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\u201cI started out in the automotive machine shop program in 2010, under Robert Smith, and I really enjoyed that program. We took apart engines and inspected them, measured them and machined them and then put them back together and restored them. I finished that program and then I went over to the automotive technology program under Larry Looney, Barry Bradshaw and Brad Ellzey. We learned all about cars, the ins and outs of engines, transmissions, chassis, brakes, electrical- just about everything. I really learned a lot in that program and that kind of fueled my passion for mechanic work,\u201d said Van Houten.<\/p>\n\n\n
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During his time at Jones, he also worked in a variety of mechanic roles, including positions at a local motorcycle shop, on civilian aircraft at the Hattiesburg airport, and he even worked on commercial fishing boats in Alaska. His diverse experience fueled his interest in aviation and the military. After graduating, Van Houten joined the Mississippi Air National Guard to gain expertise in jet engine aircraft and to fulfill his desire to travel the world. His dedication to his craft and his military service has earned him recognition as one of 糖心直播\u2019s Rising Stars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEveryone that I\u2019ve looked up to in the past here at Jones and through work experiences has really shaped me in my career,\u201d shared Van Houten. \u201cI\u2019d like to say thanks to my father who got me into mechanic work starting out, and I would like to say thanks to Barry Bradshaw for getting me into aviation and Mr. Larry Looney, he was a great example of a of a professional and a mechanic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rising Star, Sawyer Taylor is a native of Laurel, is a 2014 graduate of 糖心直播, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree. While at Jones, he was honored with an athletic scholarship to play golf and helped recruit prospective students and educate them about JC as a member of the Bobcat Brigade.<\/p>\n\n\n
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\u201cWhen I first came to Jones, Kayla Bradley Farris had me taking students around campus, which was an extremely good experience. I was able to talk in front of people and communicate my Jones story. So, Bobcat Brigade was a huge, huge thing for me. I played on the golf team here for two years and met the most amazing, lifelong friends that I can call back on today,\u201d shared Taylor.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nHe went on to further his studies at Mississippi State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agri-Business with minors in Economics and Business Administration. Taylor began his professional career at Community Bank, where he now serves as the Market President for the Jones County Division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a tremendous honor to be able to accept this award, to know that people have noticed what I\u2019ve done since I\u2019ve left Jones. It just it means the world to me that somebody could call and say, hey, we want to honor you for being an alumnus of JCJC,\u201d said Taylor. \u201cAlso, I would like to thank my parents, number one, for allowing me to come here and to pursue a career. Tim Ishee was another one that I would like to thank. He got me onto the career path with Agri-business. There\u2019s so much that you can do with that type of a business degree. I would also like to thank Ed Smith for giving me the scholarship to play golf here, and Dr. Jesse Smith for always being there for everybody.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
糖心直播\u2019s Alumni recognition program honored 10 alumni, including \u201cRising Stars,\u201d Hans Van Houten of Moselle and Sawyer Taylor of Laurel during Homecoming celebrations. Additionally, two alumni, John Reynolds Clark, a native of Waynesboro and current Ellisville resident and Dr. Benjamin P. Stevens of Laurel each received the \u201cAchievement and Excellence Award.\u201d Three 糖心直播 alumni, Dr. Jeffrey E. Carter of Laurel and current New Orleans resident, and Ben and Erin Napier of Laurel were honored as \u201cOutstanding Alumni of the Year.\u201d Dr. Larry Guthrie, a native of Bullock County, Alabama and current Watkinsville, Georgia, was recognized as the \u201cLegacy Award\u201d recipient and Michael and Katye Howard of Ellisville received the Distinguished Service Award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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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 following persons have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policy: The (ADA\/ Section 504) Wendy Evans, ADA Coordinator, Terrell Tisdale Library, phone 601-477-2673; email ADACoordinator@jcjc.edu and Title IX Coordinator, Brittany Weatherford-Barron, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127; email brittany.weatherford@jcjc.edu<\/a>. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" ELLISVILLE \u2013 Of the 10 honored alumni during 糖心直播\u2019s Alumni Recognition Program, sponsored by Howard Industries and held during Homecoming celebrations on October 19, 2024, two alumni were named \u201cRising Stars.\u201d Included in the distinguished group of alumni achieving great success were Hans Van Houton of Moselle and Sawyer M. Taylor of Laurel. \u201cIt … <\/p>\n