Category: News

ELLISVILLE – Before the fall semester began in August, Jones College officials announced a vaccine incentive offering students tuition credit for proof they received the COVID-19 vaccine. Each student received a $50 tuition credit including the big winner of the incentive program, Samantha Bishop of Florence. Her name was drawn during the Thursday, September 9, football game. The freshman is the recipient of the $1875 tuition credit or one-semester full tuition.

“I was already vaccinated when the college announced the incentive. I was happy to receive the $50 credit. I didn’t realize there were weekly drawings for tuition credit until I heard my name announced at the football game as the grand prize winner!” said Bishop.

Mackenzie Golemon of Moselle was one of the four, weekly random winners of a $470 tuition credit. Golemon said she has her mother to thank.

“I wasn’t going to participate in the drawing or get the vaccine,” said Golemon. “However, my mom wanted me to get vaccinated and enter the drawing, so I did. It’s best to always do what mom says!”

Elizabeth Gustafson of Grenada thanked her roommate and Lady Bobcat Soccer teammate, Acacia Rodriguez. She encouraged Gustafson to enter the vaccine incentive drawing.

“Coach Dolores encouraged the team to get vaccinated, but it was Acacia who suggested I enter the drawing. When I was notified of winning the drawing, I thought it was a scam! I almost didn’t respond to the email, but Acacia knew the message was from Jones College’s Student Affairs Office because Acacia is also the Student Government Association President. I’m glad she knew it was legit!” said Gustafson.

The third winner, Cameron Glenn of Ellisville said he received the vaccine in March. It was his mother, however, who encouraged him to enter the vaccine incentive tuition drawing.

“I was actually the first person to turn my vaccination card in to enter the drawing,” said Glenn. “I got vaccinated because health and safety reasons are a priority to me, but it’s also nice to have won the tuition credit.”

Additionally, Katherine Lollis of Ellisville was a recipient of the $470 tuition credit. She said the tuition credit was “unexpected but appreciated.”

ELLISVILLE – Motorcycles and ministry were not on the top of Jarrod and Cassidi Hankins’ minds until recently. About a month ago, the 2011 Jones College grads announced they were “moving for the ministry.” The 2008 (Jarrod) and 2009 (Cassidi), West Jones High School graduates and natives of Laurel, Mississippi, have decided to join the ministry full-time at the Christian Motorcyclists Association headquarters in Hatfield, Arkansas, August 16.

“About a year ago, we attended a Christian Motorcyclists Association rally in Hatfield, Arkansas. While there, we met the national evangelist for the area, John Ogden Jr., and his wife, Holly, the International Ambassador for CMA. They contacted us this spring about some job openings, and everything worked out. God took care of every obstacle we thought of like, housing, daycare, everything!” said Cassidi Hankins.

Amongst the concerns the couple had to consider included their two young boys, four-year-old Collin, and two-year-old Benton. Jarrod, a mechanic and classic car lover had just started working as the Assistant Manager of Sales and Production at Headrick Signs and Graphics, in May 2020, after leaving a seven-year career in sales at Southern Pipe and Supply in Laurel. Cassidi left her journalism career with WHLT-TV and the Laurel Leader Call six years ago to begin teaching at East Jones Elementary School. She was ready to leave her students either.

“It’s funny, our foundation at Jones for our careers has completely changed in different directions. I love teaching. I love every minute of teaching and the only way I’d leave the classroom is if God told me to,” said Cassidi. “Which He did so we’re following His lead.”

After God revealed his plans to the couple about a month ago, they started preparing for their new roles. Cassidi’s duties with CMA will include being the event coordinator for CMA’s national rallies and assisting the international ambassador. Her main job will consist of coordinating the Changing of the Colors Rally every year in October and any regional or national rallies, including a CMA International Rally, along with different, smaller events and rallies at the CMA’s campground, Iron Mountain.

Meanwhile, her husband, Jarrod will be heading up the CMA Motorcycle Repair Shop for local CMA riders and coordinating emergency road assistance and repairs for CMA members traveling in the area. Ironically, Cassidi admits now, none of this would have happened if Jarrod had not brought home a sports bike, on a whim.

“Nine years ago, I had no desire to ride a motorcycle, or even touch one,” said Cassidi. “However, a few months after we got married in 2013, Jarrod came home with this ‘crotch rocket’ and I thought he had lost his mind! We went riding after he learned how to ride, and it wasn’t so bad, especially after I told him he had to get a Harley Davidson! Now, I can’t imagine not riding,” said Cassidi.

