Jones College names 2026 student Hall of Fame
ELLISVILLE – Twenty-five Jones College sophomores were selected as Hall of Fame recipients based on their academic achievements, in addition to campus and community involvement. These students also have a minimum 3.5 GPA, and some students hold jobs in addition to their academic, athletic and campus responsibilities. They received special recognition in the college yearbook and during the Commencement Ceremony held earlier this month.
The majority of the students are graduating as sophomores with a few exceptions. Selected to be included in the 2026 Hall of Fame were Roderick “Tripp” Alexander-Gulfport, Noah Allen-Columbia, Sydney Clearman-Hattiesburg, Elisa Cook-Meridian, Cole Cress-Ridgeland, Cannon Crowder-Ellisville, William Cody Daley-Prentiss, Leilani DeBar-Leakesville, Chrishon Ellis-Panola, Larissa Hubbard-Gulfport, Mia Grace Huff-Taylorsville, Ridgeland Jones-Laurel, Lake Jordan-Prentiss, Sherline King-Panama City, Panama, Callee Dianne Knotts-Soso, Elizabeth Claire Lewman-Summit, Angela Martinez-Ellisville, Hope Elizabeth Mealer-Petal, Adam Nix-Ellisville, Emma Katherine Pattie-Hattiesburg, Edna Perez-Ambrocio-Morton, Emily Lynn Rogers-Laurel, Josie Tullos-Newton, Destiny Velasco-Izaguirre-Ellisville and Alex Guinluca Virgen-Laurel. All 25 students were nominated by faculty members as they distinguished themselves and impressed selection committee members.
Tripp Alexander is majoring in exercise science and will transfer to Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama to be a pre-medicine major. He is a member of the Men’s Soccer Team where he was honored twice as an NJCAA Academic All-American, and twice he earned the MACCC Championship, in addition to being a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Team. Alexander is also a Tullos Scholar. Mark and Christina Alexander are his parents.
“I came to Jones to play soccer, and JC means the world to me. It truly made me a different person and I’m so thankful for that!” said Alexander. “It means a lot that a school that poured into me so well would honor me like this!”
Columbia’s Noah Allen has plans to work in computer programming and coding after earning his degree at USM. At JC, he was an active member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Bobcat Brigade, and he volunteered for the Heal the Land Service and the Words of Prayer Services for the elderly. His parents are Cornelious and Lakitha Allen.
“I didn’t believe I would ever receive this honor. I had always doubted myself and compared myself to others. However, I was reminded that God created each of us differently. I have my own dreams and strengths and receiving this honor is truly a blessing that means so much to me,” said Allen.
Sydney Clearman is an Oak Grove High School graduate who was active in cheerleading and has continued cheerleading with the Bobcats and earned a national championship in the UCA College Nationals in January. She is also involved in the Bobcat Brigade, Charles Pickering Honors Institute, and PTK, and was selected as a Tullos Scholar. With her biological sciences degree from USM, she hopes to continue her education at UMMC Dental School. Kevin and Selena Clearman are her parents.
“This honor means more to me than words can explain. It represents hard work, dedication and growth that I have experienced here at Jones. I am inspired to continue striving for excellence in everything I do. It reminds me that success isn’t just about individual accomplishments, but about the impact you have on others and the legacy you leave behind,” said Clearman.
Business and marketing major, Elisa Cook of Meridian was voted as Miss Jones College, and she served as Drum Major for the Typhoon Marching Band for two years. Additionally, she has been a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Bobcat Brigade, FCA, Wesley Kindle, Student Government Association, PTK and FBLA. Cook has earned President’s List honors, and the Letter “J” Award and she plans to pursue her education at Mississippi State and start a non-profit organization.
“This honor is a testament to the amazing professors and faculty I have had the pleasure of learning from at Jones College. They have been constantly encouraging me and preparing me for every stage of life. I am forever grateful to God blessing me with this opportunity,” Cook said.
Cole Cress of Ridgeland is majoring in pre-law with plans to transfer to Mississippi State and majoring in public policy. While at JC, he was a member of the Men’s Soccer Team, PTK, and currently works in Jackson for the college. His parents are Blake and Kelly Cress.
