Āé¶¹Ö±²„

Āé¶¹Ö±²„’s Typhoon Marching Band features Earth Wind and Fire

ELLISVILLE – The 101-member Typhoon Marching Band at Āé¶¹Ö±²„ has spent the last two weeks of Band Camp preparing their halftime show titled, ā€œElements of Groove: A Typhoon Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire.ā€ The Typhoon will present its traditional pre-game show consisting of the JC Fight Song Fanfares, the National Anthem and a musical presentation by The Touch of Gold dancers The band ends the show with the fan favorite, JC Jam cheer and Hey Song.

ā€œAs Director of Bands, I am excited to continue the legacy of the Typhoon Marching Band as we enter a new school year at Āé¶¹Ö±²„,ā€ said Tamiko Bridges who took the reins in May. She 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 May, 2025. She added, ā€œOur 2025 Field Show celebrates the music of an era that deeply resonates with our alumni and community.ā€

Āé¶¹Ö±²„’s Typhoon Marching Band is led by (pictured left to right) Touch of Gold Choreographer, Lora Davis, Assistant Director of Bands, Jared Potter, Director of Bands, Tamiko Bridges, Assistant Director of Bands, Kyle Matthees and Colorguard Director, Lindsey Langley.

Some classic tunes the band will be performing include, In the Stone, Let’s Groove Tonight, Boogie Wonderland, After the Love is Gone, and September. Bridges said this heartfelt homage to the past is also inspiring to a new generation.

ā€œOur mission is simple. Be the best band, produce the best sound and inspire the best students to continue the legacy at the best institution, Āé¶¹Ö±²„!ā€ Bridges declared.

Joining Bridges is Assistant Director of Bands and brass instructor, Kyle Matthees and Dr. Jared Potter who is also the percussion instructor. As a trumpet player, Matthees’ experience includes symphonic, chamber, and commercial music, with performances at the International Trumpet Guild Conference, the National Trumpet Competition, and with ensembles such as the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Potter, a native of Kosciusko, Mississippi, holds both a Doctor of Musical Arts and a Master of Music in Percussion Performance from the University of Florida. While at UF, he served as the instructor of records for the Percussion Skills course, assisted with the UF Percussion Ensemble and Steel Band, and directed the Florida Drumline. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Mississippi State University, where he studied with Jason Baker.

Another new addition to the band staff is Glade Elementary School music teacher and JC adjunct music instructor and Colorguard Director, Lindsey Langley. With 15 years of experience in public education, Langley has taught music to students from pre-kindergarten through high school seniors, inspiring a love for the arts across all age groups. She has served as a band director and colorguard instructor, leading multiple Colorguard and Winterguard teams to state championships.

ā€œI am excited to foster creativity and skill in our students. At Jones I will be bringing my passion for performance, teamwork, and excellence to the collegiate level,ā€ said Langley. Her academic achievements include a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Mississippi, a Master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from William Carey University.

The Touch of Gold dance team is led by Lora Davis who begins her 36th year as choreographer of the group of talented ladies.

ā€œI’m thrilled to be a part of continuing and building the tradition of the Touch of Gold dance team. This year, I have a small but energetic team, bringing lots of enthusiasm and hard work,ā€ said Davis. ā€œThey are also excited to be a part of the Typhoon, sharing in the tradition that several of their mothers and sisters shared as alumni.ā€

Leading the students on the field are returning Drum Majors, Chaz Welborn of Ellisville and Elisa Cook of Meridian who are both excited to begin the marching band season.

JC Drum Majors, Chaz Welborn, Elisa Cook and Laney Ingram

ā€œI think what the audience will love most about this show is the extravagant sound coming from our players’ horns,ā€ said Cook. ā€œThe combination of Mrs. Bridges discipline, quality, and leadership with Dr. Potter’s encouragement and Mr. Matthees organization, and all of their experience makes for an amazing and enjoyable opportunity to share our talents with the public.ā€

New to the JC team of drum majors is freshman, Laney Ingram of Raleigh who has loads of experience and enthusiasm. The band’s first appearance on the field will be on Thursday, September 11, for the first home football game and Hall of Fame Night. The Bobcat football team will play against the Mississippi Gulf Coast Bulldogs in Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field at 7 p.m.

