Category: News

ELLISVILLE – Trey Hilton of Pearl not only earned the Region III Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s (ITA) Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award but the Jones College sophomore tennis player was also named the National winner representing all Junior College men while doing something he loves.

“I do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do and to be acknowledged for that is almost inconceivable,” said Hilton. “Receiving the Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award is a tremendous accomplishment that I never saw coming. So, you can imagine my excitement when I heard I received the national award as well. I was thinking that I’m getting all of this for doing my thing; just being me!”

Trey had to hear the news second-hand because he gave up his chance to play in the national tournament in Tempe, Arizona to answer a “call to duty.” In fact, his father, Troy Hilton said Trey is preparing to be a 4^th generation Crew Chief of Chinook helicopters for the Army. Troy called Trey with the news during a break from Army Boot Camp.

“I was overwhelmed with joy for Trey,” said his father, Troy. “I was extremely happy but not completely surprised. Trey has always been a very hard worker. When I told him he won, he had to stop a second because he was in awe. He was like, ‘Wow, I can’t believe it!’ He had spoken so highly of the previous winner, James Williams, his teammate at Jones. For Jones to win back-to-back is a testament to the type of program and values that Coach Brooks Buffinton has instilled in his players.”

Trey shared the journey to follow in his dad and grandfather’s footsteps as Chinook crew chiefs started about a year ago. The plan mapped out to join the Army National Guard was an opportunity that he couldn’t refuse. He planned his time at boot camp and AIT so that they would be consecutive, with the goal to return to Jones College as soon as possible. Sitting out only one semester would be difficult but missing the National Tennis Tournament was also a struggle for the NJCAA All-Academic Second Team and Distinguished Academic All-MACCC honored student-athlete.

“This was my biggest struggle!” said Trey Hilton. “Our tennis team is unlike any team that I have played with before. We are a tight group, but I knew the team would be great with or without my presence. I wish I was there, but we all knew that I needed to be somewhere else; that God had other plans for me.”

Those plans include returning to Jones College in January 2022, to complete his associate degree in Business and play tennis. After pursuing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics at USM, Hilton will be a part of the Army National Guard ROTC before taking a commission from the U.S. Army to helicopter pilot school in Fort Rucker, Alabama. However, he will first learn to be a mechanic on the Chinook helicopter during AIT and then he will be assigned to the National Guard base in Meridian. While there, Hilton will learn how to be the Chinook Crew Chief, just like his grandfather in the Viet Nam war.

“The military is well respected among my family, and I wanted to continue this honorable job. It has also given me insight into what I am capable of doing physically and mentally, who I want to become, what kinds of things I want to do in my life, and what I am willing to do for my fellow man as well as for our country. I want to continue to see the United States as a strong and free country!” said Trey.

His father is very proud of his son’s accomplishments on the tennis court as well as receiving the Regional and National Arthur Ashe Sportsmanship & Leadership awards. However, having served in the Army, Trey’s decision to join the Army is extra special to his father.

“During these changing times, the most selfless thing a person can do is serve their country. Trey has always made me proud, and he continues to do so in his choices,” said Troy Hilton. “I am very fortunate that Trey chose a college that goes beyond what is expected. I appreciate Coach Buffington, the Jones administration, the athletic administration, and everyone for being so accommodating to Trey academically and athletically while he prepares for his military service.”

The Jones College Men’s Tennis Team finished second in the MACCC regular season and in the Region 23 Tournament in May. The Bobcats finished 16^th in the NJCAA Division I National Tournament in Plano Texas in June. Trey said winning first place is something he is striving for next year!

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ELLISVILLE – Most know Mariano Arellano in Hattiesburg as the owner of La Fiesta Brava asking on TV, “How about lunch?” Now the 54-year-old is asking, “How about a career?” After serving thousands over the last 26 years, the impact of COVID-19 forced Arellano to sell his restaurant. With more people staying home, paying the bills became overwhelming.

“I never expected to close my business like I did. I was behind in payments, and I didn’t want to put my house at risk,” said Arellano. “I spent half of my life in the restaurant business and now I feel like I lost a member of my family. I feel like I lost everything. I was very depressed.”

But before the doors closed permanently, a customer suggested Arellano should explore some options through Jones College’s Workforce College. Building things always interested the former restauranteur, so after a few phone calls, he was signed up for the welding program.

“When I got to Jones and started taking welding classes and meeting all the employees here, it seemed like every person opened a different door for me. They really helped me get out of my sadness, my depression. Now, I feel like I’m going in the right direction, thanks to everyone because I don’t know if I would have made it without them,” said Arellano.