The 2025 Prentiss Christian High School Valedictorian, William “Cody” Daley has continued making a mark for himself academically at JC. He was named a Tullos Scholar, received the Letter “J” Award, and was a member of PTK, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Daley also maintains his own business and volunteers in nursing homes. The construction management major plans to continue his education at USM. His parents are Teddy and Susan Daley.
“Being here has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with my instructors and faculty members. They know me, they care about my success, and they’ve invested time and effort into helping me grow both academically and personally. Choosing Jones is a decision I’ll always value,” Daley said.
Ellisville native, Cannon Crowder is currently planning to play football at Doane University in Crete, Nebraska as he earns his bachelor’s and master’s degree in Education. The history major was voted by his peers as Mr. Jones College while also being a member of the Bobcat Football Team, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the First Baptist Church’s College group. His parents are Grant and Anita-Shawn Crowder.
Leakesville’s Leilani DeBar is majoring in accounting with plans to become a lawyer at Mississippi State University. She has been an active member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, PTK, Student Government Association, Future Business Leaders of America, and the Non-Traditional Student Organization, while also earning the Letter “J” Award. DeBar will be interning in Washington D.C. for Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. Dennis and Kelley DeBar are Leilani’s parents.
“I’m truly grateful and motivated to keep striving for excellence. I hope to use what I have learned here to make a meaningful difference. Jones helped me develop as a student and a leader, and it’s where I’ve built relationships and experiences that will stay with me long after graduation,” said DeBar.
Chrishon Ellis of Panola is an Agriculture Science major with aspirations of attending MSU to major in Crop Entomology and minor in Agriculture Policy/Law. At JC, he was a member of the Bobcat Brigade, SGA, Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society, PTK and FBLA. In his spare time, Ellis is a New Hope Mentor Scholar, and past State V.P. for the Mississippi FFA. Christopher Ellis and Shermika Harris are his parents.
“Being inducted into the Jones College Hall of Fame after only one year is incredibly meaningful to me because it shows that the impact I made truly mattered. In a short time, this college has shaped me, challenged me, and helped me grow in ways I never expected. It connects me to the legacy of Jones College and the people who supported me from day one,” said Ellis.
Just like her basketball career, Larissa Hubbard is one of the top of her class and was chosen to be a Tullos Scholar. At Harrison Central High School, she graduated 10th in her class and was on the Varsity basketball team. At Jones College, Hubbard has continued to excel academically and athletically as the Team Captain, and she has also earned a spot on the President’s List honor roll every semester and is a member of PTK. She earned NJCAA All-Academic Team and All-MACCC Academic Honors, and NJCAA All-Conference second team honors. In addition to being in class and on the court, Hubbard volunteers with young athletes and volunteers at college events. The accounting major from Gulfport plans to continue her athletic career at Lamar University and then work on the marketing team of a major league sports team. Her parents are Byron and Kristie Hubbard.
“This honor exemplifies that dedication, and integrity will lead to a successful path. Hard work at a college that cares will not go unnoticed,” said Hubbard. “Originally, I came to Jones to play basketball, but it soon became more than just that. I grew genuine relationships not only with my fellow classmates, but with the faculty as well. For the last two years, Jones has really felt like home to me. All small colleges say they see you as more than a number, but Jones College acts on it as well.”
Mia Grace Xian Li Huff of Taylorsville majored in biology with the goal of pursuing a career in the medical field. While at Jones, Huff was active in the English Honor Society, Sigma Kappa Delta, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Bobcat Brigade, SGA and at her church. She plans to transfer to Ole Miss for her B.A. in Biological Sciences, then to UMMC for the doctoral program. Her parents are Jim and Samantha Huff.
“Having only been here for only one year, I am extremely proud of what I have accomplished in such a short time, thanks to the incredible community at Jones College,” said Huff. “My time at Jones has provided me with the skills and confidence to overcome the fear of attending a large university. I will forever cherish how this experience has shaped me into a person ready to make a meaningful impact on the world.”
Ridgeland Jones of Laurel was selected for the highest academic and athletic honors. He has served as the Team Captain for the Men’s Tennis Team, is the 2024 and 2025 Single and Men’s Doubles Tennis Champion and the 2026 MACCC Men’s Tennis Champion/and 2025 Region 23 Men’s Tennis Champion. Jones is a member of Bobcat Brigade, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. He plans to continue his education at USM and major in Kinesiology and then earn his master’s degree at William Carey University to be a coach and teacher. His parents are Donna and Robin Jones of Laurel.
