ELLISVILLE – Recognizing the hard work, perseverance and dedication required to complete the Practical Nursing program, Jones College faculty and administration honored the 26 graduates of Fall 2025 Practical Nursing class with a Pinning Ceremony. Family members, friends and faculty joined the college leadership to celebrate the graduates as they officially transitioned into the nursing profession. Jones College’s Director of the Practical Nursing program, Amy Myers praised the graduates for their resilience and commitment.
“Our December graduates represent the best characteristics of practical nursing. They are hard-working, compassionate, and committed to caring for their communities,” Myers said. “This class has shown remarkable perseverance. They balanced demanding coursework, clinicals, families, jobs, and some unexpected challenges. They are entering the nursing profession with the resilience our communities depend on.”
Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith congratulated the graduates and emphasized the impact their chosen profession will have on others.
“They have embraced one of the noblest careers which makes life better for others,” Smith said. “The comfort, strength and care they are going to give throughout their lives will make the world a better place.”
Zepharah Jones of Jackson challenged the Level 1 Practical Nursing students as she reflected on the challenges of nursing school and the determination it took to succeed.
“Nursing school didn’t break us to hurt us, but to show us the depth of our courage, compassion and calling,” Jones shared. “This achievement is a testament to our faith, hard work, determination and resilience.”
Her classmate, Jaylyn Geddie of Ellisville said completing the program was both difficult and rewarding.
“It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” Geddie said. “It was not easy at all, but I had the best teachers who made sure I did what I had to do to graduate. I’m very thankful for them.”
During the ceremony, faculty members presented three awards recognizing outstanding student achievement. Brittany Perry of Laurel received the Academic Excellence Award for earning the highest scholastic average in the program. Le’Kenya Arrington of Ellisville was honored with the Rising Star Award for her dedication, growth and professionalism. The Florence Nightingale Award, recognizing compassion, integrity and selflessness, was presented to Zoe Clingon of Sandersville.
After receiving their nursing pins, faculty encouraged the new nurses to carry forward the values learned throughout the program and to continue serving their communities with skill, integrity and compassion. The 26 new graduates recited the Practical Nurse’s Pledge and per tradition, the Pinning Ceremony ended by honoring the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale’s compassion, service and care with the Lighting of the Lamps. Nightingale used a lamp during the Crimean War to aid wounded soldiers and thereafter established the nursing profession.
Jones College Practical Nursing Graduates December 2025
- Le’Kenya Ny-Asia Arrington, Ellisville
- Kayla Patterson Chapman, Ellisville
- Zoe Clingon, Sandersville
- Dyamond Coleman, Waynesboro
- Makayla Zahara Davis, Laurel
- Tamya Ja’nae Edison, Collins
- Jaylyn Geddie, Ellisville
- Kamya Graves, Heidelberg
- Kaiden Guy, Petal
- Brooklyn Holton, Gulfport
- Elisha Horne, Vossburg
- Kylee Hughes, Mt. Olive
- Sha’ Tyre Hunter, Woodville
- Kivionna Johnson, Prentiss
- Karlmecia Jones, Southaven
- Zepharah Jones, Jackson
- Jasmin Michelle King, Laurel
- Jamia McCord, Grenada
- Heidi Odom, Waynesboro
- Madalynn Grace Owens, Bay Springs
- Brittany Perry, Laurel
- Madison Tidwell, Laurel
- Dylan Walker, Laurel
- Ethan Walters, Laurel
- Xandria Alexis Weatherton, Vossburg
- Jeakayla Wright, Mobile, Alabama