糖心直播

ELLISVILLE 鈥� The 糖心直播 football team has excelled on the road for the first two games, and now the Drum Majors for the Typhoon Marching Band are ready to debut their show before the home crowd. Returning sophomore drum majors, Elisa Cook of Meridian and Chaz Welborn of Ellisville are joined by Laney Ingram of Raleigh and they are ready to 鈥済roove鈥� with the 101-member Typhoon Marching Band at 糖心直播.

鈥淚 am looking forward to entertaining our audience with the 鈥楨lements of Groove: A Typhoon Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire鈥� show,鈥� said Cook. 鈥淚 think the audience will love the extravagant sound coming from our horn players.鈥�

The business and marketing management technology major spent two years of leadership experience as a Clarkdale High School Drum Major, earning the title of MHSAA Superior Drum Major. Additionally, she has been a member of the marching and concert bands at Clarkdale High School, President of the FBLA, and she served as the 2024 Miss Black Queen City Talented Teen.

Welborn is also an experienced musician playing in the marching, jazz and concert bands at Northeast Jones High School. The sophomore electromechanical technology major enjoyed watching the Typhoon Marching Band in parades and at the games when he was younger. To be in a leadership role now, is an accomplishment he is proud of and takes this responsibility, seriously.

鈥淏eing a member of a group that had a major influence in my life has been a great honor,鈥� said Welborn. 鈥淏and camp was a major success and I鈥檓 proud the special traditions of the Typhoon have continued.鈥�

Bringing a fresh excitement to the Typhoon, is nursing major from Morton, Laney Ingram who said she is, 鈥済etting into the groove with the rest of the Typhoon.鈥� For the past four years as a member of the Raleigh High School band, Ingram and her twin sister Linsey have watched the halftime show at JC and are excited to finally be a part of the Typhoon.

鈥淚 wanted to be the drum major for the Typhoon so badly that I watched videos I recorded of their halftime show and you can hear me getting excited over every cool cue they added to their routine or every time I was inspired by their performance. I would often find a way to incorporate some moves into my high school marching band performance,鈥� shared Ingram.

Her determination, practice and lessons over the years proved to be successful. Ingram said being the drum major at JC is one of the best decisions she鈥檚 made.

鈥淚 love the Typhoon, and I hope that I can be a drum major that encourages others to join like my co-drum majors inspired me!鈥�

These drum majors鈥� first public appearance leading the Typhoon Marching Band onto the field will be on Thursday, September 11, when 糖心直播 hosts Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in football at 7 p.m. at Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field when the 2025 members of the Sports Hall of Fame are recognized.

ELLISVILLE 鈥� Just before Wendy Mendoza of Laurel graduated from 糖心直播 last May, she learned she was selected as one of only three college students in the state to be accepted into the Mississippi Rural Dentists Scholarship Program. She is also the first JC graduate to earn such an honor in the program鈥檚 12-year history.

鈥淲endy Mendoza is an exceptional young woman who has worked hard here at 糖心直播,鈥� said her JC advisor and biology instructor, Dr. Melinda Butler. 鈥淣o one is more deserving of the MS Rural Dentist Scholarship than Wendy. She is self-confident, resourceful, and possesses excellent interpersonal skills. Wendy will become a caring dentist.鈥�

In fact, Mendoza is well on her way to becoming a dentist by being accepted into this prestigious program coordinated through the University of Mississippi Medical Center. After enduring three rounds of interviews at UMMC, and being accepted into the program in May, Mendoza took part in the initial phase of the two-year undergraduate prep for dental school over the summer. She also began the academic pathway into the pre-dental program at the University of Mississippi on August 25.

鈥淚n July, we toured the dental school, learned about Dental Admission Tips and did waxing teeth activities during a two-day introduction at UMMC,鈥� shared Mendoza. 鈥淚t was a lot of fun!鈥�

Being a dentist is not something Mendoza has always dreamt about, but she did enjoy going to the dentist as a young child. Her original goal has always been to be a dental hygienist but then she realized there are not many dentists with a similar background as her.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a male dominated field but when I was young, I had to translate every single thing for my parents because they don鈥檛 speak English. I want to be able to help those who have similar backgrounds, and I鈥檝e always loved everything about the dentist and oral health. I even enjoyed playing dental video games as a kid,鈥� shared the 2023 West Jones High School graduate.  

