Jones College practical nursing grads fill critical demand

ELLISVILLE – A total of 38 practical nursing graduates completed Jones College’s three-semester program, filling a critical need at area health care facilities and hospitals. The Ellisville campus had 24 graduates while 14 students completed the inaugural program at the Jasper County Center in Bay Springs with a pinning and completion ceremony.

“Class for those students in Bay Springs started as a whirlwind last August, and they have come through with grace. This group also dove right into doing community service that was appreciated by many,” said Jones College Practical Nursing Director, Amy Myers. “At the main campus in Ellisville, 24 graduates are entering the nursing profession during a massive nursing shortage. We welcome them to the healthcare family.”

At the pinning and completion ceremony in Bay Springs, three students earned honors awarded by faculty members. Receiving Jasper County Center’s Florence Nightingale Award for the first, practical nursing class was Kamilia Ross of Louin, while the Rising Star Award went to Lexi Sims of Bay Springs. Shelsea Harden of Stringer received the Academic Excellence Award.  

Earning the Florence Nightingale Award for the Ellisville class was Sally Sharplin of Moselle. Monica Lawrence of Hattiesburg earned the Rising Star Award and Lanett Travis of Hattiesburg was awarded the Academic Excellence honor for having the overall highest average.

To learn more about the practical nursing program at the Jasper County Center call, 601-477-5473, email Sonya Ready at sonya.ready@jcjc.edu or check out the Jones College website on practical nursing at https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/practicalnursing/

Jasper County Practical Nursing grads August 2023 (14)

  1. O’Nett Lorrell Booth, Collins
  2. Destinee Burton, Mize
  3. Madalyn Grace Bynum, Stringer
  4. Shelsea Harden, Stringer
  5. Anna Grace Dykes, Stringer
  6. Isabella Graham, Stringer
  7. Delayna Harris, Stringer
  8. Jordyn Marie Harris, Bay Springs
  9. Abigayle Kupperschmid, Stringer
  10. Kailya L Pierce, Heidelberg
  11. Kamilia A Ross, Louin
  12. Victoria (Lexi) Sims, Bay Springs
  13. Anthony T Steele, Bay Springs
  14. Sarah Elaine Thompson, Stringer

JC Ellisville Practical Nursing grads August 2023 (24)

  1. Nickolas Ray Bustin, Laurel
  2. Leigh Ann Coppins Toomsuba
  3. Jeralyn Christine Doss, Petal
  4. Christina Foster, Millry AL
  5. Renee Hardy, Laurel
  6. Kassidy K Gray, Waynesboro
  7. Laura Hendry, Bassfield
  8. Hines Nicholas M, Poplarville
  9. Doneja Abrielle Hinton, Waynesboro
  10. Jada Makyla Holmes, Waynesboro
  11. Destini Rashanti Keeton, Waynesboro
  12. Creshona Kenny, McComb
  13. Monica N Lawrence, Hattiesburg
  14. Demetria Karin Lewis, Brookhaven
  15. Kaice Janae Lumpkins, Columbia
  16. Samantha McGowan, Laurel
  17. Dayna Miller, Hattiesburg
  18. McKenzie Moses, McComb
  19. Sally V Sharplin, Moselle
  20. Latoya Nevida Steele, Kemper County
  21. Jameshey Strickland, Hattiesburg
  22. Lanett S Travis, Hattiesburg
  23. Annabelle Walters, Laurel
  24. Chloe White, Waynesboro

Jones College students ready for fall classes

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s fall semester began with a nice cool breeze filled with sunshine and fellowship. As students crisscrossed campus in search of their classes, various personnel were stationed outside and inside buildings to offer assistance. While traditional classes began today, online and dual enrollment classes begin on Monday, August 21. For more information about how to apply go to the website, www.jcjc.edu

Bruce Smith with Damarcus Dennis of Laurel

Jones College Maroon Typhoon gets gold & glittery with great music

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s 180-member marching band, the Maroon Typhoon is serving up its fans a grandiose show featuring gold and glitter and a cross-generational selection of music with various genres this fall. Music about the sun, stars, and all things gold and glittery will be featured in this year’s fall show including Madonna, Soundgarden, Dua Lipa, Jake, Muse, Ellie Goulding, Sza and Kendrick Lamar. The Maroon Typhoon is led by Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge who is in his eighth year, with associate band directors, Dr. Lindsey Keay, who has been on staff since 2013 and teaches flute, and Dr. Josh Frans, who joined the team in 2018 and is the percussion instructor. Also on staff is brass instructor, Caleb Owenby (2021), clarinet instructor, Susan Schuman (2022), Touch of Gold choreographer and JC alumna, Lora Martineau Davis (1991), and the newest member joining the Maroon Typhoon is Color Guard and Winterguard Director, Meredith Owen who began her JC journey last fall (2022). 

