Category: Press Release

Jones College Practical Nursing graduates enter profession at critical time

ELLISVILLE – Thirty new, Practical Nursing graduates from Jones College are entering the profession at the most critical time. They were challenged during their education and will most likely continue to be challenged in their careers. Director of the Practical Nursing Program at Jones, Amy Myers said she is proud of their accomplishments, and she is confident they are prepared to make a positive impact in the medical profession.

“These graduates have completed nursing school during a time of uncertainty. The pandemic forced our graduates to complete much of their classwork online. Learning difficult, nursing content in an online format is no easy feat! Many students also faced financial and personal challenges, persevering despite it all. I am excited for the opportunities our graduates will have to better their own lives and those of their future patients,” said Myers.

Three students were honored for their accomplishments during the three-semester program. Jimmy Brazell of Waynesboro earned the Academic Excellence Award for having the highest academic average. The Rising Star Award was presented to Amaya Tavarez of Silver Creek 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. Dustin Lambert of Raleigh was honored to receive the Florence Nightingale Award amongst the full-time practical nursing program graduates by Jones College faculty who believe he exhibits the qualities of the founder of nursing, with his professionalism, integrity and selfless attitude.

The Pinning and Graduation Ceremony ended with the traditional “Lamp Lighting” inspired by the founder of nursing, Florence Nightengale 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 AUGUST 2021

Hannah Boone, Laurel

Jimmy Brazell, Waynesboro

Courtney Brumfield, Sumrall

Kala Causey, Leakesville

Rachel Chauvin, Hattiesburg

Malik Dade, Laurel

De Carlos Garrett, Waynesboro

Rebecca Green, Laurel

Katherine Guerra, Moselle

Tekeyla Hartzog, Waynesboro

Nicole Hickson-Wigington, Sandersville

Ashley Hollman, Mize

Caitlin Hughes, Columbia

Marlee Hunnell, Ellisville

Jebony Jones, Port Gibson

Breanna King, Laurel

Dustin Lambert, Raleigh

Cassidy Lofton, Soso

Sherika McInnis, Collins

Ariel Mills, Waynesboro

Akira Jael Myers, Lumberton

Amber Newsom, Monticello

Bryce Odom, Richton

Cody Pitts, Ellisville

Jana Pitts, Laurel

Chezne Porter, Hattiesburg

Amaya Tavarez, Silver Creek

Hannah Grace Taylor, Richland

Savannah Thompson, Seminary

Takella Washington, Laurel

ELLISVILLE – Jones College pharmacy technology sophomore, Kayleigh Byrd of Neely is one of only 25 recipients to earn a new scholarship offered by Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, an international honor society for two-year colleges. The PTK and Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Scholarship is worth $250 to cover the cost of the Pharmacy Technician Certification exam fee for the 2020 Richton High School graduate.

“This is exciting and very humbling to receive this new scholarship and to be Jones College’s first recipient. Every little bit helps as I plan to earn my doctorate in pharmacy,” said Byrd.

Jones College Pharmacy Technology instructors, Tracy Parker and Stephanie Jones said Byrd is very deserving of this honor and scholarship.

“This speaks volumes of her work and study ethics. She takes the initiative and because of it, she is our top student,” said Parker.

Additionally, Stephanie Jones said, “Kayleigh works well under pressure and she grasps the skills easily. She will make an excellent pharmacy technician and pharmacist.”

The Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Certification Scholarship recognizes Phi Theta Kappa members who are enrolled in allied Health or Pharmacy Technician programs. The scholarship is open year-round with recipients being selected twice a year. Up to 50 scholarships are issued each year.

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Walgreens to offer career opportunities and scholarships to our members,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, Executive Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “Certification exam costs often create a financial barrier for students that hinders their ability to enter the workforce. We are grateful to Walgreens for addressing these challenges and providing a pathway to great career opportunities.”