As they looked for others to join them riding motorcycles, the couple was introduced to the Christian Motorcyclists Association in 2015. Immediately, Cassidi thought this would take up too much of their time but agreed to attend a monthly meeting.

“I was super skeptical. Once he convinced me to go, I met everybody in the local chapter in Laurel and they were like family, instantly. At the second meeting, Jarrod got ‘saved’ or gave his life to Christ and that changed everything!”

It wasn’t long before the couple immersed themselves in participating in the Blessing of the Bike Rallies, fundraising events, and traveling across the country. In fact, Jarrod served as CMA President (2018-2020) and Chaplin (2020-2021) while Cassidi has served as Secretary for four of the six years, they’ve been members of the local CMA Chapter, Freedom Riders. Their two young boys, even “ride” along, said Cassidi!

“Every Christian is called to minister in some capacity. Whether it’s to be a part of the church, another ministry organization like CMA, or in our daily lives. Being able to serve with people who are like family and then to be able to eventually see the fruits of our service is very rewarding,” said Cassidi.

The CMA’s goal is to tell every stranger we meet, you need Jesus. Cassidi explained, the group doesn’t just talk about Jesus, they show the “Jesus in us” as they work, picking up trash, cleaning bathrooms or giving out water.

“We’re not doing anything glamorous as we serve others at CMA and at “secular” events. We see people and they may be talking, spewing out cuss words. Then, they look at your patch and they realize who we are and who we represent, and they respect it, whether they are Christians or not, most of the time, they respect that,” said Mrs. Hankins.

Her respect for Jones College is also apparent. Both Jarrod and Cassidi keep in touch with their teachers and mentors at JC.

“Jones was an awesome experience for me. In high school, I was the quiet, shy girl. I literally grew up at Jones. This side of Heaven, the two most important decisions I tell people are, Know Jesus and Go to Jones!!!”

At Jones College, Jarrod Hankins earned his degree in Automotive Technology and Cassidi (Bush) was a Journalism major. After graduating from JC in 2011, they began dating while Cassidi continued her education at USM. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications in 2013, and they were married a week later.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s Maroon Typhoon Marching Band was able to get a little more “Styleish” in tune with this season’s show. The band was able to get photos in uniform for the first time in more than a year and were thrilled to be able to show off before the “Styleish” half-time show performances begin September 2, featuring the music of entertainment icons, Harry Styles and Billie Eilish.  For more information about Jones College or the Fine Arts Department, check out the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/

Band in Uniform Pictures 

Drum Majors: Pictured left to right are the 2021 Jones College Maroon Typhoon Marching Band Drum Majors, Emma Burge-Oak Grove, Genna Ramey-Washington County, AL, and Cambry Holifield of Laurel.

Feature Twirler: Kaia Taylor of Columbia is the Jones College Maroon Typhoon Marching Bands’ solo feature twirler this year.

Touch of Gold Dance Team: The 2021 Touch of Gold Dance Team at Jones College is pictured in the front row, left to right, Erin Buckley of Gallman, Madison Temple of Pearl and Abbey Dodd of Petal. Pictured in the middle row, left to right, is Ivana Bishop of Waynesboro, Mackenzie Drinkard of Lucedale and Meg Matthews of Raleigh. In the back row, pictured left to right is Analee Dumas of Laurel, Morgan Breland of Ellisville and Karlee Green of Laurel.

Colorguard group: The Jones College Maroon Typhoon Marching Bands’ Colorguard group consists of 23 members from throughout South Mississippi and Washington County, Alabama. Pictured in the front row, left to right are Captains, Lexi Millwood-Brandon, Emily Bingham-Petal, Anna Leigh Ragsdale-Mize, and Kaitlyn Little-Oak Grove. Pictured in the second row, left to right is Kaitlin Davis-Enterprise, Jessica Moudy-Richland, Gabriella Lopez-Flowood, Taylor Channell-Pearl, Nataley Evans-Ellisville, and Gabrielle Hankins-Laurel. Pictured in the third row, left to right is Anahi Chercoles-Forest, Doll Swindle-Waynesboro, Hannah Broadwater-Pearl, Sarah Adams-Ellisville, Lily Taylor-Pearl and Jade Peacock-Laurel. Pictured in the fourth row, left to right is Rebekah Brondum-Leakesville, Rachel Turner-New Augusta and Rebekah Sudduth-Pearl. Pictured in the fifth row, left to right is Kenaz Gaddis-Columbia, Alisha Hudson-Laurel and Mikel Whitehead-Columbia.

