Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą HSE grads challenged to be life-learners & achievers
ELLISVILLE – More than 160 High School Equivalency (HSE) diplomas were distributed to graduates who completed their HSE at Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą with about 100 graduates participating in the Commencement Ceremony to celebrate their accomplishments. Brother and sister duo, Ta’Mya and Dimeco Mercer from Waynesboro were especially excited to receive their diplomas together. Dimeco’s future looks a little brighter thanks to Wayne County Center’s Out-of-School-Youth Career Coach, Reed Walters and his younger sister, Ta’Mya’s encouragement.

“Basically, I was a high school drop-out at 14. I got kicked out of school, got sent up the road. I was in trouble,” said the now 20-year-old, Dimeco. “But I couldn’t let my little sister beat me. Even though I did all that, I got to graduate with my sister. She kept pushing me and Mr. Reed is a great counselor, mentor and teacher. He stuck in there with me and made sure we got things done.”
His sister, 17-year-old Ta’Mya, is set on being a nurse but didn’t like going to public school. Graduating with her brother has been a special memory for both.
“This means a lot to both of us, to graduate with her because she influenced and inspired me. Now, I want to be a mechanic or a plumber,” said Dimeco. Ta’Mya added, “I’m very excited about graduating with him. I’m proud and I’ll probably cry.”

Also earning her diploma after waiting for more than 20 years, is 35-year-old Phyllis Evans of Laurel. She decided now was the time partly because her 16-year-old and 10-year-old urged Evans to get her HSE and live out her dream of becoming a teacher.
“I never thought this day would come!” explained Evans. “It’s definitely an accomplishment and I’m proud of myself. It took me a long time to get the courage to go back to school. However, I discovered it’s never too late to get your education.”
Not only did Evans get her diploma, but she also earned a scholarship as the highest scoring student from Jones County. Overall, this class of graduates has been awarded nearly $65,000 in scholarships according to Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ąâ€™s Director of Adult Education, Dr. Tiffany Culpepper. Receiving the Greene County Scholarship and the $500 Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą Foundation Scholarship was Jesse Moran from Leakesville for having the overall highest score.
“This really means a lot to me. I don’t really think I deserve something like this, but I realize it’s all part of God’s plan for me,” said Moran. “I owe a lot to my friends and family. I’d say the people around me got me to where I am right now and I believe God put these people in my life to help take care of me.”

Clarke County’s Scholarship recipient was Sarah Beth Smith with Alayjah Yockey of Bay Springs earning the Jasper County Scholarship. Andrew Nelson of Beaumont received the Perry County Scholarship and Kristen Bates of Waynesboro earned the Wayne County Scholarship. In addition to the County Scholarships, 20 additional ACT Scholarships were awarded to qualifying students.

Receiving the Academic Achievement Scholarship for their ACT scores were Sarah Beth Smith of Quitman, Rae Grantham of Sumrall and Bayli Stokes of Laurel. Earning the Rising Excellence Scholarships were Chelsa Shaw of Moselle, Andrew Nelson of Beaumont, Tristan Dykes of Richton, Kristen Bates of Waynesboro, Jesse Moran of Leakesville, Jadin Hilbun of Laurel, Joshua Grantham of Sumrall, Sean Gingrich of Collins, Rohan Ghimire of Laurel, Brandi Boreman of Ellisville, Caitlyn Varner of Stringer, Reagen Parker of Laurel, Hanna Hendry of Bay Springs, Miley Crager of Richton, Daytona Beasley of Moselle, Camryn Aylesworth of Prentiss and Paris Rose Alexander of Richton.
Despite the academic accomplishments announced at the HSE Ceremony, Keynote Speaker and Brigadier General, Bart Bartran challenged graduates to not get lazy and be satisfied with their current honors and awards. As someone who graduated at the bottom of his High School class, Bartran explained, joining the Army taught him a lot of things he missed in High School. Thinking he was an underachiever, Bartran learned it was not a matter of intelligence but a matter of how lazy you are as to whether or not you will succeed in life.

