Ā鶹ֱ²„ celebrates Practical Nursing Graduates in moving ceremony
ELLISVILLE ā In an emotional and heartfelt ceremony, the 33 members of the summer graduating class of the Practical Nursing program at Ā鶹ֱ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.
āYou 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. āNursing school is not for the faint of heart and youāve 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
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One example of determination and resiliency has been shown by Ellisvilleās 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 daughterās special health needs.
āIām coming back to Jones to finish some required classes for the R.N. program before I ābridgeā to the R.N. program,ā said Smith. āIām 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 Iām 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.
āMy dad kind of drilled it into me and my other sister that, āYou’re going to make something of yourself.ā 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, sheās starting her life over as a nurse.
āToday means everything to me because Iāve always wanted to be a nurse, but I never had the confidence,ā shared Englett. āI talked to Miss Burge and my advisor, and she saved my life, actually. I didnāt have any courage and when I came here, I wasnāt even able to hold my head up or give anyone eye contact. Iāve worked myself up so and this program has given me confidence too. Iāve also made such wonderful friends here. I would adopt every one of them!ā
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 Hattiesburgās 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 ābridgesā to the R.N. program.
āThis ceremony means everything to me. It represents the late nights, the sacrifices, and the personal growth weāve all experienced,ā Bacot said. āLike 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, Iām a nurse with no doubts about my choice.ā
Receiving the Rising Star Award was Petalās 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.
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 Ā鶹ֱ²„, click on the website, /programs/practicalnursing/
Ā鶹ֱ²„ Practical Nursing Graduates Summer 2025
- Ahmya Bacot, Hattiesburg
- Sabrina Bobbitt, Lake
- Kovani Bolton, Brandon
- Sydney Burchfield, Laurel
- Tonancy Carranza, Ellisville
- Tempess Cooper, Moss Point
- Kaylie Derrick , Petal
- Leah Englett, Seminary
- LaKenneth Fairley, Mount Olive
- Arteia Keonna Gardner, Clinton
- Vinkodious Hilton, Collins
- Heather Howell, Ellisville
- Lindsey Johnson, Ellisville
- Bailey King, Leakesville
- Emma Kate King, Brandon
- Brent Lee, Clara
- Yasmine Lee, McComb
- Alexus Lindsey, Laurel
- Hannah Marie Martin, Puckett
- Chrisquisa Matthews, Waynesboro
- AāKeyia Darionne McDyess, Vossburg
- Faith Lashay Peavy, Columbia
- Quintena Pollard, Petal
- Deamberleye Rankin, Florence
- Anjelena Sanson, Laurel
- Hope Smith, Ellisville
- Allyson Strahan, Petal
- Jerneshia Turner, State Line
- Keanna Janay Walker, Collins
- Ashley Walters, Soso
- Jamie Watkins, Laurel
- Brittney Zeigler, Monroe, LA
- Ivy Zickus, Ellisville
Ā鶹ֱ²„’s Jasper County Center’s Practical Nurses celebrate new chapter
ELLISVILLE ā The third class of Ā鶹ֱ²„ās Practical Nursing graduates earned their degrees at the Jasper County Center in Bay Springs and received their professional pins at a ceremony recently held at the Center. Amongst the 14 graduates, three students were honored with special recognition. Earning the Academic Excellence Award for having the highest average score in her class was Quinteshia Jones of Louin. The 26-year-old initially thought she wanted to be an educator but realized she had more opportunities in nursing to help more people.
āI really wanted to contribute more to my community and through nursing I think I can make a greater impact,ā said Jones. āGraduating today, overcoming a hurdle that I honestly didnāt think I could do, because I felt I could handle the academic part, but I had to work on my mindset, feels good. I was lacking confidence but my support system, everyone at school, friends and family got me through this.ā
Maylazia Hardy of Louin started the practical nursing program at the main campus in Ellisville but found the smaller classrooms and accessible instructors at the Jasper County Center was just what she needed to be successful. She earned the Rising Star Award during the Pinning and Completion Ceremony for showing continuous dedication and exceptional growth in the classroom and clinical setting and her positive attitude and perseverance has enriched her professionalism and nursing knowledge.
