Category: Press Release

ELLISVILLE – Jones College pharmacy technology sophomore, Kayleigh Byrd of Neely is one of only 25 recipients to earn a new scholarship offered by Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, an international honor society for two-year colleges. The PTK and Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Scholarship is worth $250 to cover the cost of the Pharmacy Technician Certification exam fee for the 2020 Richton High School graduate.

“This is exciting and very humbling to receive this new scholarship and to be Jones College’s first recipient. Every little bit helps as I plan to earn my doctorate in pharmacy,” said Byrd.

Jones College Pharmacy Technology instructors, Tracy Parker and Stephanie Jones said Byrd is very deserving of this honor and scholarship.

“This speaks volumes of her work and study ethics. She takes the initiative and because of it, she is our top student,” said Parker.

Additionally, Stephanie Jones said, “Kayleigh works well under pressure and she grasps the skills easily. She will make an excellent pharmacy technician and pharmacist.”

The Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Certification Scholarship recognizes Phi Theta Kappa members who are enrolled in allied Health or Pharmacy Technician programs. The scholarship is open year-round with recipients being selected twice a year. Up to 50 scholarships are issued each year.

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Walgreens to offer career opportunities and scholarships to our members,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, Executive Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “Certification exam costs often create a financial barrier for students that hinders their ability to enter the workforce. We are grateful to Walgreens for addressing these challenges and providing a pathway to great career opportunities.”

Byrd is a member of the PTK Honor Society and is on course to graduate from Jones in May 2022. For more information about the Pharmacy Technician program at Jones College browse the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/pharmacy/

ELLISVILLE – After studying and working in the Cosmetology clinical lab for the past year, 18 Jones College students have graduated from the Cosmetology Technology Program. During a special graduation ceremony, Grace Bower, Sophie Coxwell, Abby Daughtry, Molly Dyess, Catherine Hunter, Hannah Husband, Elizabeth Jones, Rachael Jones, Breunna McCann, Jeremiah McFarland, Dajah Miller, Janie Parish, Katelyn Reid, Allison Richardson, Evelyn Sullins, Calin Taylor, Bryanna Weems, and Tiffany White earned their Career Certificate of Completion.

Cosmetology instructor, Sylvina Buckley said she is especially proud of this class of graduates for many reasons.

“They have worked hard, overcome challenges related to learning during a pandemic, and have done so well! I am especially proud that almost all of them have already secured a job. I know the last two students will have something shortly!” said Buckley.

Several students were honored with special recognition at the ceremony. Janie Parish earned the “Top of Class” honor with the highest GPA. Allison Jo Richardson earned the Salutatorian honors with the second-highest GPA. Catherine Hunter earned the “Perfect Attendance” award and Bryanna Weems was recognized as the “Most Improved Character.” The “Most Determined” award was given to Breunna McCann, and Hannah Husband was recognized with the “Most Humble” award.

For more information about the Cosmetology Technology Program visit the website, https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/cosmetology/

 

ELLISVILLE – Eleven Jones College EMT students graduated from the program during a special pinning ceremony held at the college. Kenya Baker, Clinton; Hillary Bryan, Lucedale; Tony Buchanan, Monticello; Justin Bumgardner, Laurel; Morgan Fortenberry, Collins; Desirae Hankins, Laurel; Cody Haynes, Smithville; Sarah McFadden, Hattiesburg; Taylor McKenzie, Jayess; Slade Purvis, Ellisville and Abby Smith, Columbia received their EMT pin and diploma and are now ready to serve the public.

Additionally, Sarah McFadden received special recognition for her accomplishments and was named the Clinical Student of the Year. Earning the Academic Student of the Year honors was Tony Buchanan and Cody Haynes earned the EMS Spirit Award.

Community partners and clinical site awards were also awarded during the ceremony. Merit Health Central was recognized for the EMS Site Award. The Clinical Preceptor of the Year Award went to Shelby Wise, representing South Central Regional Medical Center. The honor of Field Preceptor of the Year went to Jim Brown, representing Wayne General Hospital. For more information about the Emergency Medical Services programs at Jones College click on the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/emt/

Photo EMT grad group: Eleven Jones College EMT students earned their diplomas at a pinning ceremony in their honor. Pictured left to right in the front row is Taylor McKenzie, Jayess; Kenya Baker, Clinton; Desirae Hankins, Laurel; Hillary Bryan, Lucedale and Slade Purvis, Ellisville. Pictured in the back row, left to right is Morgan Fortenberry, Collins; Abby Smith, Columbia; Justin Bumgardner, Laurel; Sarah McFadden, Hattiesburg; Tony Buchanan, Monticello and Cody Haynes, Smithville.