Colorguard, Touch of Gold, Drum Majors and Feature Twirler : Creating the visual aspect of the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band at Jones College is the colorguard, drum majors, feature twirler and the touch of gold dance team. Pictured in the front row, left to right is feature twirler, Kaia Taylor of Columbia; drum major, Cambry Holifield, Laurel; touch of gold members, Erin Buckley of Gallman; Madison Temple of Pearl; Abbey Dodd of Petal; and drum majors, Emma Burge of Oak Grove and Genna Ramey of Washington County, Alabama. Pictured in the second row, left to right are colorguard members, Anna Leigh Ragsdale-Mize and Lexi Millwood-Brandon; touch of gold members, Ivana Bishop of Waynesboro; Captain-Mackenzie Drinkard of Lucedale; Meg Matthews of Raleigh and colorguard members, Emily Bingham-Petal and Kaitlyn Little-Oak Grove. Pictured in the third row, left to right are colorguard members, Kaitlin Davis-Enterprise and Jessica Moudy-Richland; touch of gold members, Analee Dumas of Laurel; Captain-Morgan Breland of Ellisville and Karlee Green of Laurel; colorguard members Taylor Channel-Pearl and Nataley Evans-Ellisville. Pictured in the fourth row, left to right are colorguard members, Anahi Chercoles-Forest; Gabriella Lopez-Flowood; Doll Swindle-Waynesboro; Hannah Broadwater-Pearl; Sarah Adams-Ellisville; Lily Taylor-Pearl and Gabrielle Hankins-Laurel. Pictured in the fifth row, left to right are colorguard members, Rebekah Brondum-Leakesville; Rachel Turner-New Augusta; Rebekah Sudduth-Pearl and Jade Peacock-Laurel. Pictured in the last back row, left to right are colorguard members, and Kenaz Gaddis of Columbia; Alisha Hudson-Laurel and Mikel Whitehead-Columbia.

LARGE GROUP PICTURE OF THE MAROON TYPHOON MARCHING BAND

The 160-member Maroon Typhoon Marching Band consists of Jones College students who are majoring in a wide variety of subjects who enjoy sharing their musical talents and support the Bobcat Athletics at various sporting events. Pictured in the front row is the feature twirler, Kaia Taylor-Columbia. Next are the drum majors, Genna Ramey-Washington County, Alabama, Emma Burge-Oak Grove and Cambry Holifield-Laurel. In the third row are colorguard captains, Lexi Millwood-Brandon; Anna Leigh Ragsdale-Mize; touch of gold captains, Morgan Breland-Ellisville, and Mackenzie Drinkard-Lucedale with colorguard captains, Emily Bingham-Petal and Kaitlyn Little-Oak Grove. Pictured in the fourth row, left to right are colorguard members, Gabrielle Hankins-Laurel; Doll Swindle-Waynesboro with touch of gold dancers, Ivana Bishop-Waynesboro, Abbey Dodd-Petal and Meg Matthews-Raleigh; and colorguard members Taylor Channel-Pearl and Nataley Evans-Ellisville. Pictured in the fifth row are colorguard members, Kaitlin Davis-Enterprise; Gabriella Lopez-Flowood; Jessica Moudy-Richland with touch of gold members, Analee Dumas-Petal; Erin Buckley-Gallman; Madison Temple-Pearl and Karlee Green-Laurel with colorguard members, Lily Taylor-Pearl; Hannah Broadwater-Pearl; Anahi Chercoles-Forest and Jade Peacock-Laurel. In the sixth row, colorguard members are pictured left to right, Kenaz Gaddis-Columbia; Sarah Adams-Ellisville; Rebekah Brondum-Leakesville; Rachel Turner-New Augusta; Alisha Hudson-Laurel; Rebekah Sudduth-Pearl and Mikel Washington-Columbia.

