ELLISVILLE ā The 36 graduates of Ā鶹ֱ²„ās Associate Degree Nursing program entering the nursing profession were challenged to do great things by the program director, Mike Cummings. As these graduates continue to face personal and professional challenges, Cummings encouraged them to rise above and focus on making a difference.
āDo great things. While working at the bedside, do all the things you can to help your patients, continue to have goals, and grow in your career,ā said Cummings. āI know this class has worked hard to overcome many obstacles to get here today and they all have unique and impressive stories.ā
Class President, Titus Crouch shared with the many friends and family gathered at the Pinning and Lamp Lighting Ceremony, some of the highlights the class encountered over the last five semesters. While overcoming nerves, learning various skills, and earning ācheck offs,ā Crouch said these experiences forged a special bond between his classmates.
Titus Crouch, Class President
āAmong these individuals is one common goal and that is to serve and to care for others in need. This is a special class and it is one of unity. Our desire to serve also manifested itself in our desire to serve each other in achieving our goals,ā said Crouch.
The hardest part of nursing school, he elaborated, was the difficulty in managing busy schedules, dealing with emotional struggles, being there for friends and making sacrifices to achieve goals came along with learning about medical conditions and medications. In conclusion, Crouch challenged his peers.
āAs we embark on our careers in healthcare, I believe that it is our responsibility to make a difference in our field,ā said Crouch. āWe must press on with the determination to show each patient that we truly care about them and that we want to make a difference in their livesā¦.and I believe that is the heart of this class.ā
Ā鶹ֱ²„ President, Dr. Jesse Smith continued with praises of gratitude for the faculty by being excellent examples for these nurses and for choosing to train the future of the profession. He also shared his appreciation for clinical partners like South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Jonnah Walters being pinned by Mike Cummings
āWe wouldnāt be able to do what we are able to do today without our longstanding clinical partnerships, and we believe these students are worth investing in,ā said Smith. āThese students also know that they have to have a strong family support about them, and to encourage them. Itās a very tough and frightening program. So, thank you family members for every ounce of extra effort you poured into these nursing graduates.ā
Graduates earning additional recognition at the Pinning Ceremony included Titus Crouch of Ellisville, Katie Edwards of Rose Hill, Josephine Evans of Waynesboro, John-Thomas Skyler Reeves of Laurel, Shannon Smith of Carson and Jonnah Walters of Ovett for being inducted into the Associate Degree Nursing Honor Society, Alpha Delta Nu.
ELLISVILLE ā The Ā鶹ֱ²„ Radiologic Technology program celebrated the accomplishments of 10 graduates of the program recently. Some graduates already have jobs while others are looking at different options in the field after completing the six-semester program according to JC Program Director Mandy Pearson. She credits their excellent performance and dedication to learning and mastering new skills as the reason for their success in the job market.
Ā鶹ֱ²„ Radiologic Technology Program Director, Mandy Pearson (left) announced several awards and scholarships during a special graduation ceremony for the Radiologic Technology program graduates.
āThese program graduates have put forth great effort to succeed in earning this degree. Their next step is the ARRT national certification examination, and I know they are prepared and will continue their success to become Registered Radiologic Technologists. We cannot wait to see the impactful futures ahead for these graduates as they become Registered Technologists and join the health care workforce!ā said Mandy Pearson.
The Mississippi Radiological Society awarded a $400 scholarship to Virginia Coleman (right) of Laurel, who is pictured with Ā鶹ֱ²„ Radiologic Technology instructor, Lexie McDaniel.
Earning the Radiologic Technology program degree were Esha Arora, Clinton; Tamya L Barnes, Ridgeland; Cayden Emile Bellanger, Franklinton, LA; Virginia G. Coleman, Laurel; Charleise Tonai Hill, Hattiesburg; Aisya Audreanna McCormick, Hattiesburg; Kelsie Grace Mitchell, Sand Hill; Britlyn Jade Phillips, Laurel; Triniti Joy Scott, Hattiesburg and Skylar Lynlee Terrell, Liberty. Two of the new graduates, Cayden Bellanger and Virginia āGracieā Coleman, also earned scholarships to continue their education.
