Category: Press Release

ELLISVILLE – The Jones College Typhoon Marching Band is led by four students who are academic achievers and familiar with being in the spotlight. Returning sophomores, Hannah Latham of Sandersville and Braden Yarber of Ellisville both led their high school bands and were tops in their class. Latham was also the Show Choir Captain and a cheerleader. Her peers selected her as Miss Northeast Jones, and she was honored by being selected for the Hall of Fame. The education major shared being a Jones College Drum Major has been a special privilege.

“Being a drum major at JC has been one of the greatest and most rewarding things I have experienced. I have met so many amazing people and I have made so many friendships that will last a lifetime. This band, the people who make it happen, will always have a special place in my life,” said Latham.

Braden Yarber has also enjoyed success in the classroom and landed in the Top Ten of the Class of 2023 at South Jones High School. The former Beta Club member and Tennis Team Captain juggled the demands of being the Drum Major for the nationally ranked Braves Band. At Jones College, Yarber will pursue a degree in the medical sciences field at USM after graduating from JC in May. Over the summer, he had the opportunity to enjoy another aspect of the “band world” as a member of the colorguard for the prestigious Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corp. Based out of Denver, Colorado, the nationally touring marching arts ensemble competes in Drum Corps International World Class. The group of performers from across the country create a live musical marching performance incorporating brass and percussion instruments with highly choreographed dance and movement.

Freshman, Elisa Cook of Meridian has been in the spotlight in various ways. In the realm of band, Cook was the Clarkdale High School Drum Major for two years and was honored to earn the MHSAA Superior Drum Major title. Additionally, she has been a member of the Marching and Concert Bands at Clarkdale High School, as well as a member of the basketball team and President of the FBLA. Her peers voted her as the Junior Homecoming Maid in 2022. Currently, Cook is the reigning Miss Black Queen City Talented Teen, and she has her sights on being the next Miss Black Mississippi USA Talented Teen.

“I am competing for this opportunity to promote my platform, ‘Confidence is in You: Leadership Development for the Youth.’ My platform is to encourage children and teenagers to become great leaders which includes learning to communicate, speak in public, be encouraging, and to be an overall role model for others. I was a shy young girl and since then, I’ve been in many leadership roles like being a drum major for the Jones College Typhoon! This opportunity has helped me meet new people, build my leadership skills, public speaking skills, communication skills and create beautiful memories,” shared Cook.  

Northeast Jones High School graduate and member of the marching, jazz and concert bands, Chaz Welborn has distinguished himself in a unique way. The Ellisville resident is a Mississippi Scholars Award recipient and he graduated from Northeast Jones High School with a Distinguished Academic Endorsement, and the Marine Corps “Semper Fidelis” Award. Welborn volunteers his lawn scaping talents with his neighbors and friends and aspires to earn a degree in computer science. These drum majors’ first public appearance leading the Typhoon Marching Band will be on Thursday, August 29, when Jones College hosts Mississippi Delta in football at 7 p.m. at Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College students flooded campus on the first day of fall semester classes. In fact, Executive Vice President, Dr. Finèe Ruffin is excited to report enrollment is up.

“Credit hour enrollment is up by 3.79 percent to 60,197 credit hours and the headcount or actual number of students on campus is up by 5.84 percent for a total of 4, 534 students,” said Ruffin.

Students entering Jones Hall were greeted with a bottle of free water and an invitation to the Baptist Student Union’s Welcome Weekend event. Many freshmen had mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety before attending their first classes.

“I’m a little excited but really I just want to get through this first day,” said Natalie Jones of Mendenhall.

Freshman from Raleigh, Anna Lauryn Grayson said she was a little surprised her first class was dismissed a little early and was looking forward to working on her Special Education major.

Sophomore Will Carlson of Hattiesburg said being in band helped him adjust to being back on campus and freshman Luke Westmoreland of Grenada said he’s ready to begin competing as a member of the tennis team.

Even some faculty members, like Social Science instructor, Stacy Ruth shared with her students that today was her last, first day of school as she plans to retire upon completion of her 32nd year of teaching.

While traditional classes began today (Monday, August 19), online and dual enrollment classes begin on Monday, August 26. For more information about how to apply go to the website, www.jcjc.edu

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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 business hours of operation at Jones College have changed as of Monday, August 19, 2024. Office hours are now Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Friday, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

“We are thrilled to announce extended operating hours at Jones College, which will provide our students with greater flexibility and accessibility to campus resources. By offering an additional 30 minutes each day to serve students and meet our class schedule demands, we are demonstrating our commitment to optimizing student support services. These changes reflect our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our students and enhancing their overall college experience,” said Executive Vice President, Dr. Finèe Ruffin.  

For more information visit the Jones College website at https://www.jcjc.edu/

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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 (ADA/ Section 504) ADA Coordinator, Terrell Tisdale Library, phone 601-477-2673, and (Title IX) Title IX Coordinator, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127, have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policies. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.

