Category: News

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s 2021 Alumni Association Honor Alumni of the Year, Wayne Folkes is a JCJC 1981 graduate, a native of Seminary and a current resident of Oak Grove. He will be recognized during Homecoming, on Saturday, October 9, at the Alumni Luncheon at 11:30 in the A.B. Howard Gymnasium and during halftime of the JC Football Game against Southwest Mississippi Community College. For more information and to reserve tickets for the Alumni Luncheon, contact the JC Alumni and Foundation Office at 601-477-4145 by October 6.

“I am extremely proud to be selected as an Honor Alumnus. There are so many former Bobcats that are deserving of this recognition. As I look back at the legacy of this great institution and the people who were impacted by JCJC, I am proud of how Jones gives opportunities for students to excel, succeed, learn, develop lifelong friendships and become successful in all walks of life,” said Folkes.

The Chief Operations Officer and Assistant Superintendent for the Lamar County School District has been an educator for 39 years. He began his career in education in 1983 coaching everything at Oak Grove High School. He was also teaching Life and Physical Sciences classes at Oak Grove High School before becoming an administrator. For more than 16 years, Folkes has served his alma mater as a JCJC Foundation Board Member, and as an Alumni Association Vice President and President. Currently, he is serving as the Foundation Nomination Committee Chairperson.

“Not only has Wayne Folkes devoted his life to educating others, but he has also served his community and Jones College with unmatched dedication. He has helped the college in various volunteer, leadership capacities over five decades beginning when he was a student here. Additionally, Wayne Folkes is a true representative of the Homecoming Theme, ‘Jones Family 2021.’ His family’s loyalty to the college and their outstanding dedication to the education profession are qualities we wanted to honor with Wayne Folkes as the best representative to be the 2021 Honor Alumni,” said Joel Cain, Vice President for Advancement and Athletics.

The 1979 Seminary High School graduate excelled academically and on the basketball court. He was voted Most Intellectual in 1979 and played baseball and basketball, earning All-Conference honors in both sports. Continuing to play basketball for the JCJC Bobcats, Folkes earned the JCJC Bobcat Basketball Award in 1981.

“Jones afforded me the opportunity to continue my education as I received a scholarship to play basketball at JC and my family had a long-standing tradition of attending Jones County Junior College.  The path was paved for my career in coaching, education and administration. JCJC is family to me. The friends and the relationships that were built here at JC continue to this day. I am thankful for the impact Jones made in my life,” said Folkes.

After graduating from Jones County Junior College in 1981, he continued his education at the University of Southern Mississippi, earning his bachelor’s degree in science education in 1983, and his master’s degree in school administration in 1991. During his career as an educator and administrator for the Lamar County School District, Folkes also served in various capacities with the Mississippi High School Activities Association.

In 2010, as the principal for Oak Grove High School, Folkes began serving on the National Interscholastic Advisory Committee for the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security or NCS4. Oak Grove High School became the first High School Pilot Test Site for the NCS4. Folkes assists the agency still today, in exploring the best practices for spectator sports while serving on the committee with other international and national professional and college sports representatives

He was honored for his work in education and athletics with the NCS4 and received the NCS4’s “Friends of NCS4” Award. Additionally, he earned the Mississippi Association of Secondary School’s Principal of the Year Award in 2006 and the Mississippi Association of Secondary School’s Assistant Principal of the Year Award in 2000. The Lamar County School District recognized his work by naming Folkes as the Lamar County Educator of the Year in 2007. Moreover, Folkes earned the “Salute to Leadership” Award through the United States Department of Education in 2004, and the Martin Luther King Leadership Award from the Lamar County Concerned Citizens Organization.

Despite his many professional-related affiliations and work with numerous organizations, Folkes found time to devote to his community and church as a member of the Concerned Citizens of Lamar County. He used his leadership abilities to serve as the Forrest/Lamar County Heart Walk Chairperson for the Lamar County School District. Plus, Folkes serves as a deacon and on the Widows Ministry and Greeting Ministry at Temple Baptist Church.