For more information about the Maroon Typhoon contact Tamiko Bridges by email at tamiko.bridges@jcjc.edu or the Art, Music and Performance website, /programs/finearts/ For more information about JC athletics and the home football schedule featuring the Maroon Typhoon’s performances click on the JC Athletics website at

Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Typhoon Marching Band Roster 2025

Name                  City                             High School                    County           Instrument

James Davis     Enterprise             Enterprise HS      Clarke             Alto Sax

Braxton Magee  Collins          Collins HS     Covington       Alto Sax

Joanna Fernandez-Pavon        Moselle   South Jones HS   Jones  Alto Sax

Stacy Villaseca       Laurel   Northeast Jones          Jones               Alto Sax

Tristan AllenĢżĢż ĢżĢżĢżĢżĢżĢż LouinĢż ĢżĢż Raleigh HSĢżĢżĢżĢżĢż ĢżĢżĢż ĢżĢżĢż SmithĢż ĢżĢżĢżĢżĢżĢżĢżĢżĢżĢżĢż Alto Sax

Linsey IngramĢżĢżĢż Morton Raleigh HS ĢżĢżĢżĢżSmith ĢżĢżĢżĢżĢżĢżĢżĢżĢżĢżĢżĢż Alto Sax

Edwin James          Bay Springs    Raleigh HS        Smith             Alto Sax

Aaron Mealey      State Line    Wayne County HS      Wayne       Alto Sax

Abigail Graham        Beaumont       Perry Central HS       Perry   Bari Sax

Mykala Goodman      Byram      Terry HS           Hinds       Baritone

Sidney Patterson       Seminary South Jones HS          Jones   Baritone

Halle Craven         Ellisville      South Jones HS           Jones     Baritone

Leia Espey      Enterprise             Enterprise HS           Clarke     Clarinet

Maria Gomez     Collins         Collins HS                Covington       Clarinet

