Jones College practical nursing grads fill critical demand
ELLISVILLE – A total of 38 practical nursing graduates completed Jones College’s three-semester program, filling a critical need at area health care facilities and hospitals. The Ellisville campus had 24 graduates while 14 students completed the inaugural program at the Jasper County Center in Bay Springs with a pinning and completion ceremony.
“Class for those students in Bay Springs started as a whirlwind last August, and they have come through with grace. This group also dove right into doing community service that was appreciated by many,” said Jones College Practical Nursing Director, Amy Myers. “At the main campus in Ellisville, 24 graduates are entering the nursing profession during a massive nursing shortage. We welcome them to the healthcare family.”
At the pinning and completion ceremony in Bay Springs, three students earned honors awarded by faculty members. Receiving Jasper County Center’s Florence Nightingale Award for the first, practical nursing class was Kamilia Ross of Louin, while the Rising Star Award went to Lexi Sims of Bay Springs. Shelsea Harden of Stringer received the Academic Excellence Award.
Earning the Florence Nightingale Award for the Ellisville class was Sally Sharplin of Moselle. Monica Lawrence of Hattiesburg earned the Rising Star Award and Lanett Travis of Hattiesburg was awarded the Academic Excellence honor for having the overall highest average.
To learn more about the practical nursing program at the Jasper County Center call, 601-477-5473, email Sonya Ready at sonya.ready@jcjc.edu or check out the Jones College website on practical nursing at https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/practicalnursing/
Jasper County Practical Nursing grads August 2023 (14)
- O’Nett Lorrell Booth, Collins
- Destinee Burton, Mize
- Madalyn Grace Bynum, Stringer
- Shelsea Harden, Stringer
- Anna Grace Dykes, Stringer
- Isabella Graham, Stringer
- Delayna Harris, Stringer
- Jordyn Marie Harris, Bay Springs
- Abigayle Kupperschmid, Stringer
- Kailya L Pierce, Heidelberg
- Kamilia A Ross, Louin
- Victoria (Lexi) Sims, Bay Springs
- Anthony T Steele, Bay Springs
- Sarah Elaine Thompson, Stringer
JC Ellisville Practical Nursing grads August 2023 (24)
- Nickolas Ray Bustin, Laurel
- Leigh Ann Coppins Toomsuba
- Jeralyn Christine Doss, Petal
- Christina Foster, Millry AL
- Renee Hardy, Laurel
- Kassidy K Gray, Waynesboro
- Laura Hendry, Bassfield
- Hines Nicholas M, Poplarville
- Doneja Abrielle Hinton, Waynesboro
- Jada Makyla Holmes, Waynesboro
- Destini Rashanti Keeton, Waynesboro
- Creshona Kenny, McComb
- Monica N Lawrence, Hattiesburg
- Demetria Karin Lewis, Brookhaven
- Kaice Janae Lumpkins, Columbia
- Samantha McGowan, Laurel
- Dayna Miller, Hattiesburg
- McKenzie Moses, McComb
- Sally V Sharplin, Moselle
- Latoya Nevida Steele, Kemper County
- Jameshey Strickland, Hattiesburg
- Lanett S Travis, Hattiesburg
- Annabelle Walters, Laurel
- Chloe White, Waynesboro
Jones College students ready for fall classes
ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s fall semester began with a nice cool breeze filled with sunshine and fellowship. As students crisscrossed campus in search of their classes, various personnel were stationed outside and inside buildings to offer assistance. While traditional classes began today, online and dual enrollment classes begin on Monday, August 21. For more information about how to apply go to the website, www.jcjc.edu
Jones College Maroon Typhoon gets gold & glittery with great music
ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s 180-member marching band, the Maroon Typhoon is serving up its fans a grandiose show featuring gold and glitter and a cross-generational selection of music with various genres this fall. Music about the sun, stars, and all things gold and glittery will be featured in this year’s fall show including Madonna, Soundgarden, Dua Lipa, Jake, Muse, Ellie Goulding, Sza and Kendrick Lamar. The Maroon Typhoon is led by Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge who is in his eighth year, with associate band directors, Dr. Lindsey Keay, who has been on staff since 2013 and teaches flute, and Dr. Josh Frans, who joined the team in 2018 and is the percussion instructor. Also on staff is brass instructor, Caleb Owenby (2021), clarinet instructor, Susan Schuman (2022), Touch of Gold choreographer and JC alumna, Lora Martineau Davis (1991), and the newest member joining the Maroon Typhoon is Color Guard and Winterguard Director, Meredith Owen who began her JC journey last fall (2022).