As she began her freshman year of college at JC, conversations with her advisor made her consider changing her career plans, but she had to overcome shyness. Being a member of the Bobcat Brigade and working at a local contractor鈥檚 office helped her gain confidence to handle the interviews and rigors of dental school.

鈥淛ones is a great place to start. I needed this place because like any medical major, the classes are difficult. The smaller class sizes allowed me to make friends with the few people taking organic chemistry and the instructor. Being involved with Bobcat Brigade, meeting people and giving tours also helped me personally. Furthermore, my boss鈥檚 wife, and EVP of Marketing at JC, Dr. Finee鈥� Ruffin coached me on how to handle my nerves during interviews,鈥� said Mendoza. 鈥淥riginally, I had a scholarship to play soccer at a different school but I didn鈥檛 feel comfortable so I thought I would see how I would do at Jones. It was better than I could ever imagine. Everything fell into place.鈥�

Shadowing local dentists while at Jones also helped Mendoza decide her career path and being accepted for the Rural Dentists Scholarship Program, solidified her choice. Through the MRDSP, Mendoza will have opportunities to work with and be mentored by local dentists, and she will get additional training through dental encounters. If she gets accepted into dental school after earning her bachelor’s degree, she will have up to four years of her tuition paid. In return, she plans to return to Ellisville to practice.

鈥淓llisville is where I started so I think I want to give back here because so many people helped me here in Ellisville,鈥� said Mendoza. 鈥淚 can even see myself mentoring other future dentists if I have my office down the road from 糖心直播.鈥�

VP of Enrollment Management at Jones, Dr. Amanda McLeod, is sure Mendoza will not only succeed but thrive. She witnessed her growth as a member of the enrollment management team鈥檚 student leaders when Mendoza was a member of the Bobcat Brigade.

鈥淲endy Mendoza is exactly the kind of future healthcare professional our rural communities need. She is driven, compassionate, and committed to making a difference. I have no doubt she鈥檒l make a lasting impact on the lives of the patients and communities she serves,鈥� McLeod said proudly.  

Mendoza and Mississippi State University students, Haley Harris of Louisville, and Haley Jenkins of Meridian were also accepted into the Mississippi Rural Dentists Scholarship Program this year. For more information about the MRDSP click on the website:

ELLISVILLE 鈥� More than 160 High School Equivalency (HSE) diplomas were distributed to graduates who completed their HSE at 糖心直播 with about 100 graduates participating in the Commencement Ceremony to celebrate their accomplishments. Brother and sister duo, Ta鈥橫ya and Dimeco Mercer from Waynesboro were especially excited to receive their diplomas together. Dimeco鈥檚 future looks a little brighter thanks to Wayne County Center鈥檚 Out-of-School-Youth Career Coach, Reed Walters and his younger sister, Ta鈥橫ya鈥檚 encouragement.

鈥淏asically, I was a high school drop-out at 14. I got kicked out of school, got sent up the road. I was in trouble,鈥� said the now 20-year-old, Dimeco. 鈥淏ut I couldn鈥檛 let my little sister beat me. Even though I did all that, I got to graduate with my sister. She kept pushing me and Mr. Reed is a great counselor, mentor and teacher. He stuck in there with me and made sure we got things done.鈥�

His sister, 17-year-old Ta鈥橫ya, is set on being a nurse but didn鈥檛 like going to public school. Graduating with her brother has been a special memory for both.

鈥淭his means a lot to both of us, to graduate with her because she influenced and inspired me. Now, I want to be a mechanic or a plumber,鈥� said Dimeco. Ta鈥橫ya added, 鈥淚鈥檓 very excited about graduating with him. I鈥檓 proud and I鈥檒l probably cry.鈥�

Also earning her diploma after waiting for more than 20 years, is 35-year-old Phyllis Evans of Laurel. She decided now was the time partly because her 16-year-old and 10-year-old urged Evans to get her HSE and live out her dream of becoming a teacher.

