Jones College celebrates graduates & the legendary

ELLISVILLE – The celebration of some legendary accomplishments continued despite the continuous rain forcing Jones College’s 97th Commencement Ceremony to move indoors to safely honor the nearly 660 graduates during two ceremonies. Several graduates were becoming the first to earn a college degree in their family, like Kiandra Lopez of Laurel.

Jones OnStage, Kiandra Lopez

“I’m the first ever in my family to graduate from college but today is also bittersweet because I’m leaving behind my friends in Jones OnStage who became like family.”

Moselle’s Nathan Bower is also the first in his family to go to college. The Agriculture Science major said Jones College opened new doors for him.

“I grew up on a farm and that’s all I’ve ever known,” said Bower. “Coming to Jones, I got to experience a whole new horizon and, in a way, for me I’ll be giving back to my community after I finish my degree at MSU,” said Bower who enjoyed being a member of the band in addition to enhancing his farming skills.

Graduates, Hope Houston, Dannah Knighton, Addie Thames and Nate Bower

Raleigh’s Grant Goree said he had a similar experience to Bower. “I’m proud to be the first man in my family to graduate from college but I’ll be coming back home to raise chickens after earning my poultry science degree at Mississippi State University. It’s just another step on the ladder that Jones helped me climb.”

Janna Claire Ishee of Stringer spent one-year at JC after earning college credits through the Dual Enrollment program. She said Jones College helped her forge a new path of opportunities. “My experience during this year has opened me up to a lot of different opportunities and new pathways that I can take as I continue in the field of poultry science.”

Janna Claire Ishee at graduation

Addie Thames of Petal said having the unique pleasure of “going to school” with her mother, a Jones College Science instructor, meant a lot to her over the last two years. The Concert Choir singer, Jones OnStage member, and Student Government Association President said she is headed to the University of Southern Mississippi to earn her Speech Pathology and Audiology degree, while her mother remains at Jones.

“It feels kind of like I should be graduating with my mom. It also feels really special for me and mom because she has been able to be with me and go through some of this with me,” said Thames.

Meanwhile, Hope Houston of Laurel is ending a family tradition as the last of the seven Houston children to attend Jones College before pursuing other goals.

“I’m excited to have the same experience and opportunities they did while gaining new friendships, and confidence throughout my journey here,” said Houston who earned Hall of Fame honors and was one of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Officers of Distinction. “At first I didn’t want to go to college but after I fully invested myself in college here, that just made everything so much better.”

Looking toward the future and feeling a little more comfortable, is Laurel Middle College graduate, Madison White. She not only earned her Laurel High School diploma, but she also earned an associate of arts degree from Jones College.

“This has made a really significant impact on me by advancing me two years. I won’t have as much to worry about when I get to MSU,” said White, who does not regret missing out on a few things to get ahead. “It’s all worth the experience and the opportunity to do great in the future and in my education. So, it’s OK to miss out on some things when you’re preparing for a better future.”

White’s future includes becoming a teacher, and her determination to succeed is an example of one of the “noble notes” keynote speaker, distinguished pilot and author, Retired Colonel Craig Ziemba, referred to in his speech. He shared his message with the help of Luke Johnson because he was dealing with laryngitis. Ziemba told the packed gymnasium filled with family and friends at both graduation ceremonies that a lady’s greatest strength is her ability to inspire us through her beauty. He also challenged graduates to never forget where they come from and to harness the power of the truth, beauty and goodness.

Retired Colonel Craig Ziemba USAF with Luke Johnson

“Ladies and gentlemen, if you build your future on the truth and beauty and goodness then you will stand head and shoulders above your entire generation and become an indispensable man, and an irreplaceable woman. That’s why a welder, a farmer, a teacher or a nurse with Godly values living in a small town in Mississippi has a far greater chance of success than any agnostic Ivy leaguer, hedonistic celebrity, or social media star,” said Ziemba.

As Ziemba challenged graduates, he shared his experiences as a Navy combat pilot and the many examples he calls Lessons for Life. Some nuggets of truth he shared include the beliefs that relationships are more important or greater than accomplishments and your family’s greatest treasures are the ones around the dinner table. Despite seeing the many beautiful wonders of the world in his career, Ziemba shared that nothing is more beautiful than family. He challenged graduates to live out his three ideals to have a successful future.

“If truth is the beacon and beauty is the inspiration, then goodness is the action of living out what we believe ultimately, because goodness harnesses the ideal to do what’s real,” he shared. “Men, how you live will determine your success because you were made to be a load bearing wall that your family, coworkers and country can count on.  A man’s calling is to willingly sacrifice himself to bear the responsibility to provide for and protect those he loves and even strangers and I know that ideal is being attacked.”