The Mississippi Radiological Society awarded a $400 scholarship to Virginia āGracieā Coleman of Laurel who was also named the Outstanding Radiologic Technology student in the program. The requirements set forth by the Mississippi Radiological Society include having a high academic record, being of sound moral character and having financial need.
Ā鶹ֱ²„ Radiologic Technology graduate, Cayden Bellanger (right) of Franklinton, Louisiana received the Academic Student of the Year Award during the programs graduation ceremony from program director, Mandy Pearson (left).
Each year, the Mississippi Society of Radiologic Technologists presents a scholarship to an outstanding radiography student from each radiography program in the state of Mississippi. This year, Cayden Bellanger of Franklinton, Louisiana received a $200 scholarship from the Mississippi Society of Radiologic Technologists. He was a member of the MSRT state professional organization, has demonstrated good moral character and professionalism in both the classroom and clinical settings, while maintaining a competitive GPA.
Bellanger also earned the Academic Student of the Year Award. He exceeded the programās graduation requirements and maintained a competitive grade point average for the duration of his college experience. Bellanger met these requirements all while holding a part-time, student tech position with one of the clinical facilities.
Ā鶹ֱ²„ Radiologic Technology graduate, Britlyn Phillips (left) of Laurel received the Clinical Student of the Year Award during the program’s graduation ceremony from Clinical Coordinator, Dr. Brittany Barron (right).
Britlyn Phillips of Laurel earned the Clinical Student of the Year Award. This award is given to a student that excels in the clinical setting and goes above and beyond their clinical duties. Phillips was the student selected by the staff within JCās seven-affiliate clinical sites made up of clinical instructors and radiologic technologists.
āI am grateful to receive this special honor,ā said Phillips. āI love being able to help patients and being able to see everything to help them get well.ā
Selected by the members of the Ā鶹ֱ²„ās graduating Radiologic Technology class, the following technologists in the clinical setting made a positive impression on the graduates and were honored during the graduation ceremony.
Amanda Magee, R.T.(R) was voted as the Clinical Instructor of the Year. Each facility has only one, maybe two, clinical instructors as the studentsā point of contact during their clinical time at the facility. The Radiographer of the Year was bestowed upon Caroline Stuart, R.T. (R). She is a staff technologist that works well with and establishes a good relationship with the students from one of the seven clinical affiliates.
ELLISVILLE ā Twenty Ā鶹ֱ²„ sophomores were selected as Hall of Fame recipients based on their academic achievements, in addition to campus and community involvement. These students also have a minimum 3.5 GPA and some students hold jobs in addition to their academic, athletic and campus responsibilities. They received special recognition in the college yearbook and during the Commencement Ceremony held earlier this month.
Graduating sophomores selected were Daniel Baldwin-Magee, Amillion Buggs-Weston, Wisconsin, Rylee Burks-Picayune, Hannah Byrd-State Line, Titus Crouch-Ellisville, Molly Griffin-Ellisville, Sam Griffith-Ellisville, Ollie Hammonds-Laurel, Hope Houston-Laurel, Dannah Knighton-Madison, Devin Lucus-Ellisville, Owen Massey-Seminary, Mary Bradley McCardle-Ellisville, Alexandria Ruth-Ellisville, Eddison Settle, Prentiss, Addison Thames-Petal, Meghan Torrano-Morton, Mia Walters-Ellisville, Sophie Wansley-Ellisville and Kate Wimberly-Sumrall. All twenty students were nominated by faculty members as they distinguished themselves and impressed selection committee members.
Music Industry Recording Arts major, Daniel Baldwin has already made a name for himself in the music industry with the release of his Christian single, āInstantaneousā last summer. The Magee resident has also been busy as a member of the Concert Choir, Jones OnStage, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Theater Club with the lead role in the spring musical, West Side Story, and as President of the Baptist Student Union. He was voted as Mr. Ā鶹ֱ²„ by his peers and has earned the Letter āJā Award, Hall of Fame, has maintained a 4.0 GPA and was named a Tullos Scholar.
