ֱ

ֱ admin and USM President connect

ʳdzٴ:USM Interim President, Dr. Joe Paul, (pictured center left) recently met with administrators at ֱ to build upon the institutions’ relationship and future endeavors. Pictured left to right is ֱ’s Chief of Staff, Jon Fennell; Executive Vice President of Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer, Christy Holifield; Executive Vice President, Chief of Enrollment Management, Information Technology and Marketing Officer, Dr. Finee’ Ruffin; USM President, Dr. Joe Paul; ֱ President, Dr. Jesse Smith; Provost, Rick Youngblood; Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Tessa Flowers and Vice President of Advancement & Athletics, Dean of Students, Joel Cain.

ELLISVILLE – The University of Southern Mississippi’s Interim President, Dr. Joe Paul met with several ֱ administrators recently to discuss new ways to build upon the two institution’s relationship with students. Some ideas the two presidents discussed included how to make it easier for students to transition to USM and other transfer services, along with 2+2 agreements. This is the first time many of the ֱ administrators have met the new interim USM president and are eager to build more partnerships between JC and USM in the future.

ֱ students begin fall semester classes

ELLISVILLE – Despite the rain this week, ֱ students were all smiles and happy to be back on campus. Many of the students prepared for the drenching rain and said they are ready for the student activities and athletic events to begin. The first event, Meet the Bobcats was scheduled to be held Wednesday, August 24, but organizers moved the event to Thursday, September 1, at 5 p.m. before the first home football game of the season. The Bobcats face the Itawamba Indians at 7 p.m. in Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field, rain or shine!

 

ֱ’s Maroon Typhoon Marching Band features Karaoke classics

ELLISVILLE – The 160 member Maroon Typhoon Marching Band at ֱ is preparing a memorable half time performance and traditional pre-game show presenting songs that get “stuck in your head.” This year, the half-time show is a mix of music from the most played Karaoke chart toppers. Music from the 70’s through today will be scattered across the show as the Maroon Typhoon brings a night of Karaoke to its audience. Some songs include the music from Outkast, the B52’s, Brittney Spears, Neil Diamond, the Cranberries and Snoop Dogg are on the lineup.

Assistant Directors of Bands, (pictured left to right) Caleb Owenby and Dr. Lindsey Keay, Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge, Touch of Gold Choreographer/instructor, Lora Davis, Assistant Director of Bands, Dr. Josh Frans and Colorguard instructor, Meredith Owen.

“The band had an incredible band camp learning how to march cohesively and play some new challenging but fun music. I’m proud of how this group of students is working hard and rising to every challenge. They are making some great music and they are already bonding into the Typhoon Family,” said Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge.

The Maroon Typhoon will present its traditional pre-game show consisting of the JCJC Fight Song Fanfares, the National Anthem and the JC Fight Song. The Touch of Gold dancers will be featured during the musical presentation of “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga. The band ends the show with the fan favorite, JC Jam cheer and Hey Song.

“We are super proud of the students’ hard work and all the progress they are making in camp. I am looking forward to a wonderful season,” said Dr. Lindsey Keay.

The band’s first appearance will be on Wednesday, August 24, from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. as part of the Meet the Bobcats event in Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field. The public is invited to this free event.

For more information about the Maroon Typhoon contact Dr. Ben Burge by email at ben.burge@jcjc.edu and for the home football schedule featuring the Maroon Typhoon’s performances click on the JC Athletics website at

