麻豆直播

ELLISVILLE 鈥� The 麻豆直播 Radiologic Technology program celebrated the accomplishments of the largest class of graduates in recent program history. Sixten students, Eden Alyssa Benoit-Hattiesburg, Jordan D Garcia-Laurel, Abbie Grace Glasscock-Ellisville, Hannah Brooke Graham-Ovett (Raleigh native), Kelbi Ann Herring-Laurel, Katie E Jones-Mount Olive, Kaylee Lauren Jones-Mize, Alexis D Kittrell-Mize, Jayden B Lathem-Sebastopol, Gracie Elizabeth McDill-Sebastopol, Hope Elizabeth Mealer-Petal (Olive Branch native), Taylor Loy Messersmith-Laurel, Kendalen Carol Russell-Stringer, Sydney Paige Sikes-Silas, AL, Ashton Nicole Stockman-Bay Springs and Rachel Cambrea Thrash-Ellisville, each completed 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 well as having new equipment in the JC Hospital Simulation Lab as the reason for their success in the job market.

鈥淭hese 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!鈥� said Pearson.

Two students earned scholarships and special honors during the completion ceremony. Ashton Stockman of Bay Springs received the Clinical Student of the Year Award. This award is given to a student in the graduating class that excels in the clinical setting and goes above and beyond their clinical duties and is voted on by affiliate clinical sites. Stockman also received the Mississippi Society of Radiologic Technology scholarship which is awarded to a student that demonstrates good moral character and professionalism in both the classroom and clinical setting, while maintaining a competitive GPA. Both JC instructors, Mandy Pearson and Brittany Barron said Stockman is a dedicated and driven student that demonstrated exceptional patient care skills in the clinical setting.

鈥淚 am incredibly thankful to have been a part of the 麻豆直播 Radiography Program. Throughout my journey, I had the opportunity to learn from so many amazing mentors who helped shape me into the technologist I am today. Their guidance, support, and encouragement have meant so much to me, and I am truly honored to have been chosen by the clinical instructors and technologists as Clinical Student of the Year,鈥� said Stockman. 

Furthermore, Ashton has distinguished herself clinically and academically with impressive scholastic achievement throughout the radiography program, further reflecting her commitment to success in the field. We are extremely proud of what she has accomplished and look forward to seeing what she accomplishes in the future.

Gracie McDill of Sebastopol was named the program鈥檚, Academic Student of the Year, an award presented to a student who exceeds program graduation requirements while maintaining an outstanding grade point average throughout their college career. Her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence have made her an exceptional representative of the program.

鈥淔aculty members describe Gracie as a student who consistently demonstrates positivity, perseverance, and compassion toward both patients and classmates. Mandy and I proudly congratulate Gracie on these well-deserved accomplishments and look forward to the impact she will make in the radiologic sciences profession,鈥� said Barron.

Additionally, McDill was selected as the recipient of the annual $400 scholarship presented by the Mississippi Radiological Society. This scholarship is awarded to the program鈥檚 Outstanding Radiologic Technology student based on high academic achievement, sound moral character, and financial need.

鈥淭his scholarship means more to me than just recognition, it represents the hard work, sacrifices, and encouragement that helped me get to this point. I鈥檓 incredibly thankful,鈥� said McDill.

Also earning honors from JC students were the clinical staff whom the students voted on as their favorite. Jeri Douglas, R.T.(R)(CT)(M) at Wayne General Hospital听was chosen as the Radiographer of the Year. And the Clinical Instructor of the Year Award went to Ashley Bradford, R.T.(R) at South Central Regional Medical Center.听

麻豆直播 Radiography Class of 2026听

Eden Alyssa Benoit                Hattiesburg

Jordan D Garcia                      Laurel

Abbie Grace Glasscock          Ellisville

Hannah Brooke Graham         Ovett (Raleigh native)

Kelbi Ann Herring                  Laurel

Katie E Jones                          Mount Olive

Kaylee Lauren Jones               Mize

Alexis D Kittrell                     Mize

Jayden B Lathem                    Sebastopol

Gracie Elizabeth McDill        Sebastopol

Hope Elizabeth Mealer           Petal (Olive Branch native)

Taylor Loy Messersmith        Laurel

Kendalen Carol Russell          Stringer

Sydney Paige Sikes                Silas, AL

Ashton Nicole Stockman        Bay Springs

Rachel Cambrea Thrash         Ellisville

ELLISVILLE 鈥� Six 麻豆直播 students were selected by their peers for the special recognition to be named Gold Key recipients. Two students, Chrishon Ellis of Panola and Callee Knotts of Soso received the Merit Gold Key Award. At Jones, Knotts served as the president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and was selected as to the All-State Academic Team. Also, the agricultural communications major was a member of Bobcat Brigade Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the 麻豆直播 Livestock Show Team.

