Nine Ā鶹ֱ²„ Alumni & Friends honored during Homecoming 2022
ELLISVILLE ā Ā鶹ֱ²„ās Alumni Association and Foundation expanded its Honor Alumni recognition event to include four new awards at Homecoming celebrations on October 8, 2022. āRising Stars,ā Mason Strickland of Soso, and Ashton Williams of Petal were honored along with āAchievement and Excellence Awardā recipients, Cellie Scoggin of Laurel, and Marcus K. Tucker of Brandon. Ann Tucker of Laurel received the āLegacy Award,ā and Billy and the late Linda Howard of Laurel were awarded the āDistinguished Service Award.ā Also honored as āOutstanding Alumni of the Yearā were Sam Britton, a native of Waynesboro and resident of Laurel, and Jerome Harless of Moselle.
āThis is a unique year,ā said Ā鶹ֱ²„ President, Dr. Jesse Smith. āWeāre beginning a new tradition by recognizing the fabric of who we are as a college and what we are as a college, represented by our alumni. Recognizing alumni who are on their way, just beginning their careers and have had early success to alumni of the year, and the alumni and friends of the college who have impacted the college, their communities, and other lives through distinguished service. All these folks working together make Ā鶹ֱ²„ what it is, the fabric of our community.ā
Rising Star recipients are Ā鶹ֱ²„ alumni who have demonstrated success early in their careers and have accomplished professional and personal success throughout the community. Mason Strickland attended
Jones in 2015 and graduated in 2017, as a member of the Bobcat Baseball team. As the pitcher in 2016, he helped the Bobcats earn the first National Championship in Baseball. Strickland continued his education and baseball career at the University of Southern Mississippi where he graduated in 2019 with a bachelorās degree in liberal studies. Currently, he is teaching 7th grade history at South Jones High School and was recently named head baseball coach and FCA sponsor. He and his wife Tiffany have been married for three years and have one daughter and are expecting a baby boy in November.
āJC had a huge impact on my future,ā said Strickland. āThe coaching staff mentored me to where I wanted to be a coach just like them. The people and players I had the opportunity to be around in those two years are friends that I will have for a lifetime.ā
Ashton Williams was at Jones from 2011 through 2013, majoring in accounting and he was a member of the Bobcat Brigade. He continued his education at USM, earning his BSBA and his Master of Professional Accountancy. The licensed C.P.A. is the Controller for Codaray Construction LLC. He is married to Hayley Williams who was a member of the Lady Bobcat Soccer team. They have been married for six years and have two children, four-year-old Jack and 10-month-old Sophie.
āLooking back, going to Ā鶹ֱ²„ was one of the greatest decisions Iāve made. Mr. Bedwell and Mr. Holifield (JC business instructors) provided the best-in-class introductory accounting courses that would eventually be the foundation upon which my whole career was built. The relationships that were formed while at Jones remain the strongest friendships I have to date,ā said Williams.
The Achievement and Excellence Award recognizes a graduate of Jones
College, who has demonstrated professional and personal success throughout the community who is 40 or younger. Receiving the Achievement and Excellence Award were Cellie Scoggin and Marcus K. Tucker.
Cellie is a 1991 graduate and was involved in the Student Government Association and Baptist Student Union. The USM graduate is the owner of Kids First Education, LLC which is Mississippiās leading educational consulting firm. She leads a team of 200 educational specialists across Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas while also serving as co-owner of the ice cream shop, Betsyās on Magnolia, and an Air B & B in Laurel. She and her husband of 30 years, Patrick raised two sons, Patrick Lee Jr. and Tom who are both married and have children. Her parents, David and Cynthia Sheppard are retired Laurel educators.
āMy experiences at JC laid the foundation for my academic career. Each of my instructors were consistent in modeling best practices for academic as well as social and emotional learningā¦connecting with me on a personal level. I have taken those practices and applied them to my educational work across Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, New York, Oklahoma, and Louisiana for the last 29 years,ā said Scoggin.