Lora Davis, Josh Frans, Susan Schuman, Ben Burge, Meredith Owen, Lindsey Keay & Caleb Owenby

The Maroon Typhoon has been meeting for the last two weeks in Band Camp to hone their marching and performing skills and learning the JC traditions and pregame show.  

“The Jones College Fanfares, the College fight song, National Anthem, Hey Song and the student’s favorite, JC Jam will remain a part of the traditional pregame performance. This season, the Touch of Gold dance team will be featured performing, ‘Let it Whip,’” said Burge.

Fans should notice the largest drumline in several years in addition to a growing band, post Covid. Also, the JC Cheerleaders will continue to coordinate their routines with the band, continuing another long-standing tradition during the fall season.

“I really appreciate the collaborative atmosphere and coordination between cheer and band. It is always a joy to work with our cheer squad and coaches. It is an integral part of each show and has become one of my favorite things about fall at JC. The Maroon Typhoon and the JC Cheer squad really put on a professional and fun start to each ballgame,” Burge shared.

Hannah Latham, Braden Yarber, Melania Sanders & Jessica Manning

Sophomore drum majors are Jessica Manning of Quitman and Melania Sanders, of Columbia, with newcomers, Hannah Latham from Northeast Jones and Braden Yarber from South Jones High Schools. They lead the group of various college majors in addition to music majors, on and off the field. The Touch of Gold dance team is led by co-captains, Kelly Biglane of Ellisville and Taylor Garretson of Leakesville and the Color Guard captains are Gabi Lopez of Flowood, Layken Valentine of Laurel, and Ellisville’s, Arielle Grimaldo and Charlee Norman.

Kelly Biglane & Taylor Garretson

Fans can meet the Maroon Typhoon and JC athletes during, “A Night with the Bobcats” on Thursday, August 31, at 6:30 p.m. on the C.L. Neill Student Center Plaza. The first home football game and band performance will be on September 21, when JC takes on Co-Lin CC at 7 p.m. in Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field. For more information about Jones College, go to the website, www.jcjc.edu

Jones College Maroon Typhoon Marching Band 8/11/2023

Name               HS                          County   Instrument/Section

Jeffery Wimbley  Washington County HS, Washington Co AL-Tenors

James  Leggett West Potomac HS, Alexandria, VA (Petal) Tuba

Madilyn Pitts                          Enterprise HS            02 Clarinet                      

Timothy (Dalton) Pitts           Enterprise HS                            10 Tenors

Trinity Pitts                            Enterprise HS                               06 Trumpet

Chase Albritton                      Quitman HS                                 06 Trumpet

Jessica Manning                     Quitman HS                15 Drum Major

Emari Moody                          Quitman HS                                 05 Horn

J’len Noel                               Quitman HS                                09 Tuba

Natyana Noel                          Quitman HS          16 Manager

Zoe Payne                               Quitman HS                 02 Clarinet

Adrian Roberts                       Quitman HS                            10 Snare

Tykeivia Watts                       Quitman HS                                16 Manager

Alex Rogers                            Copiah Academy           13 Dancer

Halie Dunn                              Collins HS                            01 Flute               

Jacey Mangrum                      Collins HS                           01 Flute

Peyton Jones                           Seminary HS                     16 Manager

Dalton Leggett                        Seminary HS                        07 Trombone

Iquec Magee                           Seminary HS                             07 Trombone

Wayne (Alan) Nitsche            Seminary HS                             01 Flute

Ethan Noffke                          Seminary HS                               06 Trumpet 

Julie King                               Seminary HS                          01 Flute

Breana Walker                        Seminary HS                       06 Trumpet

Leila Daniels           Forrest County AHS                          13 Dancer

William (Will) Carlson      Forrest County AHS                      12 Guard

Trinity Williams                     Forrest County AHS             06 Trumpet

Mallory Anderson                  Petal HS                                   13 Dancer           

Carter Bullock                        Petal HS                                     05 Horn

Dakota Fowler                         Petal HS                                     06 Trumpet

Grace Frey                              Petal HS                                      13 Dancer

Avery Hampton                      Petal HS                                      16 Manager

Ella Jolly                                 Petal HS                                           13 Dancer

Abby Knight                           Petal HS                                       13 Dancer

