Category: News

ELLISVILLE- Twenty-nine associate degree nursing graduates from Jones College are ready to join the workforce as they celebrated with a Pinning, Graduation and Lamp Lighting Ceremony. The transition from student to nurse has been especially challenging for this group of nursing graduates said Associate Degree Program Director, Mike Cummings. The constant adjustments made to comply with COVID-19 restrictions during the past two years have prepared these nurses for the “real world” of nursing.

“This class had to endure many more difficult situations, constantly adjusting. We here at Jones understand the value of the support from friends and family because, without it, it would have been more even difficult for these graduates to succeed,” said Cummings. “We’ve thrown a lot to the faculty and students but their resolve to adapt has been exceptional. They worked hard when things got tough and succeeded. Well done and great job!”

Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith told the audience of friends and family at the Nurse Pinning Ceremony that the ability to be adaptable during an unprecedented pandemic is admirable. He continued praising the 2021 class of Associate Degree Nurses for choosing a noble profession.

“There’s no greater profession than nursing because it impacts lives, many lives. Everyone has been impacted at some point in your life by a nurse and if not, you will be. We expect great things from you,” continued Smith. “You’ll see so many emotions and you’ll enrich some many lives like you’ve never imagined.”

Several students willingly choose to serve their class as officers. Germecca Bolton of Laurel-President, Courtney Boothe of Heidelberg-Vice President, Bobbi Gamble of Petal-Treasurer, Anna Grace King of Ellisville-Secretary, Breanna Boyles of Brookhaven-Chaplain, and Abby Lillie of Raleigh-Activities. Additionally, five students were selected to join the honor society for associate degree nursing students, Alpha Delta Nu. The following students have maintained a “B” average every semester and were inducted into the Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society for the Fall 2021 graduating class: Jamie Parker of Stringer, Bobbi Gamble of Petal, Alexander Ducksworth of Petal, Abby Lillie of Raleigh, and Courtney Boothe of Heidelberg.

The nursing school tradition, the Lighting of the Lamp concluded the special Pinning and Graduation Ceremony. This ceremony is a symbol of the passing on of knowledge from nursing faculty to graduates after receiving their official Nurse Pin with a Maltese Cross. For more information about the Associate Degree Nursing program at Jones College check out the website, https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/adn/

Associate Degree Nursing Fall 2021 Graduates

Ondranna Barnes- Mt. Olive

Germecca Bolton- Laurel

Courtney Boothe- Heidelberg

Breanna Boyles- Brookhaven

Christina Breazeale- Ellisville

Layken Carney- Columbia

Alec Culbertson- Ellisville

Kayla Daley- Laurel

Alexander Ducksworth- Petal

Morgan Freeman- Waynesboro

Bobbi Gamble- Petal

Kelsey Hamilton- Raleigh

Kris Hudson- Clara

Josh Kemp -Hattiesburg

Rachel Kendrick – Hattiesburg

Anna Grace King – Ellisville

Tori Kitchens Lott- Richton

Abby Lillie- Raleigh

Bryce McMullan Landrum-Soso

Payton Nelsen-Lucedale

Ashlea Odom Carlton- Petal

Jamie Parker-Stringer

Terra Pitts- Laurel

Katie Runnels Shows- Mt. Olive

Jamal Sampson- Hattiesburg

Kanai Spiney- Hattiesburg

Legend Waldrup- Laurel

Alainna Wells- Hattiesburg

Laken Windham- Heidelberg

ELLISVILLE – Thirty-six new, Practical Nursing graduates from Jones College are entering nursing when the profession needs them the most. The Pinning Ceremony at Jones celebrated the accomplishments of this group of nursing graduates as they begin their professional journey in nursing. Career and Technical Dean, Rod Tolbert praised the nurses for accepting the challenge of becoming part of the solution.

“When this class began nursing school, the Covid-19 pandemic was at its height. Most people were running the other way, but these courageous and noble students answered the call to a challenging situation. Thank you for your commitment to the health and well-being of others,” said Tolbert.

Raleigh’s Reagan Revette, one of the newest, practical nursing graduates said she was working in a nursing home as a therapy technician when she was inspired by the nurses she worked beside during the pandemic, prompting her to join the profession.

“The nurses had such an incredible impact on the Covid patients. I wanted to help patients like the nurses I witnessed in the nursing home, so I started the nursing program at Jones. I learned so much and I loved my experience here at Jones,” said Revette who plans to continue her education.

Jones College’s Director of the Practical Nursing Program, Amy Myers said this year’s nursing graduates were challenged during their education and will most likely continue to be challenged in their careers.

“They have completed nursing school during a stressful time in our history. They’ve persevered to successfully complete a fast and rigorous program during a pandemic. They have proved to be capable of great things. We faculty members celebrate their accomplishments because seeing nursing students achieve their goals and succeed is one of our proudest moments as instructors,” said Myers.