Most important to Wayne Folkes is his family’s long legacy at Jones County Junior College. His parents, Billy Folkes and Sarah King Folkes met at Jones while riding the bus from Covington County to Ellisville. His father graduated from JC in 1958 and his mother attended JC in 1956-1957. His sister, Madelyn Folkes Lofton came to Jones for two years, 1978-1980 and was on the Lady Bobcat Basketball team.

Wayne’s wife Karen Aultman Folkes was in the band’s colorguard and she also graduated from JCJC in 1981. Karen continued her education at USM. She is currently working at Forrest General Hospital as a Nutrition Support RN, BSN, MSN. Their children, Katie and William continued the legacy and were JC campus leaders. Katie was a member of the colorguard in the band and she served in the Student Government Association as President in 2011-12. She is currently teaching History at Oak Grove High School. William Folkes came to Jones in 2013 and was elected as the SGA Vice President in 2014-15. He is currently working for WFTV news as a multi-media platform producer in Orlando, Florida.

“The good Lord has had His hand in my life and has blessed me with numerous good people who have poured into me, like Carolyn Lott Adams. She mentored me as a new Oak Grove High School administrator. JCJC instructor and Dean of the College, Dr. Randolph Strickland and his wife, Anne also helped me along the way. Being the 2001 Jones College Honor Alumni is really an honor that reflects the blessings of so many people in my life. They poured into me and that’s why I pour into others. I’ve been very blessed,” said Folkes.

ELLISVILLE –Cali Le of Bay Springs and Wyatt Reid of Laurel were recently voted as Mr. & Miss JC by their peers. The sophomores competed for the titles to represent Jones College students and are considered to be the best representation of the student body.

“This honor allows me to become the embodiment and spirit of what Miss JC represents,” said Le. “I love Jones and I am blessed and excited to become the face of my new home.”

The nursing major is a graduate of Bay Springs High School where she was a cheerleader, Class President, Beta Club President, STAR Student, Historian of the 2020 Bay Springs High School and a Mississippi Governor’s School Scholar. At Jones, Le is also very active in Student Government Association where she serves as the Vice President, Bobcat Brigade, Diamond Girls for the Bobcat Baseball/Softball teams and she is a Resident Assistant. Additionally, Cali is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and Honors College. Her future plans include transferring to USM and becoming a travel nurse. She is the daughter of Tony and Van Le.

Mr. JC is majoring in business administration with aspirations of earning his CPA credentials and becoming a lawyer. While being homeschooled through High School, Reid placed 9th in the nation in apologetic speaking in Speech and Debate tournaments and he earned multiple state titles in swimming in addition to playing basketball. During the summer months, Wyatt volunteers every year for the Abbie Rogers Civitan Camp for children and adults with special needs. At Jones, Reid is a member of the Bobcat Brigade and SGA. Besides being the PTK VP of Membership for the Rho Sigma Chapter at JC, Reid is also the Southern District Representative for the Mississippi/Louisiana Region, and he was voted Freshman Class President.

“Jones College is one of the best decisions I ever made. I came to Jones because of the benefits provided for its students. I can’t name another college that is affordable, personal and truly caring. The growth I discovered for myself could not have happened anywhere else. When I think of Jones College, I think of academic excellence and freedom,” said Reid.

Mike and Shelly Reid are Wyatt’s parents.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College in Ellisville will host the only performance on a college campus of Sam Bruton Quartet’s, “Take Five: A Tribute to Dave Brubeck” on Tuesday, October 12, at 7 p.m. in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium. The public is invited to attend this special evening of jazz music featuring the hits of the jazz pianist and composer for the admission cost of $10. Jones College students, faculty, and staff are admitted free with their Jones College ID.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have the talent of this caliber in our area and we are excited to welcome these musicians to our campus. You could go anywhere in the world and not hear better renditions of this music,” said, JC music instructor, Dr. Jennifer Bruton. “As a professional musician myself, I know the number of hours these performers have invested to be able to play the complex music of Brubeck, and somehow make it look effortless.”