Tanesha Magee     Collins       Collins HS          Covington       Clarinet

Jennifer Portillo   Collins    Collins HS           Covington       Clarinet

Zahmiya Estes      Lucedale      George County HS      George        Clarinet

Anivea Thigpen      Bay Springs      Bay Springs HS    Jasper         Clarinet

Seth Barlow        Ellisville     South Jones HS    Jones   Clarinet

Mary Christian Ellzey    Seminary    South Jones HS          Jones Clarinet

Taylor Kitchens   Seminary South Jones HS         Jones       Clarinet

Kamiyah May          Laurel Northeast Jones HS        Jones Clarinet

Zipporah McCurdy  Heidelberg     Northeast Jones HS   Jones   Clarinet

John David Myers      Ellisville    South Jones HS      Jones Clarinet

Edna Perez Ambrocio     Morton        Morton HS    Scott Clarinet

Lariza Hernandez       Harrisville      Mendenhall HS   Simpson   Clarinet

Elizabeth Thomas   Moselle South Jones HS   Jones  Clarinet/Bass

Johnna Jones   Mt. Olive     Simpson Academy    Covington       Dance

Cambrey Hill   Laurel     West Jones     Jones     Dance 

Allee Green Laurel        West Jones HS          Jones      Dance 

Ellie Claire Napier   Ellisville     Ocean Springs HS          Jones       Dance 

Allie Robinson        Ellisville    South Jones HS      Jones     Dance 

Jena Lowery   Mize      Mize HS         Smith    Dance 

Mallory Matthews     Raleigh           Raleigh HS      Smith       Dance 

Heidi Ainsworth    Waynesboro    Wayne County HS Wayne Dance 

Chaz Welborn    Ellisville    Northeast Jones       Jones   Drum Major

Elisa Cook     Meridian    Clarkdale HS    Lauderdale    Drum Major

Laney Ingram        Morton    Raleigh HS      Smith      Drum Major

Jennifer Pineda     Collins        Collins     Covington       Flute   

Kyndall Gunderson       Petal      Petal HS      Forrest    Flute   

A’Miracle Blackwell Prentiss   Jeff Davis County HS Jeff Davis Flute

Janette Hernandez Laurel    Northeast Jones HS    Jones   Flute   

Angela Martinez    Ellisville     South Jones HS Jones     Flute   

Karen Mendoza Alba      Ellisville    South Jones HS     Jones Flute   

Elizabet Ramirez Pham Laurel   Northeast Jones HS Jones Flute   

Adria Stephenson    Soso West Jones HS Jones   Flute   

Maggie Bennett     Sumral   Sumrall HS     Lamar    Flute   

Emily Ponce      Morton       Morton HS      Scott    Flute   

Hannah Smith        Newton, Texas                       Flute   

Lillian Johnson   Petal       Petal HS    Forrest   Guard

Jazmyne Bryant     Laurel Northeast Jones HS  Jones   Guard 

Martha Hernandez   Ellisville      Northeast Jones HS Jones    Guard

Lucy Channell       Pearl    Pearl HS  Rankin        Guard 

Leah Devenport   Florence Florence HS    Rankin     Guard 

Madison Knighten     Florence       Florence HS        Rankin Guard

Lynathia Spann      Florence     Florence HS       Rankin       Guard 

Sadee Wallace      Harrisville    Mendenhall HS   Simpson     Guard

Jarlyn Jordan     Waynesboro   Wayne County HS Wayne       Guard

La’Keiya Stokes   Waynesboro      HSE    Wayne     Guard

Danielle Williams Waynesboro    Wayne County HS   Wayne Guard

Gracie Speed     Collins     Collins HS   Covington Manager

Marquise Winters   Hattiesburg     Hattiesburg HS   Forrest Manager

Rhe’Onna Bridges    Ellisville      Homeschool     Jones   Manager

Alex Mixon    Moselle   South Jones HS Jones Manager

Kira Alexander    Monticello   Lawrence County HS Lawrence Manager

Gracelyn Knight    Monticello    Lawrence County HS Lawrence Manager

Ghenessy Lopez Morton Morton HS        Scott  Manager

Meghan Torrano Morton      Morton HS      Scott  Manager

Laura Jane Moss  Grenada    Grenada HS       Grenada   Mellophone

Dawson Ellard   Ellisville    Northeast Jones HS   Jones   Mellophone

Cayden Pope     Columbia      Columbia HS    Marion   Mellophone

Aidan Chisolm   Mize     Mize HS Smith     Mellophone

Zachary Hand    Petal Mize HS Smith     Mellophone

Dani Patricia Mitchell Seminary   Seminary HS Covington  Mellophone

Conner  Perkin s Petal   Petal HS Forrest    Percus/Bass Guitar

Hayden Michael   Enterprise Enterprise HS    Clarke   Percussion

Rhyder Mckee   Collins   Collins HS Covington     Percussion

De’Angelo McLaurin   Collins    Collins HS    Covington    Percussion

Samuel Hall     Petal   Petal HS Forrest     Percussion

Dallas Peacock  Laurel    Stringer HS Jasper Percussion

Granville Arrington Sandersville  Northeast Jones HS     Jones     Percussion

Tristan Patterson    Ovett  South Jones HS     Jones Percussion