“This honor means a lot to me because I have worked extremely hard and this accomplishment makes all the hard work worth it,” said Jones.
Prentiss resident, Lake Jordan has been involved at Jones College in the Bobcat Brigade, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Baptist Student Union Evangelism Team and Summer Missions, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and he works in the JC Sports Media Department. Jordan plans to transfer to William Carey University and major in Christian Studies. Mark and Cheri Jordan are his parents.
“I love the personal environment here at Jones and will sincerely miss my relationships with people on campus. It is not just JC that has been special to me, but I have also realized there is something special about the people in Jones County that makes me want to stay here,” said Jordan.
From Panama City, Panama, Sherline King has taken the region by storm with her academic and athletic abilities.
As a Lady Soccer Team member, she Started all 22 matches and guided Jones to the national semifinals. This year, she was voted MACCC Player of the Year and United Soccer Coaches Junior College Division II Player of the Year, NJCAA Division II First Team All-American and United Soccer Coaches AA, NJCAA All-Region 23 as well as First Team All-MACCC. Also at Jones, King was a Resident Assistant in Women’s Housing, and she is a member of the Panama National Team that just qualified for the World Cup. King will be headed to Canada for her next soccer game, then to Oklahoma State University to earn her degree in Psychology. Her parents are Jorge King and Maria Perea.
Callee Knotts of Soso served as the President of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and was selected as an All-Mississippi Academic Team. She was active in Bobcat Brigade, FCA, and she was a member of the Jones College Livestock Show Team. The Agricultural Communications major plans to transfer to Mississippi State and earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Chris and Allyson Knotts are her parents.
“I am honored to receive this award from the place that is ‘home’ to me. It reminds me that all the hard work I put into my classes and extracurricular activities is worth it. I have made amazing connections and created lasting memories with great people,” said Knotts.
Kinesiology major and Bobcat Cheerleader, Elizabeth Lewman will be attending the University of Mississippi as a co-ed cheerleader. The Summit resident was a member of the JC 2026 National Championship Co-ed Cheer Team, as well as Bobcat Brigade, FCA and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Dan and Lisa Lewman are her parents.
“This honor is reflective of everything I’ve been able to accomplish at Jones over the last two years. I’m incredibly honored that Jones has selected me among so many incredible students!” said Lewman.
Angela Martinez of Ellisville is serving as the DECA State and local chapter president. She earned the Letter “J” Award and is majoring in Culinary Arts Technology. Additionally, she is a member of the marching band, Phi Theta Kappa, and DECA. Martinez also volunteers at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Clothing Room and Christmas Food Drive. Her future plans include transferring to USM to earn a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism and open her own restaurant or bakeshop. Jesus Martinez and Dalia Velazquez are her parents.
“This honor makes all the hard work and effort even more worth it,” said Martinez. “I have grown up with the ‘leave it better than you found it’ mentality and I feel like I have been able to do that here at Jones!”
Petal resident, Hope Mealer just completed the Radiologic Technology program at JC and will be taking the National Registry test to be a Registered Radiologic Technologist. In addition to preparing for her career, Mealer was a member of the Women’s Basketball Team, Phi Theta Kappa, FCA, the Radiology Class Representative and coaches Little League at the Petal YMCA. Her parents are Newton and Jennifer Mealer.
“This honor means a lot to me because I’ve worked so hard to prove to myself that I could balance being a student athlete and now a mom to three-year-old twins, and a full-time student,” explained Mealer. “To be a member of the Hall of Fame is just a testament to how hard I have worked and how much it has paid off.”
Adam Nix of Ellisville is a member of the men’s golf team, Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Homecoming Court. The physics and engineering major plans to transfer to Mississippi State to major in chemical engineering. Anthony and Stacey Nix are his parents.
Kinesiology major from Hattiesburg, Emma Pattie is also a proud member of the JC 2026 National Championship Co-ed Cheer Team, Bobcat Brigade and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and FCA. In her spare time, she is a cheer judge for local high school teams and Pattie volunteers at Civitan Camp. Her future plans include transferring to the University of Mississippi. Chad and Paige Pattie are her parents.
“This honor is incredibly meaningful to me. I am so appreciative of the Jones faculty and staff who have poured into me and built up my strengths. Being named to the Hall of Fame is truly a privilege and I am thankful to be recognized in this way,” Pattis shared.