Hyper accelerating technology, specifically virtual augmented reality and artificial intelligence are linked to the demise of mankind, unless we can harness our creativity and imagination, Ziemba told the audience. He continued “sowing the seeds of rebellion” reminding the audience how we all can combat these attacks on our future.

“You are made in God’s image. He is the creator, and you have creative power. You have imagination, you have dreams, and you can use them. Meditate on scripture and memorize it so it becomes a lamp unto your feet, a light unto your path. While everything around you is changing, the character of God who loves you, remains the same, yesterday, today and always, and the life he gave you is worth living and living well,” said Ziemba.

Tommie T-Bone Pruitt receiving an Honorary Degree from Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith

One man, who has blessed thousands over his 93 years of life through music, was awarded an Honorary Degree during the commencement ceremony by Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith. Ellisville native, Tommie T-Bone Pruitt recorded the “Living Legend” album at the college’s recording studio, Free State and invited everyone to download his first song, “Catfish Blues” as Pruitt was gifted a custom guitar that resembles, B.B. King’s “Lucille.”

Matt McGuffie displays a custom replica of B.B. King’s guitar, “Lucille” to give to Tommie T-Bone Pruitt.

The other 660 graduates from Jones College earned either an associate in arts degree, an associate in applied science degree, associate of science, associate of science and technology, a technical certificate, or a career certificate. Additionally, the third class of the Middle College Program at Laurel High School received both their high school diploma and an associate degree from Jones College during the Commencement Ceremony. The 12, Laurel High School Middle College students, Emeri Cooley, Robert Jackson, Deborah Johns, Taeveon Mackey, Landon McMillan, Isabelle Terry, Madison White, Donald Williams, Jamel Knight, Da’d Pigford, Brenda Santiago and Deandre Winn, finished their high school requirements simultaneously while attending college courses to complete a two-year degree.

Jones College’s new Director of Bands makes history

ELLISVILLE – She’s the 25th Director of Bands for the Jones College band program, which was founded in October 1930, with the “Typhoon” making its first “formal” appearance on February 26, 1931. Making history as the first female and first African American to hold the esteemed position as leader of the band, Tamiko Bridges has been a music educator for 25 years in the private, elementary, middle, high school and collegiate sectors. Most recently, she has been the Director of Bands/Fine Arts & Electives Department Chair at Laurel School District from 2002-2010, and 2018 until now.

“This is an open door and a groundbreaking opportunity for this young lady from the country roads of Wayne County Mississippi,” shared Bridges before an audience of her family and friends from both Laurel and Jones College. “Thank you, Dr. Smith for seeing something in me that God is already a part of and honestly, I am humbled and honored to be a part of such a great team that inspires students.”

While she has spent the majority of her professional time teaching in Laurel, Bridges is also a church musician and the Instrumental Ensemble Director at Springhill Baptist Church in Ellisville and she has served as the Minister of Music at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Hattiesburg. Furthermore, she has taught various grade levels in Atlanta and was the Assistant Band Director at Southwest High School in Macon, Georgia. Bridges said she plans to inspire Jones College students to be the best at everything.

“I am truly encouraged to inspire you, and I will tell you my definition of inspire, influencing the next generation of students through positivity, intentionality, respect and excellence. Together we will build an ensemble of multiple genres that will both appeal and instruct,” shared Bridges. “This program at Jones has a rich history and a legacy of being the best band program and we want to continue doing what has already been established.”

Some of her accolades include being the 2023-2024 President of the Mississippi Bandmasters Association, nominated for the 2025 Mississippi Pinnacle Awards, a 2025 Grammy Music Educator Award Quarterfinalist, Southeast MS Band Directors Association Band Director of the Year in 2004, Star Teacher at Laurel High School 2021, Laurel High School Golden Apple Award recipient for 2023, 2024, and 2025, and her LHS band has earned Superior Ratings at the Large Group Marching Band Evaluations in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2024.

Bridges, who is a Mississippi State and William Carey University graduate will be joined by the newly announced Director of Brass, Kyle Matthees. He has been serving this last year as an adjunct instructor at Jones College while pursuing his doctorate of musical arts degree at the University of Southern Mississippi. He brings experience as an instructor at Middle Tennessee State University, Belmont University, and Lindsey Wilson University as well as performing professionally and publishing in professional journals.

“While working with the marching band last summer, I was completely impressed,” said Matthees. “So, to move into this new role as a full-time member here, it’s humbling and I’m very excited to be here. We’re hoping to add to our brass section, so we’ll be recruiting more students to get that big brass sound.”

For more information about the band program, email Tamiko Bridges at tamiko.bridges@jcjc.edu or click on the website, https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/ or Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/JCJCFineArts

Jones College students earn Gold Key honors

Merti/Honor Gold Key-Hope Houston & Tyler Freeman with Dr. Jesse Smith.

