Ellisville, MS – For dozens of Jones College students, summer 2026 marked more than the completion of a program. It marked the beginning of a new chapter – one built through long hours, hands-on training, determination, and, for many, sacrifices made both inside and outside of the classroom.
Students from several programs within the Jones College School of Health Sciences celebrated graduation and pinning ceremonies this summer, including Pharmacy Technology, Cosmetology, Practical Nursing, and Emergency Medical Technology/Paramedic programs. From future nurses, paramedics, and pharmacy technicians to cosmetology professionals, graduates are now prepared to take the skills they developed at Jones into communities across Mississippi and beyond.
Paramedic Graduates Achieve 100 Percent Certification Pass Rate
For Jones College’s paramedic graduates, success came almost immediately after their pinning ceremony.
Within just 24 hours of being pinned, 100 percent of the graduating Paramedic class had passed the required certification examination, meaning every graduate became a certified paramedic within a day of completing the program.
Among those celebrating the milestone was Brooke Moore, whose journey through Jones College’s Emergency Medical Services programs began with EMT in 2022 and continued through Advanced EMT and Paramedic training. After previously completing the Paramedic program but struggling to pass the certification exam, Moore returned to Jones determined to reach her goal. In 2026, she completed the program again and joined her classmates in achieving the historic 100 percent pass rate.
The accomplishment reflects both the preparation provided through Jones College’s Emergency Medical Technology program and the commitment of students entering a profession where knowledge, quick decision-making and the ability to remain calm under pressure can directly impact lives.
Summer 2026 Paramedic graduates were:
Kelli Allen – Jones County
Phillip Boyd – Jones County
Hunter Emfinger – Covington County
Leah Green – Jasper County
Dustin Lucas – Copiah County
Holly Norris – Greene County
Ashtin Parnell – Jones County
Stefani Pickering – Jones County
Practical Nursing Graduates Celebrate the Finish Line
For students completing Jones College’s Practical Nursing program, reaching graduation often represents an accomplishment shared by an entire family.
This summer, Jones celebrated Practical Nursing graduates through two pinning ceremonies – one for students at the Ellisville campus and one for students at the Jasper County Learning Center campus.
The fast-paced and academically demanding program requires significant commitment, but many students complete it while carrying responsibilities that extend well beyond the classroom. Some are single parents or care for other dependents, and many work while attending school to support themselves and their families.
Balancing those responsibilities with classes, clinical experiences, studying, and exams makes reaching the pinning ceremony especially meaningful.
During each ceremony, students were also recognized with individual awards. At the Jasper County pinning ceremony, Cera Thompson received the Florence Nightingale Award, Shantoni Jones received the Academic Award, and Raven Walker received the Rising Star Award.
Jasper County Practical Nursing graduates were:
Alexis House-Walker – Jasper County
Jacey Mangrum – Smith County
Shantoni Jones – Jasper County
Lily Null – Lauderdale County
Alexus Jones – Jasper County
Raven Walker – Newton County
Asheala Horne – Smith County
Craylan Chapman – Clarke County
Dakota Blakeney – Smith County
Anna Lee Guy – Smith County
Cera Jones Thompson – Jasper County
Nick Hillman – Smith County
Laura McKinley – Jasper County
At the Ellisville pinning ceremony, Holly Miles received the Florence Nightingale Award, Sarah Kelly received the Academic Award, and Zaida Morales received the Rising Star Award.
Bailey Sims – Forrest County
Brandon Pack – Covington County
Breazae Redwood – Smith County
Byesha Williamson – Wayne County
Cquarria Lynn – Wayne County
Gracie Bates – Perry County
Hailey Graves – Jones County
Holly Miles – Mahoning County (Ohio)
Jasmine Dampier – Pike County
Jennie Wilson Lee – Jones County
Jhai’Maiya Young – Scott County
Jkylon Lawrence – Perry County
Keila Escamilla – Jones County
Keoshia McNair – Smith County
Malaika Lowe – Harrison County
Markel Parker – Wayne County
Mea Cooley – Wayne County
Rolexis George – Wayne County
Roselyn Roshell Williams – Smith County
Sabrina Rena Barnett – Jasper County
Samantha McAfee-Williams – Simpson County
Sarah Nicole Kelly – Lowndes County
Shaniya Tyriel Evans – Wayne County
Vanteshia Preston – Lawrence County
Zaida Morales – Jones County
Alexis Rayne Hendry – Jasper County
Madison Nikole Worrell – Simpson County
Abigayle Grace Marek – Forrest County
Claire Carpenter – Lamar County
Ty’Kerria Feazell – Smith County
Kelsey Graves – Smith County
Patience Pettis – Lamar County
Pharmacy Technology Graduates Ready to Serve
Eight students also completed Jones College’s Pharmacy Technology program this summer, preparing them for careers that place them alongside pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in serving patients and helping ensure medications are prepared and distributed safely.
The Summer 2026 Pharmacy Technology graduates were:
Kelsey Butler – Smith County
Emma Fulcher – Jones County
Asia Jones – Jasper County
Kylan Kinsey – Forrest County
Kassidy Shirley – Wayne County
Brianna Wade – Jones County
Tykeivia Watts – Clarke County
Kristiona Williams – Jones County
Cosmetology Graduates Turn Skills into Careers
Twenty students completed Jones College’s Cosmetology program this summer, including Katelyn Horn of Smith County, who was recognized as Top of the Class.
Through classroom instruction and hands-on experience, Cosmetology students develop technical and professional skills that prepare them to pursue careers in an industry centered on creativity, client care, and personal service.
Summer 2026 Cosmetology graduates were:
Katelyn Horn – Smith County
Damaris DeJesus – Jones County
Katie Dunn – Rankin County
Johana Gabriel – Covington County
Macy Herrington – Lamar County
Briuna Keys – Jones County
Hannah Latham – Jones County
Audrey Maggard – Jones County
Emoree McNeil – Harrison County
Sarah McCree – Wayne County
Kaylee Newman – Wayne County
Sophia Paule’ – Shelby County (Tennessee)
Johanna Blaire Pope – Covington County
Kathryn Randazzo – Pearl River County
Tiyanequa Rigsby – Perry County
Gracie Roberts – George County
Shelby Robertson, Sr. – Jones County
Kennedy Williams – Jasper County
Raven T’Lyiah Wolfe – Covington County
Kansas Young – Walthall County
While their programs and career paths may look different, Jones College’s summer health sciences graduates share something in common: each reached a milestone that required commitment, persistence, and a willingness to keep moving forward.
For some, graduation means beginning a first career. For others, it represents a new opportunity, a career change,ge or the chance to provide greater stability for their families. And for many, the people waiting in the audience at their pinning or graduation ceremony were part of the journey, too.
The skills these graduates gained at Jones will now travel with them into hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, emergency response agencies, salons, and communities throughout the region.
Their time at Jones may have just been a stop along the way, but summer 2026 proved just how far that road can lead.