The Quartet is composed of University of Southern Mississippi faculty who also perform professionally. Dr. Sam Bruton is a professor of philosophy at USM and

plays piano in the Quartet. He is joined by Larry Panella on saxophone, who is also the Director of Jazz Studies at USM. Dr. David Pellow plays bass and is a USM instructor and Nathan Sanders plays drums and is a DMA candidate and graduate assistant at USM. Bruton explained, Dave Brubeck’s musical pieces are often complicated in meter, form, and rhythm but this Quartet makes it look easy to perform.

“Having come through a year and a half when so many live performances have been canceled, we eagerly anticipate the return of live music events like this one and I know that students and audiences of all ages will enjoy this music.”

The Sam Bruton Quartet has performed this tribute as part of Festival South in Hattiesburg, and across the region. For more information, visit the JC website: https://www.jcjc.edu or the Art, Music and Performance Department’s Facebook page,  https://www.facebook.com/JCJCFineArt

ELLISVILLE – Plans are underway to make Homecoming at Jones College a spectacular event this year involving reunions for the Band, Cheerleaders, 1970-71 JC 50-year class reunion, and the JCJC 2001 MACJC Championship Football Team. All activities will incorporate the Homecoming theme, “Jones Family 2021” throughout the week.

The JC Concert Choir will have its first concert of the year on Tuesday, October 5, at 7 p.m. in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium. This performance is free and open to the public. Also, at 7 p.m., the Bobcat Soccer Team will host MS Gulf Coast Community College.

On Wednesday, October 6, at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Plaza, Jones Onstage is performing a “Decades of Music” with hits from the 60s through the 90s and beyond. The Jazz Band will wrap up the week of performances on Thursday, October 7, at 6 p.m. with a concert in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium before the Homecoming pep rally.

Later Thursday evening, the Lady Bobcat Soccer team will face MS Gulf Coast Community College at 7 p.m. The “glow pep rally” will be held after the game on Thursday, October 7, at 8:45 p.m. at the Lake. This event is sponsored by the Student Government Association. Glow-necklaces and glow-sticks will be provided for everyone in attendance. This event will be canceled if there is inclement weather.

On Friday, October 8, the Homecoming festivities begin at 5 p.m. with the JCJC Band Reunion registration meeting in the Fine Arts Lobby before a 6 p.m. rehearsal and dinner in the Bobcat Football Stadium. The JCJC 2001 MACJC Football Team Reunion Dinner begins at 6 p.m. in the C.L. Neill Student Center, Faculty Dining Room.

Homecoming Day, Saturday, October 9, is slated with numerous activities for a day of fun for all ages. Events will begin at 9 a.m. with a brunch for alumni and friends on the front lawn of the Terrell Tisdale Library. Members of the Ellisville High School 1960-1965 classes, the JCJC 1970-71 classes, the JCJC 2001 Football Team, Band and Cheerleader reunions, can pick up nametags for their gatherings during the brunch.

At 10 a.m. the Homecoming Parade will wind through the streets of Ellisville and the campus beginning at the Terrell Tisdale Library. The parade features floats made by the student body incorporating the theme, as well as the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band, JC cheerleaders, Touch of Gold, and of course, the 2021 Homecoming Queen and her court. Parade Marshals are the JCJC 2001 MACJC Championship Football Team.

At 11 a.m. the public is also invited to join the Jones family for a pep rally following the parade in front of the C.L. Neill Student Center. At 11:30 a.m. the JCJC Alumni Luncheon will be held in the A.B. Howard Gymnasium.  During this luncheon, the JC Honor Alumnus, Wayne Folkes will be recognized as well as the 1970-71 alumni, the JC Homecoming Court and the Mr. and Miss JC students. Reservations for the luncheon can be made through the Alumni and Foundation Office at 601-477-4145 or by emailing, jcjcalumniinfo@jcjc.edu.