Additionally, Baldwin leads worship for multiple ministries and regularly serves in summer missions including in Romania and Moldova. His plans after graduation include continuing his education at the University of Mobile to pursue a degree in commercial voice. His parents are Greg and Julie Baldwin.
āBeing accepted into the Ā鶹ֱ²„ Hall of Fame is a true honor and something I am so grateful for. I feel incredibly thankful to get to be a small part in the Ā鶹ֱ²„ legacy. This recognition means a lot to me and reflects the encouragement and support I have received along the way,ā said Baldwin.
Basketball star, Amillion Buggs moved to Ellisville from Chicago, Illinois. The Wausau West High School graduate helped the JC menās basketball team win the Region 23 Championship and play for the national championship. The Business Marketing major earned Deanās List honors while at Jones. Buggs plans to continue his education and basketball career at the University of West Alabama. Will Connors and Shi Buggs are Amillionās parents.
āThis honor is something that will live on forever and itās something that my family and I can be proud of because I was an average to below average high school student, academically,ā said Buggs. āJC has turned out to be the most influential years of my life. It has been a time of recovery and redemption. I came to Jones broken and I leave as a champion, with many lifelong relationships.ā
Rylee Burks cheered for the Bobcats during her two years at Ā鶹ֱ²„ in addition to earning awards for her work as an Editor and writer for the student newspaper, The Radionian. The Political Science and Psychology major from Picayune was a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute and the international honor society, Phi Theta Kappa. She plans to transfer to Mississippi State University with the goal of becoming a school counselor. Additionally, while at JC she volunteered her time as a tutor, cheerleading coach, Habitat for Humanity volunteer and Homeless Outreach. Burks earned the academic honor called the Letter āJā Award, and she was on the Presidentās and Deanās Lists. Her parents are Zachary Burks and Jennifer Fried.
āThis was truly the best place to be and the gold standard that all students and particularly student athletes are held to is really something special. This standard of excellence truly has impacted my life, and it is something I will be glad to be honored for upholding,ā said Burks.
Future Nurse Practitioner, Hannah Byrd from State Line is currently working on her Associate Degree in Nursing. The Fruitdale High School graduate was a section leader for the Jones Concert Choir and JC Voices and was the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Director of Events and Fundraising. She earned Presidentās and Deanās List honors, the Letter āJā Award and was recognized as a Distinguished member of the PTK Officer Team. Outside of school, Byrd is the Pure Joy Christian Youth Group Team Leader. Her parents are Dr. Zickeyous and Najena Byrd.
āThis honor means that you are celebrated for your individuality, dedication and willingness to learn. It means that someone saw me reaching out to learn because I learn differently. Not only did they see me, but they also celebrated me!ā said Byrd. āI am forever grateful for the countless opportunities that Ā鶹ֱ²„ has granted me!ā
Also an Associate Degree Nursing major, Titus Crouch from Ellisville, was inducted into the Nursing Honor Society, Alpha Delta Nu and was selected as a Tullos Scholar. The member of the International Honor Society for two-year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa, also served as President of the Associate Degree Nursing graduating class of 2025. While at Jones, Crouch shared his musical talents studying piano under Dr. Theresa Sanchez and performing in the special Christmas with the Arts concert with his brother and Dr. Victoria Johnson.
A few of his honors include being inducted into the Hall of Fame and being nominated for the Gold Key Award for Merit/Honor and Leadership. His future plans include earning his bachelorās degree and working as a nurse locally, with an end goal of being a nurse practitioner. His parents are Roy and Rachel Crouch.