While learning a new trade through Workforce College, welding instructor, Tracy Warden inspired Arellano to explore even more options. Arellano earned his High School diploma when he lived in Mexico in 1981, but he knew he would need his American High School Equivalency to continue his education here. In one month, Arellano earned his HSE and the Workforce Welding & Heavy Equipment Certificates. He also plans to begin classes in the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration program in August.

“My life has changed 360 degrees,” said Arellano. “In the restaurant business, it seems like there is always equipment in need of repair. I often did some troubleshooting before calling a repairman. I always wanted to do something else, mechanical or build something. Now, it’s become my new career.”

Arellano is currently working at Smith Welding in Ellisville, as part of the crew building a two-story building structure. He also has new goals on his horizon. In fact, with his Certificate in Workforce Welding & Heavy Equipment, along with his High School Equivalency diploma from Jones College, next year, Arellano said he may open another business after he earns his associate degree in Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration. For more information about Jones College’s Workforce College, click on the link: https://www.jcjc.edu/workforce/

ELLISVILLE – About 70 graduates of Jones College’s High School Equivalency program from 2020 and 2021 are expected to participate in the commencement ceremony being held on Thursday, July 22, at 7 p.m. in the Whitehead Advanced Technology Center in Ellisville.

A scholarship will be awarded to the top-scoring student in each of Jones College’s eight-county district. Also, the Jones College Foundation Inc. will bestow the overall top-scoring student with an additional scholarship to Jones College.

HSE graduates will hear from the keynote speaker, Jones County Drug Court Coordinator for the 18^th Circuit Court District of Mississippi, Consuelo W. Walley. She was appointed to that position in August 2018 by Jones County Circuit Court Judge, Dal Williamson.

Walley is a graduate of Jones College, the University of Mississippi and Mississippi College School of Law. Her undergraduate degree and her law degree include the areas of criminal justice, sociology, constitutional law, criminal law, and procedure.

Previously, Walley had been serving as the director of Dying to Live Ministries, Inc. after volunteering with the ministry for almost 10 years. She has also served as curriculum coordinator and instructor for ZAC House Recovery Center and the Waltman House of Hope in Laurel since 2017.

For more information about JC’s Adult Education programs including the High School Equivalency program and the Out of School Youth Grant, contact Wendy Evans, Director of Integrated Pathways at 601-477-2228 or email wendy.evans@jcjc.edu

ELLISVILLE – The first time 35-year-old Joe Johnson graduated from Jones College in 2006, he earned a degree in Automotive Technology. Fifteen years later in August, the Mize resident will not only be graduating with his associate degree from the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Program but he will also be starting a new business.

“When I started almost a year ago, I knew very little about heating and air conditioning and now I have enough knowledge to fix just about anything. I will be fine-tuning my skills but the knowledge I gained in this program at night is amazing and the teacher, Thomas Johnson is the icing on the cake. When you have a teacher who can teach, get down on your level and make it relatable, that makes all the difference in the world,” said Joe Johnson who is embarking on a new, “cool” career.

Jones College’s Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Program instructor, Thomas Johnson said the reason he started the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Program night class was for people like Joe Johnson who want to make a career change. Joe Johnson had worked in the automotive business for several years before working as a welder at Deep South. With limited opportunities to move up in the company after nearly 15 years, Joe Johnson began exploring his options.

“The night program is for people like Joe who work all day and yet want to look for another career. This is an excellent option for them,” said Johnson.  “Joe welds all day long at Deep South in Seminary and when he’s done, he drives to Ellisville for my night class which meets Monday through Thursday, from 5 p.m. until about 9:30 p.m. He has never missed a day and he’s a top-quality student who has made the President’s Honor Roll. I am extremely proud of him!”

Since August of 2020, Joe has begun the day at 5:30 a.m. He finishes at about 10 p.m. after welding all day and being in class all night without an issue.

“I knew it would be a struggle coming in two weeks late to the class, but now I’m starting my own business,” said Joe. “I’m not scared because Mr. Johnson gave me the confidence and knowledge I need to work in this business.”

He also credits the support from his wife Chelsie, and their three children ages 10, 12, and 13, for allowing him the time to focus on his new, “cool” career.

“I have my business license and Tax ID number and about five jobs lined up. I know it will be long hours because this is a 24/7 job with high demand,” said Joe. “It was not easy coming back to school, but I promise you it has been the most fruitful thing I’ve ever done in my life as far as education goes, being here at Jones.”