Morton resident, Edna Perez-Ambrocio is pursuing a degree in elementary education with the goal of becoming a principal. At Jones, Perez-Ambrocio was a member of the FBLA, Vice President of Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society, Concert Choir, Nova Voce Choir, Marching Band, Concert Band, Student Government Association and PTK. She was honored to receive the Letter “J” Award and Sophomore Maid for Homecoming. Her parents are Julio Domingo Chun and Mayra Ambrocio Perez.
“This honor represents the opportunities that Jones has given me again, and it is a representation for my family and Guatemalan Community to know that all my dedication and effort did not go unnoticed. It also represents the support from my parents and friends because without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today!” Perez-Ambrocio said.
Emily Rogers, the 2025 West Jones Valedictorian, Lindy Calahan Scholar Athlete and HOBY attendee, continued to garner honors as a Jones College student. She was a member of the Women’s Tennis Team that earned its first National Title for JC and Mississippi. She also enjoyed being a member of Bobcat Brigade, PTK, and the Charles Pickering Honors Institute. Rogers is transferring to MSA to complete her biology degree with hopes of getting into medical school. The Good Shepherd Clinic volunteer plans to become a physician and work in her hometown of Laurel.
“Jones College means so much to me because it gave me opportunities I didn’t expect and helped shape who I am today. I am incredibly grateful that God’s plan led me here, and I will always value the experiences and relationships I gained at Jones,” Rogers said.
Josie Tullos is also a member of the National Championship Tennis Team at Jones College and recently was named the ITA JUCO Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship National Award. She also earned MACC and Region 23 Championship Awards, the Jones Tennis Bobcat Award and the Letter “J” Award. Tullos also participated in PTK and the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, and volunteered for First Baptist Church of Ellisville’s College Worship, Student/Children’s Ministry and is D-now small group leader. The Newton resident is planning to complete the Teacher Assistant Program at William Carey University. Wyatt and Holly Tullos are her parents.
“There have certainly been hard days, but this place has grown me as a student, an athlete and a Follower of Christ,” said Tullos. “Receiving this honor is immensely special to me because Jones has truly been the best two years of my life. The community has poured into me greatly and I’m very appreciative.”
Ellisville’s Destiny Velasco-Izaguirre is majoring in International Business with the intention of pursuing a double major in economics and ancient Mediterranean culture, as well as a career in journalism. At JC, she served as the V.P. of Phi Theta Kappa, V.P. and Social Media Manager for the BSU, and a staff member for the student newspaper, The Radionian. She was elected as Student Body Maid in 2025, V.P. of the Student Government Association, and earned 2nd place honors for the Best News Story at the 2024 and Mississippi Press Association Contest, and 2nd place for the Best Feature Story at this year’s competition. Velasco-Izaguirre also volunteers for the First Baptist Church of Ellisville’s Mission Monday.
“Being named a member of the Hall of Fame has shown me the tremendous growth I’ve made. Although my time at Jones College has not been without challenges, this recognition reminds me that I have made at least one step forward towards my goal in life, to reach my full potential,” shared Velasco-Izaguirre.
Laurel Middle College graduate and JC graduate, Alex Virgen also served as a member of the Future Leaders of Jones County. At Laurel High School, he was the Valedictorian, served as the Beta Club secretary and was a member of the Gospel Choir. Virgen’s future plans include going to Mississippi State University for a dual degree in industrial engineering and business administration.
“This honor represents the dream that my parents wanted for me when they came to the United States, the dream of giving their child chances they never had,” Virgen shared. “To me, JC has meant opportunity and the chance to grow, achieve, and move forward all within Jones County.”
