Category: News

ELLISVILLE – Jones College has announced the 2022 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.

Jones College   President’s List     Summer 2022                           

Adams Natchez: Emily A Rasco.

Forrest Petal: Grace Irene Robbins.

Greene Leakesville: Scott James Brocious and Nicholas Levi McArn.

Greene Neely: Christopher Ryan Huey and Clayton Westley Moody.

Greene State Line: Sarah G Gonzalez.

Jasper Louin: Christopher Thomas Lee Hillman.

Jones Ellisville: Darrell McCullum.

Jones Laurel: Antwoin Shaiqun Jones, Joshua Hewitt Thurman and Keyera C Waters.

Jones Moselle: Dayton Orion Davis.

Lamar Purvis: Samuel Aaron Walters.

Lawrence Jayess: Sydney Ruth Pevey and Christy Lea Stuart.

Perry New Augusta.: Arseunna Morriel Hardin

Perry Richton: Jayson Lowery Dykes.

Wayne Buckatunna: Maggie Saige Mason

Wayne Richton: Emily Christine Beck.

 

Jones College     Dean’s List Honor Roll     Summer 2022                                    

Covington Collins: Levi Adison Brenner and Calder Hale Mikell.

Covington Mount Olive: Amerie D Sherman.

Covington Seminary: John W Price.

Forrest Hattiesburg: Kami Anne Moler and Gavin Lavon Wells.

Forrest Petal: Jimmy Clifton Rogers.

George Lucedale: Cole M Hillman, Jerry Crowder Holland and Dulce Analilia Lara.

Greene Leakesville: Woodard Lee Eubanks and Bradley Jackson Snyder.

Greene McLain: Zane Mitchell Turner.

Jackson Ocean Springs: America S Stokes.

Jasper Stringer: Alexis Grace Herrington.

Jones Ellisville: Marleigh Makay Rayner.

Jones Laurel: Andrew Jacob Bush, Ariyana Monique Logan, Austin Tabyiss Pruitt and Liam Saxon Walker.

Jones Moselle: Jonathan Stewart Martin.

Jones Sandersville: Tracy Dalan Sumrall.

Jones Soso: Miles Dwayne Dennis and Cameron Scott Johnston.

Lamar Purvis: Seth Curtis Pounds.

Lamar Sumrall: Gary Jeff Fagan.

Lawrence Monticello: Amber Shakara Newsom.

Perry Petal: Kristen Elizabeth Holder.

Perry Richton: Braxton Edward Inmon and Harley Jeffery Roberts.

Pike Magnolia: Chasity I Moses.

Simpson Mount Olive: Abigayle Grace Adcox.

Smith Mize: Tristan Patrick Craft.

Smith Mize: Joseph Drew Johnson.

Smith Taylorsville: Effie Rawls Klein.

Walthall Tylertown: Elijah Dewayne Wells.

Washington Greenville: Lejaylyn Erlando Nutall.

Wayne Waynesboro: Stephanie Rena Crist and Marquez Tyreon Hundley.

Winston Noxapater: Chase Myers Ray.

 

Jones College   Faculty List    Summer 2022 

Clarke Shubuta: Zandarrius M Blakley and Ronneyeka Jacwanna Duncan.

Covington Seminary: Amber Jones Brignac and Brittany Nicole Cummins.

Forrest Hattiesburg: Bailey M Hobby, Kamecia D Love, Kia D Pruitt, Le’chasity Danyelle Taylor and   Jacey Ann Varnado.

Forrest Petal: Selencia Petreice Roberts and Asa Graham Theus.

George Lucedale: Richard Douglas Bullock, Lorrie Morgan Kluck and Brittany Nicole Pipkins.

Greene Leakesville: Kenzell D Blakely.

Greene McLain: Mitchell Terrell Brown and Anthony Lee London.

Greene Neely: Vickie Lynn Byrd.

Greene Richton: Shara Lynn Beasley.

Jasper Heidelberg: Kelsie Destina Jordan.

Jasper Louin: Christopher Austin Thornton.

Jasper Vossburg: Ni’esha Na’sha Nelson.

Jefferson Davis Prentiss: Joy Dionne Powell.

Jones Ellisville: Labrittany Marshae Triplett.

Jones Laurel: Taylor Mackenzie Barkley, Vicky Carol Broome, Tacora Monique Houston, Nadia A       McKenzie, Diana Shai Moore, Cody Lee Pitts, Richard Anthony Pitts and Brandon Yanez.