Serenity (Cici) Lawson           Petal HS                              01 Flute

Douglas Prout                         Petal HS                                10 Snare

Peyton Rowell                         Petal HS                               10 Snare

Ethan Smith                            Petal HS                                       10 Snare

Ben Thames                            Petal HS                                  10 Bass 2 

Landen  Upton                         Petal HS                          06 Trumpet

Zander Watts                          Petal HS                                   09 Tuba

William (Kai) Welborn          Petal HS                            06 Trumpet

Josie Young                            Petal HS                                   13 Dancer

Jordan Stianche                      Petal HS                                  11 Front Ensemble

India Dearman                        Greene Co HS                             03 Saxophone

Taylor Garretson                    Greene Co HS                                    13 Dancer

De’Juan (DJ) Odems              Gautier HS                                08 Euphonium

Aidan Brewton   Bay Springs HS      11 Front Ensemble                     

Richard (Trey) Daverson        Stringer HS       06 Trumpet

Brady Segraves                       Stringer HS                  09 Tuba

Hanah Zugg                            Stringer HS                   01 Flute

Samuel Ellard                         Northeast Jones HS                09 Tuba

John Marshall Ayres   Northeast Jones HS          10 Tenors                        

Granville (Lee) Arrington  Northeast Jones HS         11 Front Ensemble

Nathan Brabham                     Northeast Jones HS        06 Trumpet

Trevor Broadway                    Northeast Jones HS            07 Trombone

Hailey Brown                         Northeast Jones HS              01 Flute

Nayasia (Campbrelle) Bryant Northeast Jones HS   12 Guard

Michael (Ashton) Champion  Northeast Jones HS 10 Bass 5

Emilee (Paige) Farve              Northeast Jones HS         12 Guard

Stephen Gowin                       Northeast Jones HS     04 Bari Sax

Martha Hernandez                   Northeast Jones HS           12 Guard

Alisha Hudson                         Northeast Jones HS              12 Guard

Hannah Latham                      Northeast Jones HS       15 Drum Major

Logan Miller                           Northeast Jones HS        11 Front Ensemble

Ardajah Pierce                         Northeast Jones HS             12 Guard

Kawanda Turner                     Northeast Jones HS            02 Clarinet

Kameron Upchurch                Northeast Jones HS                  13 Dancer 

Gabriel Vermilyea          Northeast Jones HS         11 Front Ensemble

Stacy (Darlene) Villaseca       Northeast Jones HS       03 Saxophone

Alexis Wade                           Northeast Jones HS            02 Clarinet

Kelly Biglane                         South Jones HS                  13 Dancer                       

Phoebe Boozer    South Jones HS                     04 Tenor Saxophone

Nathan Bower                         South Jones HS                   06 Trumpet

Hudson Bryant                        South Jones HS                       05 Horn

Kalilah Cash                           South Jones HS                     01 Flute

Arielle Grimaldo                    South Jones HS                           12 Guard

Kayla Hamil                           South Jones HS                        13 Dancer

Isabella Hammond                  South Jones HS               13 Dancer

Kylee Hicks                            South Jones HS                         13 Dancer

Casie Husack                          South Jones HS                         10 Snare

Sofia Jeri                                 South Jones HS                               01 Flute

Kinsey Lawson                       South Jones HS                          13 Dancer

Halla Lower                            South Jones HS                             05 Horn

Kaitlyn Massie                       South Jones HS                             02 Clarinet

Alexus McCulllum                 South Jones HS                        02 Clarinet

Demarion McCullum             South Jones HS                            10 Bass 3

Elizabeth McLemore              South Jones HS                 02 Clarinet

Kelsey Lawrence                    South Jones HS                   13 Dancer

Leo Norman                            South Jones HS                    09 Tuba

Charlee Norman                     South Jones HS                     12 Guard

Olivia Odom                           South Jones HS                      16 Manager

James Rigdon                         South Jones HS                   08 Euphonium

Olivia Roberts                        South Jones HS                 12 Guard

Jonathan Roney                      South Jones HS                       06 Trumpet

Leigha Thompson                   South Jones HS                    03 Saxophone

Sydnee Tisdale                         South Jones HS                 07 Trombone 

Sophie Wansley                      South Jones HS               01 Flute

Robert (Braden) Yarber          South Jones HS                  15 Drum Major

Sydney Tisdale                       Ellisville                               03 Bari Sax

Kylan Combest   Laurel HS                       07 Trombone                              

Destini Jordan                         Laurel HS                    11 Front Ensemble

Dashia Jordan                         Laurel HS                             16 Manager

