Jones College’s 36 practical nursing graduates enter profession when most needed

ELLISVILLE – Thirty-six new, Practical Nursing graduates from Jones College are entering nursing when the profession needs them the most. The Pinning Ceremony at Jones celebrated the accomplishments of this group of nursing graduates as they begin their professional journey in nursing. Career and Technical Dean, Rod Tolbert praised the nurses for accepting the challenge of becoming part of the solution.

“When this class began nursing school, the Covid-19 pandemic was at its height. Most people were running the other way, but these courageous and noble students answered the call to a challenging situation. Thank you for your commitment to the health and well-being of others,” said Tolbert.

Raleigh’s Reagan Revette, one of the newest, practical nursing graduates said she was working in a nursing home as a therapy technician when she was inspired by the nurses she worked beside during the pandemic, prompting her to join the profession.

“The nurses had such an incredible impact on the Covid patients. I wanted to help patients like the nurses I witnessed in the nursing home, so I started the nursing program at Jones. I learned so much and I loved my experience here at Jones,” said Revette who plans to continue her education.

Jones College’s Director of the Practical Nursing Program, Amy Myers said this year’s nursing graduates were challenged during their education and will most likely continue to be challenged in their careers.

“They have completed nursing school during a stressful time in our history. They’ve persevered to successfully complete a fast and rigorous program during a pandemic. They have proved to be capable of great things. We faculty members celebrate their accomplishments because seeing nursing students achieve their goals and succeed is one of our proudest moments as instructors,” said Myers.

Abby Jordan with Rod Tolbert
Ashley Harrison with Alexis Cook

Three students were honored for their accomplishments during the three-semester program. Reagan Revette of Raleigh earned the Academic Excellence Award for having the highest academic average. The Rising Star Award was presented to Abby Jordan of Taylorsville for her continuous dedication and growth in the classroom and clinical setting, and her positive attitude and perseverance which enriched her professionalism and nursing knowledge. Alexis Cook of Stringer was honored to receive the Florence Nightingale Award amongst the full-time practical nursing program graduates by Jones College faculty who believe she exhibits the qualities of the founder of nursing, with her professionalism, integrity, and selfless attitude.

The Pinning and Graduation Ceremony ended with 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. For more information about the Practical Nursing Program, check out the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/practicalnursing/

Practical Nursing Graduates December 2021

Maleah Marie Barnes, CollinsBridgette Boleware, Petal

Shawna Nicole Breland, George County

Elizabeth Carr, Pearl River County

Alexis Cook, Stringer

Summer Davis, Laurel

Breana Deem, Poplarville

Peyton Ford, Moselle

Marvin Fuller, Monticello 

Rene Fuller, Puckett 

ShaQwanna Gandy, Quitman 

Molly Elmore Graves, Seminary/Brandon

Destiny Nicole Hooks, Ellisville 

Kristen Hunt, Leakesville

Jone’t Johnson, Wayne County

Tawiana Jones, Heidelberg

Abby Jordan, Taylorsville

Ta’Kyra Lampton, Columbia

Lauryn Paige Loper, Waynesboro

Debra Magee, Collins

Madyson Mann, Laurel

Emily Matherne, Purvis

Ladeidra Rhodes McDuffie, Monticello

Logan Miller, Wayne County

Briana Jean Nix, Moselle

Sarah Amanda Phelps, Ellisville

Latonya McCullum Poole, Prentiss

Gilneshiakee Pope, Wayne County

Reagan Danielle Revette, Raleigh

Trista Shoemake, Purvis

Taylor Stauffer, Laurel

Chelsea LaRose Vaxter, Carthage

Lauren Waites, Waynesboro

Dakota Lobrano Wallace, Hattiesburg

Amy Waters, Ellisville

Karea M Welch, Hattiesburg