Ellis is also majoring in agricultural science and served as the Vice President for Mississippi FFA State Association. At JC, he was a member of Bobcat Brigade, FBLA, Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society, Student Government Association and FCA. Additionally, both Ellis and Knotts were selected for Hall of Fame honors.

Leadership Gold Key Awards were given to Alexis McQueen of Laurel and Noah Allen of Columbia. McQueen is majoring in communications and was involved in Bobcat Brigade and was voted the 2025 Homecoming Queen. The Northeast Jones High School graduate is a leader at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church鈥檚 Youth Group.

Allen is an IST-Web and Programming major who has been involved in Bobcat Brigade, Phi Theta Kappa and volunteered for Heal the Land Service and the Words of Prayer Services for the elderly.

The female Athletic Gold Key Award went to Sydney Clearman who is majoring in biological sciences. In addition to being a member of the National Championship Bobcat Cheerleading squad, she is a member of Bobcat Brigade, PTK, FCA and Temple Baptist Church Ministry Leadership Team.

Ridgeland Jones is the Team Captain for the Men鈥檚 Tennis Team, the 2024 and 2025 Single and Men鈥檚 Doubles Tennis Champion and the 2026 MACCC Men鈥檚 Tennis Champion/and 2025 Region 23 Men鈥檚 Tennis Champion. Jones is a member of Bobcat Brigade, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and is majoring in Kinesiology. Both Clearman and Jones are members of the Hall of Fame and were named Tullos Scholars.

ELLISVILLE 鈥� Seven, 麻豆直播 sophomores were named Tullos Scholars, as well as being members of the student Hall of Fame, including Roderick 鈥淭ripp鈥� Alexander of Gulfport; Sydney Clearman of Hattiesburg; William 鈥淐ody鈥� Daley of Prentiss; Leilani DeBar of Leakesville; Larissa Hubbard of Gulfport; Ridgeland Jones of Laurel and Adam Nix of Ellisville. These students have received the college鈥檚 highest honor for the top JC students, which includes an endowed scholarship for the recipients. All seven students were nominated by faculty members as they distinguished themselves and impressed selection committee members over the past two years.

鈥淭his honor means a lot to me because I have worked extremely hard and this accomplishment makes all the hard work worth it,鈥� said Ridgeland Jones who has served as the Team Captain for the Men鈥檚 Tennis Team.

Additionally, Ridgeland Jones is the 2024 and 2025 Single and Men鈥檚 Doubles Tennis Champion and the 2026 MACCC Men鈥檚 Tennis Champion/and 2025 Region 23 Men鈥檚 Tennis Champion. Jones is a member of Bobcat Brigade, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. He plans to continue his education at USM and major in Kinesiology and then earn his master鈥檚 degree at William Carey University to be a coach and teacher. His parents are Donna and Robin Jones of Laurel.

Tripp Alexander is majoring in exercise science and will transfer to Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama to be a pre-medicine major. He is a member of the Men鈥檚 Soccer Team where he was honored twice as an NJCAA Academic All-American, and twice he earned the MACCC Championship, in addition to being a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Team. Mark and Christina Alexander are his parents.

鈥淚 came to Jones to play soccer, and JC means the world to me. It truly made me a different person and I鈥檓 so thankful for that!鈥� said Alexander. 鈥淚t means a lot that a school that poured into me so well would honor me like this!鈥�

Sydney Clearman is an Oak Grove High School graduate who was active in cheerleading and has continued cheerleading with the Bobcats and earned a national championship in the UCA College Nationals in January. She is also involved in the Bobcat Brigade, Charles Pickering Honors Institute, and PTK. With her biological sciences degree from USM, she hopes to continue her education at UMMC Dental School. Kevin and Selena Clearman are her parents.

鈥淭his honor inspires me to continue striving for excellence in everything I do. It reminds me that success isn鈥檛 just about individual accomplishments, but about the impact you have on others and the legacy you leave behind,鈥� said Clearman. 鈥淛ones has grown me and pushed me individually, in relationships with others, and in my relationship with Christ. Even though it wasn’t in my plan to come to Jones, it was in God鈥檚 plan, and his way is always better.鈥�

The 2025 Prentiss Christian High School Valedictorian, William 鈥淐ody鈥� Daley has continued making a mark for himself academically at JC. Receiving the Letter 鈥淛鈥� Award, and being a member of PTK, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, are just a few of his accomplishments. He also maintains his business and volunteers in nursing homes. The construction management major plans to continue his education at USM. His parents are Teddy and Susan Daley.