Nylah (Gabby) Mckenzie       Laurel HS                    09 Tuba

Precious Perkins                     Laurel HS                       16 Manager

Miracle Shelby                       Laurel HS                                16 Manager

Alyssa (Max) Adams   West Jones HS                    09 Tuba                           

Ethan Ainsworth                     West Jones HS            06 Trumpet

Andres Avalos                         West Jones HS                   07 Trombone

Bailie Bishop                          West Jones HS                          13 Dancer

Alexander Francisco               West Jones HS                 09 Tuba

Trinity Gieger                         West Jones HS               09 Tuba

Hailey Graves                         West Jones HS                    06 Trumpet

Jeffrey (Alex) Guy                  West Jones HS                08 Euphonium

Allari Hernandez                    West Jones HS                 03 Alto Saxophone

Hunter Herrington                  West Jones HS                          06 Trumpet

Ava Hickson                           West Jones HS             01 Flute

Kaitlyn Huddleston                West Jones HS         11 Front Ensemble

Bryce Jasper                           West Jones HS              08 Euphonium

Caleb Mosley                         West Jones HS                      07 Trombone

Kaylee Moss (Fulgum)           West Jones HS                  12 Guard

Isaiah Pleas                             West Jones HS                         06 Trumpet

Jaime Ramirez                         West Jones HS                 07 Trombone

Aaron Reiher                          West Jones HS                   02 Clarinet

Adamaris Rivera                     West Jones HS                       12 Guard

Aidan (Harley) Slater             West Jones HS          01 Flute

Alex Slater                              West Jones HS                     10 Snare

Layken Valentine                    West Jones HS                   12 Guard

Logan Histand                         Oak Grove HS                         11 Front Ensemble

Sadie Luckett                          Oak Grove HS                  12 Guard

Larson Ware                           Oak Grove HS              08 Euphonium

Briana McGinty                     Purvis HS                              07 Trombone

Pearlz Adams                          New Hope HS              02 Clarinet

Donna  Cameron                     West Marion HS      16 Manager

Melania Sanders                     Columbia HS              15 Drum Major

Gynesis Rivers                        Newton HS            12 Guard

Xoe Lockhart                          Pearl River Central HS        13 Dancer

Chris Garner                           Perry Central HS                     16 Manager

Gabrielle King                         Perry Central HS                   02 Clarinet

Mariah Smith                          Richton HS                               11 Front ensemble

Kim Arevalo                           Pearl HS                                01 Flute

Tana Bradshaw                       Puckett HS                              16 Manager

Ceilia Burkett                         Florence HS                               12 Guard

Cody Holliday                        Florence HS                              10 Bass 6

Johnna Nail                             Northwest Rankin HS                      06 Trumpet

Gabriella Lopez                      Northwest Rankin HS                12 Guard

Ghenessey Lopez Vicente      Morton HS                       16 Manager

Meghan Torrano                     Morton HS                                06 Trumpet

Kaylee McWilliams               Magee HS                                  12 Guard

Lakendrick Wells                   Mendenhall HS                       10 Snare

Emily Wicker                         Magee HS                                      12 Guard

Dayanara (Michel) Gonzalez Magee HS                  02 Clarinet

Mark (Curtis) Adcox              Mize HS                         10 Bass 4                        

Zachary Hand                         Mize HS                             05 Horn

Jay’Nia Keyes                         Mize HS                                       12 Guard

Raelyn Lee                              Mize HS                                      01 Flute

Dori Saranthus                        Mize HS                                      12 Guard

Elizabeth (Paige) Shoemake  Mize HS                 12 Guard

Dawson Temple                     Mize HS                                 04 Tenor Saxophone

Rosemary Aguilar                  Raleigh HS                      02 Clarinet

Logan Ingram                         Raleigh HS                                  03 Alto Sax

Kaydence Johnson                  Raleigh HS                       10 Bass 1

Mersadi McCarter                  Raleigh HS                                     06 Trumpet

Haydn Westbrook                   Raleigh HS                     11 Front Ensemble

Sadie Jones                             Sylva Bay Academy       13 Dancer

Tony Ducksworth                   Taylorsville HS        04 Tenor Saxophone

Emerald Green                        Pennfoster Homeschool      16 Manager

Zion Cooper                   Wayne County HS                      16 Manager                                 

Joshua Evans                          Wayne County HS                 10 Snare

Kaylee Hines                           Wayne County HS                   02 Clarinet

Nigel Johnson                         Wayne County HS                  Wayne        10 Snare

Alexandria (Alli) Smith         Wayne County HS               11 Front Ensemble

Lakiriya (Kira) Stokes   Wayne County HS                          11 Front Ensemble

Jakevis West                           Wayne County HS                      10 Tenors

Darla Williams                       Wayne County HS                 02 Clarinet

Summer Session Honor Roll at Jones College Announced

ELLISVILLE – Jones College has announced the 2023 Summer Session honor roll scholars. Full-Time students with 15 hours or more and who maintain the following grade-point averages will make the honor roll: President’s List–4.0; Dean’s List–3.99-3.5: Faculty List–3.49-3.0.

