Despite challenges, 58 Jones College Practical Nursing students, graduated

ELLISVILLE – The Jones College Practical Nursing Program’s Pinning and Diploma Ceremony was very emotional, especially for those who overcame numerous challenges to reach the end of the three-semester program successfully.  Molly Mize of Sandersville was one of the 58 graduates who had to endure tragedies and took a break before reaching her goal.

Molly Mize with Amy Myers

“Today means everything to me. My dad died, I had a baby and my mom had cancer but she’s doing well now,” explained Mize. “I made it through a very hard year, however, my 11-month-old is my motivation. I had him and came back in the summer when he was four-and-a-half months old. I knew he deserved more.”

Also inspired by her children is 36-year-old Renee Price of Waynesboro. The mother of four children, a 16-year-old, two five-year-old twins, and a one-year-old, worked in another job for 16 years before finally following her dream of becoming a nurse.

“I did this for my baby so they can see and be encouraged that they can do whatever they set their mind to do,” said Price. “At the end, I tripped up a little, and couldn’t get over the finish line but I kept pushing and I did it. Walking across that stage and getting my pin means everything to me and I’m ready to take on the next challenge!”

Nursing is one of the most difficult programs and requires the support of friends and family to make it. Jones College Practical Nursing Program Director, Amy Myers explained to graduates that instructors are also proud and are celebrating their accomplishments.

Renee Price, Sarah Gonzalez and Kia Pruitt

“Seeing nursing students achieve their goals and succeed is one of our proudest moments as instructors. Graduates, you have proved yourself capable of great things!” said Myers. “This semester we have PN graduates in both our full-time and part-time programs. Several of our students struggled to juggle work, home, and school. Several had very difficult personal and family situations to overcome. I am very proud of ALL our students for the hard work and dedication that they showed to further their nursing goals.”

Faculty members honored several members of the graduating classes from the Ellisville full time program, part time night class program and Wayne County Center program. Three students from each program were honored with three different awards for their accomplishments during the three-semester program.

Cyndi Colson with Amy Myers

Cyndi Colson of Magee, Kimbula Ducksworth of Laurel, and Sharrangelia Green of Waynesboro each received the Florence Nightingale Award for exhibiting the true spirit of nursing qualities, like the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale who showed compassion, dedication, and kindness with professionalism, integrity, and a selfless attitude toward humanity. 

The Rising Star Award was presented to Inez Bridgeman of Jackson, Tameria Bunch of Canton and Shanteshia Morgan of Wayne County for their continuous dedication and growth in the classroom and clinical setting, and their positive attitude and perseverance which has enriched their professionalism and nursing knowledge.

Karen Windham of Hattiesburg, Lakesha Woulard of State Line and Sarah Gonzalez of Leakesville each earned the Academic Excellence Award for having the highest academic average. Gonzalez said she attributes her success in the program to her deep desire to care for people and being a nurse is the only thing she wanted to do.

“I feel it’s my calling and I’m ready to get my first job and build a future for my future kids,” said Gonzalez, who wants to work with geriatric patients. “I enjoy geriatrics because that’s a community that needs the most love. I feel like they should get extra attention because they’ve lived their lives so long and we should be in debt to them.”

Hattiesburg’s Kia Pruitt, who is currently a pharmacy technician also answered a “calling” to become a nurse. The 29-year-old explained she enjoys working in the pharmacy, but the Covid 19 pandemic enlightened her to the need to do more.

“I still like what I do but I chose to come to nursing to lend a helping hand. Pharmacy technicians work behind the scenes but what I do in nursing is all hands on and I can help more people physically and mentally. I also like a challenge!” said Pruitt.

Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith shared with the graduates and audience, the college has high expectations of nursing students. He explained, at the conclusion of the Pinning and Graduation Ceremony, where graduates light each other’s lamps as part of the traditional “Lamp Lighting” inspired by the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale who carried a lamp to help wounded soldiers during the Crimean War in 1854, is very significant.

“The lamp lighting ceremony is much more than just a moment. It is an actual representation of the enlightenment of your minds, and it is also an enlightenment of love, joy, and the great care that I unequivocally endorse of the health care these ladies will do in the future and be exceptional. We’re excited for your future graduates!”

As the graduates’ lamps were lit, Practical Nursing instructor, Oshaugnessye McCormick, challenged the newest nurses to be more like Florence; innovative, critical thinkers, warm and compassionate and to let their lights shine.

Jones College Practical Nursing Graduates December 2022

  1. Jakeria Bailey, Waynesboro
  2. Miranda (Wright) Beckwith, Laurel
  3. Haley Boutwell, Sandersville
  4. Alexis Boyle, Sumrall
  5. Inez L. Bridgeman, Jackson
  6. Amber Brignac, Seminary
  7. Tameria Raymona’ Bunch, Canton
  8. Cyndi Colson, Magee
  9. Wayn-Keyera Davis, Waynesboro
  10. Kasey Dayon, Petal
  11. Chanece Denton, Meridian
  12. Kimbula Ducksworth, Laurel
  13. Briana Frierson, Hattiesburg
  14. Sarah Gonzalez, Leakesville
  15. Breuna Gray, Louin
  16. Sharrangelia Green, Waynesboro
  17. Makenzie Grimsley, Petal
  18. Kaitlyn Hennis, Hattiesburg
  19. Bailey Hobby, Greene County
  20. Arnissa Holloway, State Line (Wayne)
  21. Tacora Monique Houston, Ellisville
  22. Brooke Sky Hudson, Seminary
  23. Halie Jones, Laurel
  24. Jordyn Kittrell, State Line
  25. Kamecia Love, Hattiesburg
  26. TaQuana Magee, Tylertown
  27. Madison Matthew, Seminary
  28. Ashlynn McLeod, Leakesville
  29. Molly Mize, Sandersville
  30. Jelesia Moody, McLain
  31. Kaneesha Michele Moody, Beaumont
  32. Brittney Paige Morgan, Waynesboro
  33. Shanteshia Morgan, Wayne County
  34. NaToria Moulds, McLain
  35. Miracle Monai Murrell, Hattiesburg
  36. Ni’Esha Nelson, Heidelberg
  37. Megan Noble, Laurel
  38. Charla Packer, Hattiesburg
  39. Joy Dionne Powell, Prentiss
  40. Renee Price, Waynesboro
  41. Kia Deshae’ Pruitt, Hattiesburg
  42. Kasia Rankin, Waynesboro
  43. Hayley Deann Revette, Raleigh
  44. Jakarta Kyannah Ruffin, Laurel
  45. Knija Russell, Waynesboro
  46. Courtney Scarbrough, Ellisville
  47. Mahala Shelby, Richton
  48. Iiesha Stuckey, Mendenhall
  49. Alexis Keonna Taylor, Magee
  50. LaBrittany Triplett, Louisville
  51. Jacey Ann Varnado, Picayune
  52. Jonnah Walters, Ovett
  53. Stephanie Leann Wardell, Laurel
  54. Brooke Lashe’ Williams, Gulfport
  55. Gabriella Noelle Williams, Shubuta
  56. Karen Windham, Hattiesburg
  57. Lakesha Woulard, State Line
  58. Taniya Young, Richland