Category: Press Release

ELLISVILLE –Daniel Baldwin of Magee and Xoe Lockhart of Carriere were recently voted as Mr. and 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. They will be recognized during Homecoming activities on Saturday, October 19, 2024.

“This honor means so much to me,” explained Lockhart. “When I arrived at Jones, I was nervous about trying to get involved with any of the campus activities since I didn’t know anyone. Earning this title is such a blessing because I have come a long way at JC making many new friends and lifelong memories at the place I call my second home.”

As a member of the Typhoon Marching Band’s Touch of Gold dance team, Lockhart spends a majority of her time with band members. The 2022 graduate of Pearl River Central High School was a member of the Blue Brigade Dance Team, Show Choir, Beta Club and her peers voted her 2022 Homecoming Queen. The kinesiology major hopes to become an athletic trainer upon graduation from Southern Miss where she also hopes to become a Dixie Darling. Her parents are Jessica Whitfield and Shannon Lockhart.

Mr. JC, Daniel Baldwin is a music industry and recording arts major that moved to Magee as a small child after living in Meridian. The two-time State Karate Champion was also a part of the Homeschool track team and president of the Beta Club. At Jones College, he is the president and social media manager for the Baptist Student Union. Baldwin is also a member of the choir, Jones OnStage, a Resident Assistant for the dorms and a member of the International Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa. He played “Doody” in the musical Grease last spring and has the honor of being the first Christian music artist to release music through the JC recording studio, Free State Records. While on a summer missionary trip to Mexico and Poland, he performed his original song, “Instantaneous” for a live audience and the Mexican Christian Radio station. His future plans include continuing a career in the music industry as an artist and producer and attending Belmont University in Nashville.

“Being chosen as Mr. Jones College is such an honor for a plethora of reasons. Being homeschooled, I never celebrated Homecoming until I came to JC, so getting this honor was unexpected and a privilege. Another reason this role is an honor is because it means that the students trust me to represent them and the college,” said Baldwin.

His parents are Greg and Julie Baldwin.

ELLISVILLE- Jones College’s Office of Student Affairs and Student Government Association along with campus clubs and organizations will host the annual “Treats in the Streets” night of activities on Monday, October 28, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. The Trick-or-Treat Trail event will be held in front of the C.L. Neill Student Center Plaza, the place where the event originated 25 years ago. Admission is free unless otherwise noted, and the public is welcome to attend all events. The annual Treats in the Streets celebration is an outdoor event and may be canceled or modified if it rains or if the weather is not conducive for children.

From 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m., JC clubs and organizations will have treats and games available beginning at the Student Center Plaza. The Trick-or-Treat Trail continues around the A.B. Howard Gymnasium, and around the Hutcheson/Hubbard Administration Building, ending behind the Terrell Tisdale Library and beside the Humanities building. This event is for children, ages 0 to 12 years. All children must be accompanied by an adult to attend.

The children’s costume contest will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the stage located between the C.L. Neill Student Center and the A.B. Howard Gymnasium, for kids ages 0 to 12. At 7 p.m., a costume contest for JC students will begin.

Also, the Jones College all-you-can-eat cafeteria will stay open for dinner until 7:30 p.m. The cost for children ages 4 to 9 years of age is $5.50 and for children ages 10 to adults the cost is $9.55 (tax included). 

For more information about any of these activities please contact Ashliegh Badley at ashliegh.badley@jcjc.edu or call 601-477-2253.

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Jones County Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Jones County Junior College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 3033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Statement of Non-Discrimination and ADA Statement: Jones County Junior College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policy: The (ADA/ Section 504) Wendy Evans, ADA Coordinator, Terrell Tisdale Library, phone 601-477-2673; email ADACoordinator@jcjc.edu and Title IX Coordinator, Brittany Weatherford-Barron, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127; email brittany.weatherford@jcjc.edu. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.

ELLISVILLE – The “Golden Era,” Jones College’s Homecoming 2024 theme will be on full display with the Typhoon Marching Band debuting its new uniforms to its largest crowd on Homecoming Saturday, October 19. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the Terrell Tisdale Library and circles downtown Ellisville, ending on Bush Ave. in front of the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Building. The band’s final performance on Homecoming Saturday is during the Homecoming Court at half-time presentation and through the end of the football game between East Central Community College and Jones College, which begins at 2 p.m.

“It’s been about 11 years since the band has had new uniforms,” explained Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge. “I think these new uniforms are beautiful and I’m very excited to be one of the groups on campus wearing the new colors, Cardinal and Vegas Gold. The band was one of the catalysts for that change when Dr. Jesse Smith (JC President) shared the new color scheme with us while we were looking for a new uniform design. He thought the Typhoon would be a great way to spotlight the new campus colors.”

The Typhoon marched into the Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field on September 19, at the football game with Co-Lin and were greeted with a warm welcome. Jones College Typhoon members were also glowing with pride.

