{"id":5104,"date":"2024-08-08T14:15:04","date_gmt":"2024-08-08T20:15:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/?p=5104"},"modified":"2024-08-08T14:15:04","modified_gmt":"2024-08-08T20:15:04","slug":"jones-college-high-school-equivalency-grads-celebrate-historical-lifetime-achievements-scholarships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/news\/jones-college-high-school-equivalency-grads-celebrate-historical-lifetime-achievements-scholarships\/","title":{"rendered":"糖心直播 High School Equivalency grads celebrate historical, lifetime achievements & scholarships"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ELLISVILLE– <\/strong>For some of the approximately 150 students earning their High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma at 糖心直播 over the last year, the Commencement Ceremony held in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium at 糖心直播 recently was also celebrated as a lifetime achievement and historical moment. Daniel \u201cRyan\u201d Hampton, the 40-year-old father of 18-year-old Adrienne \u201cA.J.\u201d Hampton of Mize walked across the stage together with diplomas in hand after numerous unsuccessful attempts, \u201clife\u2019s\u201d challenges and medical issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy dad inspired me to go back to school,\u201d shared A.J. \u201cI wasn’t even going to finish. I was just going to get a job and do what he had done; get a job, work hard and get through life. But I wanted a high school education and the college experience. I wanted to be able to say I did it because everyone told me I couldn’t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
糖心直播 President Dr. Jesse Smith congratulates father and daugher, Daniel Ryan and Adrienne Hampton, for earning their diplomas together during the HSE Commencement Ceremony with Jones County Judge Wayne Thompson serving as the Keynote Speaker. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

