ELLISVILLE – With 48 Jones College Practical Nursing students successfully completing the three-semester full-time program and five-semester part time program, some health care gaps will be filled. However, Director of the Jones College Practical Nursing program, Amy Myers said there will always be a need as nurses face some challenges.
“Today, we celebrate the dedication and compassion of our practical nursing graduates, who are stepping into South Mississippi’s healthcare workforce at a critical time. With the region facing healthcare shortages and increased demand, these graduates are ready to make an immediate impact. Their skills and empathy will help meet the needs of local communities, ensuring that quality care remains accessible and compassionate for all,” said Myers.
Amongst the class of graduates was 53-year-old, John Rogers from Collins. After working in a variety of fields like his mother’s florist business for 18 years, seven years setting up and breaking down events for a church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and a career in banking, he wanted to become a nurse to care for his aging parents. After announcing his career change, he learned his niece, Claire Polk of Collins was accepted into the Associate Degree Nursing school at Jones College.
“It’s been awesome and really good for both of us, having someone to rely on and really understand some of the struggles,” shared Polk. “Since he was older going back to school, the technology was new to him. Being able to help him out was really awesome.”
He caught on quickly, and his teachers recognized him with the Florence Nightingale Award for the full-time class.
“Going through this difficult challenge, especially as a non-traditional student, it meant a lot. Today means a lot to me. Claire and I both kind of went through this together, and that was special,” shared Rogers.
Waynesboro’s Erin Williams didn’t know what kind of obstacles she would have to overcome to graduate, until after she began the practical nursing program in Waynesboro. The 21-year-old began working as a Certified Nurse Assistant after high school with the goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. After Christmas, she will be enjoying her first child.
“I found out while I was in nursing school and it was a bit of a challenge,” said Williams. “Nursing school is a challenge itself, but I pushed through. I prayed, and my husband was my biggest supporter, and I got to do this all with my best friend, Nichole Spiars.”
For Spiars, nursing was something she wanted to do but got deterred. She was working at a restaurant full-time and taking some classes when she found out Williams was applying. That’s when she also decided to apply for the Practical Nursing program.
“Graduation is like a weight off my shoulders,” Spiars said. “Erin and I helped each other out the whole time. If I didn’t know something, Erin knew it and if she didn’t know something I knew it.”
Also relieved that one part of her nursing education is complete is Leakesville’s Sade Woullard. The 21-year-old has been working as a C.N.A. at the Greene Health and Rehab Center for the last three years. In five years or less, Woullard plans to become an R.N.
“Right now, I feel like I can breathe and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, that you didn’t think you’d see!” said Woullard. “I want to thank my instructors for pushing me and telling me I have it, whenever I didn’t believe I had it. I’m very grateful for this facility and the program.”
During the Pinning and Lamp Lighting Ceremony, the Practical Nursing instructors recognized the students they considered to be Rising Stars, the top Academic Achievers and the students who best represent the characteristics of the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale. In the full-time class, BreAnna Stephens of Mize received the Academic Excellence Award for achieving the highest average and superior academic performance. Heidi Moore of Seminary earned the Academic Excellence Award in the Part-Time Night Class and Jessica Burford of Silas, Alabama was the Wayne County program recipient.
Da’Kyra Payton of Buckatunna from the full-time program, Chrishawn Wright of Laurel from the part-time night program and Justice Kittler of Waynesboro from the Wayne County program each earned the Rising Star Award. These three were considered to have shown continuous dedication and exceptional growth in the classroom and clinical setting. Their positive attitude and perseverance enriched their professionalism and nursing knowledge.
The Florence Nightingale Award went to John Rogers of Collings from the full-time program, Shevawn McLain of Heidelberg from the part-time night program and Chaseanna Carter of Waynesboro from the Wayne County program. These graduates encompass all the qualities of Florence Nightingale which she implemented into the nursing profession: compassion, dedication and kindness. These students embody the true spirit of nursing.
One of their instructors, Oshaugnessye McCormick, challenged the new nurses to continue to be like Florence and shine their light for all to see.
“Be innovative, critical thinkers, warm and compassionate and most of all, let your light shine,” said McCormick. “I can stand here and say, speaking on behalf of our entire faculty, we are proud of you as our students, but we’re also proud for you to be our colleagues.”
The ceremony concluded with the traditional Lamp Lighting Ceremony which is a representation of the enlightenment of your mind. The traditional “Lamp Lighting” was inspired by the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale who carried a lamp to find and help wounded soldiers during the Crimean War in 1854.
Jones College Practical Nursing Graduates December 2024
Full-Time Program
- Miranda Adams, Meridian
- Deanna Beasley, New Augusta
- Bree Lynn Boykin, Raleigh
- Akiria Clark, Fayette
- Madison Clark, Magee
- Jasmyne Cooke, Jackson
- Lindsey James, Laurel
- Nartasha Johnson, Detroit, MI
- Myeddie Jones, Laurel (Did not attend Pinning Ceremony)
- Precious Jones, Waynesboro
- Theresa McHenry, Columbia
- Kymmia McKenzie, Prattville
- Jaqueline Mendez, Laurel
- Logan Nicholas, Ellisville
- Ashley Page, Bay Springs
- Zesmon Paige, Collins
- Da’Kyra Payton, Buckatunna
- Aquashus Pope, Collins
- Ferrari Quinn, Jackson
- Inari Reed, Greenwood
- John Rogers, Collins
- Alayna Smith, Laurel
- BreAnna Stephens, Mize
- Alaazhia Sumrall, Petal
- Gabrielle Walley, Moselle
- Cierra Ward, State Line
- Sade Woullard, Greene County
Wayne County Program Graduates
- Jessica Burford, Silas, AL
- Chaseanna Carter, Waynesboro
- Barbara Collier-Thornton, Richton
- Chasity Everett, Wayne County (Did not attend Pinning Ceremony)
- Bria Johnson, State Line
- Justice Kittler, Waynesboro
- Shirkira Mayfield, Waynesboro
- Arijion Powe, Wayne County
- Kendall Rene Prestage, Waynesboro
- Takeria Robinson, Forest
- Nichole Spiars, Waynesboro
- Jasmine Steward, Waynesboro
- Erin Nicole Williams, Waynesboro
- Amber Woods, Waynesboro
Part-Time Night Program
- Teonna Mack, Panola
- Kristina McLain, Richton
- Shevawn McLain, Heidelberg
- Heidi Moore, Seminary
- Tori Mobbs-Roberts, Laurel
- Katie Williamson, Ellisville
- Crishawn Wright, Laurel