“I absolutely love them!” exclaimed Touch of Gold co-captain, Sadie Jones of Taylorsville. “I love the new, ‘old’ Cats logo, and the Vegas Gold and Cardinal colors go really good together.”

Sophomore tuba player from Ellisville, Leo Norman believes the new uniforms also inspire a better show performance.

“It is definitely the best uniform we’ve had in a few years. The colors blend well together, and I love the new logo,” said Norman. “The old uniforms were kind of confusing being cut off really high on the top, there was a lot of black and there is no black in these uniforms. They look clean, sharp and just beautiful!”

The overall “look” of the new uniforms resembles Iowa State’s, with a few little touches, like gold sprinkled in the cardinal color plumes on top of the hats, and the added side sash with the word, “Typhoon” is a favorite amongst current and older band members. Hannah Latham, a sophomore drum major from Sandersville thinks the new uniforms look great on the field, as is the consensus with sophomore drum major, Braden Yarber of Ellisville.

“They are incredible! I am so happy with how they turned out because they look so much cleaner than just the plain black that we had,” said Yarber. “They turned out beautifully!”

Besides the annual Christmas parades, the Typhoon’s last performance during a home football game will be Thursday, October 24, 2024.

ELLISVILLE – Homecoming on the campus of Jones College in Ellisville will be a celebration of the theme, “The Golden Era.” Numerous activities, reunions and gatherings are scheduled before the culmination of Homecoming celebrations on Saturday, October 19, 2024. During halftime of the football game, Queen Sha’Niyah Turner of Mize, and the entire JC student-elected, 2024 Homecoming Court will be presented. Escorting the ladies will be a Jones College student selected by the student representatives.

Queen, Sha’Niyah Turner of Mize is a Jones College sophomore with the goal of becoming an athletic trainer. In High School, the Mize graduate played volleyball, softball and cheered for her fellow athletes. She was a member of the Beta Club and earned the Rising Excellence Scholarship to attend JC. After college, Turner plans to join the AirForce to become a Special Operation Certified Athletic Trainer. After serving her country for 20 years, she wants to open a gym and be a fitness trainer. Mary and Bobby Applewhite and Henry and Ebonee Turner are her parents.

“Being Homecoming Queen is such a special honor! It means being recognized by your peers for your school spirit, kindness and involvement in the community. It’s a celebration of all the hard work and dedication you’ve put into making your school a better place and it’s an opportunity to represent your school with pride and creating lasting memories,” Turner shared.

Braylon Peters of Quitman will be escorting Turner at Homecoming. At Quitman High School, Peters played baseball, basketball and football. Peters is majoring in business and marketing management at Jones College, while also a member of the Bobcat Basketball team. His parents are Patrick and Bridgett Peters.

Dannah Knighton of Madison is your Student Body Maid. The Germantown High School graduate is majoring in Spanish education. The former varsity softball player earned 1^st Team All-District honors and was a member of the Beta Club, Spanish Club and the National Honors Society. At Jones, she is a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honors Society and serves as Vice President of Leadership. Knighton is also a member of the Student Government Association, Charles Pickering Honors Institute, and a photographer for the JC yearbook. Her future plans include earning her bachelor’s degree in Spanish at the University of Southern Mississippi and teaching students the importance of learning a foreign language. Furthermore, the sophomore JC student serves in youth ministry at Grace Crossing Baptist Church in Madison and locally at Petal Harvey Baptist Church. Her parents are David and Jill Knighton.

“This honor reflects the incredible possibilities that arise when we refuse to let fear hold us back. I am grateful for the privilege of representing my classmates in this way. Jones College has profoundly transformed me for the better, shaping my character in ways I will always cherish. I will forever thank the Lord for this blessing,” Knighton shared.

Escorting Knighton will be Dylan Taylor of Moss. The Stringer High School graduate was the captain of the football team and a leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Taylor can often be found in the Baptist Student Union (BSU) or participating in FCA activities at Jones College as well. After earning a degree in ministry and coaching at the University of Mississippi, Taylor aspires to coach high school football and spread God’s word. Currently, he is volunteering at Bethlehem Community Church’s Youth Ministry Leadership. His parents are Travis Taylor and Jennifer Holifield.

Markecia Lloyd of Brandon is your Sophomore Maid, majoring in radiologic technology. The Pisgah High School graduate played varsity basketball and was a member of the track team, Beta Club and Honors Society. Lloyd also enjoyed feeding the homeless and singing in the nursing homes in Jackson. Her future plans include transferring to the University of South Alabama or Cambridge College of Healthcare and Technology to earn a degree in radiology and diagnostic medical sonography. Allen and Monica Williams are Markecia’s parents.

Sawyer Griffith of Ellisville will be escorting Lloyd at Homecoming. The South Jones High School graduate was a member of the football team and earned WDAM-TV’s Player of the Pine Belt Award and his peers voted him, Mr. South Jones. At Jones College he is majoring in business and electrical technology and was honored with the Letter “J” Award. His future plans include getting his MBA at Mississippi State University. Greg and Jennifer Griffith are Sawyer’s parents.