Name City High School Instrument

Julianna Anderson Petal Petal High School 01 Flute

Hailey (Ryvanna) Brown Laurel Northeast Jones High School 01 Flute

Kalilah Cash Ellisville South Jones High School 01 Flute

Kendra CollinsSeminary South Jones High School 01 Flute

Angela Cruz-Diaz Florence McLaurin High School 01 Flute

Halie Dunn Collins Collins High School 01 Flute

Julie King Hattiesburg Seminary High School 01 Flute

Erica Kitchens Seminary South Jones High School 01 Flute

Jessica Long Clara Wayne County High School 01 Flute

Jacey Mangrum Collins Collins High School 01 Flute

Eileen Ortega Seminary Seminary Attendance Center 01 Flute

Kristlyn Parker Collins Seminary Attendance Center 01 Flute

Kambri Pippin Laurel Northeast Jones High School 01 Flute

Brittney Smith Lucedale Greene County High School 01 Flute

Kaylea Yates Collins South Jones High School 01 Flute

Kaitlyn Beasley Ellisville Wayne County High School 02 Clarinet

Xowi Bush Laurel West Jonesones High School 02 Clarinet

Elda Cook Ellisville South Jones High School 02 Clarinet

Erin Fairchild Seminary Seminary High School 02 Clarinet

Madison Foxworth Foxworth West MarionHigh School 02 Clarinet

Heighlie Frias Laurel West Jones High School 02 Clarinet

Dayanara (Michel) Gonzalez Magee Magee High School 02 Clarinet

Destiny (Lanae) Keyes Laurel Laurel High School 02 Clarinet

Isabella Kittrell State Line Wayne County High School 02 Clarinet

Kaitlyn Massie Ellisville South Jones High School 02 Clarinet

Alexus McCullum Ellisville South Jones High School 02 Clarinet

Lorin Musgrove Soso West Jones High School 02 Clarinet

Katlyn Myrick Soso West Jones High School 02 Clarinet

Zoe Payne Quitman Quitman High School 02 Clarinet

Madilyn Pitts Pachuta Enterprise High School 02 Clarinet

Aaron Reiher Soso West Jones High School 02 Clarinet

Lena Ruble Petal Petal High School 02 Clarinet

Katelyn Singley Mize Magee High School 02 Clarinet

Darla Williams Waynesboro Wayne County High School 02 Clarinet

Logan Ingram Morton Raleigh Raleigh High School 03 Alto sax

Tykevia Watson Laurel Northeast Jones High School 03 Alto Sax

India Dearman Leakesville Greene County High School 03 Saxophone

Chloe Entrekin Ellisville South Jones High School 03 Saxophone

Eboni McDonald Taylorsville West Jones High School 03 Saxophone

LeighaThompson Ellisville South Jones High School 03 Saxophone

Sydney Tisdale Ellisville South Jones High School 03 Saxophone

Stacy (Darlene) Villaseca Laurel Northeast Jones HS 03 Saxophone

Phoebe Boozer Seminary South Jones HS 04 Tenor Saxophone

Tony Ducksworth Taylorsville Taylorsville High School 04 Tenor Saxophone

Dawson Temple Mize Mize Attendance Center 04 Tenor saxophone

Sarah Beavers Mize Mize Attendance Center 05 Horn

Zachary Hand Mize Mize Attendance Center 05 Horn

Emari Moody Shubuta Quitman High School 05 Horn

Camryn Torres Gautier Gautier High School 05 Horn

Ethan Ainsworth Laurel West Jones High School 06 Trumpet

Hailey Graves Soso West Jones High School 06 Trumpet

Julius (Jay) Green Terry Terry High School 06 Trumpet

Luis Hernandez Laurel Northeast Jones High School 06 Trumpet

Danielle Hollinghead Glade Northeast Jones High School 06 Trumpet

Summer Hughes Mize Mize Attendance Center 06 Trumpet

Mersadi McCarter Louin Raleigh High School 06 Trumpet

Cambrie McRee Ellisville South Jones High School 06 Trumpet

Ethan Noffke Seminary Seminary High School 06 Trumpet

Isaiah Pleas Laurel West Jones High School 06 Trumpet

Summer Satcher Enterprise Enterprise High School 06 Trumpet