Marcus K. Tucker came to Jones in 2005 and graduated from the Business and Marketing program in 2008. He played defensive back on the football team while also working at Ellisvilleās Corner Market. Tucker worked his way up to being the co-manager of the IGA Sunflower in Hattiesburg before being promoted to manager and transferring to the Vicksburg store. He has been the manager of the Jackson store for the last couple of years and was just recently promoted to District Manager of the North/West Region with the Roberts Company, managing stores throughout the state.
When Tucker is not working for the grocery store giant, heās helping clients as a personal trainer in his business, T-Powered Fitness. As a member of the JC Advisory Committee, the Northeast Jones High School graduate continues to give back to the college by helping current students find their career pathway. Marcus and his JC college sweetheart, Zakkiyya, have two sons, and one daughter and have been married for 15 years and live in Brandon. His parents are Sidney and Victoria Tucker of Laurel.
āI am very grateful for the way Ā鶹ֱ²„ showed me that they cared about my future from the time I stepped on campus. Even after I graduated, my marketing instructor, Ginger Keeton was always willing to help me navigate through any obstacles as I built my career. Jones equipped me with the necessary tools and skills I needed to accomplish challenges not only in my career but in life overall. Thank you, Ā鶹ֱ²„, for making me feel like family.ā
The Outstanding Alumni of the Year Award is awarded to an alumnus of Ā鶹ֱ²„ that recognizes the accomplishments and service of former students who have exhibited exceptional service and brought honor to the College. Outstanding Alumni of the Year honors went to Sam Britton and Jerome Harless.
A Waynesboro native, Sam Britton graduated from Jones County Junior College in 1976 and then earned his business degree at USM. After classes, he worked with his uncle in their pipeline construction business. When the oil business crashed in the 1980ās, Britton returned to school and earned a degree in accounting and his C.P.A. before establishing his own accounting firm.
With 30 yearsā experience in finance and accounting, Britton has served in the State Auditor and State Tax Commissionās Offices, as the Public Service Commissioner for the Southern District, and as Treasurer for the Ā鶹ֱ²„ Foundation Board. He was recognized by the Mississippi Business Journal in 2014 as a āMississippi Leader in Finance.ā
Brittonās sister, Katherine Barker of Vicksburg accepted the award on his behalf and shared
these comments. āI am humbled and honored to be named one of the Ā鶹ֱ²„ Outstanding Alumni of the Year. In life I have learned, most good things donāt just happen simply by accident or chance. Ā鶹ֱ²„ is the perfect example where good things have happened because of the dedication and hard work of the administration, faculty, staff and students. Also, the contributions of the community cannot be overlooked or underestimated. Ā鶹ֱ²„ not only educates but also enables individuals to build connections that last a lifetime and create success stories. On a larger scale, I believe JC helps to make America great and Jones does it one student at a time. I am grateful for this award and all the other opportunities Jones has afforded me,ā wrote Sam who is currently recovering from a medical condition.
Businessman and entrepreneur, Jerome Harless was also named Outstanding Alumni of the Year. He is a 1976 graduate of Jones and went onto own multiple businesses in the oil and gas industry, NASA and other related industries. He has served as deacon of his church and on the JC Foundation Board of Trustees and the Trustmark Bank Board of Trustees. Harless retired after 40 years in business with āmore grit in his pinky,ā JC President, Dr. Jesse Smith said, as he awarded Harless with the award.
āI enjoyed this great institution when I was here, when Dr. Terrell Tisdale was president and over the last 45 years since then, it has just gotten better as Jesse has taken over. I consider JC to be one of the best schools in Mississippi. I had some great teachers who helped prepare me for my future. I appreciate the honor and look forward to serving in the future,ā said Harless.
The Legacy Award spotlights an alumnus of Ā鶹ֱ²„ who has illustrated
over the years continued support and has made consistent contributions to honor the College with at least 50 years since graduating from Ā鶹ֱ²„. The Legacy Award was bestowed upon Ann Tucker whom, the college president said perfectly represents a legacy.
āShe has left her mark for over 50 years and has taught many. There is a power in her soul and if you get in her world, you will be hers from then on. She is a powerhouse of a teacher!ā said Ā鶹ֱ²„ President, Dr. Jesse Smith.
