ELLISVILLE – The Jones College Radiologic Technology program celebrated the accomplishments of 10 graduates of the program recently. Some graduates already have jobs while others are looking at different options in the field after completing the six-semester program according to JC Program Director Mandy Pearson. She credits their excellent performance and dedication to learning and mastering new skills as the reason for their success in the job market.
“These program graduates have put forth great effort to succeed in earning this degree. Their next step is the ARRT national certification examination, and I know they are prepared and will continue their success to become Registered Radiologic Technologists. We cannot wait to see the impactful futures ahead for these graduates as they become Registered Technologists and join the health care workforce!” said Mandy Pearson.
Earning the Radiologic Technology program degree were Esha Arora, Clinton; Tamya L Barnes, Ridgeland; Cayden Emile Bellanger, Franklinton, LA; Virginia G. Coleman, Laurel; Charleise Tonai Hill, Hattiesburg; Aisya Audreanna McCormick, Hattiesburg; Kelsie Grace Mitchell, Sand Hill; Britlyn Jade Phillips, Laurel; Triniti Joy Scott, Hattiesburg and Skylar Lynlee Terrell, Liberty. Two of the new graduates, Cayden Bellanger and Virginia “Gracie” Coleman, also earned scholarships to continue their education.
The Mississippi Radiological Society awarded a $400 scholarship to Virginia “Gracie” Coleman of Laurel who was also named the Outstanding Radiologic Technology student in the program. The requirements set forth by the Mississippi Radiological Society include having a high academic record, being of sound moral character and having financial need.
Each year, the Mississippi Society of Radiologic Technologists presents a scholarship to an outstanding radiography student from each radiography program in the state of Mississippi. This year, Cayden Bellanger of Franklinton, Louisiana received a $200 scholarship from the Mississippi Society of Radiologic Technologists. He was a member of the MSRT state professional organization, has demonstrated good moral character and professionalism in both the classroom and clinical settings, while maintaining a competitive GPA.
Bellanger also earned the Academic Student of the Year Award. He exceeded the program’s graduation requirements and maintained a competitive grade point average for the duration of his college experience. Bellanger met these requirements all while holding a part-time, student tech position with one of the clinical facilities.
Britlyn Phillips of Laurel earned the Clinical Student of the Year Award. This award is given to a student that excels in the clinical setting and goes above and beyond their clinical duties. Phillips was the student selected by the staff within JC’s seven-affiliate clinical sites made up of clinical instructors and radiologic technologists.
“I am grateful to receive this special honor,” said Phillips. “I love being able to help patients and being able to see everything to help them get well.”
Selected by the members of the Jones College’s graduating Radiologic Technology class, the following technologists in the clinical setting made a positive impression on the graduates and were honored during the graduation ceremony.
Amanda Magee, R.T.(R) was voted as the Clinical Instructor of the Year. Each facility has only one, maybe two, clinical instructors as the students’ point of contact during their clinical time at the facility. The Radiographer of the Year was bestowed upon Caroline Stuart, R.T. (R). She is a staff technologist that works well with and establishes a good relationship with the students from one of the seven clinical affiliates.
Jones College Radiology Graduates May 2025
Name Hometown High School______
Esha Arora, Clinton Clinton Christian Academy
Tamya L Barnes Ridgeland Ridgeland High School
Cayden Emile Bellanger Franklinton, LA C & S Grace Academy (homeschool)
Virginia G Coleman Laurel West Jones High School
Charleise Tonai Hill Hattiesburg Hattiesburg High School
Aisya Audreanna McCormick Hattiesburg Oak Grove High School
Kelsie Grace Mitchell Sand Hill Greene County High School
Britlyn Jade Phillips Laurel Northeast Jones High School
Triniti Joy Scott Hattiesburg North Forrest High School
Skylar Lynlee Terrell Liberty Amite School Center
