ELLISVILLE – The third class of Jones College’s Practical Nursing graduates earned their degrees at the Jasper County Center in Bay Springs and received their professional pins at a ceremony recently held at the Center. Amongst the 14 graduates, three students were honored with special recognition. Earning the Academic Excellence Award for having the highest average score in her class was Quinteshia Jones of Louin. The 26-year-old initially thought she wanted to be an educator but realized she had more opportunities in nursing to help more people.
“I really wanted to contribute more to my community and through nursing I think I can make a greater impact,” said Jones. “Graduating today, overcoming a hurdle that I honestly didn’t think I could do, because I felt I could handle the academic part, but I had to work on my mindset, feels good. I was lacking confidence but my support system, everyone at school, friends and family got me through this.”
Maylazia Hardy of Louin started the practical nursing program at the main campus in Ellisville but found the smaller classrooms and accessible instructors at the Jasper County Center was just what she needed to be successful. She earned the Rising Star Award during the Pinning and Completion Ceremony for showing continuous dedication and exceptional growth in the classroom and clinical setting and her positive attitude and perseverance has enriched her professionalism and nursing knowledge.
“Nursing gives me the opportunity to be more hands on in helping people and just spread the love,” said Jones. “I love putting smiles back on the faces of individuals who feel like they don’t matter or are overcome by illness and need to be lifted up to heal. That’s a great feeling!”
The Florence Nightingale Award went to Kelli Thornton of Louin because she encompasses all the qualities of Florence Nightingale, the founder of the nursing profession by exhibiting compassion, dedication, kindness and she embodies the true spirit of nursing. Practical Nursing Instructor at the Jasper County Center, Lisa Hammons shared,
“This class has shown an exceptional amount of dedication, perseverance, compassion and excellence throughout their time in this program,” said Hammons. “They are truly an exceptional group of women who are well prepared and ready to take on the new challenge of nursing in the workplace. I am confident in their abilities and could not be more proud of their success.”
For more information about the Practical Nursing Program at Jones College, offered in Jasper and Wayne Counties and on the main campus in Ellisville, click on the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/practicalnursing/
Jasper County Practical Nursing Summer Graduates
- Gabrielle LeRandra Batton, Florence
- McKenna Mysteè Bailey Cox, Louin
- Jermiah Cross, Clinton
- Maylazia Hardy, Louin
- Nadasha Jones, Louin
- Quinteshia Jones, Louin
- Criston Little, Mize
- Joashley Moncrief, Louin
- Tialea Parker, Laurel
- Monique Robinson, Newton
- Christauna Sanson, Laurel
- Kimberlea Strickland, Raleigh
- Kelli Thornton, Louin
- Karli Chandler Whisenhant, Vossburg
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Jones County Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Jones County Junior College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 3033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Statement of Non-Discrimination and ADA Statement: Jones County Junior College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices. The (ADA/ Section 504) ADA Coordinator, Student Affairs, phone 601-477-2673, and (Title IX) Title IX Coordinator, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127, have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policies. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.