Tucker has been teaching English at Northeast Jones High School for 63 years. She graduated from JCJC in 1959 and while in Home Economics classes at JC, she decided to be a Home Economics teacher. She soon realized that was not practical because few jobs were available in that field. After graduating from USM, she and her husband, the current Jones County Beat 3 Constable, Mack Tucker married and have been farming in the Myrick community for 55 years of their 63-year marriage. The two have two daughters who also graduated from JC, and all three grandsons graduated from JC.
āThis is a very special time for me,ā said Tucker. āI was led to believe by my
mother, she was a teacher for many,Ā many years, education is the foundation for life for you to succeed and above that was God. All of my family went to Jones. If you graduate from Jones, then you have a solid ground to stand on and you can go anywhere and do anything you want. I believed my mother. Without Jones, I do not think that I would have been the successful teacher that I have been in the classroom.ā
The Distinguished Service Award is presented to a friend of the College who exemplifies a genuine interest in Ā鶹ֱ²„ and embodies the core values of inspiring greatness, leadership, respect, and selfless service to our community.
Billy and Linda Howard were recognized as the recipients of the Distinguished
Service Award for the integral part they have played in the community. In 1968, Laurel native Billy Howard left his 13-year career at General Electric as an electrical engineer with a few million dollars to start his own company, Howard Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of distribution transformers. He met his wife Linda a year later, they married, and she helped lead the booming business. With her experience in higher education administration, the Perry, Georgia, native and Billy Howard imparted some wisdom to the new president of Ā鶹ֱ²„, Dr. Jesse Smith in 2006.
āI told Billy what I wanted to talk about, and Ms. Linda had a complete worksheet. She said here is what you need to do, and how to do it. If you do these things, youāll be off to a good start. That was two hours of their time they gave me, and I still live by those words today,ā said Smith.
Billy and Linda are considered the epitome of success, Smith shared with the
audience. The company moved from being 23rd in the nation to a top producer of transformers in the U.S. Now, Howard Industries sells transformers in all 50 states and 130 foreign countries. The couple also started a trucking company, Howard Transportation and in 1994 they established a ballast manufacturing company, manufacturing electronic and HID ballasts for the lighting industry. In 1998, Howard Technology Solutions was developed and in 1999, computers were produced.
āToday, the company is still growing with Michael, my son heading up the 1.2-billion-dollar company. Ā鶹ֱ²„ trained a lot of our people and are still training our welders and so many others,ā said Billy Howard. āWhen I started the company, I had 100 people and Jones trained every one of them and that got us started really well. Iām so appreciative of Ā鶹ֱ²„.ā
The community is also very appreciative of Howard Industriesā investment into every aspect of the coupleās hometown and beyond, Smith said. Helping anyone who asked and doing what they thought was best for the community, they established programs like the Adopt A School Program, co-chaired fundraiser drives for air conditioning for all Laurel city schools, expanded the high school practice field and weight room, upgraded the high school science lab and the elementary schoolās language lab, sponsored numerous local youth athletic teams and are contributors to numerous colleges, including the creation of a company policy that pays for books and tuition for any employee to earn a higher ed degree. The Howards have also earned numerous honors and awards locally, from the state, southeastern region and nationally and are members of many boards and committees to help their alma maters, Mississippi State University and Mercer University in Macon Georgia, the industry and economic development and their hometown/region in general. Additionally, the couple have managed to grow their international company to employ 4,150 personnel.
All the honored alumni were recognized with a medallion during half-time of the football game before recognizing the Homecoming Court and Mr. & Miss JC.
Halloween at Ā鶹ֱ²„’s āTreats in the Streetsā
ELLISVILLE- Ā鶹ֱ²„ās Office of Student Affairs and Student Government Association, along with campus clubs and organizations will host the annual āTreats in the Streetsā night of activities on Monday, October 31, 2022, from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. The trick-or-treat trail event will be held in front of the C.L. Neill Student Center Plaza, the place where the event originated 23 years ago. Admission is free unless otherwise noted, and the public is welcome to attend all events. The annual Treats in the Streets celebration is an outdoor event and may be canceled or modified if it rains or if the weather is not conducive for children.
