ELLISVILLE – In an emotional and heartfelt ceremony, the 33 members of the summer graduating class of the Practical Nursing program at Jones College in Ellisville were honored during a traditional pinning ceremony held recently. The pinning ceremony is a longstanding tradition in the nursing profession, symbolizing the transition from student to nurse, acknowledging the compassion, dedication, and hard work the graduates have shown throughout their training. To make it even more special, friends, family members, faculty, and community members gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the nursing students, many of whom have overcome personal and academic challenges to reach this milestone.
“You are a truly an exceptional group, and this ceremony is a celebration of your determination, resilience, and countless hours of hard work that brought you to this moment,” Amy Myers, the Director of Practical Nursing said to the new graduates. “Nursing school is not for the faint of heart and you’ve proven that you have the strength, focus, and compassion needed to excel in this profession. I encourage you to keep learning to stay open, to stay curious, and to remember why you chose this path. Nursing is more than a career, it is a calling to care, to serve and make a difference in the lives of others.”
One example of determination and resiliency has been shown by Ellisville’s Hope Smith. After starting the program in 2021, she finished the Practical Nursing program four years later than she hoped. During that time, she had a child, took some time off from her education and began working full-time before returning to school a year ago. Her now three-and-a-half-year-old daughter Charlotte is the main reason she began dreaming of nursing again. Smith is pursuing a career in pediatrics because of her daughter’s special health needs.
“I’m coming back to Jones to finish some required classes for the R.N. program before I ‘bridge’ to the R.N. program,” said Smith. “I’m proud I did something and made something of myself for my daughter while being a young teenage mom. I was pregnant, finished high school and college and still graduated with my associates degree and now I’m a nurse!”
Not only did Smith become a nurse, but she was also honored with the Academic Excellence Award for demonstrating the ability to achieve in addition to excelling in every scholastic activity. Overcoming the challenge of being a working parent and a nursing student while also achieving the highest academic performance, Smith attributes to her supportive family.
“My dad kind of drilled it into me and my other sister that, ‘You’re going to make something of yourself.’ My sister has probably pushed me the hardest. Even though my parents are extremely proud of me, I think my sister Katelyn is the proudest,” Smith shared.
The Florence Nightingale Award recipient, Leah Englett of Seminary said nursing school saved her life. After spending 27 years being a hairdresser, she’s starting her life over as a nurse.
“Today means everything to me because I’ve always wanted to be a nurse, but I never had the confidence,” shared Englett. “I talked to Miss Burge and my advisor, and she saved my life, actually. I didn’t have any courage and when I came here, I wasn’t even able to hold my head up or give anyone eye contact. I’ve worked myself up so and this program has given me confidence too. I’ve also made such wonderful friends here. I would adopt every one of them!”
As part of the ceremony, each graduate was presented with a nursing pin which is a symbol of their readiness to serve and their connection to a long-standing tradition of care. Becoming a nurse was not 23-year-old, Ahmya Bacot of Hattiesburg’s first career choice. While working as a patient account representative at a clinic, that is when she realized she wanted to be a nurse. The Pinning and Lamp Lighting Ceremony, which is a culmination of one chapter in her nursing career has become more special as she “bridges” to the R.N. program.
“This ceremony means everything to me. It represents the late nights, the sacrifices, and the personal growth we’ve all experienced,” Bacot said. “Like many of us, we were filled with so many doubts, and I took a risk since I live on my own to budget and pay bills. One year later, after questioning whether or not I should take the risk, I’m a nurse with no doubts about my choice.”
Receiving the Rising Star Award was Petal’s Kaylie Derrick. This award is given to a student who has shown continuous dedication and exceptional growth in the classroom, and clinical settings. Her instructors said her positive attitude and perseverance have enriched her professionalism and nursing knowledge.
The ceremony concluded with the new nurses reciting the Florence Nightingale Pledge, which is a solemn vow to uphold the ethical and compassionate standards of nursing. After passing their licensure exams, these graduates will begin their careers in various healthcare settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics across the region and some will continue their nursing education. For more information about the Practical Nursing programs at Jones College, click on the website, https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/practicalnursing/
Jones College Practical Nursing Graduates Summer 2025
- Ahmya Bacot, Hattiesburg
- Sabrina Bobbitt, Lake
- Kovani Bolton, Brandon
- Sydney Burchfield, Laurel
- Tonancy Carranza, Ellisville
- Tempess Cooper, Moss Point
- Kaylie Derrick , Petal
- Leah Englett, Seminary
- LaKenneth Fairley, Mount Olive
- Arteia Keonna Gardner, Clinton
- Vinkodious Hilton, Collins
- Heather Howell, Ellisville
- Lindsey Johnson, Ellisville
- Bailey King, Leakesville
- Emma Kate King, Brandon
- Brent Lee, Clara
- Yasmine Lee, McComb
- Alexus Lindsey, Laurel
- Hannah Marie Martin, Puckett
- Chrisquisa Matthews, Waynesboro
- A’Keyia Darionne McDyess, Vossburg
- Faith Lashay Peavy, Columbia
- Quintena Pollard, Petal
- Deamberleye Rankin, Florence
- Anjelena Sanson, Laurel
- Hope Smith, Ellisville
- Allyson Strahan, Petal
- Jerneshia Turner, State Line
- Keanna Janay Walker, Collins
- Ashley Walters, Soso
- Jamie Watkins, Laurel
- Brittney Zeigler, Monroe, LA
- Ivy Zickus, Ellisville