President’s List Honor Roll Summer August 2023

Clarke Meridian: Erika Delaine Dotson.

Covington Seminary: Peyton Matthew Rogers.

Forrest Hattiesburg: Jamal Q Barnes, John Hunter Sims and Lanett S Travis.

Forrest Petal: Jonathan Michael Pierce.

Greene Leakesville: Dawson Craig Hobby and Caleb Bryce Sullivan.

Greene Lucedale: Trevor Hall McLeod.

Greene Neely: Lillie S Coxwell and Trevor Brian Parker.

Greene Richton: Taylor Meagan Adcock.

Jasper Bay Springs: Jason Thomas Cannon.

Jefferson Davis Bassfield: Laura Kimberly Hendry.

Jones Ellisville: Sarah Nicole Blancett, Joshua Davis Butler, Michael A Price and Ian M Tate.

Jones Heidelberg: John Aaron Broadhead and Thomas Caleb Broadhead.

Jones Laurel: Analy Monserrat Cordoba Jarillo, Allari Hernandez and Annabelle Walters.

Jones Moselle: Sally V Sharplin.

Lauderdale Meridian: Latoya Nevida Steele.

Lauderdale Toomsuba: Leigh Ann Coppins.

Lincoln Brookhaven: Demetria Karin Lewis.

Marion Columbia: Sarah Nicole Kelly and Jamie Lavoy Lambert.

Perry New Augusta: Annie Gabbrielle Runnels.

Perry Richton: Brady Nicholas Inmon, Dalton Tyler Strickland and Rachel Ryuka Womack.

Scott Morton: Joddrick Deshun Williams.

Smith Louin: Shakiara Campbell.

Union  Union: Connor Joseph Smith.

Wayne Buckatunna: Abigail Grace Rigney.

Wayne State Line: Shaqueria Monique Harris and Jermeneshia Kinyatta Jordan.

Wayne Waynesboro: Shelby Danielle Brazell, Tylan Reshawd Chambers, Doneja Abrielle Hinton and Chloe Nicole White.

Dean’s List Honor Roll Summer August 2023

Covington Collins: Carley Rae McNair, Keegan Luke Pickering and Madison Mae Smith.

Forrest Petal: Haley B McSwain.    

George Lucedale: Peyton Mariah Bullock. 

Greene Leakesville: Kayla Michele Dueitt and Jasper Nathaniel Everett.

Greene McLain: Hayden Alexander Burley.          

Greene Neely: Catie Nicole Boothe.

Greene Richton: Hannah Lauren Manning.

Greene Stateline: Randall Keaton Hollinghead.     

Harrison Long Beach: Ethan Todd Pittman.          

Hinds Terry: Julius E Green.

Jasper Stringer: Brayden Kellum Jennings.

Jefferson Davis Prentiss: Michael Osha Pickering.

Jones Ellisville: Dawson Ellis Shepherd.     

Jones Laurel: Carter J Brodnax, Joseph Wayne Harrison, Michael Tyberious Jenkins and Joey Allen Taylor.          

Jones Moselle: Jerrett  L Smith.        

Jones Ovett: Elaina Morgan Walters .

Jones Soso: Bailey Grace Wedgeworth.      

Lamar Hattiesburg: Emily Claire McCrary .

Lauderdale Meridian: William Campbell Partridge.         

Marion Tylertown: Shonda Lilley.

Perry Richton: Alejandro Fortino Rios and Braxton Joel Thompson.        

Smith  Louin: Mercideas Dove Wilson.

Wayne Waynesboro: Micah Blake Burgess, Brenna Dixon , Michael T Greenhaw and Garret D McCollough.

Faculty List Honor Roll  Summer August 2023

Grove Hill, AL: William Tyler Coats.

Millry, AL: Christina Foster.

Clarke Quitman: William Joshua Jackson.

Covington Collins: Jada Jamya Brinson.

Covington Seminary: Jade Noelle Knight.