“You have to strive to discipline yourself. You have to be dedicated and take everything on with will power and the determination to never quit and you’ll achieve those things that you want to achieve,” said Bartran.
He also encouraged graduates to focus on the next milestone in their life because life is not over now that they have a diploma. Challenging them to take on more degrees and training and never be satisfied, Bartran shared that after 36 years in public service through the military and nearly 10 years in law enforcement, he continues to look for opportunities to learn and to serve.
“After I retired, I always wanted to get my commercial driver’s license, so I just completed the course at Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ąâ€™s Workforce Center. I challenge you to find those certifications and something you like. Wake up doing something you’re passionate about and it will never be like working a day in your life,” Bartran shared.
In fact, when Bartran retired from the Army National Guard, he found a new job at Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą as the Director of the JC CORP which includes a continuation of some of his previous job duties as the Director of the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy (RCTA) through the National Guard based in Meridian. Besides offering advanced training for law enforcement, Bartran is teaching Criminal Justice courses on campus. Bartran’s vast police and military experience includes 36 years of serving as a local policeman and sheriff deputy, being deployed overseas, commanding the 112th Military Police Battalion, serving as the Director of the Counterdrug Program for the Mississippi National Guard, and Commander of the RCTA. He is credited with training more than 36,000 law enforcement professionals throughout the nation during his career. The 1988 West Jones High School graduate also earned countless medals and honors along the way, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Governor’s final rank advancement and Honorary Promotion to Brigadier General when he retired in April 2025. During the HSE Commencement Ceremony, Bartran reminded students he changed his direction in life to be successful. Since they have begun that journey by obtaining their HSE diploma, they too can strive towards excellence like him.
“I had some folks that invested in me many years ago and stayed with me through thick and thin and that’s why I’m here with you today. I did not like high school. I hated it. I was not a good student, but I found something I was passionate about and I changed my thinking,” said Bartran. “You’ve begun to challenge yourself with this course. I challenge you to continue but also find balance with your family and your spiritual readiness; stay focused.”