¹ó°ł“Ē³¾Ģż5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., JC clubs and organizations will have treats and games available beginning at the Student Center Plaza. The trick-or-treat trail continues around the A.B. Howard Gymnasium, and around the Hutcheson/Hubbard Administration Building, ending behind the Terrell Tisdale Library and beside the Humanities building.Ā This event is for children, ages 0 to 12 years. All children must be accompanied by an adult to attend.
The costume contests will begin atĀ 5:30 p.m.Ā on the stage area beside the
Visual Arts building and the Library Lawn, for kids ages 0 to 12. AtĀ 6 p.m., a costume contest for JC students will begin.
Also, the Ā鶹ֱ²„ all-you-can-eat cafeteria will stay open for dinner untilĀ 7:30 p.m.Ā The cost for children ages 4 to 9 years of age is $4.89 and for children ages 10 to adults the cost isĀ $8.50 (tax included).
After the Treats in the Streets event, Ā鶹ֱ²„ās Student Government Association will be hosting a Haunted House fundraiser. Beginning at 8 p.m., in the D.O. Thoms P.E. Building on the east side of campus and across from the cemetery on New Augusta Road, the Haunted House will be open to the public. The entry fee into the Haunted House is $3. This event may not be suitable for all ages.
For more information about any of these activities please contact Ashley Holifield at ashley.holifield@jcjc.edu or call 601-477-4030.
Ā鶹ֱ²„ās choral department performs concerts full of āGraceā Ā
ELLISVILLE ā The three Ā鶹ֱ²„ choral performing groups, JC Voices, the Concert Choir, and the Collegiate Chorale, will be presenting three concerts over the next couple of months. The public is invited to the free performances at the First Baptist Church of Laurel on Sunday, October 23, at 6 p.m. and the First Baptist Church of Quitman performance on Sunday, November 13, at 6 p.m.
Ā鶹ֱ²„ music and piano instructor, Dr. Victoria Johnson will accompany
the group on piano as the Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Imgyu Kang will be conducting different musical genres for each group. Featured songs such as, The Phantom of the Opera medley, Gospel style songs, traditional hymn style songs, and a selection for a male chorus will all focus on the theme of “Grace” for this concert.
āNow that we are back as much as we used to be, we are so grateful to be able to go around without a mask in our daily lives, especially here in Mississippi. Thinking of the grace we have received from God and the grace we have received from our friends, neighbors, and family, we have planned this concert with the theme of āGraceā in the hope that it will be a time to thank each other, to share, and to build community together again,ā said Dr. Kang.
Each vocal group will be featured beginning with the JC Voices performing āGraceā and Schubertās Mass in G major, including, Kyrie (The Lord have Mercy on us), Gloria (Glory to God) and Agnus Dei (Lamb of God). Ā The Concert Choir will follow up with seven selections including, āHoly is He,ā āVive Lāamour,ā āThe Phantom of the Opera,ā and āI Sing Because Iām Happy.ā The Collegiate Chorale group will perform the āHallelujah Chorusā and the JC Voices will conclude the concert with two musical pieces, āEvery Time I Feel the Spiritā and āA Gaelic Blessing.ā
āThe choir exemplifies the theme of āGraceā with the songs they sing, and we wanted to begin this year with that theme,ā said Dr. Kang. āWe have told the story of Grace through our past concerts with the theme of āThe Storm is Passing Overā and āPeace and Blessings.ā We want our audience to feel a sense of grace, or Godās love, through our music.ā
Ā鶹ֱ²„ choir member Marcus Sims of Laurel, shared his definition of Grace and encouraged the public to hear what grace sounds like in their concerts.
āGrace to me means receiving the kindness from God that we do not deserve. There is nothing we can do to earn this favor. It is a gift from God. The air we breathe, the sounds we hear, the colors we see, the love we feel, everything that God has blessed us with is what I consider, Grace,ā said Marcus Sims.
Dr. Kang and the Ā鶹ֱ²„ Fine
Arts Department also invite the public to attend the upcoming, āChristmas with the Artsā scheduled for Friday, December 2, at 7 p.m. as the Choir performs selections from Handelās āMessiah.ā For more information about upcoming events check out the Ā鶹ֱ²„ website, / and media outlets.