Instrumental members of the band are pictured by section in random order, in rows seven through 14, beginning with flutes/woodwinds, brass and percussion. Jasmine Decker-Mendenhall; Abby Doiron-Mize; Sophia-Gordon-Seminary; Kelbi Herring-Laurel; Mackenzie Herrington-Laurel; Erica Kitchens-Ellisville; Eileen Ortega-Seminary; Kristlyn Parker-Seminary; Dixie Pinkerton-Quitman; Kambri Pippin-Laurel; Ines Rivera-Laurel; Aidan Slater-Laurel; Amy Thornton-Pearl; Kaylea   Yates-Ellisville; Jessica Long-Waynesboro; Kaitlyn Beasley-Waynesboro; Joshua Brown-Ellisville; Elda Cook-Ellisville; Madison Foxworth-Columbia; Heighlie Frias-Laurel; Victor Heath-  Petal; Tiera Hough Hattiesburg; Isabella Kittrell-Waynesboro; Sandra Massey-Stringer; Lorin Musgrove-Laurel; Madison Myers-Columbia; Katlyn Myrick-Laurel; Madilyn Pitts-Enterprise; Raveon Pruitt-Lane-Laurel; Lena Ruble-Petal; Dallas Trehern   -Mobile, AL; Rhiannon Williams-Laurel; Anthony Evans-Quitman; Brandon Murray-Laurel; Ethan Robertson-Columbia;  Vada Koepp-Columbia; Eboni McDonald-Laurel; Sydney Tisdale-Ellisville; Sara-Beth McKellar-Vicksburg; Jamie Anderson-Sumrall; Tony Ducksworth-Taylorsville; Samuel Burcaw-Petal; DJ (Daniel) Jackson-Hattiesburg; Tyler Broadway-Laurel; Emily Ford   -Clinton; Rachel Hawkins-Pearl; Luis Hernandez-Laurel; Summer Hughes-Mize;  Mary Elizabeth Kebodeaux-Fruitdale, AL; Cambrie McRee-Ellisville; Hunter Overstreet-Laurel; Angel (Luis) Salas-Petal; Summer Satcher-Enterprise; James (Noah) Schumann-Waynesboro; Kyyora Sidney-Laurel; Reagan Thornton-Laurel; Callie Tisdale-Richland; Trinity Williams-Brooklyn; Brandon Broome-Sumrall; Will Eaton-Oak Grove; Corbin Hollifield-Laurel; Marquez Hundley-Waynesboro; Laurel (Tootie) Hunt-Wiggins; John Scott-Oak Grove; Laniyah Barnes-Laurel; Jarrett Darden-Seminary; Miyalexis Douglas-Pearl; TJ May-Mendenhall; Logan Walker-  Waynesboro; Tanner Hubbard-Gautier; Ronald (R.J.) Hughes-Laurel; Daylen Hux-Mize; Travis Kogutkiewicz-Waynesboro; Jaiquan Lyons-Moss Point; Cameron Pippen-Laurel; Xavier Porter-Laurel; William Purser-Oak Grove; Conner Smith-Mize; Jacob Moore-Kiln; Cameron Dewberry-Pearl; Colin Ingram-Pearl; Bonner Welch-Ellisville; Shakeeb Anderson-Quitman; Michael Arevalo-Pearl; Christian Branch-Washington County, AL; Logan Evans-Laurel; Stevonta (Stevo) Mayfield-Waynesboro; Andrew Suttle-Petal; Jeremy Corely-Enterprise; Jacob Dickerson-Mize; Zachary Gregore-Petal; Tyler Nunn-Petal; Michael DeCou-Gray, LA; Jordan Stianche-Petal; Chris Hartfield-Petal; Taikya Ducksworth-Taylorsville; Nicolas Barnes-Purvis; Tyler Cash-Ellisville; Abigail Garick-Laurel; Ema Hudson-Laurel;  Savannah Satcher-Enterprise; Sarah Adams-Ellisville; Emily Bingham-Petal; Hanna Broadwater-Pearl; Rebekah Brondum-Leakesville; Taylor Channell-Pearl; Anahi Chercoles-Forest; Kaitlin Davis-Enterprise; Nataley Evans-Ellisville; Kenaz (Adonijah) Gaddis-Columbia; Gabrielle Hankins-Laurel; Alisha Hudson-Laurel; Kaitlyn Little-Oak Grove; Gabriella Lopez-Flowood; Lexi Millwood- Brandon; Jessica Moudy-Richland; Jade Peacock-Laurel; Anna Leigh Ragsdale-Mize; Rebekah Sudduth-Pearl; Christian (Doll) Swindle-Waynesboro; Lily Taylor-Pearl; Rachel Turner-New Augusta; Isabelle (Belle) Walters-Laurel; Mikel (Dalton) Whitehead-Columbia; Pictured left to right in the last two rows are band managers, in random order, Rachel Carlino-Waynesboro; Tyler Dunn-Waynesboro; Jordan Evans- Leakesville; Garrett Griffin-Morton; Emma Hampton-Petal; Alex Lee-Ellisville; Sydnee Mabe-Petal; Marcus Nixon-Laurel; Hailey Reaves-Laurel and Makaila Valentine-Leakesville.