The Maroon Typhoon has been meeting for the last two weeks in Band Camp to hone their marching and performing skills and learning the JC traditions and pregame show.
“The Jones College Fanfares, the College fight song, National Anthem, Hey Song and the student’s favorite, JC Jam will remain a part of the traditional pregame performance. This season, the Touch of Gold dance team will be featured performing, ‘Let it Whip,’” said Burge.
Fans should notice the largest drumline in several years in addition to a growing band, post Covid. Also, the JC Cheerleaders will continue to coordinate their routines with the band, continuing another long-standing tradition during the fall season.
“I really appreciate the collaborative atmosphere and coordination between cheer and band. It is always a joy to work with our cheer squad and coaches. It is an integral part of each show and has become one of my favorite things about fall at JC. The Maroon Typhoon and the JC Cheer squad really put on a professional and fun start to each ballgame,” Burge shared.
Sophomore drum majors are Jessica Manning of Quitman and Melania Sanders, of Columbia, with newcomers, Hannah Latham from Northeast Jones and Braden Yarber from South Jones High Schools. They lead the group of various college majors in addition to music majors, on and off the field. The Touch of Gold dance team is led by co-captains, Kelly Biglane of Ellisville and Taylor Garretson of Leakesville and the Color Guard captains are Gabi Lopez of Flowood, Layken Valentine of Laurel, and Ellisville’s, Arielle Grimaldo and Charlee Norman.
Fans can meet the Maroon Typhoon and JC athletes during, “A Night with the Bobcats” on Thursday, August 31, at 6:30 p.m. on the C.L. Neill Student Center Plaza. The first home football game and band performance will be on September 21, when JC takes on Co-Lin CC at 7 p.m. in Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field. For more information about Jones College, go to the website, www.jcjc.edu
Jones College Maroon Typhoon Marching Band 8/11/2023
Name HS County Instrument/Section
Jeffery Wimbley Washington County HS, Washington Co AL-Tenors
James Leggett West Potomac HS, Alexandria, VA (Petal) Tuba
Madilyn Pitts Enterprise HS 02 Clarinet
Timothy (Dalton) Pitts Enterprise HS 10 Tenors
Trinity Pitts Enterprise HS 06 Trumpet
Chase Albritton Quitman HS 06 Trumpet
Jessica Manning Quitman HS 15 Drum Major
Emari Moody Quitman HS 05 Horn
J’len Noel Quitman HS 09 Tuba
Natyana Noel Quitman HS 16 Manager
Zoe Payne Quitman HS 02 Clarinet
Adrian Roberts Quitman HS 10 Snare
Tykeivia Watts Quitman HS 16 Manager
Alex Rogers Copiah Academy 13 Dancer
Halie Dunn Collins HS 01 Flute
Jacey Mangrum Collins HS 01 Flute
Peyton Jones Seminary HS 16 Manager
Dalton Leggett Seminary HS 07 Trombone
Iquec Magee Seminary HS 07 Trombone
Wayne (Alan) Nitsche Seminary HS 01 Flute
Ethan Noffke Seminary HS 06 Trumpet
Julie King Seminary HS 01 Flute
Breana Walker Seminary HS 06 Trumpet
Leila Daniels Forrest County AHS 13 Dancer
William (Will) Carlson Forrest County AHS 12 Guard