Kyyora Sidney Laurel Laurel High School 06 Trumpet

Reagan Thornton Laurel Northeast Jones High School 06 Trumpet

Callie Tisdale Florence Richland High School 06 Trumpet

William (Kai) Welborn Petal Petal High School 06 Trumpet

Trinity Williams Brooklyn Forrest County AHS 06 Trumpet

Andres Avalos Soso West Jones High School 07 Trombone

Josef Castillo Laurel Northeast Jones High School 07 Trombone

Kylan Combest Laurel Laurel High School 07 Trombone

Keandranique Gilbert Laurel Laurel High School 07 Trombone

Jennifer Hernandez Laurel Northeast Jones High School 07 Trombone

Briana McGinty Purvis Purvis High School Trombone

Ethan Roberts Collins Mt. Olive Attendance Center 07 Trombone

Ian Sam Flowood Northwest Rankin High School 07 Trombone

Miyalexis Douglas Pearl Pearl High School 08 Euphonium

TJ May Mendenhall Mendenhall High School 08 Euphonium

De’Juan (DJ) Odems Gautier Gautier High School 08 Euphonium

James Rigdon Ellisville South Jones High School 08 Euphonium

Alyssa (Max) Adams Laurel West Jones High School 09 Tuba

Trinity Gieger Laurel West Jones High School 09 Tuba

Ronald (R.J.) Hughes Laurel West Jones High School 09 Tuba

Nylah (Gabby) McKenzie Laurel Laurel High School 09 Tuba

Caleb Nichols Heidelberg Northeast Jones High School 09 Tuba

J’Len Noel Quitman Quitman High School 09 Tuba

Leo Norman Ellisville South Jones High School 09 Tuba

Cameron Pippen Laurel Northeast Jones High School 09 Tuba

Xavier Porter Laurel Laurel High School 09 Tuba

Aaron Mason Raleigh Raleigh High School 10 Bass 1

Conner Smith Mize Mize Attendance Center 10 Bass 2

Drake Sellers Mize Mize Attendance Center 10 Bass 3

Cody Holliday Florence Florence High School 10 Bass 4

Michael Arevalo Pearl Pearl High School 10 Snare

Logan Evans Laurel Northeast Jones High School 10 Snare

Casie Husack Moselle South Jones High School 10 Snare

Adrian Roberts Shubuta Quitman High School 10 Snare

Peyton Rowell Petal Petal High School 10 Snare

Joshua Evans Waynesboro Wayne County High School 10 Tenors

Jeffery Wimbley Chatom, AL Washington County HS 10 Tenors

Nicolas Barnes Hattiesburg Purvis High School Lamar 11 Front Ensemble

Michael Beasley Buckatunna Wayne County High School 11 Front Ensemble

Aidan Brewton Bay Springs Bay Springs High School 11 Front Ensemble

Tyler Cash Ellisville South Jones High School 11 Front Ensemble

Shana Davis Jayess Woodlawn Prep High School 11 Front Ensemble

Kaitlyn Huddleston Laurel West Jones High School 11 Front Ensemble

Jordan Stianche Petal Petal High School 11 Front Ensemble

Lakiriya (Kira) Stokes Waynesboro Wayne County HS 11 Front Ensemble

Bradley Tyson Petal Petal High School 11 Front Ensemble

Haley Robinson Florence Florence High School 12 Cologuard

Hayleigh Cantrell Brandon Puckett High School 12 Colorguard

Mya Carter Pearl Pearl High School 12 Colorguard

Taylor Channell Pearl Pearl High School 12 Colorguard

Anahi Chercoles Forest Forest High School 12 Colorguard

Kaitlin Davis Meridian Enterprise High School 12 Colorguard

Emilee (Paige) Farve Heidelberg Northeast Jones HS 12 Colorguard

Arielle Grimaldo Moselle South Jones High School 12 Colorguard

Gabrielle Hankins Purvis Northeast Jones High School 12 Colorguard

Alisha Hudson Laurel Northeast Jones High School 12 Colorguard

Emma Jackson Brandon Northwest Rankin High School 12 Colorguard

Jay’Nia Keyes Taylorsville Mize Attendance Center 12 Colorguard

Gabriella Lopez Brandon Northwest Rankin High School 12 Colorguard

Kaylee Moss (Fulgum) Laurel West Jones High School 12 Colorguard