ELLISVILLE – Any incoming or current Jones College student could get a tuition discount or free tuition, for getting vaccinated. Students should sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine before Jones College’s Vaccination Day by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/R9cjNuH6PN2GQTnK8 The free, COVID-19 vaccine will be administered on Friday, August 6, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. and again from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. in the Health Clinic. South Central Regional Medical Center’s Wellness Works will be providing Jones College with the Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines depending on availability.

“Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself and our Jones College community. We are urging everyone to speak to their healthcare provider about the vaccine and see if it is right for them. We are asking our students and staff to consider the vaccination, not just for the tuition incentives, but to also keep our campus community as healthy as possible,” said Director of Jones College Health Clinic Services, Vicki Hampton, MSN, BC-FNP.

Students can receive a $50 tuition credit with proof of vaccination to Student Affairs. Also, any student registered for the August 6, Vaccination Day, and those showing proof of vaccination, will automatically be entered into weekly drawings. A student will win a $470 tuition credit during the weekly drawings beginning on August 9, and on every Monday through August. On Thursday, September 9, one of the registered students showing proof of vaccination will win, $1,875 or one-semester full tuition.

ELLISVILLE – Eighty-one students from Jones College’s High School Equivalency program were eligible to participate in a graduation ceremony honoring the classes of 2020 and 2021 with most choosing to participate in the celebration. Held at the Advanced Technology Center in Ellisville, HSE graduates heard an inspiring message from the keynote speaker, Jones County Drug Court Coordinator for the 18^th Circuit Court District of Mississippi, Consuelo W. Walley.

“We learn what we’re capable of by going through trials. As Winston Churchill said, ‘Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts,’” Walley declared.

The graduate of Jones College, the University of Mississippi and Mississippi College School of Law shared with the audience that dreams can change. She emphasized the value of knowledge, which is power. Through our experiences, good and bad, Walley told the crowded auditorium, that we can learn to overcome and rise up when we’re knocked down.

“Tonight, is a stepping-stone in your journey, graduates. Where you go from here is totally within your power to determine. You just have to have the determination to get there. Don’t stop when you fulfill one dream and never, ever stop dreaming. Always be open to changing your plans. Take pride in your journey and look forward to the journey,” said Walley.

Several graduates’ futures will be changing not only because they received their High School Equivalency diploma, but because they also earned a scholarship for their accomplishments. A graduate from each county in Jones College’s eight-county district was awarded a full-tuition scholarship for two semesters. The overall high scoring student from Stonewall, Tabitha Mixon earned the Clarke County Scholarship along with an Academic Distinction Scholarship because of her ACT score. Additionally, because she was the overall high scorer on the HSE, Mixon earned the $500 Jones College Foundation Scholarship.

“I was really excited to earn these scholarships because my family can’t afford tuition!” said Mixon who wants to be a graphic designer/illustrator. “It was also really nice to have my younger brother, David participating in the ceremony with me, and my family here to celebrate too. They didn’t realize I was working so hard and studying to earn these scholarships!”

Mixon wasn’t the only graduate with a sibling sharing this special occasion. Four additional families, Bradey and Amanda Hart of Collins, Garrett and Olivia Clark of Buckatunna and Abbigail and Isaac Davis of Seminary enjoyed graduating together. Another family with three siblings, Jeremiah, Noelle and Sasha Barrow started their HSE at the Greene County Center in Leakesville, with David Clark in 2019. They returned from Gate City, Virginia to participate in graduation ceremonies together with the teacher who supported them from more than five hundred miles away to ensure they earn their High School Equivalency diploma.

“Sasha, the oldest sibling, was upset she didn’t have her HSE before her siblings completed their testing. However, her frustration stemmed more from her issues with dyslexia and ADHD. After testing, we were able to get Sasha special accommodations and she was able to show off her abilities. Then, her father’s job moved the family to Virginia, which didn’t offer the HiSet. After some research, Sasha commuted 25 minutes to a junior college in Tennessee to complete the HiSet and earn her HSE diploma,” Clark explained proudly. “Sasha and Mary Dickerson are the highest-scoring students in my 17 years in adult education. I’m very proud to have also taught Barrow’s mother, Natasha and her two sisters.”