That external challenge by A.J. is what also pushed her dad to go back to school and get his HSE diploma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI got tired of her saying, \u2018You didn\u2019t get your diploma so why should I?\u2019\u201d shared Ryan. \u201cI also had a neck and hand injury at work and began to realize I may be confined to a wheelchair and without my education, I may not have a job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, Ryan credits his HSE teacher, Terica Chapman at the Jasper County Center in Bay Springs for inspiring him to keep going and keep moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEverybody at 糖心直播\u2019s Jasper County Center was fantastic about encouraging us and they just kept me uplifted, kept me going forward, and I never let it get in my head,\u201d Ryan explained. \u201cBeing an adult, you\u2019ve lived life, so now you know not to let things get in your head anymore because you know it\u2019s the enemy trying to defeat you, to destroy everything within you and you know, being a child of God, the Lord helped me through this. You can ask Miss Chapman. I prayed at every test, even practice tests.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Leakesville\u2019s Ian Stowers also proudly earned his HSE diploma after some challenges in high school which forced him to be homeschooled. After passing his HSE, the 18-year-old Stowers pursued the workforce electrical program at the Greene County Center in Leakesville.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI took the Smart Start program and got paid to come to school along with a certificate to help get a job,\u201d said Stowers. \u201cIn August, I\u2019m going into the electrician program and earn my associates degree and become an electrician.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earning a diploma has impacted the future of Stowers and the Hampton\u2019s lives, just like seeing Jones County and Youth Judge Wayne Thompson\u2019s parents\u2019 diplomas impacted him and his brother growing up. As the Keynote speaker for the HSE Commencement, Judge Thompson explained that his parents dropped out of high school to get married, and his father went to work on a chicken farm. The elder Thompson realized later, a high school degree would be necessary to go into the ministry and Mrs. Thompson would have to get a job. Years later, when they both earned their degrees, Judge Thompson shared the diplomas hanging on the wall always made him think about his future.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cSeeing those diplomas did things to me that words never could. It inspired me because your diploma is not just a piece of paper. It is a symbol of determination and of hope and endless possibilities.\u201d Thompson emphasized. \u201cLook at it. Let it remind you of what can be achieved in this good life we have. Understand that success is not in the one-size-fits-all concept. It\u2019s not about just titles and salaries, material possessions. True success lies in finding purpose, making a positive impact and living authentically. You must define what success means to you and don\u2019t be afraid to sacrifice for it. Looking at my dad\u2019s diplomas growing up would inspire me and my brother to go further in education. I\u2019d go off to law school, he\u2019d go off to medical school. He\u2019d become a vascular surgeon. I\u2019d practice law. My brother\u2019s and my future changed when two teenagers almost 50 years ago decided that they were going to be different and not settle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Also determined to make a difference in her two-year old daughter\u2019s life was Phaylon Gandy of Laurel. The 18-year-old said, \u201cThe math test was quite the challenge, but I did it for my daughter and my father. They inspired me and motivated me to earn my diploma.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eight students with the highest average score on their HSE test at each of the HSE centers in the 糖心直播 eight-county district were awarded scholarships. Jones County\u2019s Portia Jefcoat of Soso learned she was one of the recipients and the recipient of the only Academic Distinction Scholarship for scoring 25-28 on the ACT.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Portia Jefcoat<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cA scholarship would fund everything for me. It would be a lot of help in my journey to be a cosmetologist,\u201d said an excited Jefcoat. \u201cToday is a big accomplishment for me. My very first big accomplishment, and it’s going to be a big boost, hopefully for my education in my future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also earning the full-tuition scholarship for two semesters are Covington County\u2019s Marissa Evans of Seminary, Clarke County\u2019s Alareia Smith of Shubuta, Greene County\u2019s Grace Dickerson of Leakesville, Perry County\u2019s Faith Cooley of Richton, Smith County\u2019s Kendaysha Keys of Raleigh, Wayne County\u2019s Angel Ruppel of Waynesboro and Jasper County\u2019s Olivia Conerty of Pachuta, who also earned the Overall High Scorer Scholarship.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Sabrina Young & Olivia Conerty<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cIt will make a world of difference to me because I don’t have very much money and my family doesn\u2019t have much money,\u201d said the 16-year-old Conerty who wants to be a lawyer. \u201cWe work very hard to get what we have. Right now, getting a scholarship for 糖心直播 to complete my education here would be incredible!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ten additional ACT scholarships were announced during the ceremony including Elliot Sholtz of Moselle and Faith Cooley of Richton who each earned an Academic Achievement ACT Scholarship. Rising Excellence ACT Scholarships were awarded to Isabelle Beasley of Ellisville, Kaden Bradley of Ellisville, Memoree Hawk of Laurel, Eli Massey of Moselle, Wyatt Phillips of Bay Springs, Marissa Rogers of Ellisville, and Sarah Jo Rogers of Ellisville.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Director of Integrated Pathways at 糖心直播, Wendy Evans commended the students for their hard work in not only earning their diplomas but also for earning nearly $75,000 in scholarships. Many of these new HSE grads are still enrolling for college and could earn more scholarships. Even though Kristopher Lee of Hattiesburg didn\u2019t earn a scholarship, the 28-year-old said he is proud he now has his HSE diploma.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Kristopher Lee<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI earned an Occupational Diploma in 2014 but I came back to school because I really wanted my HSE diploma,\u201d explained Lee. \u201cNow that I have this diploma, I can go out and conquer the world as a nurse! I start classes August 19th at 糖心直播!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of the situation that kept these graduates from earning their High School diplomas, Evans is proud of each of them for their accomplishments. With the most HSE graduates celebrating this summer since the Covid-19 Pandemic hit, Evans said the HSE Class of 2023-2024 will always be a little more special to her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEach of you has demonstrated remarkable determination and resilience throughout your journey to earning your High School Equivalency diploma. Your commitment to education and personal growth has been truly inspiring, and today we celebrate your accomplishments with great admiration. Behind every successful graduate stands a team of dedicated educators and staff members who have worked tirelessly to support and guide each of you,\u201d said Evans. \u201cCongratulations for doing a great job in reaching this goal!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The HSE classes are free of charge at 糖心直播 and most tests 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: https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/workforce\/adult-learning\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Wendy Evans, A.J. & Ryan Hampton and Jasper County HSE instructor, Terica Chapman<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

糖心直播 HSE 2023-2024 Graduates<\/u><\/strong><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yosalin Makayla Aguilar, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christian Jade Alexander, Ovett<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kaya Danyelle Allbritton, Hattiesburg<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Katie Leann Barnett, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kase Layne Bates, Leakesville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay Justin Beard, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isabelle Marie Beasley, Ellisville<\/strong>**<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zylan Bernard Bester, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nehemiah Joel Isaiah Boone, Waynesboro<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eion Seth Boutwell, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kaden Micah Bradley, Ellisville**<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Harley Lynette Bridges, Leakesville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brittany Leann Byrd, Seminary<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Casey Benet Carson, Shubuta<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rocky Scott Cauley, Leakesville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dixie Page Cauley, Leakesville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dalton Keith Churchwell, Leakesville<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Faith Cooley received the Perry County HSE High Scorer Scholarship from Paige McCardle<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Carson Alex Cochran, State Line<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Julia Cook, Seminary<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jabari Deshaun Collins, Heidelberg<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*Olivia Lorraine Conerty, Pachuta<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

*Faith Alanna Cooley, Richton-Greene**<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myiesha Lachelle Cooley, Shubuta<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Grace Dickerson receives the HSE High Scorer Scholarship for Greene County from Paige McCardle<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Jordyn Paige Cooley, Hattiesburg<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dora L Cordoba, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yazlynn Daniela Cruz, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alexis Diane Davis, Brandon<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natalee Paige Dial, Ellisville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*Grace Ann Dickerson, Leakesville<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Paige McCardle awards Marissa Evans the HSE High Scorer Scholarship for Covington County<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