Also, at 11:30 a.m., the JC Cheerleader Reunion will host a Meet and Greet until 12:30 p.m. in the D.O. Thoms P.E. Building.

Before the game, the Ellisville High School Reunion 1960-65 Classes and all the JCJC Reunion participants are invited to join the “Tailgating under the Tents” at the Sim Cooley Football Field, near the Tennis Complex beginning at 11:30. If you would like to join us for tailgating the cost is $10 per person with a reservation deadline of September 25, by calling 601-477-4145.

The public is encouraged to Tailgate Under the Trees behind the Bobcat Stadium on the Home Side outside the fence.  Bring your tent and your favorite foods before the game begins between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

The Homecoming pre-game festivities will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the marching band’s pre-game show, with Band Alumni, on the Sim Cooley Football Field at Bobcat Stadium. The game against Southwest Mississippi Community College will begin at 2 p.m.

At halftime, the Homecoming Court will be presented with the crowning of the 2021 Homecoming Queen, Melissa Bender. Also, during halftime, the 2021 Honor Alumni, Wayne Folkes of Seminary and current resident of Oak Grove, Mr. JC, Wyatt Reid of Laurel and Miss JC, Cali Le of Bay Springs, and the 2021 Jones College Cheer National Champions will be recognized. The festivities will end with a performance by the Maroon Typhoon and Touch of Gold. For more information call the Foundation and Alumni Office at 477-4145 or email jcjcalumniinfo@jcjc.edu.

                                                                                                         

The Jones College 2021 Homecoming Court is pictured left to right, Sophomore Maids, Mary Kebodeaux of Richton and Bryce Bansbach of Columbia, Queen Marissa Bender of Bay Springs, Student Body Maid, Emma Burge of Oak Grove, and Freshman Maids, Amberlyn Holifield of Leakesville, and Cambry Holifield of Laurel.

ELLISVILLE – Homecoming on the campus of Jones College in Ellisville will be a celebration of the “Jones Family 2021” with numerous reunions and gatherings scheduled on Friday and Saturday, October 8 and 9, 2021. Jones College students recently elected its 2021 Homecoming Court with the following ladies representing them during Homecoming festivities.

During the football halftime, Queen Marissa Bender of Bay Springs and the entire JC student-elected, 2021 Homecoming Court will be presented. Escorting the ladies will be a Jones College student selected by the student representatives. The following ladies were chosen to represent Jones College during Homecoming festivities.

Queen, Marissa Bender of Bay Springs is majoring in nursing with aspirations of becoming a health administrator. The Jones College sophomore is a graduate of Bay Springs High School where she participated in Beta Club, cheerleading and was a Mississippi Scholar. At Jones, Bender participated in the Gospel Choir, and she was a writer for the college newspaper her freshman year. In her hometown, she volunteers at Jasper General Hospital and is a member of the Mayor’s Youth Council. Her college plans include obtaining her bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Connie Page and Marcus Bender are Marissa’s parents.

Escorting Bender will be Lamarcus Stubbs of Bay Springs. He is majoring in welding and science with plans to attend Auburn University to earn a degree in mechanical engineering. His parents are Isis Page and Michael Stubbs.

Emma Burge is your Student Body Maid. The Oak Grove High School graduate was a member of the color guard. She earned a spot as a drum major in her junior and senior years of high school. At Jones, the Oak Grove resident has been the drum major for the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band both years, she plays flute in the Symphonic Band, and she is a vocalist for the Jazz Band. Burge assists Jones College’s recruiters as a member of the Bobcat Brigade, and she earned the Letter “J” Academic Award. As a music industry major, Burge’s future plans include attending the Nashville Film Institute where she will study cinematography and filmmaking. Her parents are Dr. Ben and Cindy Burge.