鈥淚 never thought this day would come!鈥� explained Evans. 鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely an accomplishment and I鈥檓 proud of myself. It took me a long time to get the courage to go back to school. However, I discovered it鈥檚 never too late to get your education.鈥�

Not only did Evans get her diploma, but she also earned a scholarship as the highest scoring student from Jones County. Overall, this class of graduates has been awarded nearly $65,000 in scholarships according to 糖心直播鈥檚 Director of Adult Education, Dr. Tiffany Culpepper. Receiving the Greene County Scholarship and the $500 糖心直播 Foundation Scholarship was Jesse Moran from Leakesville for having the overall highest score.

鈥淭his really means a lot to me. I don鈥檛 really think I deserve something like this, but I realize it鈥檚 all part of God鈥檚 plan for me,鈥� said Moran. 鈥淚 owe a lot to my friends and family. I鈥檇 say the people around me got me to where I am right now and I believe God put these people in my life to help take care of me.鈥�

Clarke County鈥檚 Scholarship recipient was Sarah Beth Smith with Alayjah Yockey of Bay Springs earning the Jasper County Scholarship. Andrew Nelson of Beaumont received the Perry County Scholarship and Kristen Bates of Waynesboro earned the Wayne County Scholarship. In addition to the County Scholarships, 20 additional ACT Scholarships were awarded to qualifying students.

Receiving the Academic Achievement Scholarship for their ACT scores were Sarah Beth Smith of Quitman, Rae Grantham of Sumrall and Bayli Stokes of Laurel. Earning the Rising Excellence Scholarships were Chelsa Shaw of Moselle, Andrew Nelson of Beaumont, Tristan Dykes of Richton, Kristen Bates of Waynesboro, Jesse Moran of Leakesville, Jadin Hilbun of Laurel, Joshua Grantham of Sumrall, Sean Gingrich of Collins, Rohan Ghimire of Laurel, Brandi聽Boreman of Ellisville, Caitlyn Varner of Stringer, Reagen Parker of Laurel, Hanna Hendry of Bay Springs, Miley Crager of Richton, Daytona Beasley of Moselle, Camryn Aylesworth of Prentiss and Paris Rose Alexander of Richton.

Despite the academic accomplishments announced at the HSE Ceremony, Keynote Speaker and Brigadier General, Bart Bartran challenged graduates to not get lazy and be satisfied with their current honors and awards. As someone who graduated at the bottom of his High School class, Bartran explained, joining the Army taught him a lot of things he missed in High School. Thinking he was an underachiever, Bartran learned it was not a matter of intelligence but a matter of how lazy you are as to whether or not you will succeed in life.

鈥淵ou have to strive to discipline yourself. You have to be dedicated and take everything on with will power and the determination to never quit and you鈥檒l achieve those things that you want to achieve,鈥� said Bartran.

He also encouraged graduates to focus on the next milestone in their life because life is not over now that they have a diploma. Challenging them to take on more degrees and training and never be satisfied, Bartran shared that after 36 years in public service through the military and nearly 10 years in law enforcement, he continues to look for opportunities to learn and to serve.

鈥淎fter I retired, I always wanted to get my commercial driver鈥檚 license, so I just completed the course at 糖心直播鈥檚 Workforce Center. I challenge you to find those certifications and something you like. Wake up doing something you鈥檙e passionate about and it will never be like working a day in your life,鈥� Bartran shared.

In fact, when Bartran retired from the Army National Guard, he found a new job at 糖心直播 as the Director of the JC CORP which includes a continuation of some of his previous job duties as the Director of the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy (RCTA) through the National Guard based in Meridian. Besides offering advanced training for law enforcement, Bartran is teaching Criminal Justice courses on campus. Bartran鈥檚 vast police and military experience includes 36 years of serving as a local policeman and sheriff deputy, being deployed overseas, commanding the 112th Military Police Battalion, serving as the Director of the Counterdrug Program for the Mississippi National Guard, and Commander of the RCTA. He is credited with training more than 36,000 law enforcement professionals throughout the nation during his career. The 1988 West Jones High School graduate also earned countless medals and honors along the way, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Governor鈥檚 final rank advancement and Honorary Promotion to Brigadier General when he retired in April 2025. During the HSE Commencement Ceremony, Bartran reminded students he changed his direction in life to be successful. Since they have begun that journey by obtaining their HSE diploma, they too can strive towards excellence like him.

