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.
“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.
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.”
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.
“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.
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.”
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.