Three students were honored for their accomplishments during the three-semester program. Reagan Revette of Raleigh earned the Academic Excellence Award for having the highest academic average. The Rising Star Award was presented to Abby Jordan of Taylorsville for her continuous dedication and growth in the classroom and clinical setting, and her positive attitude and perseverance which enriched her professionalism and nursing knowledge. Alexis Cook of Stringer was honored to receive the Florence Nightingale Award amongst the full-time practical nursing program graduates by Jones College faculty who believe she exhibits the qualities of the founder of nursing, with her professionalism, integrity, and selfless attitude.

The Pinning and Graduation Ceremony ended with the traditional “Lamp Lighting” inspired by the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale who carried a lamp to help wounded soldiers during the Crimean War in 1854. For more information about the Practical Nursing Program, check out the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/practicalnursing/

Practical Nursing Graduates December 2021

Maleah Marie Barnes, CollinsBridgette Boleware, Petal

Shawna Nicole Breland, George County

Elizabeth Carr, Pearl River County

Alexis Cook, Stringer

Summer Davis, Laurel

Breana Deem, Poplarville

Peyton Ford, Moselle

Marvin Fuller, Monticello 

Rene Fuller, Puckett 

ShaQwanna Gandy, Quitman 

Molly Elmore Graves, Seminary/Brandon

Destiny Nicole Hooks, Ellisville 

Kristen Hunt, Leakesville

Jone’t Johnson, Wayne County

Tawiana Jones, Heidelberg

Abby Jordan, Taylorsville

Ta’Kyra Lampton, Columbia

Lauryn Paige Loper, Waynesboro

Debra Magee, Collins

Madyson Mann, Laurel

Emily Matherne, Purvis

Ladeidra Rhodes McDuffie, Monticello

Logan Miller, Wayne County

Briana Jean Nix, Moselle

Sarah Amanda Phelps, Ellisville

Latonya McCullum Poole, Prentiss

Gilneshiakee Pope, Wayne County

Reagan Danielle Revette, Raleigh

Trista Shoemake, Purvis

Taylor Stauffer, Laurel

Chelsea LaRose Vaxter, Carthage

Lauren Waites, Waynesboro

Dakota Lobrano Wallace, Hattiesburg

Amy Waters, Ellisville

Karea M Welch, Hattiesburg

ELLISVILLE – There was an overwhelming response from the public attending Jones College’s Christmas events. Several hundred new, unwrapped toys were collected for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program as admission to Jones College’s Christmas program. The partnership between Jones College’s College of the Arts, Music and Performance, and the Salvation Army has brought smiles to thousands of children over the decades. Major Raymond Pruitt of the Laurel Salvation Army was impressed by the student’s performance and overjoyed by the generosity of those donating to the Angel Tree program.

“For 83 years, the Salvation Army has been serving the Laurel area and that can only happen with the support of the community. It is wonderful to see the young people join the ‘army’ of volunteers helping others,” said Pruitt.

Performing in the Jones College Christmas event included the JC Concert Choir, Jazz Band, JC Voices, Jones OnStage, Percussion Ensemble, Touch of Gold Dance Team, Music Industry students, along with a special appearance from Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith who sang a duet with his son, Conner. Additionally, Santa Claus greeted guests and student volunteers from Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Wyatt Reid, Logan Carr, Will Hendry, Abigail Davis, Cali Le, Aeronney Berry, Ariel Loper, Madison Hosey, Mary Parker, Lejaylyn Nutall, Angela Boyd and Kayla White, served as Santa and the Salvation Army’s helpers by gathering gifts for the Toy Drive.

JC Assistant Dean of the College of the Arts, Music and Performance, Bruce Smith said he was glad to be able to celebrate Christmas in a big way this year. Last year, the semester ended before Thanksgiving.

“I would like to thank the community for giving so generously to The Salvation Army Angel Tree Campaign and supporting Jones College. The students and faculty involved in the performance were pleased to have such a wonderful audience full of friends, young and old enjoying an entertaining show,” said Smith.

ELLISVILLE – Mexican artist, Hector Boldo’s collection of artwork titled, “The Past, Present and Future” is currently on display at Jones Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery through December 3, 2021. The public is invited to see his dynamic and colorful artwork free of charge. Boldo will also be giving an “Art Talk” on Tuesday, November 16, at 1:20 p.m. in the Gallery, hosted by the JC Art instructors and students in the Exhibition class.

“His artwork is bold and fun,” said Jones College art instructor, Melanie Eubanks. “We’re excited to have up-and-coming artists like Hector show their work in our gallery. I’m sure our students and the public will enjoy his story and this exhibition, with various mediums displaying a creative collection of culture.”

Boldo started his journey as an artist by working as an apprentice for a local artist in his hometown of Mexico City, Mexico. After finishing his apprenticeship, he moved to the U.S. with his family and started making a name for himself. Boldo’s work is dynamic, full of color and reflective of his roots, mood and personality.