The HSE classes are free of charge at Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą and most test costs can be covered by grant money. Supportive teachers and counselors at each of the Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą Centers where HSE classes are taught can help students determine the best pathway for their success for little to no expense. For more information about the Adult Education programs offered at Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą click on the website: /workforce/adult-learning/
Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą High School Equivalency Graduates 2024-2025
- Chandler Lee Abernathy, Mize Smith
- Ashton Cape Ainsworth, Mount Olive Covington
- Jaci Ann Ainsworth, Bay Springs Jasper
- Aiden Maya Aldridge, Laurel Jones
- Nevada Nicole Alexander, Richton Perry
- Paris Rose Alexander, Richton Perry
- Zaylon Lahjuan Arrington, Laurel Jones
- Aprel Ann Ashcraft, Laurel Jones
- Camryn McLaurin Aylesworth, Prentiss Jefferson Davis
- Joshua Anthony Back, Enterprise Clarke
- Zachary Barnes, Taylorsville Jones
- Kristen Nova Bates, Waynesboro*** Wayne
- Fisher Ray Beal, Richton Greene
- Hunter Ray Beal, Richton Greene
- Daytona C Beasley, Moselle* Jones
- Inna Biriukova, Ellisville Jones
- Kaydance Destiny Bishop, Waynesboro Wayne
- Nehemiah Joel Boone, Waynesboro Wayne
- Brandi Izabella Boreman, Ellisville* Jones
- Esilda Markelys Bouttet, Laurel Jones
- Madison Nichole Bowman, Ellisville Jones
- Brendy Elizabeth Bradley, Leakesville Greene
- Aaleigha McKenzie Brister, Enterprise Clarke
- Adrianna Lillian Buckbee, Meridian Clarke
- Jared Bryar Burkett, Bassfield Jefferson Davis
- Colton Jase Byrd, Richton Perry
- Nathan Lee Byrd, Richton Perry
- Maegan Denise Callahan, Heidelberg Jones
- Maylee Leshae Carney, Laurel Jones
- Kaydence Terri Carr, Waynesboro Wayne
- Dalton Keith Churchwell, Leakesville Greene
- Kalee Reese Cooley, Waynesboro Wayne
- Miley Mae Crager, Richton Greene
- Ethan C Creppel, Ovett Jones
- Ryan Tyler Cromwell, Petal Forrest
- Bailey Adam Davis, Ellisville Jones
- Madison Grace Davis, Laurel Jones
- Olivia Star Davis, Ellisville Jones
- Starachel Marie Davis, Buckatunna Wayne
- Chloe Krysta Leeann Dennis, Enterprise Clarke
- Zailey Alana Dutton, Laurel Jones
- Tristan Noah Dykes, Richton Perry
- Lora Jane Edge, Laurel Jones
- Phyllis Evans** Jones
- Constance Lorraine Everett, Ellisville Jones
- Dalton Blake Files, Laurel Jones
- Kollin Ray Finnell, Richton Greene
- Lela Grace Foster, Laurel Jones
- Adrianna Marie Gable, Hattiesburg Forrest
- Josey Rain Gagnon, Leakesville Greene
- Rohan D Ghimire, Laurel Jones
- Sujan Ghimire, Laurel Jones
- Mya Ellen-Marie Gillie, Richton Greene
- Sean Anthony Gingrich, Collins* Covington
- Danielle Michelle Goforth, Magee Simpson
- Bricen David Goldman, Shubuta Clarke
- Reagan Katrina Graham, Soso Jones
- Terry Graham, Ellisville Jones
- Joshua Shelby Grantham, Sumrall* Lamar
- Rae Carrera Grantham, Sumrall* Lamar
- Mallory Middleton Green, Lucedale George
- Aden Douglas Haigler, Richton Perry
- Daniel Ryan Hampton, Mt Olive Smith
- Devin J Harrell, Forest Scott
- Alyssa Claire Harris, Ellisville Jones
- Darrien Kevontae Harris, Waynesboro Wayne
- Dalton Wayne Harvey, Laurel Jones
- Jackson Phillip Hayes, Bay Springs Jasper
- Teressa Hayes, Mount Olive Covington
- Timothy Alexander Hendren, Waynesboro Wayne
- Hanna Claire Hendry, Bay Springs Jasper
- Aaliyah La Shay Henry, Beaumont Perry
- Gregory Brayden Hicks, Leakesville Greene
- Remington Jayce Hicks, Ovett Jones
- Hallie Alexandria Hightower, Enterprise Clarke
- Jadin Nicole Hilbun, Laurel* Jones
- Rhett Howard Hinton, Laurel Jones
- Christopher Wayne Holder, Leakesville Greene
- Landon Richard Holifield, Ellisville Jones
- Weston William Holland, Ellisville Jones
- Harley Magdalene Hollinghead, Waynesboro Wayne
- Shanen Parker Hudson, Waynesboro Wayne
- Jack Louis Husband, Laurel Jones
- Andrew Blayne James, Ellisville Jones
- Mariana Jarquin Lopez, Laurel Jones
- Ashley Nicole Jones, Louin Jasper
- Haley Grace Keyes, Laurel Jones
- Ny’asia Ann Keyes, Bay Springs Jasper
- Jackson Lane King, Stringer Jasper
- Kaneesha L Knight, Laurel Jones
- Michael Seth Laznovsky, Laurel Jones