āI have worked tirelessly during my time at Jones, putting forth my very best effort. This honor is a testament to the fact that hard work truly pays off!ā
·”±ō±ō¾±²õ±¹¾±±ō±ō±šās Molly Griffin has been a member of the Jones Concert Choir, Jones OnStage and the honor society, Phi Theta Kappa. The Secondary English Education major has plans to continue her education at the University of Southern Mississippi and become a teacher. Brad and Keri Griffin are her parents.
āJones gave me several opportunities to continue to use my talents beyond my South Jones High School experience, allowing me to grow in those talents and make great relationships along the way. I am thankful I chose Jones and was able to represent a strong legacy that Iām proud to be a part of at Jones.ā
Electrical Technology major, Sam Griffith, will be pursuing a bachelorās degree in Electrical Engineering at Mississippi State University. His goal is to work with his brothers and begin their own electrical company in the future. While at JC, Griffith was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and has earned the Letter āJā Award, Academic Distinction Scholarship and was on the Presidentās List. Greg and Jennifer Griffith are his parents.
āIt is a huge honor to me to be in the Hall of Fame,ā said Griffith. āJust as Jones has left a lasting legacy within me, I hope to leave a legacy with Jones.ā
Ollie Hammonds is an accounting major from Laurel who assisted the Bobcats Athletics Sports Information Office while being a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, PTK and FBLA. Some of his honors include being selected as a Tullos Scholar, earning the Letter āJā Award and being on the Presidentās List all four semesters. Hammondsā future plans include attending the University of Mississippi and becoming a CPA with aspirations of working in sports broadcasting. His parents are Luke and Andrea Hammonds.
āMy father (Luke) graduated from JC and came back to work here when I was very young. I never really considered another college because my lifeās path has been shaped and directed by Jones,ā said Hammonds. āI have a foundation of education and personal growth that I will forever cherish.ā
Hope Houston of Laurel has been a member of the JC Concert Choir and JC Voices, a photographer for the yearbook, the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Baptist Student Union and the V.P. of Scholarship for PTK. In fact, she earned the PTK Distinguished Officer Team Award and was selected to the All-Mississippi Academic 1st Team and the Gold Key Merit Award. Off campus, Houston spends her time volunteering at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans and the Veteranās Memorial Museum in Laurel. Her parents are Jimmy and Angela Houston.
āAcademics have been extremely hard for me because of my dyslexia and bad vision. The Lord has taught me so much through all of these challenges. I have learned the value of hard work and to fully rely on Him for all of my strength. JC has been the biggest blessing by experiencing a myriad of situations that have helped me grow as a person.ā
²Ń²¹»å¾±²õ“Ē²Ōās Dannah Knighton is majoring in elementary education and specializing in general science. The Germantown High School graduate made her mark at Ā鶹ֱ²„ as a yearbook photographer and assisted the Student Affairs Office. She has earned honors as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Vice President and part of the PTK Distinguished Officer Team, Letter āJā Award and she has been on the Presidentās List. She is a member of the Student Government Association, Charles Pickering Honors Institute and was selected as the Homecoming Student Body Maid and as a Tullos Scholar. Knighton volunteers her time as a small group leader at First Baptist Church in Ellisville for the childrenās ministry. Her future plans include pursuing an elementary education degree at the University of Southern Mississippi before earning her masterās degree in biology or education administration. Her parents are David and Jill Knighton.
āI ended up at Jones by the grace of God, but I just felt it would make sense since my whole family grew up in Jones County,ā said Knighton. āI am forever changed for the better because of JC. It has set the golden standard and will continue to do so as it inspires greatness across each generation of students.ā
Biology major from Ellisville, Devin Lucus, is pursuing the goal of becoming a veterinarian after earning her degree from Mississippi State University. The Tullos Scholar recipient is also a member of PTK, FBLA and she was the 2023-2024 manager of the Womenās Soccer National Championship Team. The graduate of South Jones High School earned numerous accolades including the Lindy Callahan Scholarship, Leadership Jones County and Trent Lott Leadership Award, as well as maintaining a 3.8 GPA or higher. Kevin and Sonia Lucus are Devinās parents.