Kayden Dozier Laurel Northeast Jones HS    Jones   Percussion

Demarion McCullum   Ellisville South Jones HS Jones Percussion

Nancy Tucker Laurel   Northeast Jones HS   Jones   Percussion

Mariah Smith  Richton  Richton HS  Perry Percussion

Logan Cockrell    Harrisville  Mendenhall HS Simpson Percussion

Victor Payton Waynesboro    Wayne County HS Wayne Perc/Drum Set

David Parish    Ellisville   South Jones HS    Jones Tenor Sax

Ethan Patterson    Moselle  South Jones HS  Jones  Trombone

Sydnee Tisdale Ellisville South Jones  Jones Trombone

Christian Dobbs  Laurel   West Jones HS    Jones Trombone

Mark Dukes Trussville, AL Hewitt Trussville HS    Trombone

Jesse Smith Quitman     Enterprise HS  Clarke   Trumpet

Anarria Mangrum    Mt. Olive Collins HS    Covington Trumpet

Sara Thompson   Petal   Petal HS Forrest Trumpet

Landen Upton Hattiesburg   Petal HS    Forrest    Trumpet

Calli Parker Raleigh     Raleigh HS Smith   Trumpet

Patrick Soetaert State Line   Wayne County HS    Wayne  Trumpet

James Blackmon   Quitman    Quitman HS    Clarke Tuba   

Jaylon Williams Prentiss   Jeff Davis County HS     Jeff Davis  Tuba   

Jacey Posey Ellisville    South Jones HS     Jones  Tuba   

Āé¶¹Ö±²„’s All-Mississippi Academic Team named

ELLISVILLE – Two Āé¶¹Ö±²„ students earned individual honors through the International Honor Society for two-year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa. Sophomore History major, Hope Houston of Laurel was selected to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s All-Mississippi Academic First Team. Child Development and Family Sciences major from Oak Grove, Baleigh Patton was selected for Second Team honors.

ā€œHope is an incredibly focused and thoughtful student. She has personal and professional interests that span from health care to history, and being named to the MS All-Academic team is a true testament to her intellectual curiosity and work ethic,ā€ said PTK Advisor and Dean of Science and Technology, Eric Shows. ā€œBaleigh is the most uplifting PTK officer in my recent memory.  I always look forward to working with her because of her compassion, her humor, and her approach to life. Her selection to the MS All-Academic Team is a wonderful recognition of her commitment to personal and professional success that will benefit our community.ā€

As a Āé¶¹Ö±²„ student, Houston has been actively volunteering in her community in various ways. She is a dedicated volunteer for the Laurel Veteran’s Memorial Museum and the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. She has been selected to the Leadership Academy for the National WWII Museum, and she has been invited to do an internship for Documentary First, with the Normandy Academy through the National WWII Museum for the last two summers. Additionally, the Laurel native has been a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Concert Choir, JC Voices, and a photographer for the yearbook. She was selected as a member of the Hall of Fame, and she has served as the Phi Theta Kappa VP of Scholarship. Houston’s future plans include double majoring in history and business management at the University of Southern Mississippi.

ā€œI am incredibly thankful and humbled by this honor. Academics have always been extremely hard for me. I have dyslexia and bad vision which is not a good combination when it comes to learning!ā€ shared Houston. ā€œI’ve always had to work twice as hard to understand concepts. The Lord has taught me to rely on Him for all my strength, and I have learned the value of hard work.ā€  

Twenty-year-old Baleigh Patton has helped her community in numerous ways, including as a Governance Board Member of I.M.A.G.E. for Teens, she volunteers for Hope’s Collective Food Pantry and she volunteers for Life Church’s Children’s department and Media Team. At JC, she served as the Phi Theta Kappa VP of Service, has sung in the choir and has been a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute. She plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at the University of Southern Mississippi before pursuing a master’s degree in Educational Research. Her goal is to research and find ways to fight illiteracy in America.

ā€œAs a non-traditional and working student, I felt disconnected from my peers, and in a way, PTK filled that disconnect. To be acknowledged by an organization that gave me a sense of purpose, connection to my campus, leadership experience and lifelong relationships leaves me without words to express my fullest gratitude,ā€ said Patton.