Concert Choir Members
Chrishon Arrington, Waynesboro
Karoline Ayres, Laurel
Cameron Beech, Laurel
Samantha Bishop, Florence
James Brashier, Laurel
Aryka Breland, Ellisville
Jayen Bridges, Laurel
Shayna Bruce, Raleigh
Wesley Carmical, Ellisville
Bethany Chaney, Newton County
Antarian Chapman, Hebron
Jaylynn Conner, Waynesboro
Keri Coulter, Pearl
Shana Davis, Jayess
Hannah Dickerson, Lucedale
Miyalexis Douglas, Pearl
Silas Ensign, Laurel
Darion Evans, Waynesboro
Josephine Evans, Waynesboro
Ricshawn Fair, Ellisville
Rayshawn Gamblin, Waynesboro
Mackenzie Golemon, Moselle
Gracee Green, Laurel
Caleb Griffin, Laurel
Graham Gunn, Petal
KeShon Hicks, Laurel
Lily Hendrix, Sumrall
Kathryn Hyatt, Laurel
Carson Ishee, Laurel
Alejandro Jarillo, Laurel
Hannah Johnson, Laurel
Kaylee Jones, Raleigh
Destiny Keyes, Laurel
Kacie Kitchens, Laurel
Travis Kogutkiewicz, Waynesboro
Mackenzie Lacy, Pass Christian
Bri Lee, Moselle
Cody Lowe, Laurel
Jessica Manning, Quitman
Abby Nix, Ellisville
Rebecca Parker, Laurel
Anna Pickering, Laurel
Jalen Poindexter, Jackson
Xavier Porter, Laurel
Morgan Prestage, Morton
Annaleigh Ragsdale, Magee
Rodrick Rankin, Mount Olive
Sommer Ramsey, Laurel
Inari Reed, Greenwood
Kailee Rogers, Laurel
Karlee Rogers, Laurel
Karina Ross, Waynesboro
Bailey Rowell, Waynesboro
Madeline Russell, Foxworth
Haley Kat Shepherd, Petal
Jaylon Sims, Raleigh
Marcus Sims, Laurel
Nick Singletary, Hattiesburg
Linsey Smith, Ellisville
Isaiah Spradley, Soso
John Taylor McCraw, Laurel
Abigail Thrash, Laurel
Dylan Walters, Laurel
Seth Walker, Laurel
Susannah Walters, Ellisville
Aliyah Watts, Sandy Hook
Skylar White, Laurel
Donovan Williams, Laurel
Molly Waldrop, Laurel
Hanna Wood, Sandersville
Collaborative Art Show with the Womenās Art Collective & South Mississippi Art League on display at Ā鶹ֱ²„
ELLISVILLE ā A variety of artwork from members of the Womenās Art Collective based in Hattiesburg and the South Mississippi Art League from the coast, will be on display at the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery on the Ā鶹ֱ²„ Campus in Ellisville through November 18.Ā The show, āCommon Ground IV: Simultaneous Synchronicityā is the collaborative groupsā annual show featuring more than 60 pieces of artwork from the group of 31 artists.
āThe annual collaborative show of these two organizations always results in a rich variety of styles and media including oil paintings, acrylic paintings, pastels, etching, mixed media, watercolor, weaving, encaustic, sculpture, and pottery,ā said Melanie Eubanks, a Ā鶹ֱ²„ Art instructor, and a member of the Womenās Art Collective. āThis is the fourth time that the Womenās Art Collective has shown with the South Mississippi Art League. The location varies each year, but some past shows have been at the Hattiesburg Cultural Center and The Ohr-OāKeefe Museum of Art. This is the first time Ā鶹ֱ²„ has hosted a collaborative show with works from both groups.ā
Photographer and USM art professor, Carolyn Norton has shown her work in the Ā鶹ֱ²„ art gallery before, but this is the first time as a member of the Womenās Art Collectiveās collaborative show.
āLast time, I showed photography but this time Iām showing some etchings, using a new technique. Iām using a digital pencil and archival digital paper and creating pencil drawings or etchings. Because of technology, I can now archive pencil drawing artwork!ā said Norton.