āI love Jones because there are so many opportunities for each individual to create their own pathway post college. The teachers, organizations, and resources have provided me with so many blessings that I intend to use going forward,ā said Lucus.
Owen Massey of Seminary is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering from Mississippi State University. The Presbyterian Christian High School Valedictorian has earned accolades at Ā鶹ֱ²„ as a Tullos Scholar, and member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Engineering Society, PTK and FBLA. After earning his bachelorās degree in electrical engineering and minor in math and industrial engineering, Massey plans to work for a local electric cooperative or utility company. His parents are Joseph and Amy Massey.
“Being a part of the Hall of Fame is a great privilege and I appreciate the focus Ā鶹ֱ²„ places on academic excellence and integrity.”
Earning honors on the field and in the classroom, Mary Bradley McCardle hopes to become a teacher and Leadership Coach. The Ellisville native was a member of the 2023 NJCAA Womenās Soccer National Championship team, Bobcat Brigade and Phi Theta Kappa honor society. While completing her education at Belhaven University, McCardle plans to continue playing soccer. Brad and Paige McCardle are her parents.
āThis recognition is not just about academic success, but itās also about the journey, the friendships built, the lessons learned outside the classroom and on the athletic field, and in the methods we lifted each other up along the way,ā said McCardle. āIām proud, humbled, and inspired to carry the spirit of Ā鶹ֱ²„ into my future. JC is not just a college but itās home.ā
Business Administration major, Alexandria Ruth has been a member of the Concert Choir, Theater productions, Bobcat Brigade, Charles Pickering Honors Institute and FBLA while enrolled at JC. The Laurel Christian School graduate has volunteered her time as a tutor for an elementary school in Laurel, as part of the literacy project, Mission Accelerate, and she has been a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Lead Team member. Also, Ruth is a member of PTK and has earned Faculty List honors. Stacy Ruth has been her mother since Alexandria was 11 years of age.
āTo be inducted into the Hall of Fame is not only an honor, but it is also a reflection of the years of hard work and dedication to my studies, and a firm commitment to learning,ā said Ruth. āJones is not only a fantastic school, but a family, support system and institution that has had a strong impact on who I am as a person.ā
Eddison Settle of Prentiss is studying to be a lawyer. His future plans include earning his bachelorās and masterās degrees, in law, in addition to attending medical school. While at JC, Settle was a member of PTK, FBLA and the Vice President of the Philosophy Club. He earned the Letter āJā Award and was on the Presidentās List. His parents are Ricky Burrow and Maryann Settle.
āTo me, this honor is about leaving a lasting mark on the college Iāve been proud to attend, showing passion, perseverance, and purpose can make a difference,ā said Settle.
Speech Pathology and Audiology major, Addison Thames of Petalās future plans include earning her degree at USM and working with individuals to improve their communication skills. While at JC, Thames was a member of the JC Voices, Concert Choir, Jones OnStage, Ā鶹ֱ²„ Quartet, JC Octet, and PTK. She led the student body as the Student Government Association President in addition to earning Presidentās and Deanās List honors. Greg Thames and Tasha Reynolds are her parents.
āĀ鶹ֱ²„ has shaped me into a stronger, more confident person and it will always hold a special place in my heart.ā
Leading the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Rho Sigma chapter as president, Meghan Torrano of Morton has earned many accolades. She earned the Regional Gold Key Distinguished Chapter Officer Award and the PTK Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Award. Additionally, she received the Letter āJā Award, and was on the Deanās Honor List, while being a member of the marching, concert and basketball pep bands. The Medical Radiologic Technology major hopes to earn her radiography Associates Degree then specialize in ultrasound. Ricardo and Yanina Torrano are Meghanās parents.
āI hope to inspire my younger siblings and others in my community to pursue their dreams and education, proving that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible. This journey has shaped my future as a first-generation college and high school graduate. JC helped me build my dreams,ā said Torrano.