Byrd is a member of the PTK Honor Society and is on course to graduate from Jones in May 2022. For more information about the Pharmacy Technician program at Jones College browse the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/pharmacy/

ELLISVILLE – After studying and working in the Cosmetology clinical lab for the past year, 18 Jones College students have graduated from the Cosmetology Technology Program. During a special graduation ceremony, Grace Bower, Sophie Coxwell, Abby Daughtry, Molly Dyess, Catherine Hunter, Hannah Husband, Elizabeth Jones, Rachael Jones, Breunna McCann, Jeremiah McFarland, Dajah Miller, Janie Parish, Katelyn Reid, Allison Richardson, Evelyn Sullins, Calin Taylor, Bryanna Weems, and Tiffany White earned their Career Certificate of Completion.

Cosmetology instructor, Sylvina Buckley said she is especially proud of this class of graduates for many reasons.

“They have worked hard, overcome challenges related to learning during a pandemic, and have done so well! I am especially proud that almost all of them have already secured a job. I know the last two students will have something shortly!” said Buckley.

Several students were honored with special recognition at the ceremony. Janie Parish earned the “Top of Class” honor with the highest GPA. Allison Jo Richardson earned the Salutatorian honors with the second-highest GPA. Catherine Hunter earned the “Perfect Attendance” award and Bryanna Weems was recognized as the “Most Improved Character.” The “Most Determined” award was given to Breunna McCann, and Hannah Husband was recognized with the “Most Humble” award.

For more information about the Cosmetology Technology Program visit the website, https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/cosmetology/

 

ELLISVILLE – Eleven Jones College EMT students graduated from the program during a special pinning ceremony held at the college. Kenya Baker, Clinton; Hillary Bryan, Lucedale; Tony Buchanan, Monticello; Justin Bumgardner, Laurel; Morgan Fortenberry, Collins; Desirae Hankins, Laurel; Cody Haynes, Smithville; Sarah McFadden, Hattiesburg; Taylor McKenzie, Jayess; Slade Purvis, Ellisville and Abby Smith, Columbia received their EMT pin and diploma and are now ready to serve the public.

Additionally, Sarah McFadden received special recognition for her accomplishments and was named the Clinical Student of the Year. Earning the Academic Student of the Year honors was Tony Buchanan and Cody Haynes earned the EMS Spirit Award.

Community partners and clinical site awards were also awarded during the ceremony. Merit Health Central was recognized for the EMS Site Award. The Clinical Preceptor of the Year Award went to Shelby Wise, representing South Central Regional Medical Center. The honor of Field Preceptor of the Year went to Jim Brown, representing Wayne General Hospital. For more information about the Emergency Medical Services programs at Jones College click on the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/emt/

Photo EMT grad group: Eleven Jones College EMT students earned their diplomas at a pinning ceremony in their honor. Pictured left to right in the front row is Taylor McKenzie, Jayess; Kenya Baker, Clinton; Desirae Hankins, Laurel; Hillary Bryan, Lucedale and Slade Purvis, Ellisville. Pictured in the back row, left to right is Morgan Fortenberry, Collins; Abby Smith, Columbia; Justin Bumgardner, Laurel; Sarah McFadden, Hattiesburg; Tony Buchanan, Monticello and Cody Haynes, Smithville.

ELLISVILLE – Any incoming or current Jones College student could get a tuition discount or free tuition, for getting vaccinated. Students should sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine before Jones College’s Vaccination Day by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/R9cjNuH6PN2GQTnK8 The free, COVID-19 vaccine will be administered on Friday, August 6, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. and again from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. in the Health Clinic. South Central Regional Medical Center’s Wellness Works will be providing Jones College with the Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines depending on availability.

“Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself and our Jones College community. We are urging everyone to speak to their healthcare provider about the vaccine and see if it is right for them. We are asking our students and staff to consider the vaccination, not just for the tuition incentives, but to also keep our campus community as healthy as possible,” said Director of Jones College Health Clinic Services, Vicki Hampton, MSN, BC-FNP.

Students can receive a $50 tuition credit with proof of vaccination to Student Affairs. Also, any student registered for the August 6, Vaccination Day, and those showing proof of vaccination, will automatically be entered into weekly drawings. A student will win a $470 tuition credit during the weekly drawings beginning on August 9, and on every Monday through August. On Thursday, September 9, one of the registered students showing proof of vaccination will win, $1,875 or one-semester full tuition.