For information about the upcoming Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Program course schedule, visit the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/heating_air/ or call Thomas Johnson at 601-477-4247.

ELLISVILLE – Seventeen Jones College faculty and staff members were recently honored for their accomplishments in the workplace over the previous year.  The Employee Appreciation Awards began in 2004 with funds contributed by retired JCJC President, Dr. Ronald Whitehead, and the college’s Foundation, Inc. Finalists were selected and interviewed by the Faculty and Staff Recognition Program’s Selection Committee. Prior to the employee recognition program, a picnic lunch and games were provided by the college and the JCJC Foundation Inc.

“Celebrating accomplishments and offering an afternoon of fun and fellowship is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for making Jones great,” said Joel Cain, VP of Advancement and Athletics, and Dean of Students. “We wanted to honor and appreciate all of our employees who have worked especially hard through a challenging year.”

The Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence was established five years ago to honor a mid-level administrator whose commitment to the profession stands out amongst their peers.  Financial Aid Director, Kari Dedwylder was selected as the recipient of the 2021 Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence. The Ellisville resident has been employed at Jones for six years and works with the Enrollment Management Department.

“Kari was nominated because she goes above and beyond to improve services for students. She has digitized the financial aid and admissions offices creating a more efficient workflow. She also cross-trains the two teams and is always seeking more ways to improve service,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith as he awarded Dedwylder a $500 check and plaque.

English instructor, Amanda Robertson was selected to receive the Barbara and Gary Sauls Award for Excellence in Teaching Humanities. The Humanities Division faculty member exemplifies intellectual integrity in the classroom, and has encouraged independent analytical thinking skills, loves humanitarian pursuits and fosters a positive rapport with students. This award was initiated by JCJC alumni, Mr. & Mrs. Gary W. “Buddy” and Barbara Sauls. Their daughter, Tracy was a 1990 JCJC graduate. Mr. Sauls was a former JCJC Board of Trustees member and Barbara Sauls is currently on the JCJC Foundation’s Advisory Board.  Robertson was awarded a $500 cash prize and an acrylic plaque.

Additionally, 15 individuals from three categories of employees, faculty members, office staff and administrative support, and employees working in, maintenance, housekeeping, campus grounds and campus police were each awarded certificates of achievement. Faculty finalists each received a cash prize of $250 and the overall winner received an additional $750 and an acrylic plaque. Each staff employee finalist was awarded a cash prize of $125 and the overall winner received an extra $500 and an acrylic plaque.

The finalists for the faculty awards were History instructor, Carson Atwood who has worked at Jones for 20 years. Practical Nursing Program Director, Teresa McDonald has taught the Health Care Assistant and Practical Nursing courses at Jones College for seven years.  Chris Robinson has been teaching Health and Leadership classes for 20 years while also serving as the Assistant Athletic Director and the Head Coach of the Softball team. Sociology instructor, Stacy Ruth has 28 years of teaching experience at Jones. Workforce Development and Welding instructor, Tracy Warden has been teaching welding, millwright, machining, heavy equipment and NCCER specific industry standards and OSHA safety training for nine years. McDonald was chosen for the overall JC Faculty of the Year Award.

“The faculty awards appreciation is always a special time for employees to come together at Jones College. I was truly honored to receive the award. We are all family and I consider it a privilege to be part of such an amazing family,” said McDonald.

The 1990 Jones College graduate taught the Allied Health and Health Science programs at the Clarke County Career and Technology Center and the Wayne County Vocational-Technical Center before going back to school herself. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 2012 and her Master of Science degree in Nursing Education from William Carey University in 2014. The Wayne County resident began her career at Jones College seven years ago working in the Wayne County Center. She has taught in the Healthcare Assistant and Practical Nursing programs in Waynesboro before becoming the Director of Practical Nursing at the main campus in Ellisville in 2014.

Nominated for the Office Staff and Administrative Support Employee of the Year award included Tina Livingston in Student Affairs, Jessica Martin in Accounting, the Wayne County Center’s administrative assistant, Courtney McInnis, Tamara Parrish in Admissions and the Health Clinic EMT, Kristen Register. Livingston was selected as the Employee of the Year for the Office Staff and Administrative Support division.

In the maintenance, housekeeping, campus grounds and campus police departments division, two employees in the Maintenance Department were finalists. Jason Bonner and Jimmy Freeman. Campus Policeman, Jared Hutto and Scott Sumrall in Transportation were also finalists with Angela Parker in Housekeeping. Taking the top spot as Employee of the Year was Jason Bonner.