Mia Walters of Ellisville is majoring in Animal Science with the goal of pursuing a degree in Animal Dairy Science and applying for veterinary school at MSU. The Ellisville resident is a member of the Bobcat Brigade, Charles Pickering Honors Institute and PTK. Walters spends a lot of her time volunteering for a vet, working the concession stands at sporting events, and volunteering at Sandhill Baptist Church. Jake Wade and Danyelle Walters are Miaās parents.
āAlthough I didnāt plan on graduating from Jones in one year, I am blessed to have created the relationships I have while being here. I have gained so much experience here and I would not be the person I am today without it,ā said Walters.
Music Education major, Sophie Wansley hopes to spend her life helping others through music in some fashion. At JC, she was a member of the marching band and served as woodwind captain and flute section leader. The Ellisville native also played in the Basketball Pep Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band and Flute Choir. Wansley was also a member of the international honor society, PTK and was on the Presidentās and Deanās Lists. She volunteered as a woodwind tech for Northeast Jones and South Jones high schools and assisted First Baptist Church of ·”±ō±ō¾±²õ±¹¾±±ō±ō±šās Childrenās Choir. After earning her bachelorās degree in music therapy and masterās degree in music education from William Carey University, she plans to, āmake a difference in the lives of the people she encounters, whether itās through teaching, healing or simply sharing the joy of music.ā Her parents are Josh Wansley and Sarah Wilborn.
āBeing selected for the Hall of Fame is one of the most meaningful honors Iāve received. As a music major, Iāve poured my heart into every class, every performance, and every organization Iāve been a part of,ā said Wansley. āTo know that my hard work has not only paid off but it has also made an impact on others is incredibly humbling.ā
Sumrall resident and civil engineering major, Kate Wimberly has earned honors as a Tullos Scholar at JC and has served as the President of the Engineering Society. While at Ā鶹ֱ²„, Wimberly was a member of PTK and the Charles Pickering Honors Institute. Her future goal includes earning her bachelors of science degree in civil engineering at MSU. Guy and Virginia Wimberly are Kateās parents.
āThis honor is not only a reflection of my own work, but it is also a testament to the great professors and faculty I have had the honor of encountering at Ā鶹ֱ²„,ā said Wimberly. āThey have been nothing short of amazing, constantly encouraging me and preparing me for every stage of life. I am forever grateful.ā
For more information about Ā鶹ֱ²„, visit the webpage,/
ELLISVILLE ā The celebration of some legendary accomplishments continued despite the continuous rain forcing Ā鶹ֱ²„ās 97th Commencement Ceremony to move indoors to safely honor the nearly 660 graduates during two ceremonies. Several graduates were becoming the first to earn a college degree in their family, like Kiandra Lopez of Laurel.
Jones OnStage, Kiandra Lopez
āIām the first ever in my family to graduate from college but today is also bittersweet because Iām leaving behind my friends in Jones OnStage who became like family.ā
Moselleās Nathan Bower is also the first in his family to go to college. The Agriculture Science major said Ā鶹ֱ²„ opened new doors for him.
āI grew up on a farm and thatās all Iāve ever known,ā said Bower. āComing to Jones, I got to experience a whole new horizon and, in a way, for me Iāll be giving back to my community after I finish my degree at MSU,ā said Bower who enjoyed being a member of the band in addition to enhancing his farming skills.
Graduates, Hope Houston, Dannah Knighton, Addie Thames and Nate Bower
Raleighās Grant Goree said he had a similar experience to Bower. āIām proud to be the first man in my family to graduate from college but Iāll be coming back home to raise chickens after earning my poultry science degree at Mississippi State University. Itās just another step on the ladder that Jones helped me climb.ā
Janna Claire Ishee of Stringer spent one-year at JC after earning college credits through the Dual Enrollment program. She said Ā鶹ֱ²„ helped her forge a new path of opportunities. āMy experience during this year has opened me up to a lot of different opportunities and new pathways that I can take as I continue in the field of poultry science.ā
Janna Claire Ishee at graduation
Addie Thames of Petal said having the unique pleasure of āgoing to schoolā with her mother, a Ā鶹ֱ²„ Science instructor, meant a lot to her over the last two years. The Concert Choir singer, Jones OnStage member, and Student Government Association President said she is headed to the University of Southern Mississippi to earn her Speech Pathology and Audiology degree, while her mother remains at Jones.