*Marissa Cherelle Evans, Seminary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lindsey Nicole Fontenot, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Destiny Faye Fuller, Meridian<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phaylon Dija\u2019Nea Gandy, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rohan Dawson Ghimire, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kameron Breanna Gray, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hallie Grace Green, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Harlie Faye Madison Hall, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adrienne Jewel Hampton, Taylorsville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Daniel Ryan Hampton, Mount Olive<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Darrien Kevontae Harris, Waynesboro<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memoree Elizabeth Cheyenne Hawk, Laurel**<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Khamani Khris Heartfield, McLain<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emma Grace Herring, Beaumont<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maciah Terrell Hickey, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Portia Jefcoat received the Jones County HSE High Scorer Scholarship from Paige McCardle<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Camron Kentrell Hodge, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amelia Joy Holland, Leakesville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alivia Elaine Houston, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*Portia Abigail Jefcoat, Soso<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aden Javier Jenkins, Collins<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travis Wayne Johnson, Ellisville<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Kendaysha Keys receives the Smith County HSE High Scorer Scholarship from Paige McCardle<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

*Kendaysha Camya Keys, Raleigh<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kathryn Paige King, McCool<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tito Tyrone Lanier, Jr., Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kristopher Alyson Lee, Hattiesburg<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Miya Lashae Lee, Columbus<\/p>\n\n\n\n

London Jada Long, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Noah Alexander Loper, Taylorsville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phillip M Lopez, Ellisville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jose Manuel Lopez, Petal<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Justice Dakota Magee, Heidelberg<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maria Guadalupe Marquez, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Robert Michael Martin, Ovett<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eli Chandler Massey, Moselle**<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caleb Bryce McDonald, Ellisville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lee’Davion Jakeilan McDougle, Waynesboro<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ricky Walton McNair, Collins<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alexis Shianne Mercer, Waynesboro<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ally Danielle Morris, Lucedale<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Izabella Paige Muraca, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Erica Julianne Musgrove, Soso<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keyton Deshawn Nixon, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wyatt Andrew Phillips, Bay Springs**<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sadie Rachelle Phillips, Waynesboro<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pacely Alise Reed, Ovett<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chase Gavin Reeves, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gracie Leshea Robinson, Richton<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sarah Jo Rogers, Ellisville**<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marrisa Nicole Rogers**<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kelsey Rene Rose<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*Angel Tiffany Ruppel, Waynesboro<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laquinta Barbaranna DeAnn Russell, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jennifer Lynn Saul, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ramsus Emmanuel Sauls, Ovett<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Katelyn Grace Schilling, Moselle<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Austin Paul Sharpe, Leakesville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elliot D Sholtz, Moselle**<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amber Lynn Smith, Ellisville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeremy Adam Smith, Ellisville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Richard Dalton Smith, Seminary<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Alareia Smith received the Clarke County HSE High Scorer Scholarship from Paige McCardle<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

*Alareia Kenijah Smith, Shubuta<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lemuel Howard Solomon, Heidelberg<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compassion River Spurlin, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lakeiya Dedrionna Stokes, Waynesboro<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ian Mackenzie Stowers, Leakesville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sydney Ariel Stringer, Bay Springs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Destiny Ann Stringer, Ellisville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carson Wayne Sullivan, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Braden Caine Talley, Beaumont<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aries E Terrell, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adyn Lynn Thomas-Wallace, Hattiesburg<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nathaniel Jordan Tucker, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alayna Esperanza Vega, Richton<\/p>\n\n\n\n

James Dylan Walker, Waynesboro<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allison Faith Walley, Leakesville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pacey Kale Watford, Beaumont<\/p>\n\n\n\n

James Preston Welch, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amiria Lashell Janee West, Waynesboro<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Devin Gage Williamson, Ovett\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

** ACT Scholarship<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

*County HSE High Scorer Scholarship<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

__________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jones County Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Jones County Junior College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 3033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC\u2019s website (www.sacscoc.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Statement of Non-Discrimination and ADA Statement: Jones County Junior College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices. The (ADA\/ Section 504) ADA Coordinator, Student Affairs, phone 601-477-2673, and (Title IX) Title IX Coordinator, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127, have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policies. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

ELLISVILLE– For some of the approximately 150 students earning their High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma at 糖心直播 over the last year, the Commencement Ceremony held in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium at 糖心直播 recently was also celebrated as a lifetime achievement and historical moment. Daniel \u201cRyan\u201d Hampton, the 40-year-old father of 18-year-old … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “糖心直播 High School Equivalency grads celebrate historical, lifetime achievements & scholarships”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5105,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,9],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5104"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5104"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5104\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5124,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5104\/revisions\/5124"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5105"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5104"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5104"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5104"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}