Hall of Fame Students 2025-2026
Roderick “Tripp” Alexander-Gulfport
Noah Allen-Columbia
Sydney Clearman-Hattiesburg
Elisa Cook-Meridian
Cole Cress-Ridgeland
Cannon Crowder-Ellisville
William Cody Daley-Prentiss
Leilani DeBar-Leakesville
Chrishon Ellis-Panola
Larissa Hubbard-Gulfport
Mia Grace Huff-Taylorsville
Ridgeland Jones-Laurel
Lake Jordan-Prentiss
Sherline King-Panama City, Panama
Callee Dianne Knotts-Soso
Elizabeth Claire Lewman-Summit
Angela Martinez-Ellisville
Hope Elizabeth Mealer-Petal
Adam Nix-Ellisville
Emma Katherine Pattie-Hattiesburg
Edna Perez-Ambrocio-Morton
Emily Lynn Rogers-Laurel
Josie Tullos-Newton
Destiny Velasco-Izaguirre-Ellisville
Alex Guinluca Virgen-Laurel
Jones College A.D. Nursing students inducted into ADN Honor Society
ELLISVILLE – Three Jones College Associate Degree Nursing students were inducted into the Nursing Honor Society, Alpha Delta Nu, Gamma Mu Chapter at Jones College. Of the 38 ADN students about to graduate in December, Chelbie Dorsey of Woodville, Abbi Herrin of Pachuta and Hannah Williams of Petal and formerly of the United Kingdom, were invited to join the ADN nursing honor society. They were honored by the JC A.D. nursing faculty, family and friends during a special induction ceremony recognizing their achievements.
“These students have shown they are dedicated to academic excellence and their commitment to their profession, built on compassion, courage and integrity. The founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale once said, that nurses must keep learning all of their lives,” said A.D.N. honor society advisor, and JC A.D. Nursing instructor, Danielle Matthews. She further encouraged the new inductees. “Nursing is not simply a career. It is a lifelong journey of curiosity, grace and service. Learning does not end when you leave the classroom. Congratulations on your achievement and may you continue learning, leading and lighting the way for others, just as Florence Nightingale did.”
Requirements for induction into the Nursing Honor Society include having a “B” average in all nursing courses with no repeats, complete a capstone project prior to graduation and demonstrate good conduct on campus and in clinical areas which reflect integrity and professionalism.
Membership in Alpha Delta Nu provides recognition for academic excellence, potential for scholarships to continue education, and is a quality addition to a students’ professional portfolio. Associate Degree Nursing instructors, Danielle Matthews and Allyson Turner are advisors for the Gamma Mu chapter at Jones College. The graduation/pinning ceremony for the December 2025 graduates of the A.D. Nursing program will be Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium.
Jones College Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society induct new members
ELLISVILLE – Sixty-one Jones College students officially became members of the International Honor Society for two-year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa, Rho Sigma Chapter. These students must attend college full-time, have a 3.5 GPA and be in good standing with the college. More than 186 students have already accepted their invitation to join the organization with more expected before the end of the semester.
Jones College 2023 and 2024 graduate, and recent graduate of Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Chanel Evans gave the keynote speech at the Induction Ceremony. She is currently working on masters degrees in Criminal Justice and Organizational Leadership before pursuing a doctorate of Education at South College. The former JC PTK officer, and full time Wendy’s International Divisional Field Training Manager challenged the new members to be “unapologetically and authentically” themselves and to be bold and passionate, and a voice for the voiceless.
“After all, ‘your playing small does not serve the world’ (Marianne Williamson). Take the road less traveled, fully immersing yourself in the rewarding challenges of splendor and achievement and know that you are no less a scholar should you decide to change your major five times before Grad School! I did! Remember to keep those standards high while never forgetting to extend grace to yourself and to others as you continue to grow. Dare to stand against the wind, striving daily to be a pillar of both strength and community, and the reason the world never stops believing that genuine people still exist! Be intentional with your time investments, safeguard your aspirations, and in all things, engender the four Hallmarks of PTK: “Scholarship, Leadership, Service, & Fellowship,” Evans said.
The following students participated in the induction ceremony held recently at Jones College in Ellisville.