- Michael David Lemus Rosas, Laurel Jones
- Ethan Ryley Logan, Laurel Jones
- Hannah Nicole Lowery, Seminary Covington
- Robert Irvin Lowery, Seminary Covington
- Elexis Paige Mallett, Laurel Jones
- Elona Piper Mallett, Laurel Jones
- Jessica Ann Mason, Quitman Clarke
- Matthew Grayson McGuire, Moselle Jones
- Cameron McClure, Collins Covington
- Angel Marie McIntyre, Moselle Jones
- Memory Elizabeth McKenzie, Waynesboro Wayne
- Noah J. McLain, Richton Perry
- Dimeco Mercer, Waynesboro Wayne
- Ta’Mya Trichelle Mercer, Waynesboro Wayne
- Pauline Janelle Millirons, Laurel Jones
- Duncan Minter, Ellisville Jones
- Joanna Moody, Neely Greene
- Jesse Elias Moran, Leakesville**** Greene
- Tristan Andrew Myers, Petal Forrest
- Andrew Chad Nelson, Beaumont*** Perry
- Diamond Unique Newell, Laurel Jones
- James Hunter Nicholson, Laurel Jones
- Madelyn Jane O’Connell, Laurel Jones
- Nicholas Marshaun Odutola, Bay Springs Jasper
- Tristan Lee Palmer, Wiggins Stone
- Ian Bryce Pardue, Taylorsville Smith
- Annabelle Diane Parker, Laurel Jones
- Jasper Lee Parker, Laurel Jones
- Kayleigh Breanna Parker, Louin Jasper
- Reagan Miles Parker, Laurel Jones
- Kameron Hunter Pierce, Leakesville Greene
- Courtney Danielle Pitts, Stonewall Clarke
- Kaylandra Paige Powell, Laurel Jones
- Marie Priester, Laurel Jones
- Dedrick Deamond Rogers, Hattiesburg Lamar
- Ramsee Jewels Rounsaville, Leakesville Greene
- Chad Anthony Ruppel, Waynesboro Wayne
- La’Quinta B Russell, Laurel Jones
- Lindsey Rayanne Sanford, Petal Forrest
- Jaylen Scott, Richton Perry
- Makenna Lynn Marie Sharpe, Leakesville Greene
- Chelsa Renea Shaw, Moselle* Jones
- Wyatt Tristin-Lee Simonson, Laurel Jones
- Caden Lucas Sims, Bay Springs Jasper
- Ashley Madelyn Smith, Ellisville Jones
- Sarah Beth Smith, Quitman*** Clarke
- Kaydee Breann Solis, Ellisville Jones
- Edward Eli Stabler, Richton Greene
- Ian Stanley, Waynesboro Wayne
- Kallie Madison Stewart, Lucedale George
- Bayli Alysse Stokes, Laurel Jones
- Lakeiya Stokes, Waynesboro Wayne
- Jadeah Brook Styron, Waynesboro Wayne
- Katrina Rena Thigpen, Laurel Jones
- Joshua Mitchell Thomas, Meridian Lauderdale
- Qua’daysa Iceyonna Thomas, Laurel Jones
- James Caleb Tillman, Leakesville Greene
- Kolbe David Turner, Ellisville Jones
- Karlie Bianca Faith Upshaw, Hattiesburg Lamar
- Matthew Carl Van Orden, Shubuta Clarke
- Megan Hope Vara, Ellisville Jones
- Caitlyn Varner, Stringer* Jasper
- Cassandra Grace Vinson, Bay Springs Jasper
- Christopher Calvin Walters, Ovett Jones
- Joshua Isaiah Walters, Laurel Jones
- Savannah Leigh Walters, Waynesboro Wayne
- Clara Maurem Warren, Ellisville Jones
- Caleb Patrick West, Waynesboro Wayne
- Rebecca Westbrook, Taylorsville Smith
- Haidyn Leigh Williams, Waynesboro Wayne
- Jordan Benjamin Williams, Waynesboro Wayne
- Lauren Lorraine Wood, Laurel Jones
- Alayjah Herta Yockey, Bay Springs** Jasper
ACT Scholarship*
County HSE Scholarship**
ACT and County HSE Scholarship***
Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą Foundation Scholarship****
Susan Chakiris Busby’s colorful artwork on display at Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą
ELLISVILLE –The colorful and uniquely created artwork of Susan Chakiris Busby will be on display at the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery on the Ellisville campus of Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą until September 18, 2025. Her paintings “pop” off the wall with color because of a unique style of painting and materials used to create a dimensional image.
“I have painted in watercolors and acrylic for many years and recently began exploring the medium of cold wax and oil, both on birch panel and yupo paper in a semi realistic and impressionist style.” said Busby. “This medium allows for the layering of colors and texture whether painting in the style of impressionism or abstraction. The cold wax and oil paint method is not defined by subject matter but by experimentation, texture and layers of paint. Cold wax medium is a mixture of natural beeswax, Gamsol and Danmar resin mixed with oil paint to achieve a buttery quality usually applied with a soft silicone bowl scraper or silicon brushes.”