One of the biggest benefits of being a member of a group of artists according
to Norton, is the feedback. Each artist is invited to be a member based on their artwork and desire to help each other become better artists.
āWeāre all good friends who originally met in Betty Pressā studio in 2011 and constructively criticized each otherās work. Getting feedback from other respected artists is my favorite part of belonging to the Womenās Art Collective,ā said Norton.
Sumrall artist and member of the Womenās Art Collective, Barbara Ann Carver-Hunt enjoys just having fun with her artist friends and showing the state their best artwork. Thereās an advantage to showing the art produced by a group of artists statewide. Additionally, the retired art professor enjoys working with students and encourages them to keep working on their craft.
āI love talking to students,ā said Carver-Hunt. āI love telling students to make stuff, lots of it. The good stuff will turn up but if you donāt go to the studio and make it, it wonāt turn up.ā
At the conclusion of the show, Ā鶹ֱ²„ will host a reception on Friday,
November 18, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery. The public is invited to this free event with the opportunity to visit with artists from both groups.
For more information about the JC art show or to arrange a visit to the gallery call 601-477-8401. The Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., and by appointment only on Wednesdays. The gallery is closed during the holidays. If you want to know more about the Ā鶹ֱ²„ Art Department, go to the JC Art Departmentās Facebook page, and on Instagram .
Ā鶹ֱ²„ announces Homecoming Court 2022
ELLISVILLE ā Homecoming on the campus of Ā鶹ֱ²„ in Ellisville will be a celebration of the theme, āBetter Together, Homecoming 2022.ā Numerous activities, reunions and gatherings are scheduled before the culmination of Homecoming celebrations on Saturday, October 8, 2022. During the football halftime, Queen Amberlyn Holifield of Leakesville, and the entire JC student-elected, 2022 Homecoming Court will be presented. Escorting the ladies will be a Ā鶹ֱ²„ student selected by the student representatives.
Queen, Amberlyn Holifield of Leakesville is a pre-dentistry major. The Ā鶹ֱ²„ sophomore is a graduate of Greene County High School where she participated in the bandās colorguard, HOSA, FBLA and WILDPAT. She was elected as a Greene County High School Homecoming Maid for all four years, and she was a top ten finalist in the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Competition. At Ā鶹ֱ²„, Amberlyn is a member of the Bobcat Brigade student ambassadors, Student Government Association, the yearbook staff, and she was a Freshman Homecoming Maid last year. After graduation this May, Amberlynn plans to continue her educational journey in becoming a dentist at the University of Mississippi. Her parents are Mike and Amber Holifield.
Escorting Holifield will be Braden Gray of Stringer. In high school, he was the varsity football kicker all four years, a member of the Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, and an Honors graduate. At Jones, Braden is majoring in kinesiology with plans to attend the University of Mississippi to earn his degree. Ā His parents are Jody Gray and Lindsey Myers.
Meg Matthews is your Student Body Maid. The Raleigh High School graduate was elected Miss Raleigh High School, Homecoming Queen, and she served as a class officer and Vice President her senior year. She was also a member of the Beta Club, captain of the Tennis team, Captain of the colorguard/rifle auxiliary, co-captain of the varsity Cheer Squad and graduated with Highest Honors. At Ā鶹ֱ²„ you can find Meg dancing on the Touch of Gold and Gold Rush Dance Teams. She is also a member of the SGA, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Meg is majoring in secondary education with plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi. Her goal is to be a high school teacher and coach dance. Megās parents are Jeremy and Shanna Matthews.
Escorting Mathews will be Tripp Cotton of Natchez, who is majoring in construction management. The Adams County Christian School graduate is keeping busy on campus as a JC football team manager. His parents are Tee Cotton and Katie Beach.
Sara Grace Jackson is your Sophomore Maid. The Florence High School graduate is majoring in elementary education. While in high school, Sara Grace was involved in the FCA, FHS Varsity Coed Cheer Team, Medical Science Academy and she was voted Homecoming Queen and Miss Florence High School. Jackson was honored to be the first recipient of the Laura Clapp Teaching Scholarship. At Ā鶹ֱ²„, she is active in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and she is a member of the Bobcat Brigade. Her plans are to continue her education at USM and hopefully teach in her hometown at Florence Elementary School. Jacksonās parents are Kris and Robin Jackson.