āNursing gives me the opportunity to be more hands on in helping people and just spread the love,ā said Jones. āI love putting smiles back on the faces of individuals who feel like they donāt matter or are overcome by illness and need to be lifted up to heal. Thatās a great feeling!ā
The Florence Nightingale Award went to Kelli Thornton of Louin because she encompasses all the qualities of Florence Nightingale, the founder of the nursing profession by exhibiting compassion, dedication, kindness and she embodies the true spirit of nursing. Practical Nursing Instructor at the Jasper County Center, Lisa Hammons shared,
āThis class has shown an exceptional amount of dedication, perseverance, compassion and excellence throughout their time in this program,ā said Hammons. āThey are truly an exceptional group of women who are well prepared and ready to take on the new challenge of nursing in the workplace. I am confident in their abilities and could not be more proud of their success.ā
For more information about the Practical Nursing Program at Ā鶹ֱ²„, offered in Jasper and Wayne Counties and on the main campus in Ellisville, click on the website: /programs/practicalnursing/
Jasper County Practical Nursing Summer Graduates
- Gabrielle LeRandra Batton, Florence
- McKenna MysteĆØ Bailey Cox, Louin
- Jermiah Cross, Clinton
- Maylazia Hardy, Louin
- Nadasha Jones, Louin
- Quinteshia Jones, Louin
- Criston Little, Mize
- Joashley Moncrief, Louin
- Tialea Parker, Laurel
- Monique Robinson, Newton
- Christauna Sanson, Laurel
- Kimberlea Strickland, Raleigh
- Kelli Thornton, Louin
- Karli Chandler Whisenhant, Vossburg
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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 SACSCOCās 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.
Ā鶹ֱ²„ās PTK Officers earn Award of Distinction
ELLISVILLE ā Ā鶹ֱ²„ President, Dr. Jesse Smith hosted a special celebration for the officer team of the Rho Sigma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and their parents after capturing the Distinguished Officer Team Award at the International PTK Convention held in Kansas City, earlier this year. The Ā鶹ֱ²„ Officers are a team of young ladies who impressed the leadership of the prestigious two-year Honor Society for various reasons. President, Meghan Torrano of Morton; VP of Leadership, Dannah Knighton of Madison; VP of Service, Baleigh Patton of Oak Grove; VP of Scholarship, Hope Houston of Laurel; VP of Fellowship, Addie Thames of Petal; Honors in Action Director, Bailey Blakeney of Mize; College Project Director, Jordan Parker of Ellisville and Treasurer and Director of Fundraising, Hannah Byrd of State Line, were one of only 30 officer teams recognized from the more than 1200 chapters globally.
āI think we were all in shock when our names were called, because most people think having an all-girl officer team would be filled with drama, but it was a sisterhood for us filled with love for each other,ā explained Torrano. āIt was a very special honor to walk across the stage at the International PTK Convention with our award and representing Ā鶹ֱ²„. We worked hard together this year; it took teamwork, not just one person to earn this award.ā
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In addition, the Ā鶹ֱ²„ PTK Rho Sigma chapter was named a Top 100 chapter out of over 1200 chapters globally at the International Convention and PTK Advisor and geography instructor, Dr. Caleb Smith was selected to present a breakout session entitled, āPreparing Your Digital Footprint for the Workforce.ā
At the Spring Regional Awards Meeting held at the University of Mississippi, the JC chapter was named a 5-Star chapter, it earned the Top 10 Overall in the Region for the College Project Award and the Honors in Action Project Theme Category was selected for a Top 3 Award. Also, the officers earned the Regional Distinguished Officer Team Award.
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Ret. Colonel Bartran keynotes Ā鶹ֱ²„ās HSE Commencement CeremonyĢż
ELLISVILLE– Approximately 100 of the 165 students earning their High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma at Ā鶹ֱ²„ over the last year will be participating in a commencement ceremony held in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium at Ā鶹ֱ²„ on Thursday, July 24, at 7 p.m. Besides receiving their HSE diploma, during the ceremony, high scoring students will learn if they are a recipient of a scholarship to continue their education at Ā鶹ֱ²„.
Retired Army National Guard Colonel Robert āBartā Bartran will be serving as the keynote speaker at the event. After serving as a military policeman and in civilian law enforcement for the last 36 years, the West Jones High School graduate is leading the charge over a new program at Ā鶹ֱ²„ called, JC CORP or Counterdrug Operational Resources Program. It has been created to play a vital role in the mitigation of the drug epidemic while also enhancing community relations. Additionally, Bartran will be offering advanced training for JCās criminal justice majors. As the Director of the JC CORP, he will be handling some of the same logistic duties he did as the Director of the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy (RCTA) through the National Guard based in Meridian.
He attended Ā鶹ֱ²„ and earned his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Hinds Community College, before completing his Bachelorās of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi. Bartran earned his Masterās Degree at Liberty University, with a major in Executive Leadership. Before joining the Active Guard and Reserve Programs, he graduated from the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer Training Academy in Jackson. Over ten years, in his Civilian Law Enforcement career, Bartran served in the Ridgeland and Laurel City police departments and as a Senior Narcotics Agent for the Jones County Sheriffās Department.