The former Jones County art instructor and adjunct professor at the University of Southern Mississippi is a native of Pennsylvania and lived in Tempe, Arizona for several years before meeting her husband and moving to rural Mississippi. While in Arizona, the former photographer taught dark room photography at Phoenix Arts and Crafts Center, freelanced as a photographer for modeling agencies in Phoenix and worked as an assistant to a commercial photographer. She attended art classes at Arizona State University and completed her Bachelors and Master’s degrees in Art in the late 1980’s at the University of Southern Mississippi with degrees in Fine Art and Art Education.

“My vision for my paintings comes from 45 years of living a rural life in the woods which has entailed growing food, herbs and flowers and raising children and farm animals. I have also spent many years exploring the marshes and waterways of South Mississippi along the beautiful Gulf Coast and sailing to our beautiful barrier islands. My art originates from paying attention to the natural world of light, reflections, shadows, textures and colors that surround us in nature. I translate what I see in the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface focusing on a more impressionistic style,” said Busby.

Her life’s journey has earned her several awards and accomplishments with the latest being accepted as a member of the Mississippi Art Colony and being awarded the Becky Feder Award for Artistic Achievement. Busby has also been accepted as a member in the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington D.C. and she was accepted as a participant in the Meridian Museum of Art Annual Juried Competition for the past two years. Her work has been in the Lucile Parker Gallery and is currently a part of the Mississippi Art Colony Traveling Show. She is a board member of the Hattiesburg Arts Council and a member of the Lauren Rogers Art Museum, the Ohr O’Keefe Museum and the Mississippi Museum of Art.