Trinity Williams Forrest County AHS 06 Trumpet
Mallory Anderson Petal HS 13 Dancer
Carter Bullock Petal HS 05 Horn
Dakota Fowler Petal HS 06 Trumpet
Grace Frey Petal HS 13 Dancer
Avery Hampton Petal HS 16 Manager
Ella Jolly Petal HS 13 Dancer
Abby Knight Petal HS 13 Dancer
Serenity (Cici) Lawson Petal HS 01 Flute
Douglas Prout Petal HS 10 Snare
Peyton Rowell Petal HS 10 Snare
Ethan Smith Petal HS 10 Snare
Ben Thames Petal HS 10 Bass 2
Landen Upton Petal HS 06 Trumpet
Zander Watts Petal HS 09 Tuba
William (Kai) Welborn Petal HS 06 Trumpet
Josie Young Petal HS 13 Dancer
Jordan Stianche Petal HS 11 Front Ensemble
India Dearman Greene Co HS 03 Saxophone
Taylor Garretson Greene Co HS 13 Dancer
De’Juan (DJ) Odems Gautier HS 08 Euphonium
Aidan Brewton Bay Springs HS 11 Front Ensemble
Richard (Trey) Daverson Stringer HS 06 Trumpet
Brady Segraves Stringer HS 09 Tuba
Hanah Zugg Stringer HS 01 Flute
Samuel Ellard Northeast Jones HS 09 Tuba
John Marshall Ayres Northeast Jones HS 10 Tenors
Granville (Lee) Arrington Northeast Jones HS 11 Front Ensemble
Nathan Brabham Northeast Jones HS 06 Trumpet
Trevor Broadway Northeast Jones HS 07 Trombone
Hailey Brown Northeast Jones HS 01 Flute
Nayasia (Campbrelle) Bryant Northeast Jones HS 12 Guard
Michael (Ashton) Champion Northeast Jones HS 10 Bass 5
Emilee (Paige) Farve Northeast Jones HS 12 Guard
Stephen Gowin Northeast Jones HS 04 Bari Sax
Martha Hernandez Northeast Jones HS 12 Guard
Alisha Hudson Northeast Jones HS 12 Guard
Hannah Latham Northeast Jones HS 15 Drum Major
Logan Miller Northeast Jones HS 11 Front Ensemble
Ardajah Pierce Northeast Jones HS 12 Guard
Kawanda Turner Northeast Jones HS 02 Clarinet
Kameron Upchurch Northeast Jones HS 13 Dancer
Gabriel Vermilyea Northeast Jones HS 11 Front Ensemble
Stacy (Darlene) Villaseca Northeast Jones HS 03 Saxophone
Alexis Wade Northeast Jones HS 02 Clarinet
Kelly Biglane South Jones HS 13 Dancer
Phoebe Boozer South Jones HS 04 Tenor Saxophone
Nathan Bower South Jones HS 06 Trumpet
Hudson Bryant South Jones HS 05 Horn
Kalilah Cash South Jones HS 01 Flute
Arielle Grimaldo South Jones HS 12 Guard
Kayla Hamil South Jones HS 13 Dancer
Isabella Hammond South Jones HS 13 Dancer
Kylee Hicks South Jones HS 13 Dancer
Casie Husack South Jones HS 10 Snare
Sofia Jeri South Jones HS 01 Flute
Kinsey Lawson South Jones HS 13 Dancer
Halla Lower South Jones HS 05 Horn
Kaitlyn Massie South Jones HS 02 Clarinet
Alexus McCulllum South Jones HS 02 Clarinet
Demarion McCullum South Jones HS 10 Bass 3
Elizabeth McLemore South Jones HS 02 Clarinet
Kelsey Lawrence South Jones HS 13 Dancer
Leo Norman South Jones HS 09 Tuba
Charlee Norman South Jones HS 12 Guard
Olivia Odom South Jones HS 16 Manager
James Rigdon South Jones HS 08 Euphonium
Olivia Roberts South Jones HS 12 Guard
Jonathan Roney South Jones HS 06 Trumpet
Leigha Thompson South Jones HS 03 Saxophone
Sydnee Tisdale South Jones HS 07 Trombone
Sophie Wansley South Jones HS 01 Flute
Robert (Braden) Yarber South Jones HS 15 Drum Major
Sydney Tisdale Ellisville 03 Bari Sax