鈥淭his award makes all of the early mornings and late nights of studying worth it. I am also reminded of how grateful I am for everyone who has encouraged and helped me along the way,鈥� said Daley. 鈥淏eing here has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with my instructors and faculty members. They know me, they care about my success, and they鈥檝e invested time and effort into helping me grow both academically and personally. Choosing Jones is a decision I鈥檒l always value.鈥�

尝别补办别蝉惫颈濒濒别鈥檚 Leilani DeBar is majoring in accounting with plans to become a lawyer at Mississippi State University. She has been an active member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, PTK, Student Government Association, Future Business Leaders of America, and the Non-Traditional Student Organization, while also earning the Letter 鈥淛鈥� Award. Dennis and Kelley DeBar are Leilani鈥檚 parents.

鈥淚鈥檓 truly grateful and motivated to keep striving for excellence. I hope to use what I have learned here to make a meaningful difference. Jones helped me develop as a student and a leader, and it鈥檚 where I鈥檝e built relationships and experiences that will stay with me long after graduation,鈥� said DeBar.

Just like her basketball career, Larissa Hubbard is one of the top of her class. At Harrison Central High School, she graduated 10^th in her class and was on the Varsity basketball team. At 麻豆直播, Hubbard has continued to excel academically and athletically as the Team Captain, and she has also earned a spot on the President鈥檚 List honor roll every semester and is a member of PTK. She earned NJCAA All-Academic Team and All-MACCC Academic Honors, and NJCAA All-Conference second team honors. In addition to being in class and on the court, Hubbard volunteers with young athletes and volunteers at college events. The accounting major from Gulfport plans to continue her athletic career at Lamar University and then work on the marketing team of a major league sports team. Her parents are Byron and Kristie Hubbard.

Adam Nix of Ellisville is a member of the men鈥檚 golf team, Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Homecoming Court. The physics and engineering major, plans to transfer to Mississippi State to major in chemical engineering.

Requirements for the Tullos Scholarship include being a full-time sophomore, submitting a r茅sum茅 with two-faculty recommendation letters, having outstanding academic achievements, being engaged in college activities, leadership positions and participating in community service. Each student received medallions and $1,000 scholarships in recognition of being named after the scholarship donors, Gene and Nada Tullos of Smith County.

ELLISVILLE 鈥�&苍产蝉辫;麻豆直播 officials have changed the location of the 98^th Annual Commencement Ceremony from outdoors on the North Lawn of Jones Hall to the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium. As a result, the 665 graduates participating in commencement on Friday, May 8, have been divided into three groups for three ceremonies beginning at 3 p.m., 5:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The last ceremony will include the Alumni Choir, Hall of Fame, Tullos Scholars and Middle College graduates.

Check the website /graduation/ for all details related to graduation including the link to watch the ceremonies live. It is important to note that graduates are issued four tickets for general admission. Doors will open at 2:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. and no one will be allowed to enter early. Graduates will receive either an associate in arts degree, associate in applied science degree, associate of science, associate of science and technology, a technical certificate, or a career certificate. Following the ceremony, families and guests will meet their graduates in the C.L. Neill Student Center and Banquet Hall for photos. For questions specifically regarding the 2026 graduation ceremony, please contact Kacie Birdsong at 601-477-4137.

This ceremony will also mark the fourth class of the Middle College Program at Laurel High School with 19 students earning both their high school diploma and an associate degree from 麻豆直播. These students, Amber Burks, Gracelyn Carmichael, Davon Chambers, Eddie Cole, Henry DeJesus, Liliana Garcia, Autumn McGill, Karina Julio, Maitin Lainez, Laila McMillan, Jamari Morrow, Arberney Pollard, Vanessa Reyes, Sydney Ridgeway, Malia Sanders, Dexyia Sullican, Javon Terrell, Alex Virgen, and Richard Ward, finished their high school requirements simultaneously while attending college courses to complete a two-year degree.

The keynote speaker for graduation will be U.S. Army Retired Major General and Chief Executive Officer of MINACT Inc., in Jackson. Major General Augustus L. Collins, U.S. Army Retired, is the Chief Executive Officer of MINACT Inc., which is a leading workforce training, development and management corporation headquartered in Jackson. Prior to being appointed to his current position, he served for more than 35 years in the United States Army and the Army National Guard, including tours as the Director of Mobilization Forces, U.S. Army Forces Command, the Commander of the 155th Separate Armored Brigade during Operation Iraqi Freedom and his final position as the Adjutant General for the Mississippi National Guard. From 2019 until 2025, he served as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for the State of Mississippi.