āIt feels kind of like I should be graduating with my mom. It also feels really special for me and mom because she has been able to be with me and go through some of this with me,ā said Thames.
Meanwhile, Hope Houston of Laurel is ending a family tradition as the last of the seven Houston children to attend Ā鶹ֱ²„ before pursuing other goals.
āIām excited to have the same experience and opportunities they did while gaining new friendships, and confidence throughout my journey here,ā said Houston who earned Hall of Fame honors and was one of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Officers of Distinction. āAt first I didnāt want to go to college but after I fully invested myself in college here, that just made everything so much better.ā
Looking toward the future and feeling a little more comfortable, is Laurel Middle College graduate, Madison White. She not only earned her Laurel High School diploma, but she also earned an associate of arts degree from Ā鶹ֱ²„.
āThis has made a really significant impact on me by advancing me two years. I wonāt have as much to worry about when I get to MSU,ā said White, who does not regret missing out on a few things to get ahead. āItās all worth the experience and the opportunity to do great in the future and in my education. So, itās OK to miss out on some things when youāre preparing for a better future.ā
Whiteās future includes becoming a teacher, and her determination to succeed is an example of one of the ānoble notesā keynote speaker, distinguished pilot and author, Retired Colonel Craig Ziemba, referred to in his speech. He shared his message with the help of Luke Johnson because he was dealing with laryngitis. Ziemba told the packed gymnasium filled with family and friends at both graduation ceremonies that a ladyās greatest strength is her ability to inspire us through her beauty. He also challenged graduates to never forget where they come from and to harness the power of the truth, beauty and goodness.
Retired Colonel Craig Ziemba USAF with Luke Johnson
āLadies and gentlemen, if you build your future on the truth and beauty and goodness then you will stand head and shoulders above your entire generation and become an indispensable man, and an irreplaceable woman. Thatās why a welder, a farmer, a teacher or a nurse with Godly values living in a small town in Mississippi has a far greater chance of success than any agnostic Ivy leaguer, hedonistic celebrity, or social media star,ā said Ziemba.
As Ziemba challenged graduates, he shared his experiences as a Navy combat pilot and the many examples he calls Lessons for Life. Some nuggets of truth he shared include the beliefs that relationships are more important or greater than accomplishments and your familyās greatest treasures are the ones around the dinner table. Despite seeing the many beautiful wonders of the world in his career, Ziemba shared that nothing is more beautiful than family. He challenged graduates to live out his three ideals to have a successful future.
āIf truth is the beacon and beauty is the inspiration, then goodness is the action of living out what we believe ultimately, because goodness harnesses the ideal to do whatās real,ā he shared. āMen, how you live will determine your success because you were made to be a load bearing wall that your family, coworkers and country can count on. A manās calling is to willingly sacrifice himself to bear the responsibility to provide for and protect those he loves and even strangers and I know that ideal is being attacked.ā
Hyper accelerating technology, specifically virtual augmented reality and artificial intelligence are linked to the demise of mankind, unless we can harness our creativity and imagination, Ziemba told the audience. He continued āsowing the seeds of rebellionā reminding the audience how we all can combat these attacks on our future.
āYou are made in Godās image. He is the creator, and you have creative power. You have imagination, you have dreams, and you can use them. Meditate on scripture and memorize it so it becomes a lamp unto your feet, a light unto your path. While everything around you is changing, the character of God who loves you, remains the same, yesterday, today and always, and the life he gave you is worth living and living well,ā said Ziemba.