ELLISVILLE – Six Jones College students were selected by their peers for the special recognition to be named Gold Key recipients. Two students, Hope Houston of Laurel and Tyler Freeman of Waynesboro received the Merit/Honor Gold Key. Houston earned the All-Mississippi Academic 1st Team honors, Hall of Fame and was recognized as a Distinguished Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Officer Team member.  Freeman is majoring in Computer Information Systems Technology and is a Hall of Fame semi-finalist.

Leadership Gold Key Awards-Daniel Baldwin & Addie Thames with Dr. Jesse Smith.

Leadership Gold Key Awards were given to Hall of Fame recipients, Addison Thames of Petal and Daniel Baldwin of Magee. Thames is majoring in Speech Pathology and has served as Student Government Association President and is a member of PTK, the Concert Choir, JC Voices, Jones OnStage and has performed in the musical theater productions.

Joel Cain presented Destini Jordan with the Athletic Gold Key Award

Baldwin is majoring in Music Industry/Recording Arts and has released his Christian single, “Instantaneous” last summer and has served as Baptist Student Union President. Along with playing the lead role in “West Side Story,” he played a supporting role in “Grease.” Baldwin has been a member of the Concert Choir, Jones OnStage and PTK in addition to being selected as one of seven Tullos Scholars.

The female Athletic Gold Key Award went to Destini Jordan. The Laurel resident has been a percussionist for the marching and concert bands, and a member of the percussion ensemble. Jordan is majoring in Culinary Arts.

Athletic Gold Key-Lawson Harvey

Lawson Harvey of Greenwood received the male Athletic Gold Key Award. The defender was named a United Soccer Coaches First Team Scholar All-American with a 3.93 GPA as an engineering major. Last fall, he was named First Team All-MACCC after scoring one goal and getting three assists for five points. He helped the Bobcat defense post eight shutouts and allowed only 19 goals in 17 matches. During his freshman year, Harvey earned Distinguished Academic All-MACCC and NJCAA All-Academic Second Team honors. He has also been selected to the school’s academic honor roll twice.

Seven Jones College students named Tullos Scholars

Photos by Dannah Knighton

ELLISVILLE – Seven Jones College sophomores were selected as Tullos Scholars: Daniel Baldwin-Magee, Titus Crouch-Ellisville, Ollie Hammonds-Laurel, Dannah Knighton-Madison, Devin Lucus-Ellisville, Owen Massey-Seminary and Kate Wimberly-Sumrall. This is the college’s highest honor for the top JC students, and it includes an endowed scholarship for the recipients. All seven students were nominated by faculty members as they distinguished themselves and impressed selection committee members over the past two years.

Music Industry Recording Arts major, Daniel Baldwin has already made a name for himself in the music industry with the release of his Christian single, “Instantaneous” last summer. The Magee resident has also been busy as a member of the Concert Choir, Jones OnStage, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Theater Club with the lead role in the spring musical, West Side Story, and as President of the Baptist Student Union. He was voted as Mr. Jones College by his peers and has earned the Letter “J” Award, and Hall of Fame and has maintained a 4.0 GPA.

Additionally, Baldwin leads worship for multiple ministries and regularly serves in summer missions including in Romania and Moldova. His plans after graduation include continuing his education at the University of Mobile to pursue a degree in commercial voice. His parents are Greg and Julie Baldwin.

“Being awarded the Tullos Scholarship from Jones College is a blessing I don’t take lightly,” said Baldwin. “I’m truly thankful for this opportunity and give all the glory to God for His goodness in my life! I am beyond grateful to my parents and teachers for always pushing me to strive for excellence.”

Nursing major from Ellisville, Titus Crouch was recently inducted into the Nursing Honor Society, Alpha Delta Nu and is a member of the International Honor Society for two-year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa. He also served as President of the Associate Degree Nursing graduating class of 2025. While at Jones, Crouch shared his musical talents studying piano under Dr. Theresa Sanchez and performing in the special Christmas with the Arts concert with his brother and Dr. Victoria Johnson.

A few of his honors include being inducted into the Hall of Fame and being nominated for the Gold Key Award for Merit/Honor and Leadership. His future plans include earning his bachelor’s degree and working as a nurse locally, with an end goal of being a nurse practitioner. His parents are Roy and Rachel Crouch.

“I was shocked because I didn’t know at all that I would be getting that honor too,” said Crouch. “All honor and glory to the Lord Jesus because that is His blessing.”