ELLISVILLE – The first day of the fall semester Monday, August 23, seemed to be more “normal” according to students and administrators at Jones College. After a year of virtual and/or hybrid classes, students are meeting in person while wearing masks and trying to physically distance themselves.

“The campus feels alive today with activity and excitement! We are thrilled to be able to welcome students back to class in a traditional setting and we are offering some of the more ‘normal’ activities we all have missed,” said Dr. Finee’ Ruffin, Jones College Executive Vice President, Chief Enrollment Management, Information Technology and Marketing Officer.

With everyone back on campus, finding a parking spot was challenging, as usual. Freshmen students like Ariyonne Varra of Lake, and Kenaz Gaddis of Columbia were actively searching for their next classes and dodging cars as they traveled across campus.

“It’s going really well today,” said Varra a nursing major. “There’s a nice vibe here and everyone has been so helpful.”

As a member of the colorguard in the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band, Gaddis added, “Everybody has been very friendly. I’m really looking forward to the first performance for the band and pep rally next week during ‘Meet the Bobcats.’”

Especially happy to be living on campus are freshmen, Amberlyn Holifield of Leakesville, and Lily Hendrix of Sumrall. They said being at Jones College this semester has been refreshing.

“I love living on campus because it is so easy to meet people, especially after last year with everything being virtual,” said Hendrix who is majoring in elementary education.

Holifield said she likes living on campus for the convenience. “Besides meeting a lot of people, it’s easier to get to classes, and I don’t have to wake up as early!”

As a dual-enrolled student last year, freshmen, Danielle Fenton of Laurel said she is excited to be able to take traditional classes at Jones College this fall.

“I didn’t mind virtual classes too much; it was actually easier to ‘go to’ class when it fit my schedule. However, I missed the social aspects of college. I am hopeful this year will be much better than last year.”

For more information about Jones College check out the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/

 

 

 

ELLISVILLE –The Jones College Maroon Typhoon Marching Band has been led by some incredible directors over its 90-year history. However, only one band director, Jeff Brown has served just three years longer than Touch of Gold Dance Team Choreographer, Lora Davis. The Jones College 1989 graduate was a member of the Touch of Gold Team before making dance her career for more than 30 years. As choreographer for the dancers, Davis has traveled across the country with the band ensuring her team dazzles the crowd with their routines.

“Reflecting on all the band camps over the last 30 years, the big trips to perform in parades in Chicago, Dallas, New York City and Washington D.C., I have fond memories of the students, their families and the chaperones who have helped over the years. I particularly remember, Willie and Joyce Rigdon, who recently passed. They were a precious couple who poured into students for decades, including me,” said Davis.

The accomplished dancer/choreographer opened her Dance Arts Studio in Ellisville, in 1992. Many of the Touch of Gold dancers consider the studio a second home as they learn routines and perfect skills.

“I appreciate the opportunity to continue to be able to do what I love and offer scholarship opportunities for JC dance students,” said Davis. “I was in their shoes here at Jones and I was able to choreograph some as a student. This college is really a special place and I’m grateful to still be able to share my talent and love for dance with the next generation of ladies.”

JC sophomore Morgan Breland is especially happy to be able to continue her relationship with Davis who could be called the “Dancing Queen.” Spanning nearly four decades, Davis has been inspiring dancers like Breland who said she began her love for dance at Lora Davis’s studio in Ellisville, 14 years ago. The Ellisville resident said she is especially excited to continue dancing for the former Saintsation and Breland’s South Jones High School Bravette choreographer for one more year.

“Over the years, Lora has been a role model for me, as well as thousands of others. It has been a joy to continue to have her in my life at Jones College. She sets high standards for Touch of Gold and spends a lot of time working with the team. I am looking forward to making memories and performing with the best band with the best directors around, JC Maroon Typhoon!” said Breland.

Especially happy to have Davis on the staff of the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band is the Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge.

“Lora is a musician, specifically she plays piano. I can give her the drill and music and she knows how to interpret the songs, how to count the routine off and she enhances the overall show with her dancers. I don’t think everyone understands how unique it is to have a dance teacher who knows how to read music and who can read drill instructions. Most schools and colleges have a faculty member who may have some knowledge of dance. Lora is a lady with many talents and we’re especially grateful to have her on our team!” said Burge.

The Maroon Typhoon’s “Styleish” show will be performed during pre-game and half-time at all JC home football games.