ELLISVILLE – After two weeks of fine-tuning the musical and technical skills of the 180-member Jones College Typhoon Marching Band during band camp the first weeks of August, the band is eager to perform. The largest student organization on the Ellisville campus represents majors from every academic and technical program. Entertaining the crowds who gather to see the show continues to be the goal of every member of the Typhoon.

“I am very excited about this group!” said Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge. “Each fall I say that I am proud and that they work really hard, but there is truly something very special about this group of young adults! They have been extremely focused, extraordinarily kind, and have gone above and beyond in each and every task.”

Percussionists, dancers, and the colorguard arrived in late July to begin their training along with the student leadership. Freshman drum majors, Elisa Cook of Meridian and Chaz Welborn of Ellisville joined sophomore drum majors Braden Yarber of Ellisville and Hannah Latham of Sandersville this season. These student leaders assisted Burge, Associate Band Directors, Dr. Lindsey Keay and Dr. Josh Frans and Touch of Gold Choreographer, Lora Davis and Colorguard/Winterguard Director, Meredith Owen when the remaining band members arrived for pre-season camp routine on August 6. Every note and show step will be mastered before debuting the first football game-halftime show in Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field on Thursday, August 29. Bobcat fans will hear the traditional pregame show including the “JC Fight Song Fanfares,” the National Anthem, and other football stadium favorites like the “Hey Song” and the “JC Jam.”  The Touch of Gold dance team will be featured during the pre-game show performing the Phil Collins pop hit, “Easy Lover.” 

“Overall, I think the band students came in and were very productive,” said Lora Davis, the Touch of Gold Dance Choreographer for the last 33 years. “The dancers worked so well together, and we were able to knock out a lot of choreography. I’m always excited for alumni to see what each team brings to the field each season.”

The Typhoon will also debut a new look later this fall with newly designed uniforms reflecting the College’s new color launch, using cardinal, Vegas gold, and white colors. Additionally, the Touch of Gold and Colorguard will also be wearing custom costuming in the new color scheme.

“The students are very excited to perform in our new uniforms and I believe that the Jones Family will be very proud of the new look for the Typhoon in their new digs!” said Burge.

The halftime show production called, “Remix!” honors our campus slogan for the fall, “Embracing legacy, forging the future.” Musically, we are going to perform some of our favorite tunes from the last decade with selections from Daft Punk, Sheila E., Prince, and Lady Gaga. With one of the largest trumpet sections to march in JC history, the 27 trumpeters are putting out some serious sound.

“The band has had an incredible start to the fall with a camp full of fantastic work ethic, great attitudes, and excellent musicianship, despite the grueling heat conditions. We are so proud of what they have accomplished so far and are really looking forward to a fun and fulfilling season with our band family!” said Associate Director of Bands, Dr. Lindsey Keay.

Also, for the first time, Jones College will be hosting the USBANDS organization for the Southeastern Marching Showcase & Competition on Saturday, October 5, 2024. High School bands from throughout the Southeast will be on campus competing for regional accolades. The Typhoon will be the exhibition band at the event and will be working with Laurel High School to co-host this event.

“USBANDS has been fundamental in the promotion of the marching arts since 1988. Having them in south Mississippi and providing the expert level judging panel for our area students is really exciting,” said Burge. “This will be an excellent opportunity for the public to see regional high school musicians performing and executing remarkable shows.”

USBands has supported the development of scholastic performing ensembles through exceptional service, high quality adjudication and world class venues. Over the past 35 years, USBands has expanded to include thousands of bands in 150+ marching band, indoor and concert band events nationwide including local high school bands like South Jones in Ellisville, which has won first place in these competitions. For more information about this event or the Jones College Marching Band, email ben.burge@jcjc.edu or click on the link to the JC College of Art, Music and Performance, https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/

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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 (ADA/ Section 504) ADA Coordinator, Terrell Tisdale Library, phone 601-477-2673, and (Title IX) Title IX Coordinator, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127, have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policies. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College has announced the 2024 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.

President’s Honor Roll Summer 2024

Clarke Stonewall: Ember Mixon.    

Coahoma Clarksdale: Kenya R Johnson.   

Covington Seminary: Kaleb Michael Harrell and Hannah Elizabeth Moore.        

Forrest Hattiesburg: Jordan Andrew Johnson, Damian Lea, Hartmann Anderson Marblewright and Kami Anne Moler.

Forrest Petal: Kevin James Smith.  

Greene Leakesville: Jessie Vander Highsmith and Cameron Scott Williams.        

Jasper Bay Springs: William Matthew Brasfield.   

Jasper Laurel: Polly Leaann Myrick .

Jasper Stringer: Emily Gracyn McCallum.

Jones Ellisville: Nartasha Monae Johnson, Jesse Daniel McDonald and Christopher Isaac Walters.     