Ollie Hammonds is an accounting major from Laurel who assisted the Bobcats Athletics Sports Information Office while being a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, PTK and FBLA. Some of his honors include being a member of the Hall of Fame, earning the Letter “J” Award and being on the President’s List all four semesters. Hammonds’ future plans include attending the University of Mississippi and becoming a CPA with aspirations of working in sports broadcasting. His parents are Luke and Andrea Hammonds.

Madison’s Dannah Knighton is majoring in elementary education and specializing in general science. The Germantown High School graduate made her mark at Jones College as a yearbook photographer and assisted the Student Affairs Office. She has earned honors as a member of the Hall of Fame, Phi Theta Kappa Vice President and part of the nationally distinguished officer team, Letter “J” Award and she has been on the President’s List. She is a member of the Student Government Association, Charles Pickering Honors Institute and was selected as the Homecoming Student Body Maid. Knighton volunteers her time as a small group leader at First Baptist Church in Ellisville for the children’s ministry. Her future plans include pursuing an elementary education degree at the University of Southern Mississippi before earning her master’s degree in biology or education administration. Her parents are David and Jill Knighton.

Biology major from Ellisville, Devin Lucus, is pursuing the goal of becoming a veterinarian after earning her degree from Mississippi State University. The JC Hall of Fame recipient is also a member of PTK, FBLA and she was the 2023-2024 manager of the Women’s Soccer National Championship Team. The graduate of South Jones High School earned numerous accolades including the Lindy Callahan Scholarship, Leadership Jones County and Trent Lott Leadership Award, as well as maintaining a 3.8 GPA or higher. Kevin and Sonia Lucus are Devin’s parents.

Owen Massey of Seminary is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering from Mississippi State University. The Presbyterian Christian High School Valedictorian has earned accolades at Jones College as a member of the Hall of Fame, Charles Pickering Honors Institute and Engineering Society, PTK and FBLA. After earning his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and minor in math and industrial engineering, Massey plans to work for a local electric cooperative or utility company. His parents are Joseph and Amy Massey.

Sumrall resident and civil engineering major, Kate Wimberly has earned honors as a member of the Hall of Fame at JC and has served as the President of the Engineering Society. While at Jones College, Wimberly was a member of PTK and the Charles Pickering Honors Institute. Her future goal includes earning her bachelors of science degree in civil engineering at MSU. Guy and Virginia Wimberly are Kate’s parents.

Requirements for the Tullos Scholarship include being a full-time sophomore, submitting a résumé with two-faculty recommendation letters, having outstanding academic achievements, being engaged in college activities, leadership positions and participating in community service. Each student received medallions and $1,000 scholarships in recognition of being named after the scholarship donors, Gene and Nada Tullos.

Gene Tullos came to Jones in 1960 on a basketball scholarship which he said gave him a jumpstart and a great foundation to begin Law School. Endowing scholarships, like the Tullos Scholarship Program was his way of returning the “favor” to the college that provided an excellent foundation for a successful career as an attorney in Smith County.

“As he made the single, largest donation ever at Jones, Gene Tullos said he wanted to recognize outstanding students from various majors who are shining stars, to recognize them and encourage them to feel special,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith.  “When Gene established this Scholarship, he explained, because of the encouragement he received at Jones he felt like he could make it and be successful. In fact, Gene was a successful attorney for 50 years, only missing three days of work related to his cancer treatment before he passed away in 2016.”

For more information about Jones College, visit the webpage, https://www.jcjc.edu/

Jones College and WDAM-TV honor Top of Class 2025

ELLISVILLE- Jones College was thrilled to be able to host WDAM-TV’s annual Top of Class 2025 recognition program with a live, “red-carpet” event. WDAM-TV news/weather personalities Elle Davis, Trey Howard and Riley Bridges, along with Jones College executive vice presidents, Dr. Tessa Flowers and Dr. Finee’ Ruffin were photographed with the area’s valedictorians and salutatorians to commemorate the special event held at Jones College. The group of nearly 100 high school students were celebrated with a day of recognition including breakfast, entertainment and inspiring comments from WDAM-TV News Director, Emily Forrester, Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith, and Mississippi Senator District 42, and Jones College alumnae, Robin Robinson.

Each student was recognized and received a special, Top of Class Certificate of Achievement, commemorative T-Shirt and participated in the traditional Hat Toss while the WDAM-TV production crew documented the event to be featured during WDAM-Sunrise at 6:58 a.m., on May 12, through June 13, and on the WDAM-TV webpage.

“We always look forward to hosting Top of the Class with WDAM-TV because we get to see these bright students reach the pinnacle of their high school academic careers. Plus, we get to learn about how they have already impacted their communities and hear about their future plans which include continuing to do some great things,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith.

Check on the WDAM-TV Top of Class website, https://www.wdam.com/topofclass/ for a schedule of when each high school’s Top of Class video will air on WDAM-TV Sunrise News.