鈥淚 had some folks that invested in me many years ago and stayed with me through thick and thin and that鈥檚 why I鈥檓 here with you today. I did not like high school. I hated it. I was not a good student, but I found something I was passionate about and I changed my thinking,鈥� said Bartran. 鈥淵ou鈥檝e begun to challenge yourself with this course. I challenge you to continue but also find balance with your family and your spiritual readiness; stay focused.鈥�

The HSE classes are free of charge at 糖心直播 and most test costs can be covered by grant money. Supportive teachers and counselors at each of the 糖心直播 Centers where HSE classes are taught can help students determine the best pathway for their success for little to no expense. For more information about the Adult Education programs offered at 糖心直播 click on the website: /workforce/adult-learning/

糖心直播 High School Equivalency Graduates 2024-2025

1. Chandler Lee Abernathy, Mize                                     Smith
2. Ashton Cape Ainsworth, Mount Olive                       Covington
3. Jaci Ann Ainsworth, Bay Springs                                 Jasper
4. Aiden Maya Aldridge, Laurel                                      Jones
5. Nevada Nicole Alexander, Richton                            Perry
6. Paris Rose Alexander, Richton                                     Perry
7. Zaylon Lahjuan Arrington, Laurel                              Jones
8. Aprel Ann Ashcraft, Laurel                                          Jones
9. Camryn McLaurin Aylesworth, Prentiss                      Jefferson Davis
10. Joshua Anthony Back, Enterprise                                Clarke
11. Zachary Barnes, Taylorsville                                       Jones
12. Kristen Nova Bates, Waynesboro***                       Wayne
13. Fisher Ray Beal, Richton                                             Greene
14. Hunter Ray Beal, Richton                                           Greene
15. Daytona C Beasley, Moselle*                                    Jones
16. Inna Biriukova, Ellisville                                             Jones
17. Kaydance Destiny Bishop, Waynesboro                      Wayne
18. Nehemiah Joel Boone, Waynesboro                            Wayne
19. Brandi Izabella Boreman, Ellisville*                       Jones
20. Esilda Markelys Bouttet, Laurel                                  Jones
21. Madison Nichole Bowman, Ellisville                          Jones
22. Brendy Elizabeth Bradley, Leakesville                        Greene
23. Aaleigha McKenzie Brister, Enterprise                       Clarke
24. Adrianna Lillian Buckbee, Meridian                           Clarke
25. Jared Bryar Burkett, Bassfield                                     Jefferson Davis
26. Colton Jase Byrd, Richton                                          Perry
27. Nathan Lee Byrd, Richton                                           Perry
28. Maegan Denise Callahan, Heidelberg                          Jones
29. Maylee Leshae Carney, Laurel                                     Jones
30. Kaydence Terri Carr, Waynesboro                               Wayne
31. Dalton Keith Churchwell, Leakesville                       Greene
32. Kalee Reese Cooley, Waynesboro                               Wayne
33. Miley Mae Crager, Richton                                          Greene
34. Ethan C Creppel, Ovett                                                Jones
35. Ryan Tyler Cromwell, Petal                                         Forrest
36. Bailey Adam Davis, Ellisville                                      Jones
37. Madison Grace Davis, Laurel                                      Jones
38. Olivia Star Davis, Ellisville                                         Jones
39. Starachel Marie Davis, Buckatunna                             Wayne
40. Chloe Krysta Leeann Dennis, Enterprise                     Clarke
41. Zailey Alana Dutton, Laurel                                         Jones
42. Tristan Noah Dykes, Richton                                      Perry
43. Lora Jane Edge, Laurel                                                 Jones
44. Phyllis Evans**                                                           Jones
45. Constance Lorraine Everett, Ellisville                         Jones
46. Dalton Blake Files, Laurel                                          Jones
47. Kollin Ray Finnell, Richton                                         Greene
48. Lela Grace Foster, Laurel                                             Jones
49. Adrianna Marie Gable, Hattiesburg                             Forrest
50. Josey Rain Gagnon, Leakesville                                  Greene
51. Rohan D Ghimire, Laurel                                            Jones
52. Sujan Ghimire, Laurel                                                  Jones
53. Mya Ellen-Marie Gillie, Richton                                 Greene
54. Sean Anthony Gingrich, Collins*                             Covington
55. Danielle Michelle Goforth, Magee                              Simpson
56. Bricen David Goldman, Shubuta                               Clarke
57. Reagan Katrina Graham, Soso                                    Jones
58. Terry Graham, Ellisville                                              Jones
59. Joshua Shelby Grantham, Sumrall*                       Lamar
60. Rae Carrera Grantham, Sumrall*                           Lamar
61. Mallory Middleton Green, Lucedale                           George
62. Aden Douglas Haigler, Richton                                  Perry
63. Daniel Ryan Hampton, Mt Olive                                 Smith
64. Devin J Harrell, Forest                                                 Scott
65. Alyssa Claire Harris, Ellisville                                   Jones
66. Darrien Kevontae Harris, Waynesboro                        Wayne
67. Dalton Wayne Harvey, Laurel                                    Jones
68. Jackson Phillip Hayes, Bay Springs                             Jasper
69. Teressa Hayes, Mount Olive                                       Covington
70. Timothy Alexander Hendren, Waynesboro                  Wayne
71. Hanna Claire Hendry, Bay Springs                              Jasper
72. Aaliyah La Shay Henry, Beaumont                              Perry
73. Gregory Brayden Hicks, Leakesville                            Greene
74. Remington Jayce Hicks, Ovett                                     Jones
75. Hallie Alexandria Hightower, Enterprise                     Clarke
76. Jadin Nicole Hilbun, Laurel*                                    Jones