Jones Laurel: Tayler Holifield, Carter Mason Jones, Kinsley Paige Melton, Jaqueline Mendez, Laken Mary Minchew, Joey Allen Taylor and Jordan Haley Thurman.         

Jones Ovett: Wyatt Cole Bullock.    

Jones Seminary: Sam G Griffith.

Lamar Hattiesburg: Conner Omari Davis and Lawrenette Shirrae Oatis. 

Marion Foxworth: Hunter Anthony Ford.  

Perry Beaumont: Braxton Tyler Lott.         

Perry Richton: Jacob Andrew Herring.       

Smith Bay Springs: Eli Kevin Raby.

Smith Raleigh: Thakarius Jaquaveon Smith.           

Wayne Clara: Daxton Wayne West.

Wayne Waynesboro: Lottie Idell Boyles, Mason C Coxwell, Tyler G Freeman and Patricia M Gandy.      

Dean’s List Honor Roll Summer 2024

Forrest Hattiesburg: Jacob David Farmer.

Forrest Petal: Brighton Brooke Hutchinson, Justin Wayne Jones and Dane Michael McCormick.

Greene Leakesville: Daphne L Highsmith and Dawson Craig Hobby.

Greene Richton: Andrew D Lott.

Harrison D’Iberville: Tristian Jean Hall.

Harrison Gulfport: Shelby Leighanne Duckworth.

Jasper Bay Springs: Mallory Rose Avary.

Jasper Laurel: Alley Payton Gunter.

Jasper Louin: Jackson Rex Brown.

Jones Ellisville: Amber Lynn Bolton, Jimmy Lee Brownlee, Caroline Grace Strange and Calista Dynisha Walters.

Jones Laurel: Coley Clayton Clark, Ian Alexander Marks, Dejarris Levell Page and Jeremy Pineda.

Jones Ovett: Hunter Garrett Pulliam.

Lamar Sumrall: Brannan Davis Jorns.

Smith Mize: Tymber Brooke Eubanks.

Smith Morton: Chandler Blake Wade.

Smith Mount Olive: Paula D Harvey.

Smith Taylorsville: Stephanie Renee Hall.

Wayne Laurel: Monica Nicole Doherty.

Wayne Waynesboro: Shaniya Tyriel Evans and Brianna A Williams.

Faculty List Honor Roll Summer 2024

Clarke Enterprise: Rachael Allen Benefield.

Clarke Pachuta: Olivia L Conerty.

Clarke Shubuta: Hunter Joseph Burke.

Covington Collins: Jaqura Beyonce’ McDonald, Aquashus Lakyla Pope, John Mitchell Rogers and Annalee C Stringer.

Covington Mount Olive: Chelsey L Booth, Kayla Margarette Howell and Jikei S Thompson.

Covington Seminary: Lillian K Norris and Susannah Faythe Walters.

Forrest Hattiesburg: Derayvia Diyana Bell, Mercedes Jade Charleston, Marquavious Rashad Porter and E’lshanti Natrese Smith.

Forrest Petal: Derek Johnathan Blades, Ethan Andrew Gerlach and Kalla E Yates.

Greene State Line: Cierra Jaquez Ward.

Jasper Bay Springs: Essie Lynn Susano.

Jasper Heidelberg: Kydrekia Nicole Graves.

Jasper Louin: Hannah Grace Fries, Shatara M Keyes, Megan Gable Phillips and Kataya Yahna Shipp.

Jasper Stringer: Caleb Levi Jenkins.

Jones Ellisville: Evan Mikael Nix and Kayla Lynn Purvis.

Jones Heidelberg: Haley Madison Gilman.

Jones Laurel: Magan Lindsi Arnold, Joshua Thomas Dean, Emily Ann Hill, Alesia Danielle King, Bobby Dale Martin, Micah Montez McSwain and Ashley M Page.

Jones Moselle: Katie Malynn Smith.

Jones Taylorsville: Haley Brianna Clark.

Lamar Hattiesburg: Nicholas Drake Singleterry.

Lincoln Greenville: Inari Danielle Reed.

Marion Columbia: Theresa R McHenry.

Neshoba Philadelphia: Lindasee Kakayana Little.

Perry Richton: Sydney Leighanne Conway.

Rankin Florence: Gabrielle Lerandra Batton and Deamberleye E Rankin.

Smith Louin: Emerald Rose Green.

Smith Mize: Melissa Hosey Hughes and Breanna Nichole Stephens.

Smith Raleigh: Erica A Ate, Tasjane’ Laila Jones and Jaylen Makenna Stringer.

Smith Taylorsville: Heather Ladawn Hester and Effie Rawls Klein.

Tippah Ripley: Julia May Gable.

Wayne State Line: Imaya Eileen Binder, Connor Jordan Foret and Myeisha Rekay Lang.

Wayne Waynesboro: Brenna Dixon and Jomeria Elese McDougle.