Forrest Hattiesburg: Kyra Brown, Nicole Erin Fagan at Tasha Mechelle Matlock.

Forrest Petal: Jeralyn Christine Doss, Julie Ann Harvey, Samuel Tate Hoover and Zoee Priscilla Smith.

Greene Neely: Garrett Case Henderson.

Greene State Line: Laskyla D Eskridge.

Jasper Laurel: Sandreka S Campbell.

Jasper Stringer: Shelsea Gene Butler, Emma Grace King, Abigayle M Kupperschmid and Sarah Elaine Thompson.

Jasper Vossburg: Kailya L Pierce.

Jefferson Davis Prentiss: Madelyn Annelise Berry.

Jones Ellisville: Brittany Barnes Barnes, Madalyn Grace Bynum, Kristopher David Dobson and Phillip Trey Windham.

Jones Laurel: Nickolas Ray Bustin, Bailey Holifield, Laneshia Chanea Jackson, Kaneshia Monique Kirk, Conner N Leonard, Ariyana Monique Logan, Samantha McGowan, Fernando Alexis Ramirez and Michael   Chris West.

Jones Sandersville: Stacy Shondale Farmer.

Jones Soso: Sydney Denise Knotts.

Lamar Hattiesburg: Ashanti Billyan Keyes, Dayna Rose Miller and Lakuita S Shaw.

Lamar Purvis: Jada Makyla Holmes.

Lamar Sumrall: Monica N Lawrence and Kaice Janae Lumpkins.

Lauderdale Collinsville: Jessica Lauren Wood.

Madison Flora: Lantavius Montrell Johnson.

Marion Columbia: Regenia A Hamilton.

Pearl River Carriere: London Signe Littlefield.

Perry Petal: Abel Na Ramirez.

Perry Richton: Emily Grace Edwards.

Pike Mc Comb: Mckenzie Samone Moses and Creshona Zy’kavia Kenny.

Smith Bay Springs: Cornell Butler and Camarion Jones.

Smith Louin: Alexus K Nixon and Kamilia A Ross.

Smith Mize: Destinee Braiden Burton and Victoria A Sims.

Wayne Richton: Adisyn Mae Gainey.

Wayne Waynesboro: Destini Rashanti Keeton and Tyler Lederris Rankins.

Jones College’s High School Equivalency grads challenged to “keep going”

ELLISVILLE – The more than 120 students from Jones College’s High School Equivalency program were challenged by graduation keynote speaker and Mississippi Community College Board Professional Development Specialist, Brandi Ratliff, to keep going past this “moment” in their lives and pursue excellence in everything. After dropping out of high school in Grenada at the age of 17, Ratliff explained she earned her HSE diploma in hopes of finding better opportunities to position her for success.

Brandi Ratliff

“I felt a strong calling towards education. I wanted other people to have the opportunities that I didn’t know that I had,” explained Ratliff who is currently earning her doctorate degree. “You have unlimited opportunities in front of you no matter what happens, no matter what path you take when you leave here. I hope you know this is only a ‘moment’ right now. The moment continues in everything you do hereafter, and in every life you impact hereafter. Sitting here today, you have already proven it can be done…. My encouragement for you today is that I hope you’ll keep going and I want to say, I’m so proud of you!”

One of the graduates, 49-year-old Jeffry Nichols of Quitman could relate to Ratliff’s desire to find more and better opportunities. He decided in February, after recovering from a year long battle with cancer, to get his High School Equivalency when his 19-year-old daughter, Kathryn decided to get her HSE. She was homeschooled and a little nervous about attending classes alone, yet she dreamed of becoming an author. With a little encouragement from his wife, Cindy, the two came to classes at the Clarke County Center in Stonewall. Soon after, a friendly competition ensued as they learned their scores were similar.

Ava, Reba, Kathryn and Jeffry Nichols and his mother, Nelda McDonald

“I actually stayed with something and achieved the goal of getting the HSE and I did much better than I expected to,” said Jeffry. “It’s kind of a competition, not heated but a friendly competition seeing if I could score well. Once we took the first test, we were pretty close so I thought if I put a little more effort into it, I could get closer to her score. Then, she did better. Kathryn finished with one point better, a 91. She inspired me and I helped with her nerves being in a classroom.”

The Nichols also decided to walk across the stage at the HSE commencement ceremony and celebrate their accomplishments together, with family.

“I was really happy to get to share that moment together, walk together and receive our diplomas on the same day,” said Kathryn Nichols.