The current exhibit at Jones College incorporates three periods in Boldo’s life. On display is a series of portraits with animals as metaphors to compare the similarities between animal and human behavior. Boldo is also currently working on a series of portraits of first-generation immigrants in the United States. His artwork depicts the immigrants in their environment as they establish themselves in the U.S. Additionally, Boldo’s artwork consists of oils to deconstruct Mexican culture and American pop culture, folkloric dancing, celebrities, and his dreams while finding inspiration in other artists.

For more information about the JC art show or to arrange a visit to the gallery call, 601-477-8401. The Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The gallery is closed during the holidays. If you want to know more about the Jones College Art Department, go to the JC Art Department’s Facebook page, JC Art Department and on Instagram @artatjonescollege.

ELLISVILLE – Five Jones College students and members of a percussion ensemble will be representing Mississippi at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) and competition in Indianapolis on Friday, November 12.  JC’s five-person percussion ensemble includes freshman, Michael Arevalo-Pearl; freshman, Tyler Nunn-Petal; sophomore, Andrew Suttle-Petal; sophomore, Zach Gregore-Petal and sophomore, Stevonta Mayfield-Waynesboro will be the first, Mississippi junior/community college percussion group to compete at PASIC, according to Jones College Percussion instructor and Assistant Director of Bands, Dr. Josh Frans.

“We entered the competition as a chance to take the students to the PASIC convention, to experience the convention which means mingling with some of the top percussion artists, participating in clinics and masterclasses, and concerts. To be around the caliber of musicians, and people in the industry is an experience that was absolutely life-changing for me when I was in college. I hope to be able to share that with my students,” said Frans.

One of his freshman percussionists, Tyler Nunn doesn’t seem to be intimidated by being the first to compete on this level, before an international crowd of percussionists.

“It’s really cool,” said freshman, Tyler Nunn. “I haven’t been a part of a lot of ‘firsts’ but to be the first junior college from Mississippi to go to something as grand as PASIC and being at the only percussion geared convention, is really cool.”

The quintet has been practicing on Sunday afternoons preparing for the competition since September, in addition to at least one hour during the week, depending on schedule demands. The five-minute piece they will perform, “Blue Burn” not only has students playing multiple percussion instruments, but the music is also in a difficult time signature and the performance includes a visual aspect with students playing in sync.

“I’m looking forward to showing the universities how we play, and no one should underestimate a junior college because we definitely have skill here and I’m ready to prove it,” said Zach Gregore, a music industry major who has been playing the drums since he was three years old. Each of his teammates has also been competitively performing at a young age and all of them were involved in prestigious high school indoor percussion/band competitions and were Mississippi Lions Band members.

“I’m just excited to be able to perform on a big stage and compete again,” said Andrew Suttle, an engineering major. “Because of Covid, everything was shut down my senior year and I’m a sophomore at Jones now. I miss that aspect of playing drums and that’s what I’m most excited for; the feeling of competing and getting feedback. I’m excited about being back in Indianapolis too. I’ve been there for Indoor Percussion competitions twice.”

After nearly two years of enduring Covid restrictions, Michael Arevalo is looking forward to competing again and loves the challenge of performing on the world stage at PASIC.

“I really just want to go and enjoy it. I’m passionate about drumming so this is going to be fun. I don’t really get nervous, I am more excited than nervous, and I can’t wait to be inspired again about performing like I used to be,” said the kinesiology major.

Frans is confident in his students’ abilities as rudimental percussionists performing on non-rudimental things, like the caxixi, a Brazilian shaker. Because the quintet will be facing university groups, Frans has imparted some personal wisdom as a previous PASIC winner. After his first PASIC appearance in 2005, Frans returned in 2007 and placed first in the PASIC marimba competition. He also placed fourth in 2010, and in 2015, he took an ensemble as a featured evening concert.

“With an audience full of percussionists from all over the world, including international artists and students, I’ll be more nervous than my students during the competition because of the gravity of who they are performing before, which is also pretty neat,” said Frans.

Competition and convention attendees are required to be fully vaccinated and masked. Also, each performing group will compete without their instructor conducting. They are on their own, performing as one.

“For me, this is a once-in-a-lifetime thing to do,” said Gregore. “I’ll do whatever it takes to perform here. I’m super excited to be at PASIC and I consider it a privilege to be playing with some of the best drummers from Mississippi, here at Jones.”

The group from Jones College will be amongst approximately 5,000 people attending the annual PASIC competition and convention. Also, more than 120 exhibitors will be showcasing percussion equipment, publications and services, in addition to the 120 concerts, clinics, workshops, presentations, and master classes given by the finest artists from around the world, in all areas of percussion marching, symphonic, education, music technology and new music. Waynesboro’s Stevonta Mayfield is also looking forward to attending performances and enjoying everything with his friends.

“I am looking forward to having a good time with my friends and working hard during the competition. This is a group effort, and it feels great hearing us perform.”

Three equipment managers, Ema Hudson-Laurel, Taikya Ducksworth-Taylorsville and Jordan Stianche-Petal, and Dr. Josh Frans will also be traveling with the ensemble.