Escorting Jackson is Kody McElroy of Brandon. The Simpson County Academy graduate was a member of the Archery team while training as a diesel technician in the vo-tech program. Kody is continuing to expand his welding skills at Jones and plans to earn his welding certifications while pursuing a career in welding. His parents are Ronnie and Kristie McElroy.
Sophomore Maid, Tasjaneā Jones is from Raleigh and is majoring in nursing. In high school, Tasjaneā was the Cheer Captain and a member of the softball and basketball teams, Beta Club and she graduated with Highest Honors. At Ā鶹ֱ²„, she has been singing with the Gospel Choir and has been on the Honor Roll. Tasjaneā was awarded an NAACP Award twice from the Mississippi NAACP Organization. Her career plans include becoming a nurse practitioner. Jonesā parents are Tod Jones and Stacey Miller.
Her escort will be Travis Blakeney of Raleigh. The physical education major was active at Raleigh High School as a member of the Beta Club, FCA, and the Raleigh Lions Baseball team. At Ā鶹ֱ²„, Travis is a member of the PTK Honor Society, and he is a manager for the Jones Softball team. Additionally, Blakeney earned the Letter āJā Award and has been on the Presidentās Honor Roll. His future plans include earning his bachelorās degree at USM and teaching math and coaching baseball. Travisā parents are Joe and Dana Blakeney.
Freshman Maid, Jordan Smith lives in Laurel and is a nursing major. At West Jones High School, she was captain of the Swim team her junior and senior years, and she was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Lead team. Jordanās future plans include becoming a registered nurse. Philip and Stephanie Smith are Jordanās parents.
Escorting Smith will be Sawyer Griffith of Ellisville. The business major is a graduate of South Jones High School, where he was voted Mr. South Jones, Football Player of the Pine Belt, Most Valuable Player, and Most Outstanding South Jones High School Student. At JC, Griffith is a member of the FCA and is a āred shirtā Bobcat Football player. Sawyer plans to earn his masterās in business administration and pursue a career in investing and real estate. His parents are Greg and Jennifer Griffith.
Aliyah Watts is your Freshman Maid from Sandy Hook, and she is majoring in psychology. She attended West Marion High School and finished high school at the Mississippi School for the Arts in Brookhaven. Watts was active in the choir, Diversity Club, and Interact Club. She also served as chairman of the prom committee, President of the Gospel Choir, Total Praize, Student Body Vice President, and Beta Club Secretary. Aliyah is a member of the Ā鶹ֱ²„ Concert Choir, Gospel Choir and Jones OnStage. Her future plans include studying forensics psychology at the University of South Alabama. Her parents are Chris Watts and Tamara Johnson.
KeShon Hicks will be escorting Watts. The music education major from Laurel is a graduate of Northeast Jones High School, where he ran track and was in the show choir. At Ā鶹ֱ²„, KeShon is a member of the Concert Choir, Collegiate Choir and Jones OnStage. Additionally, he is a lifeguard in Laurel.Ā KeShonās future plans include being a Show Choir Director. His parents are Bobby and Kisha King.
The Homecoming Court will also feature the Flower Girl, five-year-old Merritt Cooley of Ellisville. The Crown Bearer is six-year-old Jack Tate from Ellisville.
PICTURE CUTLINE: by Teresa McCreery-Court group with escorts: The Ā鶹ֱ²„ 2022 Homecoming Court is pictured left to right in the front row, Freshman Maid-Jordan Smith of Laurel; Sophomore Maid-Sara Grace Jackson of Florence; Student Body Maid-Meg Matthews of Raleigh; Queen-Amberlyn Holifield of Leakesville; Sophomore Maid-Tasjaneā Jones of Raleigh and Freshman Maid-Aliyah Watts of Sandy Hook. The escorts are pictured left to right in the back row, Sawyer Griffith of Ellisville; Kody McElroy of Brandon; Tripp Cotton of Natchez; Braden Gray of Stringer; Travis Blakeney of Raleigh and KeShon Hicks of Laurel.