For more information about upcoming JC art shows or to arrange a visit to the gallery call, 601-477-8401. The Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., and by appointment only on Fridays. The gallery is closed during the holidays. To learn more about the Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą Art Department, /programs/finearts/ or the JC Art Department’s social media: Facebook page, and on Instagram .
Summer Semester Honor Roll at Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą Announced
ELLISVILLE – Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą has announced the 2025 Summer Semester honor roll scholars. Full-time students with 15 hours or more and who maintain the following grade-point averages will make the honor roll: President’s List–4.0; Dean’s List–3.99-3.5: Faculty List–3.49-3.0.
President’s Honor Roll
Covington Collins: Jonathan Kennedy Portillo.
Forrest Hattiesburg: Ashley Helena Hobson.
Greene Leakesville: Michael Chase Brewer and Brayden Anthony Miller.
Greene McLain: Mitchell Terrell Brown.
Hinds Jackson: Shantal Shavelle McLaughlin.
Jasper Louin: Quinteshia Zykeria Jones.
Jones Ellisville: Ashley Cheyenne Breazeale, Joshua Lee Crosby and Jonathan Ryan Hayes.
Jones Hattiesburg: Mckenzie Grace Walker.
Jones Laurel: Bryce Ann Burrell, Makayla R McCreary, Kandalyn Molloy and Brittany Danielle Perry.
Jones Moselle: Robin Delk McGinnis.
Jones Ovett: Ramsus Emmanuel Sauls.
Jones Soso: Diontre Te Smith.
Lamar Hattiesburg: Eric Benjamin Dean.
Lamar Purvis: Amy Marie Waters.
Madison Canton: Dannah A Knighton.
Perry Beaumont: Braden C Talley and Jeremiah Omarion Turner.
Scott Morton: Lillie Faith Bradshaw.
Smith Louin: Matthew Tyler McNeil.
Smith Magee: Criston Abbagail Little.
Smith Raleigh: Crystal Lynn McNeil.
Sunflower Indianola: Carien Rena Anderson.
Tallahatchie Charleston: Jayla Symone Bullock.
Wayne Waynesboro: Bethany Danielle Beard and Braden Gage Millican.
Dean’s List Honor Roll
Alcorn Corinth: Spence Maddox Coffman.
Covington Seminary: William Garrett Adcox, Autumn Grace Bullock, Triston Nicole Lowery and Isaac Riley McQueen.
Forrest Hattiesburg: Michael Dwight Brown and David M Smith.                      Â
Greene Leakesville: Ian Mackenzie Stowers.
Greene Neely: Keaton Trais Byrd and Kemper Grant Williams.
Greene Richton: Addison Tate McLain.
Greene State Line: Layla Grace McIlwain.
Hancock Kiln: Naomi Renae Nelson.
Harrison Gulfport: Ashton Casey Przepierski.
Jones Ellisville: Jimmy Lee Brownlee, Charity Davis Busby, Alexandria Sanville Ruth, Shaquille Markee Shelwood and Hope Caroline Smith.
Jones Laurel: Rogel Moran Avendano, Jaylen Malik Evans, Sujan Ghimire, Case Dempse McMullen and Kynlee Elizabeth Smith.                                          Â
Jones Seminary: Gaden Lakoda Butler.
Jones Soso: Charles Williams.
Lamar Hattiesburg: Valeria Espinoza and Mario Rashan Henderson.
Lamar Sumrall: Gregory Thomas Bounds Landon James Robertson.
Lowndes Columbus: Clarice Lashay Richardson.
Neshoba Philadelphia: Ahmarion Dashaun Ragsdale.
Perry Richton: Ella Grace Smith.
Smith Louin: Kristopher Doyle Moss.
Smith Mount Olive: Javan R Hand.
Wayne Waynesboro: Ethan Michael Clark and Luke McRae Hudson.
Faculty List Honor Roll
Clarke Shubuta: Zyon McKenzie.
Clay Laurel: Juan Fredrick Nelson.
Covington Collins: Vinkodious Lovetagious Hilton.
Covington Mount Olive: LaKenneth Dywan Fairley.
Covington Seminary: Devan Scott Blancett and Leah Michelle Englett.
DeSoto Olive Branch: Keynasia G Porter.
Forrest Hattiesburg: Ahmya Kianna Bacot, Zack Dalton Horner, Karlmecia Lakyla Jones, Kristopher A Lee, Jamia Monae McCord and Jeakayla Tineria Wright.
Forrest Petal: Sarah Emily Ball, Kaylie S Derrick, Kadien Cierra Guy, Morgan Alisa Newsome, Grayson Cole Sanford, Allyson Paige Strahan, Jennifer Rene Waltere and Xandria Alexis Weatherton.
Greene Lucedale: Brody Osten Bradley.
Greene Richton: Kevin Bryce Walley.
Greene State Line: Brennan Carson Beard and Jerneshia Moneshe Turner.
Harrison Gulfport: Brooklyn Nichole Holton and Brittney Latrease Zeigler.
Hinds Jackson: Jermiah A Cross.
Jasper Bay Springs: Madalynn Grace Owens.
Jasper Heidelberg: Kamya J Graves and Mark Danielle Terrell.
Jasper Louin: Maylazia S Hardy and Kelli B Thornton.
Jasper Vossburg: Karli Chandler Whisenhant.
Jefferson Davis Prentiss: Kivionna M Johnson.
Jones Ellisville: Lekenya Nyasia Arrington, Tonancy Carranza, Bryson Jay Ford, Heather Marie Howell, Kayla Rae Patterson and Karli Arin Youngberg.
Jones Laurel: Brian Michael Blackledge, Sydney M Burchfield, Jakendis Atarius Jones, Reagen Miles Parker, Addison Marie Ray, Anjelena Takedra Lashell Sanson, Ashley Dungan Walters, Ethan Paul Walters, Jamie Elizabeth Watkins and John Gabriel Wheeler.
Jones Moselle: Jaquan Marquell Bean and Diego Alonso Rangel Martinez.
Jones Sandersville: Zoe Victoria Clingon.
Jones Soso: David Lane Landrum, Lanie J Shows and David James Tisdale.
Lamar Hattiesburg: Brandon Burkley Averett, Dylan A Johnson and Rashad R Prince.
Lamar Purvis: Meagan Rachel Lumpkin.
Lamar Sumrall: James Brody Courtney.
Pike McComb: Yasmine Aiyana Lee.
Rankin Brandon: Emma K King and Hannah M Martin.
Rankin Florence: Deamberleye E Rankin.
Scott Morton: Ghenessy Lopez Vicente.
Simpson Magee: Keanna Janay Walker.
Smith Mize: John Amory Darden.
Wayne Buckatunna: Phillip Chadwick McLaughlin.
Wayne Shubuta: Quaneshia LaShae Cooley.
Wayne State Line: Devin Jamal Miller.
Wayne Sumrall: Hanna Brazell.
Wayne Waynesboro: Jacob W Colling, Lashaun Tyrion Evans, Chrisquisa Monkhia Matthews and Knija E Russell.
Wilkinson Woodville: Shatyre Mona Hunter.
Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą students return to campus
ELLISVILLE – Returning to the Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą campus in Ellisville this fall has been super exciting for many students. Sophomores, Emily Davis of Laurel, and Caroline Whittington of Sumrall are especially thrilled about the opportunity to have a class together for the first time.
“We’re suitemates, living on campus and we’re really excited about going to Comp 1 this morning,” said Davis who is majoring in Elementary Education. Whittington, a communications major, explained. “This is the first class we have together and we’re super happy about it.”