Both students were additionally honored as members of the Distinguished Officer Team from Phi Theta Kappa at both the Regional and International Conferences. For the All-Mississippi Academic Team, Houston and Patton competed with more than 1,800 nominations from each of the 15-community colleges in Mississippi. As part of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society’s annual academic and workforce competition, each student submitted an essay, answered discussion questions, and described their leadership roles and activities while in college.

The highest scoring nominees from each of the 15 two-year colleges earned First Team All-Mississippi honors and $500 scholarships provided by the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges. All team members received special medallions, certificates, and printed resolutions from the Mississippi Legislature.

_______________________________________________________________________

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’s 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.

Āé¶¹Ö±²„ celebrates Practical Nursing Graduates in moving ceremony

ELLISVILLE – In an emotional and heartfelt ceremony, the 33 members of the summer graduating class of the Practical Nursing program at Āé¶¹Ö±²„ in Ellisville were honored during a traditional pinning ceremony held recently. The pinning ceremony is a longstanding tradition in the nursing profession, symbolizing the transition from student to nurse, acknowledging the compassion, dedication, and hard work the graduates have shown throughout their training. To make it even more special, friends, family members, faculty, and community members gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the nursing students, many of whom have overcome personal and academic challenges to reach this milestone.

ā€œYou are a truly an exceptional group, and this ceremony is a celebration of your determination, resilience, and countless hours of hard work that brought you to this moment,ā€ Amy Myers, the Director of Practical Nursing said to the new graduates. ā€œNursing school is not for the faint of heart and you’ve proven that you have the strength, focus, and compassion needed to excel in this profession. I encourage you to keep learning to stay open, to stay curious, and to remember why you chose this path. Nursing is more than a career, it is a calling to care, to serve and make a difference in the lives of others.ā€

Ahmya Bacot of Hattiesburg, Sabrina Bobbitt of Lake, Kovani Bolton of Brandon and Sydney Burchfield of Laurel proudly show off their lighted lamps as part of the Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Practical Nursing Program’s Pinning and Lamp Lighting Ceremony.
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One example of determination and resiliency has been shown by Ellisville’s Hope Smith. After starting the program in 2021, she finished the Practical Nursing program four years later than she hoped. During that time, she had a child, took some time off from her education and began working full-time before returning to school a year ago. Her now three-and-a-half-year-old daughter Charlotte is the main reason she began dreaming of nursing again. Smith is pursuing a career in pediatrics because of her daughter’s special health needs.

Practical Nursing graduate, Hope Smith of Ellisville (right middle) holds her three-year-old daughter Charlotte and is pictured with her sister Katelyn Stamper (left end), her mother Nicole and father Jamie Smith (middle) and her boyfriend, Darron Schall (right end) show their support by attending the Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony.

ā€œI’m coming back to Jones to finish some required classes for the R.N. program before I ā€˜bridge’ to the R.N. program,ā€ said Smith. ā€œI’m proud I did something and made something of myself for my daughter while being a young teenage mom. I was pregnant, finished high school and college and still graduated with my associates degree and now I’m a nurse!ā€

Not only did Smith become a nurse, but she was also honored with the Academic Excellence Award for demonstrating the ability to achieve in addition to excelling in every scholastic activity. Overcoming the challenge of being a working parent and a nursing student while also achieving the highest academic performance, Smith attributes to her supportive family.

ā€œMy dad kind of drilled it into me and my other sister that, ā€˜You’re going to make something of yourself.’ My sister has probably pushed me the hardest. Even though my parents are extremely proud of me, I think my sister Katelyn is the proudest,ā€ Smith shared.

The Florence Nightingale Award recipient, Leah Englett of Seminary said nursing school saved her life. After spending 27 years being a hairdresser, she’s starting her life over as a nurse.

