Category: News

ELLISVILLE – The May 2020 graduates of Jones College’s Associate Degree Nursing program received their diplomas, but they came back to get something COVID-19 guidelines did not allow in May. At a small “contactless” ceremony with class members who opted to attend, Jones College administrators and A.D. Nursing faculty welcomed 12 graduates who wanted to participate in a nursing tradition, the Pinning Ceremony. Jones College nurse graduates, Mallory Malone-Richton, Destiny Ponder-Collins, Matthew Brown-Ellisville, Allie Rae Harvey-Hattiesburg, Carter Jones-Ellisville, Nicole Keys-Collins, Mary Caitlin-Lawler-Hattiesburg, Brynden Long-Ellisville, Garrett McAdory-Lucedale, Ashton Roberts-Mt. Olive, Allyson Smith-Hattiesburg and Hannah Williamson-Sumrall also participated in the time-honored lamp lighting ceremony honoring the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale.

ELLISVILLE – In a year that is anything but normal, the Jones College Maroon Typhoon Marching Band has welcomed its first known service dog member this fall. Laurie, the three-year-old Golden Retriever is baritone saxophone player, Sara-Beth McKellar’s service dog. The Vicksburg native was diagnosed with epilepsy as a sophomore in high school after her first seizure. McKellar was preparing to lift the barbell during a powerlifting competition when she passed out and began seizing. She started taking medication for epilepsy to try to control the seizures, but they were happening almost weekly.

“It always seemed to happen at the most inconvenient time,” said McKellar. “I fell down the bleachers and herniated a disc, and I had a seizure in the bathroom and somehow locked the door,” said McKellar. “My mom (Kiely) is a nurse and she was very relieved when we got Laurie, especially when I decided to come to Jones for college.”

Having her sister, Anna Claire on campus her freshman year helped to ease mom’s concerns. Last April, the family decided to launch a fundraising campaign to get a service dog, for additional reassurance. The day before McKellar’s birthday, the family drove to Madison, Virginia to pick up Laurie from Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers. This life-saving addition to the family has changed Sara Beth by providing her more independence.

“I’m a pretty shy person and the last thing I wanted was to draw more attention, especially after having seizures,” said McKellar.  “Having Laurie has certainly attracted more attention; however, she has also helped me to become more sociable and independent.”

McKellar is also happy to report she has been seizure-free since adopting Laurie six-months ago. There have been a couple of close calls she admits, but Laurie was there ready to help.

“I have learned to take more breaks while working on the computer,” said McKellar. “Hopefully, I will grow out of the seizures like my dad, who inspires me, too.” Sara Beth’s father is Dr. Jason McKellar, the principal for the Academy of Innovation in Vicksburg.

Also inspired by Sara Beth and Laurie, is Director of Bands at Jones College, Dr. Ben Burge. This is the first time in his 21 years of teaching that he recalls having a service dog in the marching band. Laurie is also reportedly the first canine in the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band’s history.

“I’m grateful Sara Beth has Laurie to provide that very special service. The puppy has added a lot of smiles to the band! She is adorable. However, we know we must let her work and not disturb her, but after practice, Laurie gets some love from band members,” said Burge. “We gladly welcome our first ‘marching’ service dog and Sara Beth. We are glad they are both members of the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band!”

Sara Beth said her freshman year in the Maroon Typhoon was a lot different than this year with COVID-19 and social distancing protocols. Yet, her sophomore year has been special because of Laurie.

“Thankfully, Laurie enjoys band too. She does not like Walmart!” said McKellar. “I also hope as people who are intrigued by Laurie and want to get to know her, they will also want to get to know her handler and learn how Laurie provides medical help, protection and loves her ‘person’ while continually working.”

The Maroon Typhoon Marching Band’s next performance will be Thursday, October 29, during the home football game where the Bobcats host the Wildcats of Pearl River Community College.

ELLISVILLE –Members of the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band, including the Touch of Gold dance team at Jones College were not able to learn their routines in August, like normal. Practices for the 10-members of the Touch of Gold dance team were all held virtually in accordance with CDC guidelines to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Despite the challenges, the team danced together on the Sim Cooley Stadium/Bobcat Football Field for the first time together in person just before the stadium filled with spectators for the first home football game.

Under the direction of long-time director and JC alumna, Lora Davis, the team will continue to expand on the show in preparation for the next home football game on Thursday, October 29, against Pearl River Community College for the annual “Cat Fight.”  Members of the Touch of Gold include Abbey Dodd-Petal; Ollia Boykin-Lucedale; Madyson Bounds-Lucedale; Annalee Dumas-Petal; Ivana Bishop-Waynesboro; Morgan Breland-Ellisville; Erin Buckley-Crystal Springs; Kenzie Drinkard-Lucedale; Caylen Burge-Richton and Karmen McNatt-Petal.

ELLISVILLE –Jones College sophomore, Amanda Bozeman of Foxworth bravely gave her first pint of blood during Jones College’s Fall Blood Drive as part of a personal challenge. After successfully making it through the process, she is now contemplating whether it could be a new habit for her.

“I always wanted to give but I couldn’t in high school because I didn’t weigh enough and I couldn’t get past the idea of blood leaving my body,” said Bozeman. “I decided to give it another try because you only live once and I like helping people.”

The future pharmacist’s friend, Emily Callender of Gulfport, helped to ease Bozeman’s fear of the process. However, she ultimately wanted to join Bozeman and donate blood.

“I’m glad my friend can give blood, but I didn’t pass the pre-screening. Helping her is another way I can support the cause,” said Callender.

Jones College sociology instructor, Stacy Ruth said she has been supporting the cause for more than 30 years. She said she gladly gives her “O+” blood at every possible opportunity. Ruth said Vitalant often calls her to donate because of her “universal” blood type which most people can receive, despite their blood type.

“They come to campus making it convenient. There’s no reason not to come and do something that is simple, that I can do,” said Ruth.

Vitalant collected 103 units of blood during the three-day blood drive on the Jones College campus with 130 students attempting to give.  Donor Recruitment Representative, Sara Dyess said more than 300 lives will be saved with the donations.  As an extra incentive to donate, everyone who gave blood was given the test for COVID-19 antibodies. For more information about Vitalant and its services check out the webpage, https://www.vitalant.org/Home.aspx

LAUREL – A colorful collaboration between Jones College’s Visual Arts Department Chair and instructor, Mark Brown, and the Education Outreach Coordinator for Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Kelly Rosa, produced a beautiful rainbow for downtown Laurel to enjoy. Along with Brown’s daughter Maddie, the three painted a rainbow mural for the Social Club of Laurel which is a place for individuals with sensory and social sensitivities.

According to Social Club Director, Crystal Phillips, “The mission of the Social Club is to provide a community-based outreach center that hosts ability inclusive recreation and socialization, while also serving as an educational and networking hub for both caregivers and professionals. With the artist’s help, the center will be a little brighter to enjoy.”

The Brown’s and Rosa said they were happy to provide their services to render a rainbow-themed mural for the waiting area of the center.

“I genuinely enjoy helping out within our region and community and try to model the importance of community involvement for my children and students,” said Brown. “I have always valued the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art and was very grateful to Kelly Rosa for lending her talents.”

The three artists spent a Saturday drawing and painting the 12-foot-wide mural inside the Social Club Center, hoping it will be enjoyed by many for years to come.

“It’s always a pleasure and a privilege for me to be involved in a community project, especially murals and other forms of public art; it’s a great way to share art with many people and to offer enrichment and inspiration,” said Rosa.

For more information about the Social Club of Laurel, contact Crystal Phillips at 601-342-5247.