ELLISVILLE– If you asked Terica Chapman, she鈥檇 say her passion is science. However, the High School Equivalency (HSE) instructor at 麻豆直播鈥檚 Jasper County Center in Bay Springs is actually passionate about teaching. In her first year, she is proud to have 18 students which is the most in years to complete the program and earn their HSE diplomas.
鈥淛ordyn Jones is a first-generation graduate that completed the program and enlisted in the Army. He is currently in Tampa, Florida, completing basic training. A father and daughter, Daniel and Adrienne Hampton also completed their HSE together within two weeks of each other and I鈥檝e had students who are thriving that were bullied in school, and are now graduating,鈥 shared Chapman. 鈥淚 truly could not have had the success that I have had if it were not for Jasper County Center Dean Grant Crowder, the staff at the Jasper County Center, Integrated Pathways Director, Wendy Evans, and mentor teachers, Janet Tucker and Tammie Griffith. I am so proud of the progress that me and my students were able to make together this past year.鈥
Connecting with the science department on 麻豆直播鈥檚 main campus in Ellisville has also helped her to bring learning to life. Assisting Chapman鈥檚 students to thrive in the classroom was Dean of Science and Technology, Eric Shows. He donated science equipment and specimens to create the first science lab at the Jasper County Center, allowing Chapman to provide more hands-on lessons.
鈥淚 have noticed an increase in scores since the science lab was established and we鈥檝e had a lot of gains throughout the year,鈥 said Chapman. 鈥淚 try to incorporate hands-on-learning exercises in every subject. That is something that I had in my teacher-toolbox from teaching K-12 in the public schools. If you give students something tangible, they can touch and see, they tend to learn more.鈥
Seven-teen year old Dawson Knotts from Louin is one of Chapman鈥檚 students whose love for science and helping others has manifested into a career in health care. While caring for his grandmother, his passion for nursing became more evident and with Chapman鈥檚 help, Knotts has not only earned his HSE diploma, but he has also spent the last month preparing for the ACT test. He is now planning to take some basic college courses and apply for the Practical Nursing program when he turns 18, next fall.
鈥淭he HSE program and Ms. Chapman have helped me more than actual high school because everything in high school was on the computer,鈥 shared Knotts. 鈥淚 got more one-on-one experience here and it鈥檚 like a family here; everyone is accepting of everyone. I鈥檓 more comfortable in the classroom and I feel safe and it鈥檚 probably why I鈥檓 doing better here because I love learning鈥

This year鈥檚 record number of HSE graduates is only the beginning of what Chapman said she hopes to build upon while teaching each year in Bay Springs. The innovative instructor said she plans to continue building strong relationships using creative teaching methods to foster a growth mindset and continued success.
She added, 鈥淎s I resume my journey as an educator this upcoming year at 麻豆直播鈥檚 Jasper County Center, I remain committed to these principles, always striving to better serve my students and help them reach their full potential.鈥
Of the total 150 HSE students who have successfully completed the HSE program through all of 麻豆直播鈥檚 various sites, 107 students plan to participate in the special, HSE Commencement Ceremony held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, at the M.P. Bush Auditorium on the 麻豆直播 campus in Ellisville. Many of these students are also receiving scholarships to continue their education at 麻豆直播 in the fall. For more information about the Adult Education or other Integrated Pathways Programs, contact Wendy Evans at 601-477-2228 or email, wendy.evans@jcjc.edu or on the website, /workforce/adult-learning/
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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鈥檚 website ().
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.