Sasha Barrow is currently enrolled in the CNA program with the goal of becoming a registered nurse. Her brother, Jeremiah aspires to be a business owner and is working on his business degree while managing a restaurant. Their sister, Noelle works at the restaurant her brother manages.

Other HSE graduates who are also on the path to success are County Scholarship recipients, (pictured in order of names listed) Bradley Hart of Collins, who earned the Covington County Scholarship. Leakesville’s Mary Dickerson was awarded the Greene County Scholarship. Amber Windham of Bay Springs received the Jasper County Scholarship. The Jones County Scholarship recipient was Helenia Smith of Laurel. Samuel Menzik of Taylorsville earned the Smith County Scholarship and Justice Pitts of Shubuta received the Wayne County Scholarship.

Also honored during the commencement ceremony were several ACT scholarship recipients: Lydia Davis, Lucedale-Rising Excellence ACT Scholarship; Amanda Gilbert, Pachuta-Academic Distinction ACT Scholarship; Mary Dickerson, Leakesville-Academic Achievement ACT Scholarship; Samuel Menzik, Taylorsville-Rising Excellence ACT Scholarship; Tabitha Mixon, Stonewall-Academic Distinction ACT Scholarship; Helenia Smith, Laurel-Academic Distinction ACT Scholarship; Amber Windham, Bay Springs-Academic Achievement ACT Scholarship.

For more information about the Adult Education Program at Jones College contact, Gwen Matuszewski at 601-477-3125 or email gwen.matuszewski@jcjc.edu.

 

2020 & 2021 HSE Graduates

Name                 City  

Matthew Adams, Ellisville

Mariano Arellano, Hattiesburg

Noelle Barrow, Lucedale

Jeremiah Barrow, Lucedale

Sasha Barrow, Lucedale

Rikki Brown, Heidelberg

Thomas Bullock, Seminary

Ashley Carlson, Stonewall

Brooklynn Ciessau, Waynesboro

Ashton Clark, Leakesville

Garrett Clark, Buckatunna

Olivia Clark, Buckatunna

Tamika Coleman, Laurel

Tristan Collins, Seminary

Emma Cotton, Ellisville

Elizabeth Crum, Enterprise

Abbigail Davis, Seminary

Isaac Davis, Seminary

Jaylne Davis, Waynesboro

Katlyn Davis, Bay Springs

Lydia Davis, Lucedale

Angel Denson, State Line

Hannah Dickerson, Leakesville

Mary Dickerson, Leakesville

Jessica Duke, Ellisville

Randalyn Dykes, Waynesboro

Candice Finnegan, Enterprise

Linda Foster, Sumrall

Bailey Freeman, Waynesboro

Tonya Gardner, State Line

Amanda Gilbert, Pachuta

Avant Gillispie,  Ellisville

Micheal Gray, Petal

August Hand, Ellisville

Natasha Hargrove, Ellisville

Amanda Hart, Collins

Bradey Hart, Collins

Ethan Hilbun, Laurel

Devin Hill, Petal

Alex Holifield, Ellisville

Jeremiah Holland, Leakesville

Alaina  Hutto, Waynesboro

James Ivy, Enterprise

Ta’Varence Jones, Waynesboro

Aiden Kidwell, Laurel

Makayla Kitchens, Stringer

Chasity Knight, Laurel

Larry Landrum, Mize

Laiken Langley, Ellisville

Dixie Lee, Ovett

McKenzie Lee, Waynesboro

Blake Lowery, Seminary

Paula McAuley, Ellisville

Zachary McLeod, Leakesville

Samuel Menzik, Taylorsville

David Mixon, Stonewall

Tabitha Mixon, Stonewall

Bailey Nicholas, Ellisville

Logan Overstreet, Laurel

Elizabeth Pipkins, Waynesboro

Justice Pitts, Shubuta

Sarah Roberts, Heidelberg

Sofia Ruiz, Laurel

Maricruz Sanchez, Laurel

Seth Schumpert, Soso

Linda Shelby, Bay Springs

Helenia Smith, Laurel

Quendarius Smith, Waynesboro

Shacovia Stevens, Laurel

Waylin Strite, Bay Springs

Harley Taylor, Taylorsville

Darryn Thompson, Richton

Jadin Thrash, Heidelberg

Thomas Tillman, Leakesville

Breana Walker, Lucedale

Dylan Walters, Ellisville

Logan Watkins, Laurel

Shelby Whitehurst, Laurel

Amber Windham, Bay Springs

Dixie Wise, Petal

Dainera Wooten, Bay Springs