Charlee Norman Ellisville South Jones High School 12 Colorguard

Ardajah Pierce Laurel Northeast Jones High School 12 Colorguard

Haley Robinson Florence Florence High School 12 Colorguard

Dori Saranthus Magee Mize Attendance Center 12 Colorguard

Rebekah SudduthPearl Pearl High School Rankin 12 Colorguard

Christian (Doll) Swindle Waynesboro Wayne County HS 12 Colorguard

Lily Taylor Pearl Pearl High School 12 Colorguard

Layken Valentine Ellisville West Jones High School 12 Colorguard

Sheridan White Soso West Jones High School 12 Colorguard

Kelly Biglane Ellisville South Jones High School 13 Dancer

Bailie Bishop Taylorsville West Jones High School 13 Dancer

Weslyn Blackwell Ellisville South Jones High School 13 Dancer

Hanna Broadwater Pearl Pearl High School 13 Dancer

Taylor Garretson Leakesville Greene County High School 13 Dancer

Haley Gibbs Laurel Excellence in Learning Academy 13 Dancer

Karlee GreenLaurel West Jones High School 13 Dancer

Kendall Johnson Soso West Jones High School 13 Dancer

Kelsey Lawrence Ellisville South Jones High School 13 Dancer

Kinsey Lawson Ellisville South Jones High School 13 Dancer

Meg Matthews Raleigh Raleigh High School 13 Dancer

Madi Temple Pearl Pearl High School 13 Dancer

Jessie Wallace Mendenhall Simpson Academy 13 Dancer

Jessica Manning Quitman Quitman High School 15 Drum Major

Melania Sanders Columbia Columbia High School 15 Drum Major

Rachel Turner Petal Perry Central High School 15 Drum Major

Donna Cameron Kokomo West Marion High School 16 Manager

Tyler Dunn Waynesboro Wayne County High School 16 Manager

Cameron Freeman New Augusta Perry Central High School 16 Manager

Emma Hampton Petal Petal High School 16 Manager

Serenity (Cici) Lawson Petal Petal High School 16 Manager

Sydnee Mabe Petal Petal High School 16 Manager

Marcus Nixon Laurel West Jones High School 16 Manager

Brandy Roper Wiggins Stone High School 16 Manager

Gracye Tower Runnelstown Perry Central High School 16 Manager

Alexandria (Alli) Smith Waynesboro Wayne County HS 16 Manager

 

Summer Session Honor Roll at ֱ Announced

ELLISVILLE – ֱ has announced the 2022 Summer Session honor roll scholars. Full-Time students with 15 hours or more and who maintain the following grade-point averages will make the honor roll: President’s List–4.0; Dean’s List–3.99-3.5: Faculty List–3.49-3.0.

ֱ President’s List Summer 2022

Adams Natchez: Emily A Rasco.

Forrest Petal: Grace Irene Robbins.

Greene Leakesville: Scott James Brocious and Nicholas Levi McArn.

Greene Neely: Christopher Ryan Huey and Clayton Westley Moody.

Greene State Line:Sarah G Gonzalez.

Jasper Louin: Christopher Thomas Lee Hillman.

Jones Ellisville: Darrell McCullum.

Jones Laurel: Antwoin Shaiqun Jones, Joshua Hewitt Thurman and Keyera C Waters.

Jones Moselle: Dayton Orion Davis.

Lamar Purvis: Samuel Aaron Walters.

Lawrence Jayess: Sydney Ruth Pevey and Christy Lea Stuart.

Perry New Augusta.: Arseunna Morriel Hardin

Perry Richton: Jayson Lowery Dykes.

Wayne Buckatunna: Maggie Saige Mason

Wayne Richton: Emily Christine Beck.

 

ֱ Dean’s List Honor Roll Summer 2022

Covington Collins: Levi Adison Brenner and Calder Hale Mikell.

Covington Mount Olive: Amerie D Sherman.

Covington Seminary: John W Price.

Forrest Hattiesburg: Kami Anne Moler and Gavin Lavon Wells.

Forrest Petal: Jimmy Clifton Rogers.

George Lucedale: Cole M Hillman, Jerry Crowder Holland and Dulce Analilia Lara.

Greene Leakesville: Woodard Lee Eubanks and Bradley Jackson Snyder.

Greene McLain: Zane Mitchell Turner.

Jackson Ocean Springs: America S Stokes.