Jones Sandersville: Haley Elizabeth Boutwell and Molly Olivia Mize.

Jones Soso: Emma J Williams.

Kemper Ovett: Jonnah Elizabeth Walters.

Lamar Hattiesburg: Inez Latrice Bridgeman, Johni Cassidy Graham, Megan Michaela McMichael and Miracle M Murrell.

Lauderdale Meridian: Chanece Lanae Denton.

Leake  Carthage: Brittany Blair Thompson.

Madison Camden: Laura Kristen Walker.

Newton Canton: Erien Ashaureyah Caldwell.

Rankin Braxton: Samuel Logan Marshall.

Rankin Florence: Baylee Chance.

Simpson Magee: Alexis Keonna Taylor.

Simpson Mendenhall: Cyndi Leigh Colson.

Smith Bay Springs: Christi Duckworth Smith and Keegan Daniel Tumblin.

Smith Raleigh: Hayley Deann Revette and Jaylen Makenna Stringer.

Smith Taylorsville: Daniel Martinez.

Walthall Tylertown: Taquana S Magee.

Wayne Buckatunna: Abigail Grace Rigney.

Wayne Waynesboro: Christopher Dalton Hudson, Drake Allan Loftin and Janice Renee Price.

 

ELLISVILLE – A pinning and graduation ceremony for 21 students who recently finished Jones College’s Practical Nursing program was held to celebrate their accomplishments while overcoming many obstacles. Completing the one-year program, was a challenge for some like 31-year-old Le’Chasity Taylor of Hattiesburg. The single mother of a 10-year-old girl previously earned an associate of arts degree in veterinary medicine. After working in the animal world for one and half years, she decided to find a new career working at Forrest General Hospital which lasted nine years working for different departments including the pathology lab, clinic lab and as an acute care tech on the medical surgical floor. Still wanting more, Taylor pursued a career in nursing.

“Without the support and encouragement of my family it would have been even harder without their push. With a few prayers and my family, I am here about to graduate,” said Taylor.

Christi Smith of Bay Springs also overcame the challenges of raising a 2-year-old, and a 6-year-old with her husband Devan while enrolled in the three-semester program. She left her job at Magnolia State Bank after six years, to fulfill the dream she’s had since high school.

“Nursing school was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done, on top of having kids and a husband but I really enjoyed it,” Smith shared. “I couldn’t have done this without my supporters and the amazing instructors. I’m really excited Jones College is expanding the Practical Nursing program to Jasper County to make it more convenient for more people to earn their degree closer to home.”

Smith plans to return to Jones College after working for a year to earn her Associates Degree in Nursing. After earning the Florence Nightingale Award at the pinning and graduation ceremony at Jones College, Smith said it just confirms that nursing is what she needs to do.

“I just about cried when they called my name. I am honored and I hope I can live up to the expectations that the founder of nursing embodied,” said Smith.

For Maggie Mason, being a Jones College graduate of nursing is the continuation of a legacy established by Mason’s great grandmother, Martha Clanton and Maggie’s mother, Wanda Mason. The Wayne County family has worked in home health care for 20 and 25 years respectively before continuing their nursing careers at the Wayne County Nursing Home. Maggie hopes to follow a similar path as she celebrates joining the ranks of the nursing profession.

“I’ve always looked up to them as role models since I was in kindergarten, as being really awesome. It is so awesome to be here today, since I waited for this day, forever it seems! There were times I felt like it wasn’t going to happen, but I tried really hard, and I’m really excited about being here,” said Maggie.

During the ceremony, the faculty recognized three students for different accomplishments. The Academic Excellence Award was given to the student who demonstrated the ability to not only achieve, but who also excelled in scholastic activities. Keyera Waters of Laurel had the highest average and demonstrated superior academic performance.

Arseunna Hardin from New Augusta was selected for the Rising Star Award. Faculty felt like she had shown continuous dedication and exceptional growth in the classroom and clinical studies. Her positive attitude and perseverance enriched her professionalism and nursing knowledge. The Florence Nightingale Award was given to Smith because like the founder of nursing, Smith embodies the spirit of nursing by exhibiting professionalism, integrity, and selflessness

towards humanity. These are the qualities Nightingale implemented into the nursing profession, along with compassion and dedication for all patients.