Both HSE graduates also earned academic scholarships, with Kathryn earning an Academic Distinction Scholarship and Jeffry earned an Academic Achievement Scholarship. The two also have plans to return to Jones College in the fall.

“I knew the academic side wasn’t really for me, the technical side is what I’m hoping to do, like the electrical program, residential construction or electro-mechanical technology all interest me. I have done some residential carpentry, so I’m also interested in the HVAC program and doing a little welding,” said Jeffry.

Gwen Matuszewski & Ember Mixon with Sabrina Young at the podium

County Supervisors from each of the eight counties in Jones College’s district, awarded an academic scholarship to the highest High School Equivalency test scorer in each of the counties, that will be attending Jones College in the fall. The full tuition scholarship for two semesters was awarded to Covington County’s Kaleb Harrell, Clarke County’s Ember Mixon, Greene County’s Eliza Holder, Smith County’s Sandra Page and Wayne County’s Tyler Freeman. Perry County’s Kylie Atwood and Jones County’s Carmen Pearson also earned the Rising Excellence Scholarship, while Jasper County’s Alex Davis earned the Academic Achievement Scholarship. Additionally, Mixon was awarded the HSE Overall High Scorer Scholarship of an additional $500 presented by the Jones College Foundation Director of External Funding, Sabrina Young.

“Coming to Jones was a simple choice because I earned so many scholarships and it is a great place for an education. I love all the teachers. They make it enjoyable to learn and be inspired,” said Mixon. “I was homeschooled and my older sibling, Tabitha Lee Mixon also earned her HSE diploma and came to Jones so I figured if she could do it, so can I!”

Dr. Jesse Smith

Mixon also earned a Presidential Excellence Scholarship with her high ACT score, which translates to $13,000 over four semesters at Jones College for her to earn a nursing degree. Director of Integrated Pathways at Jones College, Wendy Evans told the large audience at the commencement ceremony that this group of graduates has earned more than $100,000 in scholarships. An additional eight students earned ACT scholarships after the ceremony. Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith proud of the HSE’s accomplishments, concluded the evening with a few rousing words of encouragement for the new graduates.

“Look around the hallways at these Championship banners in the Bobcat Gym. We have so many we had to store them. There’s a word on there that tells you what you are, and I don’t want you to forget it. That word is ‘Champion.’ Don’t forget it. You are a champion today. It is awesome to share this experience with you today. I leave you with the words of Tina Turner, you are simply the best!! You are the best!!!”

HSE Scholars                        Scholarships

Ember Mixon, Stonewall        Presidential Excellence, Clarke County HSE Scholarship, Overall HSE Scholarship

Kaleb Harrell, Seminary        Covington County HSE Scholarship

Eliza Holder, Neely               Academic Achievement, Greene County HSE Scholarship

Alex Davis, Bay Springs        Academic Achievement, Jasper County HSE Scholarship

