan McDougle, Waynesboro

Ricky Walton McNair, Collins

Alexis Shianne Mercer, Waynesboro

Ally Danielle Morris, Lucedale

Izabella Paige Muraca, Laurel

Erica Julianne Musgrove, Soso

Keyton Deshawn Nixon, Laurel

Wyatt Andrew Phillips, Bay Springs**

Sadie Rachelle Phillips, Waynesboro

Pacely Alise Reed, Ovett

Chase Gavin Reeves, Laurel

Gracie Leshea Robinson, Richton

Sarah Jo Rogers, Ellisville**

Marrisa Nicole Rogers**

Kelsey Rene Rose

*Angel Tiffany Ruppel, Waynesboro

Laquinta Barbaranna DeAnn Russell, Laurel

Jennifer Lynn Saul, Laurel

Ramsus Emmanuel Sauls, Ovett

Katelyn Grace Schilling, Moselle

Austin Paul Sharpe, Leakesville

Elliot D Sholtz, Moselle**

Amber Lynn Smith, Ellisville

Jeremy Adam Smith, Ellisville

Richard Dalton Smith, Seminary

*Alareia Kenijah Smith, Shubuta

Lemuel Howard Solomon, Heidelberg

Compassion River Spurlin, Laurel

Lakeiya Dedrionna Stokes, Waynesboro

Ian Mackenzie Stowers, Leakesville

Sydney Ariel Stringer, Bay Springs

Destiny Ann Stringer, Ellisville

Carson Wayne Sullivan, Laurel

Braden Caine Talley, Beaumont

Aries E Terrell, Laurel

Adyn Lynn Thomas-Wallace, Hattiesburg

Nathaniel Jordan Tucker, Laurel

Alayna Esperanza Vega, Richton

James Dylan Walker, Waynesboro

Allison Faith Walley, Leakesville

Pacey Kale Watford, Beaumont

James Preston Welch, Laurel

Amiria Lashell Janee West, Waynesboro

Devin Gage Williamson, Ovett                     

** ACT Scholarship

*County HSE High Scorer Scholarship

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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– After nearly four years since the Covid-19 Pandemic spread around the globe, its impact can still be felt in the nursing profession. Easing the shortage slightly will be the 25 graduates of Jones College’s Practical Nursing program that were recently pinned after completing the year-long rigorous program. Even though nearly 100 or more practical nursing students graduate annually from Jones College’s programs, hospitals and medical facilities are having a hard time keeping nursing staff. JC’s Practical Nursing Program Director, Amy Myers explained when Covid hit, the pandemic caused a lot of experienced nurses to leave the profession which exacerbated the nursing shortage the profession was already experiencing.

“We’re still trying to play catch up even though things have improved,” said Myers. “Being a nurse is a big responsibility and one of the more difficult disciplines because you literally have lives in your hands. I feel like through these students, I have touched more lives than I ever would have at the bedside.”

Becoming a nurse is not an easy journey, according to Jordan Thurman of Laurel who began the nursing program in 2020. While working full time as an E.R. tech, Covid hit, and classes were switched to an online format.

“I am not an online learner so that was a really big struggle and then I ended up failing and it was super discouraging. I didn’t think I was going to go back because I couldn’t get over the fact I didn’t pass,” shared Thurman. “I took time for myself, had a mental break and I’m back and graduating.”

In fact, Thurman earned the Rising Star Award which is one of only three honors given to students at the Pinning and Completion Ceremony. She was recognized for her continuous dedication and exceptional growth in the classroom and clinical setting in addition to her positive attitude and perseverance which has enriched her professionalism and nursing knowledge. Derayvia Bell of Hattiesburg also endured difficulties completing the nursing program. Her journey started in 2021 in the Associate Degree Nursing program at Jones College.

“I failed twice, and I was devastated. That was the hardest part, but I had a great support system, and I was able to get back up,” shared Bell. “I got accepted into the Practical Nursing program in January and it has not been smooth sailing; the process was difficult to overcome but I did it! God had a plan, and I am happy to be here!”

With her diploma in hand, Bell has a job lined up at the Dialysis Clinic in Hattiesburg after she passes the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. However, she also plans to return to school to become an E.R. nurse after she earns her Associate’s Degree in Nursing.

“I have waited for this day for a very long time and it’s finally here. I am so excited!” said Bell.

Also excited to begin his career in nursing is Connor Foret of Waynesboro. He is following in his parents’ footsteps and will work at Wayne General Hospital. His parents have been working there since they graduated from the nursing program at Jones College.

“My dad is an E.R. nurse and my mother is a home health nurse. She goes around Laurel and helps people and takes care of them,” explained Foret. “I’ve always liked to help people and I just thought this could be the best way that I could do that. It feels really good to know I’m helping the people in my community and just to give something back to the community.”

The ceremony concluded with the announcement of the recipient of the Academic Excellence Award, which was awarded to Kami Moler of Hattiesburg for having the highest overall average and Mercedes Charleston of Hattiesburg was honored with the Florence Nightingale Award because she encompasses all the qualities of Florence Nightingale the founder of the nursing profession by exhibiting compassion, dedication, kindness and she embodies the true spirit of nursing. All 25 students recited the Practical Nurses’ Pledge and participated in the Lighting of the Lamp Ceremony which commemorates the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale’s use of an oil lamp to assist in caring for the wounded soldiers in the Crimean War. For more information about Jones College’s Practical Nursing Programs, click on the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/practicalnursing/

_________________________________________________________________________

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– Seventeen students completed the Cosmetology Program at Jones College and were honored with a special completion ceremony. During the ceremony, Emma Cockrell of Magee was named class Valedictorian and Stringer’s Hailey Jones was named Salutatorian. Earning diplomas were Emma Cockerell-Magee; Hailey Jones-Stringer; Pacey Baucum-Laurel; Jenna Bryant-Hattiesburg; Christopher Coleman-Shubuta; Breanna Gamble-Laurel; Avery Hamm-Soso; Karah Henderson-Petal; Ja’Kera Hill-Ellisville; Taylor Lawrence-Moselle; McKenzie Lee-Ellisville; Karoline Martin-Mendenhall; Ava Moore-Madison; Naomi Thompson-Hattiesburg; Lanie Undegraff-Petal; Anna Vaughn-Florence and Kyra Woullard-Collins.

__________________________________________________________

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