The pinning and graduation ceremony culminated with the traditional lighting of the nursing lamp, like Nightingale used to see for the injured soldiers of the Crimean War in 1853. Faculty members lit their lamps and passed the flame to each student as a symbolic measure of passing on their knowledge.

“Graduates, as you leave here and begin your careers, you too will bring light to the sick, the anxious and the suffering…. Let your light shine before men so they may see your good works. Never forget how important you are. You have accomplished a great thing. We are very proud of you so go out there and let your light shine!” said Practical Nursing instructor, Jill Burge.

For more information about Jones College’s Practical Nursing Program at the Jasper County Center, call the Jasper County Center at (601) 477-5473 or check out the website at https://www.jcjc.edu/workforce/locations/jasper-campus/ and to learn more about Jones College’s Practical Nursing program click on the website at https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/practicalnursing/.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s Assistant Director of Bands and flute instructor, Dr. Lindsey Keay is wrapping up a summer filled with “flutetastic” opportunities. On August 11, she’ll be headed to Chicago to perform a solo and as part of a flute quartet at the National Flute Associations’ annual convention. She was selected by her former University of Texas-Austin Professor, Karl Kraber who is being recognized for a Lifetime Achievement Award.

“He retired when I was a sophomore in college in Austin and he worked with me for only two years,” said Keay. “I’m flattered, Professor Kraber remembered me and asked me to play one of his favorite pieces, Ballade by composer Frank Martin. We worked on it for my sophomore year jury, which is like a final exam.”

Originally, the National Flute Association’s convention concert was supposed to take place in 2020. However, the Covid-19 pandemic forced the NFA to cancel its conventions for two years. Now, after “a lot” has happened, Keay is excited to finally be able to perform for her professor as he’s being honored for a lifetime of success.

“Ballade is part of the standard repertoire so as a sophomore, I remember being really excited about playing this piece my professor chose for me to work on. It’s not your typical happy flute music I had played so much of before. It’s more of a 20^th century piece-kind of creepy sounding and really different, with some incredibly fast runs,” said Keay. “I remember being excited and scared because I really wanted to impress Professor Kraber.”

This was the last piece Professor Kraber heard from his then student play. However, he specifically wanted Dr. Keay to not only play the Ballade solo, but to also perform a Mozart piece Kraber arranged, as part of a flute quartet. Only 10 of Kraber’s former flute students were selected by him to perform as part of the evening concert to honor Kraber’s lifetime of work.

“I want to perform and do well to honor him. In fact, I’ll be performing for both of my former professors, Marianne Gedigian and Kraber, so it’s a little intimidating. Additionally, other high level flute players and professors at major universities will be in attendance. I’m also sharing the stage with other flutists I consider to be ‘super stars,’” said Keay. “I’m also very appreciative of my colleagues, Dr. Burge and Dr. Frans for supporting me in this endeavor while they finish band camp at Jones without me. We all value these opportunities which are important for us in perfecting our performance skills.”

Earlier this summer, Keay spent some time helping her former college friend, Dr. Julee Kim who teaches at the University of Texas A&M-Commerce and isthe founder and coordinator of the Summer Flute Symposium. Besides assisting with the flute choir, Keay taught Yoga and breathing exercises. Her “flutetastic” summer has also been a time of reflecting as she begins her ninth year of teaching at Jones College. A few of the students she has taught, like

Jones College 2017 graduate, Scarlett Sandifer is beginning her teaching career at South Jones High School.

“I’m grateful for my teachers and as I reflect on my experience and who I was as a student, and who I am now as a teacher because of them. I’m not sure I appreciated them like I do now.” Keay explained, “I attribute my success as an orchestral player to Professor Gedigian. She presented a whole new world of opportunity and what she taught me has been very applicable to what I’m doing in my professional career.”

Dr. Keay is a member of the Meridian and Gulf Coast Symphonies, and she is a regular substitute piccolo and flute player for the North Mississippi and Baton Rouge Symphonies and the Mobile, Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Keay manages to teach private lessons, in addition to her band and teaching responsibilities at Jones College.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College is now offering the Practical Nursing program at its Jasper County Center in Bay Springs for the fall semester. Applications for this medical program are now being accepted at the Jasper County Center in Bay Springs. One requirement for all applicants is the TEAS Test. Applications and all supporting documents should be delivered to Jones College’s Jasper County Center located at 3209 Highway 15, in Bay Springs by noon on August 16, 2022.