Bartranās military training includes graduating from Federal Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1995, Military Police Officer Basic Course training and being assigned to the 113th Military Police Company. He was selected as the Battalion Commander for the 112th Military Police Battalion from 2018 until 2021. After returning from being deployed overseas, Bartran served at every echelon in the state from the platoon level all the way up to the State Headquarters Primary/Special Staff and a Brigade Command Equivalent before being appointed as the Director of the Counterdrug Program for the Mississippi National Guard in 2021 and Commander of the RCTA. During his career, Bartran is credited with training more than 36,000 law enforcement professionals throughout the nation. Some of the medals and honors he earned over his career include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Governorās final rank advancement and Honorary Promotion to Brigadier General when he retired in April 2025.
Ā鶹ֱ²„ faculty and staff accomplishments honoredĢż
ELLISVILLE – Fourteen Ā鶹ֱ²„ faculty and staff members were recently honored for their workplace accomplishments over the previous academic year. The Employee Appreciation Awards began in 2004 with funds contributed by retired JCJC President, Dr. Ronald Whitehead, and the collegeās Foundation, Inc. Finalists were selected and interviewed by the Faculty and Staff Recognition Programās Selection Committee. Prior to the employee recognition program, a brunch was provided by the college and the JCJC Foundation Inc.
The Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence was established eight years ago to honor a mid-level administrator whose commitment to the profession stands out amongst their peers. Director of Landscape Services, Brian Johnson, was selected as the recipient of the 2024-2025 Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence. Ā鶹ֱ²„ President, Dr. Jesse Smith praised Johnsonās āgrowingā abilities over the 18 years he has served at Ā鶹ֱ²„. His job includes overseeing the campus landscape department, sports turf department and waste removal.
āI started working at Ā鶹ֱ²„ 18 years ago in November as the sports turf manager. However, for the last four years, I have served as Director of Landscape Services,ā said Johnson. āI have a very āhands onā approach to leading my departments. That style of management seems to work well for the people I manage. I believe leadership is something that takes time for one to develop through many good times and difficult times. For me to receive this award is validation that the style of leadership I provide works. I am honored to be nominated and voted to receive this award.ā
English instructor, Asheley Means received the Barbara & Gary Sauls Award for Excellence in Teaching Humanities. The scholarship and awards committee acknowledged how the Humanities Division instructor exemplifies intellectual integrity in the classroom, and has encouraged analytical thinking skills, she loves humanitarian pursuits and fosters a positive rapport with her students. This award was initiated by JCJC alumni, Mr. & Mrs. Gary W. āBuddyā and Barbara Sauls. Their daughter, Tracy, was a 1990 JCJC graduate. Mr. Sauls was a former JCJC Board of Trustees member and Barbara Sauls is currently on the JCJC Foundationās Advisory Board. Means was awarded a $500 cash prize and an acrylic plaque.
In the individual employee appreciation honors, 12 individuals from three categories of employees, faculty members, office staff and administrative support, and employees working in maintenance, housekeeping, campus grounds and campus police were each awarded certificates of achievement. Faculty finalists each received a cash prize of $250, and the overall winner received an additional $750 and an acrylic plaque. Each staff employee finalist was awarded a cash prize of $125, and the overall winner received an extra $500 and an acrylic plaque.
Finalists for the faculty awards included, Diesel Mechanic & Automotive instructor, Brad Ellzey, Psychology instructor, Kisha Jones, Agriculture Science instructor, Leanne Kilgore, Business & Technology instructor, Kandace Martin and Associate Degree Nursing instructor, Oshaugnessye McCormick. Selected as the Teacher of the Year was Kandace Martin for her dedication to Jones and managing numerous online courses.
Nominated for the Office Staff and Administrative Support Employee of the Year Award was Ā鶹ֱ²„ Project Lead Developer-Conor Bryant, the Wayne County Center Administrative Assistant-Curley Davis, I.T. Programmer & Analyst-Ethan Morris, and Testing Center Administrator/eLearning Support assistant, Amber Yarnell. Morris was selected as the Employee of the Year for the Office Staff and Administrative Support division.
In the maintenance, housekeeping, campus grounds and campus police department division, Environmental Safety/Housekeeper, Juanita Walters was nominated along with Groundskeeper Caleb Overland and Transportation employee, Adam Holifield with Holifield earning the top prize.
As an honorary employee of the college, Sodexo cafeteria employee, Michelle Keyes was recognized for her work. She received a $500 cash award for her efforts on behalf of the college.
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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 SACSCOCās 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 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. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.