77. Rhett Howard Hinton, Laurel                                       Jones
78. Christopher Wayne Holder, Leakesville                      Greene
79. Landon Richard Holifield, Ellisville                            Jones
80. Weston William Holland, Ellisville                              Jones
81. Harley Magdalene Hollinghead, Waynesboro             Wayne
82. Shanen Parker Hudson, Waynesboro                           Wayne
83. Jack Louis Husband, Laurel                                         Jones
84. Andrew Blayne James, Ellisville                                 Jones
85. Mariana Jarquin Lopez, Laurel                                    Jones
86. Ashley Nicole Jones, Louin                                         Jasper
87. Haley Grace Keyes, Laurel                                          Jones
88. Ny’asia Ann Keyes, Bay Springs                                 Jasper
89. Jackson Lane King, Stringer                                        Jasper
90. Kaneesha L Knight, Laurel                                          Jones
91. Michael Seth Laznovsky, Laurel                                  Jones
92. Michael David Lemus Rosas, Laurel                           Jones
93. Ethan Ryley Logan, Laurel                                          Jones
94. Hannah Nicole Lowery, Seminary                               Covington
95. Robert Irvin Lowery, Seminary                                   Covington
96. Elexis Paige Mallett, Laurel                                         Jones
97. Elona Piper Mallett, Laurel                                          Jones
98. Jessica Ann Mason, Quitman                                       Clarke
99. Matthew Grayson McGuire, Moselle                          Jones
100. Cameron McClure, Collins                                        Covington
101. Angel Marie McIntyre, Moselle                                 Jones
102. Memory Elizabeth McKenzie, Waynesboro               Wayne
103. Noah J. McLain, Richton                                            Perry
104. Dimeco Mercer, Waynesboro                                     Wayne
105. Ta鈥橫ya Trichelle Mercer, Waynesboro                      Wayne
106. Pauline Janelle Millirons, Laurel                                Jones
107. Duncan Minter, Ellisville                                           Jones
108. Joanna Moody, Neely                                                 Greene
109. Jesse Elias Moran, Leakesville****                        Greene
110. Tristan Andrew Myers, Petal                                      Forrest
111. Andrew Chad Nelson, Beaumont***                      Perry
112. Diamond Unique Newell, Laurel                                Jones
113. James Hunter Nicholson, Laurel                                Jones
114. Madelyn Jane O鈥機onnell, Laurel                               Jones
115. Nicholas Marshaun Odutola, Bay Springs                 Jasper
116. Tristan Lee Palmer, Wiggins                                      Stone
117. Ian Bryce Pardue, Taylorsville                                   Smith
118. Annabelle Diane Parker, Laurel                                  Jones
119. Jasper Lee Parker, Laurel                                           Jones
120. Kayleigh Breanna Parker, Louin                                 Jasper
121. Reagan Miles Parker, Laurel                                      Jones
122. Kameron Hunter Pierce, Leakesville                          Greene
123. Courtney Danielle Pitts, Stonewall                             Clarke
124. Kaylandra Paige Powell, Laurel                                 Jones
125. Marie Priester, Laurel                                                 Jones
126. Dedrick Deamond Rogers, Hattiesburg                      Lamar
127. Ramsee Jewels Rounsaville, Leakesville                   Greene
128. Chad Anthony Ruppel, Waynesboro                           Wayne
129. La’Quinta B Russell, Laurel                                       Jones
130. Lindsey Rayanne Sanford, Petal                                 Forrest
131. Jaylen Scott, Richton                                                  Perry
132. Makenna Lynn Marie Sharpe, Leakesville                 Greene
133. Chelsa Renea Shaw, Moselle*                                Jones
134. Wyatt Tristin-Lee Simonson, Laurel                          Jones  
135. Caden Lucas Sims, Bay Springs                                 Jasper
136. Ashley Madelyn Smith, Ellisville                                Jones
137. Sarah Beth Smith, Quitman***                              Clarke
138. Kaydee Breann Solis, Ellisville                                  Jones
139. Edward Eli Stabler, Richton                                       Greene
140. Ian Stanley, Waynesboro                                            Wayne
141. Kallie Madison Stewart, Lucedale                              George
142. Bayli Alysse Stokes, Laurel                                        Jones
143. Lakeiya Stokes, Waynesboro                                     Wayne
144. Jadeah Brook Styron, Waynesboro                            Wayne
145. Katrina Rena Thigpen, Laurel                                    Jones
146. Joshua Mitchell Thomas, Meridian                            Lauderdale
147. Qua’daysa Iceyonna Thomas, Laurel                          Jones
148. James Caleb Tillman, Leakesville                              Greene
149. Kolbe David Turner, Ellisville                                    Jones
150. Karlie Bianca Faith Upshaw, Hattiesburg                  Lamar
151. Matthew Carl Van Orden, Shubuta                             Clarke
152. Megan Hope Vara, Ellisville                                       Jones
153. Caitlyn Varner, Stringer*                                        Jasper
154. Cassandra Grace Vinson, Bay Springs                       Jasper
155. Christopher Calvin Walters, Ovett                              Jones
156. Joshua Isaiah Walters, Laurel                                     Jones
157. Savannah Leigh Walters, Waynesboro                       Wayne
158. Clara Maurem Warren, Ellisville                                 Jones
159. Caleb Patrick West, Waynesboro                                Wayne
160. Rebecca Westbrook, Taylorsville                               Smith
161. Haidyn Leigh Williams, Waynesboro                        Wayne
162. Jordan Benjamin Williams, Waynesboro                   Wayne
163. Lauren Lorraine Wood, Laurel                                   Jones
164. Alayjah Herta Yockey, Bay Springs**                    Jasper