Sophomore Maid, Maddie Taylor is a graduate of Raleigh High School and is majoring in elementary education. At RHS, she was a Senior Maid, Class Favorite, and a member of the Student Council, Cheer Squad and the volleyball team. Taylor’s future plans include earning her degree in elementary education at MSU. Her parents are Jamie and Marsha Taylor.

Her escort will be Parks Burt of Enterprise. The aeronautical engineering major played football, and was a member of the National Honors Society, and Beta Club at Enterprise High School. Burt is a member of the Jones College recruiting ambassadors, Bobcat Brigade and the International Honor Society, PTK. Additionally, he volunteers at local church events, mission trips and is a blood donor. Becoming a pilot after earning his degree in aeronautical engineering from MSU are some of Burt’s goals. His parents are Casey and Stacey Burt.

Freshman Maid, Elisa Cook is a Meridian resident majoring in business marketing and management. The Clarkdale High School graduate was an active member of the Student Council, the basketball team, and National Honors Society. Moreover, she was the Drum Major for CHS her junior and senior years in high school. Cook also served as the President of the CHS FBLA club. At Jones College, she earned a spot as a freshman Drum Major for the Typhoon Marching Band, Bobcat Brigade, FCA, SGA, FBLA and she is a member of the Art Club. She serves her community by volunteering at the Meridian/Lauderdale County Public Library and Wesley’s House Shelter. Also, Cook has earned the Entrepreneurship Small Business Certificate, graduated from the Youth Leadership Lauderdale County’s program and was the 1st runner-up at the Miss Black Mississippi USA Talented Teen Pageant. The future artist and entrepreneur aspires to spread the Gospel and publish fiction and non-fiction books. Henry and Stephanie Cook are her parents.

Escorting Cook will be Elliot Sholtz of Gulfport. At Jones, he is a member of the Student Government Association and Bobcat Brigade and plays recreational volleyball in Gulfport and the Long Beach Volleyball Association. After earning his Associate Degree in Nursing from Jones College, Sholtz plans to work as a nurse on the coast. Stanley Sholtz is Elliot’s father.  

Saylor Sullivan is your Freshman Maid from Mize, and she is majoring in radiology. The Mize High School graduate was a member of the State 2A Cheerleading Team, the 2023 Mize National Cheerleading Champions, earning All-American Cheerleading honors twice. Last summer, she was crowned Mize’s Miss Mississippi Watermelon Queen. The member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church hopes to specialize in ultrasound in the future. Brian and Amanda Sullivan are Saylor’s parents.

Talan Warren of Mize will be escorting Sullivan. The electrical technology major played football and earned ACT and Build Mississippi Scholarships to attend Jones College. The future electrician is a member of Oak Grove Church’s Mission and Maintenance Team. His parents are Donovan Hays and Tabitha Pope.  

The Homecoming Court will also feature the Flower Girl, six-year-old Lydia Anne McLeod, the daughter of Hunter and Amanda McLeod of Ellisville. The Crown Bearer is seven-year-old Preston Bryan Walters, the son of Mark and Megan Walters of Hattiesburg. 

ELLISVILLE – A partnership with the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy located at the Meridian Naval Airbase, Laurel’s Diamondback Commercial Vehicle Training and Truckworx Kenworth of Laurel, are making it easier for law enforcement to interrupt the flow of drug and human trafficking, and other criminal activity with hands-on training hosted at Jones College. Officers from Wayne County, Jones County, Forrest County, Meridian, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Highway Patrol spent three days learning about the commercial trucking industry and how criminals are exploiting it. Knowing what to look for can prevent drugs like fentanyl from infiltrating the U.S. border and even small communities in the Pine Belt, according to Ray Herndon, former law enforcement, trucker and owner of Diamondback CMV Training.

“We like to sponsor training like this for local and state law enforcement officers to come tuition-free thanks to the RCTA. It’s designed to educate the officers on the transportation industry, how it operates daily, and how common criminal enterprises can infiltrate that industry unknowingly to the trucking industry. Officers don’t get a lot of training on commercial vehicle searches, and we have years of experience in both trucking and in law enforcement that can help these officers and communities,” said Herndon.

Additionally, Herndon explained the terrorist threat that could accompany some of these large vehicles is real. The Oklahoma City bomber in 1995, used about a 5000-pound explosive device and a moving truck. Diamondback offers training nationwide about 25 times a year and is based in Laurel.

“It means the world to us to get to train our people here at home. We use our industry knowledge to train these officers on the things to look for without delaying truck drivers for long periods of time while they search,” said Herndon. “It’s not these officers’ goal to hold up the transportation industry or to cause undue time delays, as much as it is to be able to recognize when something is not right, or what doesn’t belong when they see it.”

The next RCTA course will focus on roadside interview techniques held on Friday, September 27, at Jones College.