Collins initially retired from the Army in 2007 and was appointed as Commissioner, Mississippi Workers鈥� Compensation Commission.  However, in January 2012 Governor Bryant requested that he be recalled from military retirement and was appointed as the Adjutant General for the Mississippi National Guard.  He served in that position until his retirement in August 2016.

Collins currently serves on the Board of Directors for Huntington Ingalls Industries, Trustmark National Bank, Mississippi Power Company and the Armed Forces Benefits Association.  He is a Past President of the University of Mississippi Alumni Association and currently serves as the Chairman of the University of Mississippi Foundation. He is a Charter member of the board of directors of Friends of Mississippi Veterans.  He previously served on the board of directors of the National Guard Association of the United States and the New Hope Christian School.  He is a former member of the Governor鈥檚 Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports.

The retired general earned his Associate of Arts Degree from Northeast Mississippi Junior College. He continued his education at the University of Mississippi where he earned his Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Business Administration from the University of Mississippi, his Master鈥檚 Degree in Business Administration from Jackson State University and his Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. Collins has also completed studies at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and the Harvard Business School.

A few of his many military awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Mississippi Magnolia Cross, the Order of Saint George Medallion for excellence in Armor, the Combat Action Badge and the Army Staff Badge.

ELLISVILLE 鈥� The stars of HGTV鈥檚 Home Town and 麻豆直播 alumni, Ben and Erin Napier, returned to the Ellisville campus over the summer but this time, it was not to transform a building or a home. They were asked to shine a little attention on the Women鈥檚 Basketball facilities. Upon completion of the project, and the recent premiere of the episode, it has become obvious that the $75,000 donation to make some crucial changes has scored big points. Not only were the locker room facilities renovated, but the upgrade has also transformed the lives of the team members and coaches, bringing new energy and visibility to the program led by head coach, Trista Magee Whitman. 麻豆直播 President, Dr. Jesse Smith said this remodeling opportunity will be life changing for the athletes.

鈥淭his project was about investing in our student-athletes and showing them that they matter,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淭o have a show with the reach of 鈥楬ome Town鈥� shine a spotlight on 麻豆直播 is incredibly meaningful for our campus and our community, but to also work with alumni, like Ben and Erin, is even more special.鈥�

This project expanded its mission of restoring old things by highlighting the impact of athletics and education. Coach Magee Whitman said the renovation came at a pivotal time for her program.

鈥淥ur players put in countless hours on the court, in the classroom and in the community,鈥� she said. 鈥淭o see someone invest in them like this, to create a space they can truly call their own, is emotional. It tells them their hard work is seen and appreciated. Our motto is Building Champions, and this renovation helps us do just that.鈥�

The improvements enhanced the team鈥檚 facilities by creating a more modern and functional environment that supports both training and building a team culture. In addition to a lounge area with a sound system and a nutrition center, athletes now have a private area for evaluating and taping injuries, a sauna and cold plunge bath, and a private dressing area and the ladies have a nice bathroom and vanity area for after the game. Sophomore player Khalee Harrison of Vaughn said the changes really boosted morale.

鈥淚t makes you feel proud,鈥� Harrison said. 鈥淲hen you walk into a space that鈥檚 been designed just for you and your team, it gives you a different level of motivation. It makes you want to work even harder because they invested in us and this just feels like home.鈥�

One of the guests and friend of Coach Magee Whitman, Christy Durham of Laurel toured the new facility prior to the premiere of the Home Town show. She is especially impressed with the renovation but emphasized the broader impact beyond wins and losses.

鈥淭his isn鈥檛 just about basketball,鈥� Durham said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about giving these young women confidence and showing them, they deserve something special. Trista has always poured into her players, and now that鈥檚 being poured back into her program.鈥�

With the episode featuring 麻豆直播 continuing to air in the future, campus leaders say the exposure could bring lasting benefits like increased recruitment and hopefully the opportunity for more community engagement. Smith said the renovation aligns with the college鈥檚 mission of supporting students in every aspect of their development.

鈥淎t Jones, we believe in creating opportunities that help students succeed,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his project does exactly that because it elevates our facilities, but more importantly, it elevates our people.鈥�

Pieces of the past are placed throughout the facility including leftover hardwood from the basketball court that are now part of the accent wall, trophies and a pair of converse tennis shoes. For the coach and her players, the experience will continue to resonate with them for a long time into the future.

鈥淭his is something they鈥檒l remember for the rest of their lives,鈥� Whitman said. 鈥淭his is going to inspire future generations of Bobcat athletes.鈥