ACT Scholarship*

County HSE Scholarship**

ACT and County HSE Scholarship***

糖心直播 Foundation Scholarship****

ELLISVILLE 鈥揟he colorful and uniquely created artwork of Susan Chakiris Busby will be on display at the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery on the Ellisville campus of 糖心直播 until September 18, 2025. Her paintings 鈥減op鈥� off the wall with color because of a unique style of painting and materials used to create a dimensional image.

鈥淚 have painted in watercolors and acrylic for many years and recently began exploring the medium of cold wax and oil, both on birch panel and yupo paper in a semi realistic and impressionist style.鈥� said Busby. 鈥淭his medium allows for the layering of colors and texture whether painting in the style of impressionism or abstraction. The cold wax and oil paint method is not defined by subject matter but by experimentation, texture and layers of paint. Cold wax medium is a mixture of natural beeswax, Gamsol and Danmar resin mixed with oil paint to achieve a buttery quality usually applied with a soft silicone bowl scraper or silicon brushes.鈥�

The former Jones County art instructor and adjunct professor at the University of Southern Mississippi is a native of Pennsylvania and lived in Tempe, Arizona for several years before meeting her husband and moving to rural Mississippi. While in Arizona, the former photographer taught dark room photography at Phoenix Arts and Crafts Center, freelanced as a photographer for modeling agencies in Phoenix and worked as an assistant to a commercial photographer. She attended art classes at Arizona State University and completed her Bachelors and Master鈥檚 degrees in Art in the late 1980鈥檚 at the University of Southern Mississippi with degrees in Fine Art and Art Education. 