Carmen Pearson, Laurel         Rising Excellence, Jones County HSE Scholarship

Kylie Atwood, Richton           Rising Excellence, Perry County HSE Scholarship

Sandra Page, Raleigh             Smith County HSE Scholarship

Tyler Freeman, Waynesboro  Wayne County HSE Scholarship

Kathryn Nichols, Quitman     Academic Distinction

Caitlyn Myers, Petal               Academic Distinction

Noah Shows, Stonewall          Academic Distinction

Isman Brady, Laurel               Academic Achievement

Emily Daigle, Seminary         Academic Achievement

Lillian Hall, Moselle              Academic Achievement

Graysen Irvin, Laurel         Academic Achievement

Tristin Johnson, Laurel         Academic Achievement

Nicolas Kelly, Laurel             Academic Distinction

Madison Newcomb, Soso       Academic Achievement

Jeffry Nichols, Quitman         Academic Achievement

Morgan Welch, Ellisville       Academic Achievement

Kaden Dunagin, Ellisville                  Rising Excellence

Keila Escamilla, Laurel                      Rising Excellence

Micah Holifield, Ellisville                  Rising Excellence

Kaleb Harrell, Seminary                     Rising Excellence

Mylee Pitts, Louin                             Rising Excellence

Zoey McAndrews, Bay Springs         Rising Excellence

Memory Smith, Waynesboro             Rising Excellence

Wynstin Strite, Bay Springs               Rising Excellence

Jonathan Westbrook, Taylorsville      Rising Excellence

Jones College High School Equivalency Graduates 2023

Name                                City                                              

Kylie Cheyenne Atwood, Richton                                         

Breanna Charlene Beatty, Leakesville                                              

Courtney A Booth, Laurel                                         

Judith J.B.H. Borboa Hernandez, Laurel                                          

David Eugean Bourgeois, Laurel                                          

Anna Grace Boykin, New Hebron                                        

Kimberly Lane Bradley, Leakesville                                    

Isman Joshua Brady, Laurel                                      

Alyson Jolene Brownlee, Moselle                                        

V Buquoi, Laurel                                           

Carley Elizabeth Cleaver, Buckatunna                                             

Tyler Lee Cleaver, Laurel                                         

Dalton Paul Cochran, Ellisville                                             

Gabe Hayden Cooke, Ellisville                                             

Amil Ranita Cooley, Laurel                                      

Brendan Zane Cosper , Bay Springs                                     

Lillie Sabrina Coxwell, Leakesville              

Caleb Crownover, Ovett                                            

Emily Grace Daigle, Seminary                                              

Hunter Ray Daniels, Raleigh                                     

Micah Lee Davenport, Laurel                                   

Alex Camden Davis, Bay Springs                                         

Bryleigh Lakin Dueitt, Neely                                    

Kaden Dale Dunagin, Ellisville                                             

Jessica Hanna Ezell, Seminary                                              

Rachel Lauren Ezell, Seminary                                             

Tyler Garrett Freeman, Waynesboro                                     

Robyn La’Tora Gaines, Shubuta                                           

Kiana LaQuavier Gavin, Laurel                                            

Gage Michael Graham, Seminary                                         

Ramsay Lee Grimes, Leakesville                                         

Lillian Marie Hall, Moselle                                       

Kaleb Michael Harrell, Seminary                                          

Callie Mackenzie Hawkins, Raleigh                                     

Auderyana Elaine Haynes, Mize                                           

Judith Hernandez, Laurel

Paris Alyssa Hicks, Ovett                                          

Sasha Noel Hogue, Laurel                                         

Eliza Michelle Holder, Neely                                    

Blain Allen Holifield, Ellisville                                            

Ansleigh Brooke Holifield, Stonewall                                              

Kanyen Leighana Hutchinson, Laurel                                               

Wilson Kar Ishee, Bay Springs                                              

Braxton Kirk Johnson, Ellisville                                           

Abigail Alizabeth Kelley, Laurel                                          

Stephen Dakota King, Enterprise                                          

Ardarrin Lavon Kirksey, Shubuta                                         

Christopher David Laznovsky, Laurel                                              

Madlyn Marie Lee, Collins                                       

John Michael Limerick, Laurel                                             

Kimberly Anne Malone, Richton                                          

Becca Elizabeth Martin, Laurel                                             

Zoey Kylan McAndrews, Bay Springs                                              

Cambrie Nicole Mckean, Ellisville                                       

Hanna Jo Miles, Lucedale                                         

Ember Genesis Mixon, Stonewall                                         

Hayden Mackell Moulds, Lucedale                                      

Caitlyn Grace Myers, Petal                                       

Madison Paige Newcomb, Soso                                            

Kathryn Elizabeth Nichols, Quitman                                    

Jeffry Franklin Nichols, Quitman                                          

John Robert Nicholson, Laurel                                              

Leedarius Shondricus Rapheal Owens, Waynesboro                                    

Carmen Pilar Pearson, Laurel                                   

Natalee Bree Peebles, Meridian                                            

Mariah Marsha Pierce, Paulding                                            

Mylee Morgan Pitts, Louin                                       

Cameron Joseph Poolson, Taylorsville                                             

Olivia Jordan Samaniego, Ellisville                                      

Chloe Saul, Hattiesburg                                            

Alleyson Elaina Sellers, Waynesboro                                               

Noah Thomas Shows, Stonewall                                          

Memory Paige Smith, Waynesboro                                       

Chance Jacob Smith, Seminary                                             

Lakyn Alexis Soto, Ellisville                                    

Wynstin Paul Strite, Bay Springs                                          

Essie Lynn Susano, Bay Springs                                           

Preston Thomas Sykes, Louin                                               

Hanna Caroline Tilford, Laurel                                             

Micah Joseph Van Etten, Laurel                                           

Gabriela Vargas, Laurel                                            

Dylan James Claude Vincent, Moselle                                             

Hank Anthony Walker , Louin                                   

Morgan Raine Welch, Ellisville                                            

Jonathan David Westbrook, Taylorsville                                          

Shannon Elizabeth Wheat, Meridian                                     

Jackson Wayne Williams, Seminary                                     

Khloe Williams, Soso                                                

Charles Stanley Williamson, Louin                                      

Phillip Trey Windham, Ellisville