ā€œToday means everything to me because I’ve always wanted to be a nurse, but I never had the confidence,ā€ shared Englett. ā€œI talked to Miss Burge and my advisor, and she saved my life, actually. I didn’t have any courage and when I came here, I wasn’t even able to hold my head up or give anyone eye contact. I’ve worked myself up so and this program has given me confidence too. I’ve also made such wonderful friends here. I would adopt every one of them!ā€

Ahmya Bacot receives her nursing pin from Practical Nursing Director, Amy Myers

As part of the ceremony, each graduate was presented with a nursing pin which is a symbol of their readiness to serve and their connection to a long-standing tradition of care. Becoming a nurse was not 23-year-old, Ahmya Bacot of Hattiesburg’s first career choice. While working as a patient account representative at a clinic, that is when she realized she wanted to be a nurse. The Pinning and Lamp Lighting Ceremony, which is a culmination of one chapter in her nursing career has become more special as she ā€œbridgesā€ to the R.N. program.

ā€œThis ceremony means everything to me. It represents the late nights, the sacrifices, and the personal growth we’ve all experienced,ā€ Bacot said. ā€œLike many of us, we were filled with so many doubts, and I took a risk since I live on my own to budget and pay bills. One year later, after questioning whether or not I should take the risk, I’m a nurse with no doubts about my choice.ā€

Prior to the Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony, graduates (pictured left to right) Brittney Zeigler of Monroe, LA, Ahmya Bacot of Hattiesburg, Leah Englett of Seminary and Tonancy Carranza of Ellisville pose for a picture with their nursing instructor, Mason Smith (middle).

Receiving the Rising Star Award was Petal’s Kaylie Derrick. This award is given to a student who has shown continuous dedication and exceptional growth in the classroom, and clinical settings. Her instructors said her positive attitude and perseverance have enriched her professionalism and nursing knowledge.

Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Practical Nursing graduates, Kaylie Derrick of Petal (left) and Leah Englett of Seminary light their candles as part of the Program’s Pinning and Lamp Lighting Ceremony.

The ceremony concluded with the new nurses reciting the Florence Nightingale Pledge, which is a solemn vow to uphold the ethical and compassionate standards of nursing. After passing their licensure exams, these graduates will begin their careers in various healthcare settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics across the region and some will continue their nursing education. For more information about the Practical Nursing programs at Āé¶¹Ö±²„, click on the website, /programs/practicalnursing/

Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Practical Nursing Graduates Summer 2025

  1. Ahmya Bacot, Hattiesburg
  2. Sabrina Bobbitt, Lake
  3. Kovani Bolton, Brandon
  4. Sydney Burchfield, Laurel
  5. Tonancy Carranza, Ellisville
  6. Tempess Cooper, Moss Point
  7. Kaylie Derrick , Petal
  8. Leah Englett, Seminary
  9. LaKenneth Fairley, Mount Olive
  10. Arteia Keonna Gardner, Clinton
  11. Vinkodious Hilton, Collins
  12. Heather Howell, Ellisville
  13. Lindsey Johnson, Ellisville
  14. Bailey King, Leakesville
  15. Emma Kate King, Brandon
  16. Brent Lee, Clara
  17. Yasmine Lee, McComb
  18. Alexus Lindsey, Laurel
  19. Hannah Marie Martin, Puckett
  20. Chrisquisa Matthews, Waynesboro
  21. A’Keyia Darionne McDyess, Vossburg
  22. Faith Lashay Peavy, Columbia
  23. Quintena Pollard, Petal
  24. Deamberleye Rankin, Florence
  25. Anjelena Sanson, Laurel
  26. Hope Smith, Ellisville
  27. Allyson Strahan, Petal
  28. Jerneshia Turner, State Line
  29. Keanna Janay Walker, Collins
  30. Ashley Walters, Soso
  31. Jamie Watkins, Laurel
  32. Brittney Zeigler, Monroe, LA
  33. Ivy Zickus, Ellisville