Kylan Combest Laurel HS 07 Trombone
Destini Jordan Laurel HS 11 Front Ensemble
Dashia Jordan Laurel HS 16 Manager
Nylah (Gabby) Mckenzie Laurel HS 09 Tuba
Precious Perkins Laurel HS 16 Manager
Miracle Shelby Laurel HS 16 Manager
Alyssa (Max) Adams West Jones HS 09 Tuba
Ethan Ainsworth West Jones HS 06 Trumpet
Andres Avalos West Jones HS 07 Trombone
Bailie Bishop West Jones HS 13 Dancer
Alexander Francisco West Jones HS 09 Tuba
Trinity Gieger West Jones HS 09 Tuba
Hailey Graves West Jones HS 06 Trumpet
Jeffrey (Alex) Guy West Jones HS 08 Euphonium
Allari Hernandez West Jones HS 03 Alto Saxophone
Hunter Herrington West Jones HS 06 Trumpet
Ava Hickson West Jones HS 01 Flute
Kaitlyn Huddleston West Jones HS 11 Front Ensemble
Bryce Jasper West Jones HS 08 Euphonium
Caleb Mosley West Jones HS 07 Trombone
Kaylee Moss (Fulgum) West Jones HS 12 Guard
Isaiah Pleas West Jones HS 06 Trumpet
Jaime Ramirez West Jones HS 07 Trombone
Aaron Reiher West Jones HS 02 Clarinet
Adamaris Rivera West Jones HS 12 Guard
Aidan (Harley) Slater West Jones HS 01 Flute
Alex Slater West Jones HS 10 Snare
Layken Valentine West Jones HS 12 Guard
Logan Histand Oak Grove HS 11 Front Ensemble
Sadie Luckett Oak Grove HS 12 Guard
Larson Ware Oak Grove HS 08 Euphonium
Briana McGinty Purvis HS 07 Trombone
Pearlz Adams New Hope HS 02 Clarinet
Donna Cameron West Marion HS 16 Manager
Melania Sanders Columbia HS 15 Drum Major
Gynesis Rivers Newton HS 12 Guard
Xoe Lockhart Pearl River Central HS 13 Dancer
Chris Garner Perry Central HS 16 Manager
Gabrielle King Perry Central HS 02 Clarinet
Mariah Smith Richton HS 11 Front ensemble
Kim Arevalo Pearl HS 01 Flute
Tana Bradshaw Puckett HS 16 Manager
Ceilia Burkett Florence HS 12 Guard
Cody Holliday Florence HS 10 Bass 6
Johnna Nail Northwest Rankin HS 06 Trumpet
Gabriella Lopez Northwest Rankin HS 12 Guard
Ghenessey Lopez Vicente Morton HS 16 Manager
Meghan Torrano Morton HS 06 Trumpet
Kaylee McWilliams Magee HS 12 Guard
Lakendrick Wells Mendenhall HS 10 Snare
Emily Wicker Magee HS 12 Guard
Dayanara (Michel) Gonzalez Magee HS 02 Clarinet
Mark (Curtis) Adcox Mize HS 10 Bass 4
Zachary Hand Mize HS 05 Horn
Jay’Nia Keyes Mize HS 12 Guard
Raelyn Lee Mize HS 01 Flute
Dori Saranthus Mize HS 12 Guard
Elizabeth (Paige) Shoemake Mize HS 12 Guard
Dawson Temple Mize HS 04 Tenor Saxophone
Rosemary Aguilar Raleigh HS 02 Clarinet
Logan Ingram Raleigh HS 03 Alto Sax
Kaydence Johnson Raleigh HS 10 Bass 1
Mersadi McCarter Raleigh HS 06 Trumpet
Haydn Westbrook Raleigh HS 11 Front Ensemble
Sadie Jones Sylva Bay Academy 13 Dancer
Tony Ducksworth Taylorsville HS 04 Tenor Saxophone
Emerald Green Pennfoster Homeschool 16 Manager
Zion Cooper Wayne County HS 16 Manager
Joshua Evans Wayne County HS 10 Snare
Kaylee Hines Wayne County HS 02 Clarinet
Nigel Johnson Wayne County HS Wayne 10 Snare
Alexandria (Alli) Smith Wayne County HS 11 Front Ensemble
Lakiriya (Kira) Stokes Wayne County HS 11 Front Ensemble
Jakevis West Wayne County HS 10 Tenors
Darla Williams Wayne County HS 02 Clarinet
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