For more information call the Jones College Jasper County Center at (601) 477-5473 or check out the website at https://www.jcjc.edu/workforce/locations/jasper-campus/ or check out the Practical Nursing website at https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/practicalnursing/.

 

ELLISVILLE – About 100 students from Jones College’s High School Equivalency program were eligible to participate in a graduation ceremony honoring the class of 2022 with about 70 choosing to participate in the celebration. Held at the Advanced Technology Center in Ellisville, HSE graduates heard an inspiring message from the keynote speaker, a 2022 Jones College graduate and Case Manager for the Forrest/Perry County Drug Court, Shayna Clark of Petal. The 34-year-old wife and mother of two children shared her 15-year journey of addiction and recovery. Homeless and alone, Clark said her life changed when she was arrested and went to prison for the fourth time at the age of 29. For the first time, the arresting officer told Clark, she could do better and there’s a better life for her, which she finally believed.

“He believed I could do it,” Clark explained to the graduates and their guests. “So, I made a deal with myself, if I can graduate drug court, then I’ll enroll in college.”

The Lamar Christian High School graduate attempted college previously and failed. She said those thoughts of failing again almost kept her from trying again. However, she said everyone at Jones College supported her every step.

“I was super nervous but everyone at Jones was there for me, encouraging me, believing in me and celebrating me all along the way,” said Clark.

In April, she celebrated being sober for six years, got married, and bought a house. In May, she was one of two selected to be on the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society All-State Academic Team. Clark also started a non-profit, “Renters to Recovery” to help others like herself overcome the challenges of being homeless and addicted. She challenged the new, HSE graduates, “What’s next for you?” and encouraged them to share their journey with others.

“I’m sure, like me, you’ve had moments where you wanted to quit… and those voices in your head keep telling you I can’t; I’ll never, and it’s too late. But you kept juggling your responsibilities with family and work, and you did it!! You came and you conquered! Every day I want you to relish this moment.”

Clark continued to challenge graduates by continuing to reach for new goals. “I hope all of you know, the sky is the limit. Don’t let this graduation be the end. Let it be the beginning of something new and exciting in your life. There will only be one you in this whole world, so please let your light shine bright. Always be learning and growing, onward and upward. And go out and share your story with other people. You never know what kind of wildfire you may light in someone just by sharing.”

For several graduates, like Annie Wester of Richton, and Penelope Davis of Waynesboro, the Covid-19 pandemic, along with other “life” issues interrupted their education and their dreams. However, their determination to get their high school education helped them to also earn an ACT scholarship at Jones College for having the top ACT score in their home county.

“I’m really happy for getting another chance to get my education and pursue my dream of becoming an orthodontist,” said Wester, who dropped out halfway through her junior year of high school. However, the HSE program at Jones has enabled Wester to graduate ahead of her class. “If you told me my sophomore year, I would be a HSE graduate I would have been shocked. I didn’t see myself getting this far. Now, I’m really excited about meeting new people and living on campus this fall.”

Sixteen-year-old Penelope Davis and her 18-year-old sister, Chloe decided to drop out of high school because their grandmother was at high risk for Covid. After home schooling for a while, they decided to come to Jones College’s HSE program to earn their diplomas. Now, Chloe plans to become a cosmetologist while Penelope has decided to major in radiology.

“This is a step in the right direction,” said Penelope. “Because of Covid we missed a lot but going to Jones has helped, especially finding friends here.”

Taking a different route, Alexis Britain of Stonewall said she plans to enter the workforce now with her welding certificate. “I’ve always been interested in doing things typically done by men. As a little girl, I loved watching my papaw who worked for a wrecker company,” said Britain.

Earning an Academic Achievement scholarship at Jones College, Jonathan Musgrave of Sandersville said he’s excited about becoming a first responder. “I’m very happy to get the scholarship because I didn’t think I did that well on my ACT, but I am glad it will pay for me to become an EMT/Paramedic.”

Director of Integrated Pathways (Adult Education) Wendy Evans said more than $50,000 in scholarships were awarded to the HSE graduates because of their academic achievements. Each county’s highest scoring student earned a full tuition scholarship for two semesters at Jones College and more than $20,700 was awarded in ACT scholarships. The overall high scoring student, Sylvia Leonard of Bay Springs, earned the Jasper County Scholarship and the $500 Jones College Foundation Scholarship.