Jasper Stringer: Alexis Grace Herrington.

Jones Ellisville: Marleigh Makay Rayner.

Jones Laurel: Andrew Jacob Bush, Ariyana Monique Logan, Austin Tabyiss Pruitt and Liam Saxon Walker.

Jones Moselle: Jonathan Stewart Martin.

Jones Sandersville: Tracy Dalan Sumrall.

Jones Soso: Miles Dwayne Dennis and Cameron Scott Johnston.

Lamar Purvis: Seth Curtis Pounds.

Lamar Sumrall: Gary Jeff Fagan.

Lawrence Monticello: Amber Shakara Newsom.

Perry Petal: Kristen Elizabeth Holder.

Perry Richton: Braxton Edward Inmon and Harley Jeffery Roberts.

Pike Magnolia: Chasity I Moses.

Simpson Mount Olive: Abigayle Grace Adcox.

Smith Mize: Tristan Patrick Craft.

Smith Mize: Joseph Drew Johnson.

Smith Taylorsville: Effie Rawls Klein.

Walthall Tylertown: Elijah Dewayne Wells.

Washington Greenville: Lejaylyn Erlando Nutall.

Wayne Waynesboro: Stephanie Rena Crist and Marquez Tyreon Hundley.

Winston Noxapater: Chase Myers Ray.

 

ֱ Faculty List Summer 2022

Clarke Shubuta: Zandarrius M Blakley and Ronneyeka Jacwanna Duncan.

Covington Seminary: Amber Jones Brignac and Brittany Nicole Cummins.

Forrest Hattiesburg: Bailey M Hobby, Kamecia D Love, Kia D Pruitt, Le’chasity Danyelle Taylor and Jacey Ann Varnado.

Forrest Petal: Selencia Petreice Roberts and Asa Graham Theus.

George Lucedale: Richard Douglas Bullock, Lorrie Morgan Kluck and Brittany Nicole Pipkins.

Greene Leakesville: Kenzell D Blakely.

Greene McLain: Mitchell Terrell Brown and Anthony Lee London.

Greene Neely: Vickie Lynn Byrd.

Greene Richton: Shara Lynn Beasley.

Jasper Heidelberg: Kelsie Destina Jordan.

Jasper Louin: Christopher Austin Thornton.

Jasper Vossburg: Ni’esha Na’sha Nelson.

Jefferson Davis Prentiss: Joy Dionne Powell.

Jones Ellisville: Labrittany Marshae Triplett.

Jones Laurel: Taylor Mackenzie Barkley, Vicky Carol Broome, Tacora Monique Houston, Nadia A McKenzie, Diana Shai Moore, Cody Lee Pitts, Richard Anthony Pitts and Brandon Yanez.

Jones Sandersville: Haley Elizabeth Boutwell and Molly Olivia Mize.

Jones Soso: Emma J Williams.

Kemper Ovett: Jonnah Elizabeth Walters.

Lamar Hattiesburg: Inez Latrice Bridgeman, Johni Cassidy Graham, Megan Michaela McMichael and Miracle M Murrell.

Lauderdale Meridian: Chanece Lanae Denton.

Leake Carthage: Brittany Blair Thompson.

Madison Camden: Laura Kristen Walker.

Newton Canton: Erien Ashaureyah Caldwell.

Rankin Braxton: Samuel Logan Marshall.

Rankin Florence: Baylee Chance.

Simpson Magee: Alexis Keonna Taylor.

Simpson Mendenhall: Cyndi Leigh Colson.

Smith Bay Springs: Christi Duckworth Smith and Keegan Daniel Tumblin.

Smith Raleigh: Hayley Deann Revette and Jaylen Makenna Stringer.

Smith Taylorsville: Daniel Martinez.

Walthall Tylertown: Taquana S Magee.

Wayne Buckatunna: Abigail Grace Rigney.

Wayne Waynesboro: Christopher Dalton Hudson, Drake Allan Loftin and Janice Renee Price.