Tommie T-Bone Pruitt receiving an Honorary Degree from Ā鶹ֱ²„ President, Dr. Jesse Smith
One man, who has blessed thousands over his 93 years of life through music, was awarded an Honorary Degree during the commencement ceremony by Ā鶹ֱ²„ President, Dr. Jesse Smith. Ellisville native, Tommie T-Bone Pruitt recorded the āLiving Legendā album at the collegeās recording studio, Free State and invited everyone to download his first song, āCatfish Bluesā as Pruitt was gifted a custom guitar that resembles, B.B. Kingās āLucille.ā
Matt McGuffie displays a custom replica of B.B. King’s guitar, “Lucille” to give to Tommie T-Bone Pruitt.
The other 660 graduates from Ā鶹ֱ²„ earned either an associate in arts degree, an associate in applied science degree, associate of science, associate of science and technology, a technical certificate, or a career certificate. Additionally, the third class of the Middle College Program at Laurel High School received both their high school diploma and an associate degree from Ā鶹ֱ²„ during the Commencement Ceremony. The 12, Laurel High School Middle College students, Emeri Cooley, Robert Jackson, Deborah Johns, Taeveon Mackey, Landon McMillan, Isabelle Terry, Madison White, Donald Williams, Jamel Knight, Daād Pigford, Brenda Santiago and Deandre Winn, finished their high school requirements simultaneously while attending college courses to complete a two-year degree.
ELLISVILLE ā Sheās the 25th Director of Bands for the Ā鶹ֱ²„ band program, which was founded in October 1930, with the āTyphoonā making its first āformalā appearance on February 26, 1931. Making history as the first female and first African American to hold the esteemed position as leader of the band, Tamiko Bridges has been a music educator for 25 years in the private, elementary, middle, high school and collegiate sectors. Most recently, she has been the Director of Bands/Fine Arts & Electives Department Chair at Laurel School District from 2002-2010, and 2018 until now.
āThis is an open door and a groundbreaking opportunity for this young lady from the country roads of Wayne County Mississippi,ā shared Bridges before an audience of her family and friends from both Laurel and Ā鶹ֱ²„. āThank you, Dr. Smith for seeing something in me that God is already a part of and honestly, I am humbled and honored to be a part of such a great team that inspires students.ā
While she has spent the majority of her professional time teaching in Laurel, Bridges is also a church musician and the Instrumental Ensemble Director at Springhill Baptist Church in Ellisville and she has served as the Minister of Music at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Hattiesburg. Furthermore, she has taught various grade levels in Atlanta and was the Assistant Band Director at Southwest High School in Macon, Georgia. Bridges said she plans to inspire Ā鶹ֱ²„ students to be the best at everything.
āI am truly encouraged to inspire you, and I will tell you my definition of inspire, influencing the next generation of students through positivity, intentionality, respect and excellence. Together we will build an ensemble of multiple genres that will both appeal and instruct,ā shared Bridges. āThis program at Jones has a rich history and a legacy of being the best band program and we want to continue doing what has already been established.ā
Some of her accolades include being the 2023-2024 President of the Mississippi Bandmasters Association, nominated for the 2025 Mississippi Pinnacle Awards, a 2025 Grammy Music Educator Award Quarterfinalist, Southeast MS Band Directors Association Band Director of the Year in 2004, Star Teacher at Laurel High School 2021, Laurel High School Golden Apple Award recipient for 2023, 2024, and 2025, and her LHS band has earned Superior Ratings at the Large Group Marching Band Evaluations in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2024.
Bridges, who is a Mississippi State and William Carey University graduate will be joined by the newly announced Director of Brass, Kyle Matthees. He has been serving this last year as an adjunct instructor at Ā鶹ֱ²„ while pursuing his doctorate of musical arts degree at the University of Southern Mississippi. He brings experience as an instructor at Middle Tennessee State University, Belmont University, and Lindsey Wilson University as well as performing professionally and publishing in professional journals.
āWhile working with the marching band last summer, I was completely impressed,ā said Matthees. āSo, to move into this new role as a full-time member here, itās humbling and Iām very excited to be here. Weāre hoping to add to our brass section, so weāll be recruiting more students to get that big brass sound.ā