鈥淢y vision for my paintings comes from 45 years of living a rural life in the woods which has entailed growing food, herbs and flowers and raising children and farm animals. I have also spent many years exploring the marshes and waterways of South Mississippi along the beautiful Gulf Coast and sailing to our beautiful barrier islands. My art originates from paying attention to the natural world of light, reflections, shadows, textures and colors that surround us in nature. I translate what I see in the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface focusing on a more impressionistic style,鈥� said Busby.

Her life鈥檚 journey has earned her several awards and accomplishments with the latest being accepted as a member of the Mississippi Art Colony and being awarded the Becky Feder Award for Artistic Achievement. Busby has also been accepted as a member in the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington D.C. and she was accepted as a participant in the Meridian Museum of Art Annual Juried Competition for the past two years. Her work has been in the Lucile Parker Gallery and is currently a part of the Mississippi Art Colony Traveling Show. She is a board member of the Hattiesburg Arts Council and a member of the Lauren Rogers Art Museum, the Ohr O鈥橩eefe Museum and the Mississippi Museum of Art.

For more information about upcoming JC art shows or to arrange a visit to the gallery call, 601-477-8401. The Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., and by appointment only on Fridays. The gallery is closed during the holidays. To learn more about the 糖心直播 Art Department, /programs/finearts/ or the JC Art Department鈥檚 social media: Facebook page, and on Instagram .

ELLISVILLE – 糖心直播 has announced the 2025 Summer Semester 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鈥檚 List–4.0; Dean鈥檚 List–3.99-3.5: Faculty List–3.49-3.0.

President鈥檚 Honor Roll

Covington Collins: Jonathan Kennedy Portillo.

Forrest Hattiesburg: Ashley Helena Hobson.

Greene Leakesville: Michael Chase Brewer and Brayden Anthony Miller.

Greene McLain: Mitchell Terrell Brown.

Hinds Jackson: Shantal Shavelle McLaughlin.

Jasper Louin: Quinteshia Zykeria Jones.

Jones Ellisville: Ashley Cheyenne Breazeale, Joshua Lee Crosby and Jonathan Ryan Hayes.

Jones Hattiesburg: Mckenzie Grace Walker.

Jones Laurel: Bryce Ann Burrell, Makayla R McCreary, Kandalyn Molloy and Brittany Danielle Perry.

Jones Moselle: Robin Delk McGinnis.

Jones Ovett: Ramsus Emmanuel Sauls.

Jones Soso: Diontre Te Smith.

Lamar Hattiesburg: Eric Benjamin Dean.

Lamar Purvis: Amy Marie Waters.

Madison Canton: Dannah A Knighton.

Perry Beaumont: Braden C Talley and Jeremiah Omarion Turner.

Scott Morton: Lillie Faith Bradshaw.

Smith Louin: Matthew Tyler McNeil.

Smith Magee: Criston Abbagail Little.

Smith Raleigh: Crystal Lynn McNeil.

Sunflower Indianola: Carien Rena Anderson.

Tallahatchie Charleston: Jayla Symone Bullock.

Wayne Waynesboro: Bethany Danielle Beard and Braden Gage Millican.

Dean鈥檚 List Honor Roll

Alcorn Corinth: Spence Maddox Coffman.                        

Covington Seminary: William Garrett Adcox, Autumn Grace Bullock, Triston Nicole Lowery and Isaac Riley McQueen.

Forrest Hattiesburg: Michael Dwight Brown and David M Smith.聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽

Greene Leakesville: Ian Mackenzie Stowers.                                                         

Greene Neely: Keaton Trais Byrd and Kemper Grant Williams.                                                    

Greene Richton: Addison Tate McLain.                                          

Greene State Line: Layla Grace McIlwain.                                    

Hancock Kiln: Naomi Renae Nelson.                                                          

Harrison Gulfport: Ashton Casey Przepierski.                                          

Jones Ellisville: Jimmy Lee Brownlee, Charity Davis Busby, Alexandria Sanville Ruth, Shaquille Markee Shelwood and Hope Caroline Smith.                                                

Jones Laurel: Rogel Moran Avendano, Jaylen Malik Evans, Sujan Ghimire, Case Dempse McMullen and Kynlee Elizabeth Smith.聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽

Jones Seminary: Gaden Lakoda Butler.                                                      

Jones Soso: Charles Williams.

