麻豆直播

ELLISVILLE 鈥� Two 麻豆直播 students earned individual honors through the International Honor Society for two-year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa. Sophomore History major, Hope Houston of Laurel was selected to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society鈥檚 All-Mississippi Academic First Team. Child Development and Family Sciences major from Oak Grove, Baleigh Patton was selected for Second Team honors.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 SACSCOC鈥檚 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.

ELLISVILLE 鈥� In an emotional and heartfelt ceremony, the 33 members of the summer graduating class of the Practical Nursing program at 麻豆直播 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.

鈥淵ou 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,鈥� Amy Myers, the Director of Practical Nursing said to the new graduates. 鈥淣ursing school is not for the faint of heart and you鈥檝e 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.鈥�

One example of determination and resiliency has been shown by Ellisville鈥檚 Hope Smith. After starting the program in 2021, she finished the Practical Nursing program four years later than she hoped. During that time, she had a child, took some time off from her education and began working full-time before returning to school a year ago. Her now three-and-a-half-year-old daughter Charlotte is the main reason she began dreaming of nursing again. Smith is pursuing a career in pediatrics because of her daughter鈥檚 special health needs.

鈥淚鈥檓 coming back to Jones to finish some required classes for the R.N. program before I 鈥榖ridge鈥� to the R.N. program,鈥� said Smith. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud I did something and made something of myself for my daughter while being a young teenage mom. I was pregnant, finished high school and college and still graduated with my associates degree and now I鈥檓 a nurse!鈥�

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.

鈥淢y dad kind of drilled it into me and my other sister that, 鈥榊ou’re going to make something of yourself.鈥� 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,鈥� Smith shared.

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

鈥淭oday means everything to me because I鈥檝e always wanted to be a nurse, but I never had the confidence,鈥� shared Englett. 鈥淚 talked to Miss Burge and my advisor, and she saved my life, actually. I didn鈥檛 have any courage and when I came here, I wasn鈥檛 even able to hold my head up or give anyone eye contact. I鈥檝e worked myself up so and this program has given me confidence too. I鈥檝e also made such wonderful friends here. I would adopt every one of them!鈥�

As part of the ceremony, each graduate was presented with a nursing pin which is a symbol of their readiness to serve and their connection to a long-standing tradition of care. Becoming a nurse was not 23-year-old, Ahmya Bacot of Hattiesburg鈥檚 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 鈥渂ridges鈥� to the R.N. program.

鈥淭his ceremony means everything to me. It represents the late nights, the sacrifices, and the personal growth we鈥檝e all experienced,鈥� Bacot said. 鈥淟ike many of us, we were filled with so many doubts, and I took a risk since I live on my own to budget and pay bills. One year later, after questioning whether or not I should take the risk, I鈥檓 a nurse with no doubts about my choice.鈥�

Receiving the Rising Star Award was Petal鈥檚 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 麻豆直播, click on the website, /programs/practicalnursing/

麻豆直播 Practical Nursing Graduates Summer 2025

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

ELLISVILLE 鈥� The third class of 麻豆直播鈥檚 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.

鈥淚 really wanted to contribute more to my community and through nursing I think I can make a greater impact,鈥� said Jones. 鈥淕raduating today, overcoming a hurdle that I honestly didn鈥檛 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.鈥�

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.

鈥淣ursing gives me the opportunity to be more hands on in helping people and just spread the love,鈥� said Jones. 鈥淚 love putting smiles back on the faces of individuals who feel like they don鈥檛 matter or are overcome by illness and need to be lifted up to heal. That鈥檚 a great feeling!鈥�

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,

鈥淭his class has shown an exceptional amount of dedication, perseverance, compassion and excellence throughout their time in this program,鈥� said Hammons. 鈥淭hey 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.鈥�

For more information about the Practical Nursing Program at 麻豆直播, 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

1. Gabrielle LeRandra Batton, Florence
2. McKenna Myste猫 Bailey Cox, Louin
3. Jermiah Cross, Clinton
4. Maylazia Hardy, Louin
5. Nadasha Jones, Louin
6. Quinteshia Jones, Louin
7. Criston Little, Mize   
8. Joashley Moncrief, Louin      
9. Tialea Parker, Laurel
10. Monique Robinson, Newton  
11. Christauna Sanson, Laurel    
12. Kimberlea Strickland, Raleigh
13. Kelli Thornton, Louin
14. 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 SACSCOC鈥檚 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.

ELLISVILLE 鈥� 麻豆直播 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 麻豆直播 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.

鈥淚 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,鈥� explained Torrano. 鈥淚t was a very special honor to walk across the stage at the International PTK Convention with our award and representing 麻豆直播. We worked hard together this year; it took teamwork, not just one person to earn this award.鈥�

In addition, the 麻豆直播 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, 鈥淧reparing Your Digital Footprint for the Workforce.鈥�

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.

ELLISVILLE– Approximately 100 of the 165 students earning their High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma at 麻豆直播 over the last year will be participating in a commencement ceremony held in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium at 麻豆直播 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 麻豆直播.

Retired Army National Guard Colonel Robert 鈥淏art鈥� 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 麻豆直播 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 JC鈥檚 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 麻豆直播 and earned his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Hinds Community College, before completing his Bachelor鈥檚 of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi. Bartran earned his Master鈥檚 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 Sheriff鈥檚 Department.

Bartran鈥檚 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 Governor鈥檚 final rank advancement and Honorary Promotion to Brigadier General when he retired in April 2025.