“I’m so excited I don’t have to pay for college!” said the former resident of Ohio. Leonard explained her mother moved to Mississippi for a job, which didn’t allow her to finish her senior year of high school. “Earning the HSE diploma was a lot more difficult because I only had two more classes to finish in Ohio. However, I am excited about this scholarship opportunity! I wasn’t expecting to be the overall high scorer!”

The Clarke County highest scoring student was elementary education major, Heather Thomas of Stonewall. Covington County’s highest scoring student was Anna Grace Ellis. Greene County’s Makenzie Parnell and Perry County’s Annie Wester scored the highest in their respective county’s. Celina Russell was Smith County’s highest scoring student and Wayne County’s Penelope Davis earned her county’s top spot. Collin Jones of Soso was the Jones County highest scoring student scholarship recipient.

Earning the Rising Excellence Scholarship with $1500 over four semesters at Jones College are Erin Hutto of Waynesboro, Emily Brownlee of Moselle, Sunny Sokol of Moselle, Gavin Hicks of Leakesville, and Selena Russell of Louin.

Four students, Jonathan Musgrave of Sandersville, Makenzie Parnell of Leakesville, Penelope Davis of Waynesboro, and Annie Wester of Richton, earned the Academic Achievement Scholarship, receiving $3300 over four semesters.

HSE 2022 GRADUATES

Mercedes Alexis Allen, Sandersville

Keldrin Blackston, McLain

Mary Caitlyn Victoria Brewer, Waynesboro

Alexis Taylor Britain, Stonewall

Emily Austen Brownlee, Moselle

Wyatt Cole Bullock, Ovett

Kelsie Nicole Callender, Waynesboro

Caleb Aaron Camp, Ovett

James Alton Carr, Ellisville

Daleree Mayne Clark, Leakesville

Carley Elizabeth Cleaver, Buckatunna

Cassidy Louise Cooper, Ellisville

Landon Thomas Coulter, Ellisville

Chloe Serene Davis, Waynesboro

Penelope Ann Davis, Waynesboro

Mallory Blaire Downs, Enterprise

Anna Grace Ellis, Collins

Mya Rose Gagnon, Leakesville

Maria Isabel Garcia, Ellisville

Joana Manni Garcia, Laurel

Alyssa Caroline Giovengo, Laurel

Jacob Paul Hamby, Ovett

Christian Eli Hammonds, Lucedale

Kadence Jolee Henson, Waynesboro

Arely Anet Hernandez, Waynesboro

Cameron Nathaniel Herrington, Laurel

Gavin Brody Hicks, Leakesville

Sarah Leslie Howell, Enterprise

Erin Nicole Hutto, Waynesboro

Collin Alexander Jones, Soso

Sylvia Mae Leonard, Bay Springs

Elizabeth Nicole Limerick Guy, Laurel

Landyn Kel Longmire, Leakesville

Alexia Victoria Lott, Beaumont

Samuel Wesson Lott, Ovett

Samantha Rose McCarty, Leakesville

Baylee Morgan McCool, Bay Springs

Lynzee Alishea McDonald, Lucedale

Omari  Ta’Zyron McGill, Taylorsville

Jordan Christina Moore, Ellisville

Clifton Bernard Moss, Laurel

Jonathan Glenn Musgrave, Sandersville

Phillip Jeral Nicholson, Richton

Makenzie Skye Parnell, Leakesville

Ashton Taylor, Laurel

Dawson Reece Reynolds, Ellisville

Makayla Lauren Roberts, Lucedale

Millicent Annanelle Rogers, McLain

Celina Jean Russell, Louin

Jaden Israel Santos, Laurel

Gracie N Siniard, Hattiesburg

Cambre Grace Smith, Ellisville

Preston Thomas Smith, Petal

Sunny Rochelle Sokol , Moselle

Jonathan Cole Strickland, Laurel

Abriegail Michelle Taylor, Laurel

Heather Kay Thomas, Stonewall

Houston Edward Tillman, Leakesville

Kimberly Michelle Trudeau, Ellisville

Ouida Cheyanne Waites, Waynesboro

Layton Chance Walley, Richton

Annie Marie Wester, Richton

Kaydence Zellene Wilde, Laurel

Angie Worsham, Buckatunna