 

ֱ’s practical nursing grads are ready for new challenges

ELLISVILLE – A pinning and graduation ceremony for 21 students who recently finished ֱ’s Practical Nursing program was held to celebrate their accomplishments while overcoming many obstacles. Completing the one-year program, was a challenge for some like 31-year-old Le’Chasity Taylor of Hattiesburg. The single mother of a 10-year-old girl previously earned an associate of arts degree in veterinary medicine. After working in the animal world for one and half years, she decided to find a new career working at Forrest General Hospital which lasted nine years working for different departments including the pathology lab, clinic lab and as an acute care tech on the medical surgical floor. Still wanting more, Taylor pursued a career in nursing.

“Without the support and encouragement of my family it would have been even harder without their push. With a few prayers and my family, I am here about to graduate,” said Taylor.

Christi Smith with Teresa McDonald, Assistant Dean of Health Sciences

Christi Smith of Bay Springs also overcame the challenges of raising a 2-year-old, and a 6-year-old with her husband Devan while enrolled in the three-semester program. She left her job at Magnolia State Bank after six years, to fulfill the dream she’s had since high school.

“Nursing school was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done, on top of having kids and a husband but I really enjoyed it,” Smith shared. “I couldn’t have done this without my supporters and the amazing instructors. I’m really excited ֱ is expanding the Practical Nursing program to Jasper County to make it more convenient for more people to earn their degree closer to home.”

Smith plans to return to ֱ after working for a year to earn her Associates Degree in Nursing. After earning the Florence Nightingale Award at the pinning and graduation ceremony at ֱ, Smith said it just confirms that nursing is what she needs to do.

“I just about cried when they called my name. I am honored and I hope I can live up to the expectations that the founder of nursing embodied,” said Smith.

Maggie Mason being pinned by Amy Myers, Practical Nursing Director

For Maggie Mason, being a ֱ graduate of nursing is the continuation of a legacy established by Mason’s great grandmother, Martha Clanton and Maggie’s mother, Wanda Mason. The Wayne County family has worked in home health care for 20 and 25 years respectively before continuing their nursing careers at the Wayne County Nursing Home. Maggie hopes to follow a similar path as she celebrates joining the ranks of the nursing profession.

“I’ve always looked up to them as role models since I was in kindergarten, as being really awesome. It is so awesome to be here today, since I waited for this day, forever it seems! There were times I felt like it wasn’t going to happen, but I tried really hard, and I’m really excited about being here,” said Maggie.

Practical Nursing instructor, Ashley Harrison awards Keyera Waters with the Academic Excellence Award.

During the ceremony, the faculty recognized three students for different accomplishments. The Academic Excellence Award was given to the student who demonstrated the ability to not only achieve, but who also excelled in scholastic activities. Keyera Waters of Laurel had the highest average and demonstrated superior academic performance.

Arseunna Hardin from New Augusta was selected for the Rising Star Award. Faculty felt like she had shown continuous dedication and exceptional growth in the classroom and clinical studies. Her positive attitude and perseverance enriched her professionalism and nursing knowledge. The Florence Nightingale Award was given to Smith because like the founder of nursing, Smith embodies the spiritof nursing by exhibiting professionalism, integrity, and selflessness

Practical nursing instructors Ashley Harrison and Jill Burge award Arseunna Hardin with the Rising Star Award.

towards humanity. These are the qualities Nightingale implemented into the nursing profession, along with compassion and dedication for all patients.

The pinning and graduation ceremony culminated with the traditional lighting of the nursing lamp, like Nightingale used to see for the injured soldiers of the Crimean War in 1853. Faculty members lit their lamps and passed the flame to each student as a symbolic measure of passing on their knowledge.

“Graduates, as you leave here and begin your careers, you too will bring light to the sick, the anxious and the suffering…. Let your light shine before men so they may see your good works. Never forget how important you are. You have accomplished a great thing. We are very proud of you so go out there and let your light shine!” said Practical Nursing instructor, Jill Burge.

For more information about ֱ’s Practical Nursing Program at the Jasper CountyCenter, call the Jasper County Center at (601) 477-5473 or check out the website at /workforce/locations/jasper-campus/ and to learn more about ֱ’s Practical Nursing program click on the website at /programs/practicalnursing/.