Also returning to campus was Maloree Walters of Seminary, however this is the first time the sophomore is able to walk to classes instead of driving from her home. Never-the-less, the nineteen-year-old Walters knew arranging the traditional first day of class photo tradition may be more challenging.
“When my mom reminded me to take a selfie for my first day of school picture before I go to class, I asked her, â€Can you come give me a hug and take the picture?’ My mom is my best friend and it means a lot to her, well both of us.”

After taking a few pictures with Maloree posed in front of Anderson Hall before heading off to class, Mrs. Walters wiped some tears, hugged her daughter and sent her off to begin her sophomore year of college.

“She’s my baby, and only daughter,” explained Danielle Walters, who is a 1997 JC graduate and owns The Haven hair salon in Ellisville. “I have always taken pictures of my kids on their first day of school. My 23-year-old son is taking Electromechanical Technology classes on campus and graduates this year, and I have a 26-year-old son too. They are all near and dear to my heart.”
Not wasting any time to make new friends in a new environment, 20-year-old Jacarrio “Rio” Anderson of Macon became friends with a classmate he just met, JC freshmen, Zay Owen and his girlfriend Kemya Wesley of Waynesboro. As they escorted Wesley to her nursing class, Anderson said he wanted to get more experience in the Commercial Construction Technology program at JC even though he just earned his Associate’s degree at another college close to home.
“My cousin and I own a construction company, Bankhead and Sons, and I do some side work on my own. I want to fine tune my skills here because I’ll learn a little of everything. One day, I hope to build houses on site,” said Anderson.

There are a few new courses for anyone still wanting to enroll, like the new, face-to-face course, Drugs and Society which is part of the Criminal Justice program and the Farm and Ranch Management program. Registration continues for traditional classes through Friday, August 22. Online courses begin on Monday, August 25, with registration continuing through August 29. For more information about Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą, click on the website, /.

Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ąâ€™s Typhoon Marching Band features Earth Wind and Fire
ELLISVILLE – The 101-member Typhoon Marching Band at Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą has spent the last two weeks of Band Camp preparing their halftime show titled, “Elements of Groove: A Typhoon Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire.” 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.
“As Director of Bands, I am excited to continue the legacy of the Typhoon Marching Band as we enter a new school year at Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą,” 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, “Our 2025 Field Show celebrates the music of an era that deeply resonates with our alumni and community.”

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.
“Our mission is simple. Be the best band, produce the best sound and inspire the best students to continue the legacy at the best institution, Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą!” 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.
“I 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,” 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.
“I’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,” said Davis. “They are also excited to be a part of the Typhoon, sharing in the tradition that several of their mothers and sisters shared as alumni.”
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.

“I think what the audience will love most about this show is the extravagant sound coming from our players’ horns,” said Cook. “The 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.”
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
Âé¶ąÖ±˛Ą 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 Allen        Louin   Raleigh HS           Smith            Alto Sax
Linsey Ingram   Morton Raleigh HS     Smith             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