Escorting Emma will be John Scott of Hattiesburg who is majoring in business management. He is a member of the Bobcat Brigade, the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band, Jazz Band, and the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. His parents are Amanda and David Scott.

Madison “Bryce” Bansbach is your Sophomore Maid. The Columbia resident is majoring in biology. The Columbia High School graduate was involved in the Art Club and Dusty’s High School Sorority. She also volunteers at the Forrest General Cancer Center in Hattiesburg. Bansbach plans to go to Mississippi State University and is exploring her options in dentistry and agriculture. Bansbach’s parents are Jeff and Dawn Bansbach.

Escorting Bansbach is Brooks Williams of Mendenhall. The Simpson Academy graduate is majoring in business with plans to attend MSU and work in insurance and risk management. His parents are Chris and Paula Williams.

Sophomore Maid, Mary Kebodeaux is a Richton resident majoring in Psychology. The Fruitdale High School graduate was involved in high school as a co-leader of the Bible Club, a member of the softball team, and a marching band member. She was the Section Leader in the High School band for five years. Kebodeaux earned the Exceptional Senior Award and twice, she earned Citizenship Awards. At Jones, she is a member of the PTK International Honor Society, and she volunteers at the Abbie Rogers Civitan Camp for children with disabilities. She also travels across the South speaking at High School FCA events. Kebodeaux’s future plans include going to MSU, earning her doctorate in clinical counseling and minster in orphanages. Her parents are Michael and Deone Kebodeaux.

Her escort will be Bryce Dupree of Raleigh. The biological science major is the news editor of the college newspaper staff who also volunteers in his community with Liberty Baptist Church. Dupree’s future plans include attending the University of Mississippi and medical school. His parents are Bryce Adam Dupree, the late Delone Dupree, and Allison and Brett Lewis.

Freshman Maid, Amberlyn Holifield lives in Leakesville and is a pre-dental major. At Greene County High School, Holifield was a member of the WILDPAT, Cologuard, and she was elected homecoming maid all four years. At Jones College, Holifield is a member of the Concert Choir, Student Government Association, and she is a resident assistant in the dorms. She also volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House, Taylor’d to Shine and at Sonlight Community Church. This summer, Holifield was a Top Ten finalist in the Miss Hospitality Pageant. After completing her education at the University of Mississippi, Holifield hopes to become an orthodontist. Her parents are Mike and Amber Holifield.

Escorting Holifield will be Lowery Skinner of Waynesboro. The business administration major is a graduate of Wayne Academy where he played football and basketball, and he was a member of the Beta Club and National Honors Society. He plans to transfer to MSU to obtain a business administration degree. Peyton Skinner is Lowery’s mother.

Cambry Holifield is your Freshman Maid from Laurel, and she is majoring in elementary education. At Northeast Jones High School, Holifield was in the band for five years and served as Drum Major for three of those years. She is also one of three drum majors for Jones College’s Maroon Typhoon Marching Band. In her spare time, Holifield serves the kids and youth ministry at her church. Her future plans include earning her teaching certification at William Carey University. Her parents are Darrell and Jennifer Holifield.

Cambry will be escorted by Nate Arender of Stringer. The veterinary medicine major is a graduate of Stringer Attendance Center, where he was the marching band drum major, FFA Vice President for three years, and a member of the Bay Springs Mayor’s Youth Council. At Jones, Arender is a member of the Bobcat Brigade. He plans to transfer to MSU and earn his degree in veterinary medicine. Calvin and Kim Arender are Nate’s parents.

The Homecoming Court will also feature the Flower Girl, five-year-old Mary Price McDaniel of Hattiesburg. The Crown Bearer, Jackson Cooper Means of Pineville, is a first-grader at Raleigh Elementary School.