Lamar Hattiesburg: Valeria Espinoza and Mario Rashan Henderson.                                      

Lamar Sumrall: Gregory Thomas Bounds Landon James Robertson.                              

Lowndes Columbus: Clarice Lashay Richardson.                                      

Neshoba Philadelphia: Ahmarion Dashaun Ragsdale.                                           

Perry Richton: Ella Grace Smith.                                                   

Smith Louin: Kristopher Doyle Moss.                                                         

Smith Mount Olive: Javan R Hand.                                    

Wayne Waynesboro: Ethan Michael Clark and Luke McRae Hudson.                  

Faculty List Honor Roll

Clarke Shubuta: Zyon McKenzie.

Clay Laurel: Juan Fredrick Nelson.

Covington Collins: Vinkodious Lovetagious Hilton.

Covington Mount Olive: LaKenneth Dywan Fairley.

Covington Seminary: Devan Scott Blancett and Leah Michelle Englett.

DeSoto Olive Branch: Keynasia G Porter.

Forrest Hattiesburg: Ahmya Kianna Bacot, Zack Dalton Horner, Karlmecia Lakyla Jones, Kristopher A Lee, Jamia Monae McCord and Jeakayla Tineria Wright.

Forrest Petal: Sarah Emily Ball, Kaylie S Derrick, Kadien Cierra Guy, Morgan Alisa Newsome, Grayson Cole Sanford, Allyson Paige Strahan, Jennifer Rene Waltere and Xandria Alexis Weatherton.

Greene Lucedale: Brody Osten Bradley.

Greene Richton: Kevin Bryce Walley.

Greene State Line: Brennan Carson Beard and Jerneshia Moneshe Turner.           

Harrison Gulfport: Brooklyn Nichole Holton and Brittney Latrease Zeigler.

Hinds Jackson: Jermiah A Cross.

Jasper Bay Springs: Madalynn Grace Owens.

Jasper Heidelberg: Kamya J Graves and Mark Danielle Terrell.

Jasper Louin: Maylazia S Hardy and Kelli B Thornton.

Jasper Vossburg: Karli Chandler Whisenhant.

Jefferson Davis Prentiss: Kivionna M Johnson.

Jones Ellisville: Lekenya Nyasia Arrington, Tonancy Carranza, Bryson Jay Ford, Heather Marie Howell, Kayla Rae Patterson and Karli Arin Youngberg.

Jones Laurel: Brian Michael Blackledge, Sydney M Burchfield, Jakendis Atarius Jones, Reagen Miles Parker, Addison Marie Ray, Anjelena  Takedra Lashell Sanson, Ashley Dungan Walters, Ethan Paul Walters, Jamie Elizabeth Watkins and John Gabriel Wheeler.

Jones Moselle: Jaquan Marquell Bean and Diego Alonso Rangel Martinez.

Jones Sandersville: Zoe Victoria Clingon.

Jones Soso: David Lane Landrum, Lanie J Shows and David James Tisdale.

Lamar Hattiesburg: Brandon Burkley Averett, Dylan A Johnson and Rashad R Prince.

Lamar Purvis: Meagan Rachel Lumpkin.

Lamar Sumrall: James Brody Courtney.

Pike McComb: Yasmine Aiyana Lee.

Rankin Brandon: Emma K King and Hannah M Martin.

Rankin Florence: Deamberleye E Rankin.

Scott Morton: Ghenessy Lopez Vicente.

Simpson Magee: Keanna Janay Walker.

Smith Mize: John Amory Darden.

Wayne Buckatunna: Phillip Chadwick McLaughlin.

Wayne Shubuta: Quaneshia LaShae Cooley.

Wayne State Line: Devin Jamal Miller.

Wayne Sumrall: Hanna Brazell.

Wayne Waynesboro: Jacob W Colling, Lashaun Tyrion Evans, Chrisquisa Monkhia Matthews and Knija E Russell.

Wilkinson Woodville: Shatyre Mona Hunter.