Jones College PTK Spring 2025 Induction Ceremony Participants
Name Hometown Major Joined PTK
Noah Allen Columbia IST – Web and Programming Spring 2025
Emily Amason Mize Nursing Spring 2025
Elisha Arroyo Oaxaca, MX Forestry Spring 2025
Lillian Barnett Soso Studio arts Spring 2025
Beckha Barnett Magee General Studies Spring 2025
Memory Bowen Mize Mathematics Education Spring 2025
Kierstyn Breland Vancleave Criminal Justice Spring 2025
Kylee Brewer Mendenhall Business Administration Spring 2025
Dakota J Broome Petal Electrical Spring 2025
Autumn Grace Bullock Seminary Marketing and management Spring 2025
Bryce Burrell Ridgeland Radiography Spring 2025
Sydney Clearman Hattiesburg Biological Sciences Spring 2025
Karina Contreras-Feliciano Petal Pre-nursing Spring 2025
Elisa Cook Meridian Business & Marketing Technology Spring 2025
Faith Cooley Richton Pre-dental hygiene Spring 2025
Halle Craven Ovett Elementary Education Spring 2025
Isaac Crouch Ellisville General Studies Spring 2025
Cannon Crowder Ellisville Coaching Spring 2025
Leilani DeBar Leakesville Marine Biology Spring 2025
Macee Dollar Mize Elementary Education Spring 2025
Gabriella Dominguez Ovett Medical Laboratory Science Fall 2024
Zoe Estacio Laurel Art Spring 2025
Natalie Evans Ellisville Psychology Spring 2025
Nolen Grant Goree Lorena Poultry Science Fall 2024
Anna Laura Haden Bay Spring Agriculture Spring 2025
Merigrace Hawkins Taylorsville Horticulture Technology Spring 2025
Brinkley Hearn Laurel Radiology Spring 2025
Abbie Grace Herring Rolling Fork Kinesiology Spring 2025
Alana Holmes Foxworth Veterinary Medicine Spring 2025
Hallie Hopkins Waynesboro Accounting Spring 2025
Kaitlyn Hughes Jayess Chemistry Spring 2025
A’Nyia Hunt Lake Early childhood education Fall 2024
Hannah Hupe Laurel Nursing Spring 2025
Selina Juarez Tomas Laurel Accounting Spring 2025
Ragan Kendrick Ellisville Psychology Spring 2025
Callee Knotts Soso Agricultural Communications Spring 2025
Ian Lewis Philadelphia Liberal Arts Spring 2025
Elizabeth Claire Lewman Summit Kinesiology Spring 2025
Noah Lowery Laurel Foreign Language – Asian Studies Fall 2024
Lola Martínez Mendoza, Argentina Business Administration Spring 2025
Jada McCormick Hattiesburg Nursing Spring 2025
Reagan McLeod Waynesboro Child Dvlpmnt & Family Studies Spring 2025
Hershyia Parker Forest Criminal Justice Spring 2025
Calli Parker Raleigh Nursing Spring 2025
Emma Pattie Hattiesburg Kinesiology Spring 2025
Jayla Powe Waynesboro Radiology Spring 2025
Leia Puckett Raleigh Radiography Fall 2024
JC Roberts Hattiesburg Journalism Fall 2024
Lexie Ruth Ellisville Business Spring 2025
Lauren Smith Richton Radiology Spring 2025
Anastasia Taylor Mendenhall Social Work Spring 2025
Destiny Velasco-Izaguirre Ellisville International Business-Economics Spring 2025
Mia Walters Ellisville Pre-Vet Med Spring 2025
Maloree Walters Ellisville Speech Pathology Spring 2025
Richard Maurice Ward II Ellisville Mechanical Engineering Spring 2025
Larson Ware Hattiesburg History Spring 2025
Estelle Weems Taylorsville Business Administration Spring 2025
Chloe White Laurel Music Industry Spring 2025
Michelle White Waynesboro Nursing Spring 2025
Brionna Yates Bay Springs General Studies Spring 2025
Jones College graduate earns CPRAM scholarship
ELLISVILLE – Jones College 2024 graduate, Jaylynn Conner continues to accumulate scholarships after being selected to receive one of only three, College Public Relations Association of Mississippi scholarships awarded recently. The Waynesboro native was selected from students applying for a scholarship provided by the membership consisting of public relations and communications professionals from the state’s community colleges and universities. Conner submitted an essay about the changes in communications, professional references and a resume’ to qualify for the $1,250 scholarship. Additionally, applicants were required to major in public relations, communications, journalism, advertising, mass communications, political communications, crisis management, graphic design or another communication-oriented major, and attend one of Mississippi’s community colleges or universities.
“I am overjoyed and grateful to be receiving the CPRAM Scholarship. It is an honor to have been selected and it will be a great help as I transition to a four-year institution of learning,” said Conner, who also earned a Community College Leadership Scholarship from the University of Mississippi.
Additionally, the journalism major was selected as one of only five, Jones College students to be a Tullos Scholar. She also earned the Letter “J” Academic Award, Academic Gold Key Award for a 4.0 G.P.A., while serving as the Senior Editor for the yearbook, The Lair, and as the Editor of the student newspaper, Radionian. Conner was selected to be a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, and was an active member of the Philosophy Club, and she anchored and reported for the “Bobcat Broadcast” student news show.
Jones College expands its agricultural roots with state’s first Livestock Show Team
ELLISVILLE –Agricultural science courses have always been a part of the curriculum and lifestyle at Jones College since Jones County Agricultural High School was established in 1911. Now, the two-year college is expanding its agricultural roots with the creation of the state’s first, Livestock Show Team.
Six Jones College students, Karley Cotton of Heidelberg, Lilli Dixon of Smithdale, Bri Fenton of Ellisville, Hayden Kilgore of Taylorsville, Faith Sullivan of Mize and Tucker Woods of Seminary, are the first members of the newly formed Livestock Show Team at Jones College.
“I’m ready for the new challenge and to widen my knowledge on a different breed of cattle,” said Karley Cotton. She began helping on a neighbor’s farm at the age of 11, showing Black Angus cattle. Enjoying the opportunity, her parents launched out on their own buying Simmental cattle for Karley to show. In 2021, she earned the title of Mississippi Junior Simmental Association Queen and a 2022-23 tuition scholarship to be on the Jones College Livestock Show Team.
Her story is like most of the members of the JC Livestock Show Team who all have been raising cows since they were at least eight years old. As Animal Science and/or Agricultural Science majors, they are preparing for a career in the agricultural industry. Now more than ever, Jones College Agriculture Science instructor and advisor for the Livestock Show Team, Leanne Kilgore, said the role of agriculture is very important in our daily lives. Educating the public on the role of farmers has really become a vital priority.
“Generally, the public is so far removed from agriculture; two or three generations removed from farm experiences. They don’t have any idea where their food sources are coming from. We need to do a better job of being the voice of agriculture and promoting our farmers,” said Kilgore.
Adding the Livestock Show Team for Jones College students already invested in the agricultural lifestyle provides more opportunities to continue competing, expanding their knowledge, and developing an ag science network for their futures. The six-member team will care for the daily needs of four Red Angus heifers and compete throughout the state and region. Plans also include a trip to Oklahoma City for the annual Cattlemen’s Congress in January.
“The students on this team have a tremendous amount of responsibility,” said Jones College’s Farm and Cattle Manger, Jason Mills. “They will live on campus and the animals will be their responsibility, even on holidays. They will wash, feed and care for the animals’ daily needs, even when school is closed.”
Freshman, Faith Sullivan of Mize said she enjoys having the opportunity and responsibilities that come with being in the “ring” again. The criminal justice major has been showing cattle since she was 11 years old through 4-H and the Future Farmers of America (FFA). She’s won numerous Sale of Champions awards and agriculture accomplishments, including the title of Watermelon Teen Queen 2020. Sullivan said she may change her major to animal science now that she is on the JC Livestock Show Team.
“I thought I was done showing after Dixie Nationals this year, but I’ve always been interested in investigating; I want to know why things happen and why people do the things they do. I could do farm investigating of stolen animals with my agriculture background. Regardless, I’m just excited to be on the team at Jones,” said Sullivan.
For Bri Fenton of Fenton Farms in Ellisville, her goal is to take over and expand the family business. Being on the team is just another way to reach that goal. She has been raising Simmentals for the family’s cow/calf program and training horses since she was nine-years old.
“I’ve always enjoyed showing cattle, traveling and meeting new people. I really like to venture out and see what all there is because there’s always something new to learn,” said Fenton. “It was really exciting in Oklahoma recently, meeting all the big name people.”
Lilli Dixon of Smithdale, the former president of the Mississippi Junior Red Angus Association and Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions winner, said she loves the idea of establishing a new gateway for college students to continue to work in agriculture.
“I would like us to be something people see and say, ‘Wow! That’s awesome and I want to be a part of it!’ They can look at us at Jones College and see agriculture can be fun, you can learn a lot, and it can offer you new experiences,” said Dixon.
The barn and related facilities for the Livestock Show Team are currently under construction. However, that will not delay training and preparations for the newly established team that is ready to show off Jones College’s newest agriculture programs. The college is also preparing to re-establish the Livestock Judging Team and establish a Rodeo Team in the next five years.
