Ā鶹ֱ²„ alumna begins new dance opportunity with Arena Football League
ELLISVILLE ā Sheās a āHigh Steppingā Golden Girl from the land of the Laurel
Tornadoes and the Ā鶹ֱ²„ Bobcats. While many 30-year-olds tend to settle down and raise their children, Chiquillia Walker-McMellon with three children, hasnāt stopped dancing yet! She is the new Dance Coordinator for the āGolden Goddesses,ā the dance team for the Arena Football Leagueās newest team based in Philadelphia Mississippi, the Magnolia State Spartans. Last year, Chiquillia danced for the Mississippi Raidersā Dance Team, the Silver Belles and served as Dance Coordinator for that team, too.
āInitially after the pandemic, I was feeling stuck in my job as a teacher and 
losing my artistry. I literally saw the sign up on Facebook and decided this might be fun to try to see if I still had that performance spark in me,ā said Chiquillia.
After submitting a dance video audition, she landed an interview. She not only made the team, but they also offered her the Dance Coordinator position for the Silver Belles.
āWhen I got in the room and answered questions, they loved my personality and energy and offered me the Dance Coordinator position. As Dance Coordinator, I handled all the affairs for the dance team, from uniforms to choreography, publicity appearances, interviews and pretty much all the behind the scenes work for the team. I also danced with the team to continue living out my dream of continuing to perform and enjoy the art of dance,ā said Chiquillia.
The AFL season begins in April and runs through July. Most of the games are played on Saturdays and the dance team often travels with the team.Ā However, after one year as dance coordinator for the Silver Belles, Walker-McMellon thought she was done dancing professionally.
āI thought I was going to dance with the Silver Belles for a year and just check
it off my bucket list but after I gave it up and focused on life changes, I was approached by the Spartans. They offered me another shot at the Arena Football scene again. The first-year dancing again brought back a lot of inspiration in my life and reminded me that I am very capable of doing anything I put my mind to. It is very exciting and Iām able to expand choreography and artistic expression to an older age group versus my day-to-day school aged children,ā said Walker-McMellon.
Some of the 30-year oldās spirit and athleticism may be partially inherited. Her mother, Sules Walker graduated from JCJC in 1993 and was a star basketball player for the Lady Bobcats.
āMy mom is a 2-time MVP, 2-time All-State, 2-time All-Region and JUCO All-Star,ā said Walker-McMellon.
In fact, Sules had the rare opportunity to coach her two younger daughtersā basketball at Laurel High School before they came to Jones. Chikaylla Walker (JCJC 2015) and Nique Cherry (JCJC 2018) were just as tough and successful as their mother. Unfortunately, Chikayllaās ACL injury ended her basketball career while in high school.
āNique followed in my momās footsteps. At JCJC, Niqueās stats include 41 Double Doubles, she was 3rd in the nation in rebounding, and she was a 5-time MAC Player of the Week,ā said Chiquillia.
Even though Chiquillia didnāt play basketball, she was her sisterās biggest cheerleader at all the basketball games. She also followed in her motherās footsteps by working in education. After graduating from Laurel High School in 2008, Walker-McMellon joined the 2008-2010 Ā鶹ֱ²„ Touch of Gold and Gold Rush dance teams. She earned her bachelorās degree in dance education and psychology from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2014 and has been teaching some form of dance fitness ever since.
āI love dance because it is the only way of communication that makes perfect sense to me. It allows me to express myself in a positive outlet no matter the emotion. I enjoy teaching others to use movement to create a safe haven for 
growth and confidence. My motto is to be bold, be confident, and be you. Create your own movement,ā said Walker-McMellon.
For the last seven years, Walker-McMellon has been working for the Laurel School District in a couple of different roles. At Oak Park Elementary School in Laurel, Chiquillia is the Arts Infusion teacher. She has also been the dance sponsor and choreographer at Laurel High School for the last five years. She and her husband, Brandon McMellon are newlyweds with three children, 8-year-old Ari Johnikin, 4-year-old Eli Johnikin and 4-year-old Italie McMellon.
Ā鶹ֱ²„ sophomore earns MCCAIA Art awards
ELLISVILLE ā Five Ā鶹ֱ²„ sophomore art students earned recognition from the Mississippi Community College Art Instructor Associationās annual art competition and show. Carly McInnis from Mize earned first place honors in the 3D category and an Honorable Mention for her drawing entry, āU²Ō³Ł¾±³Ł±ō±š»å.ā The sophomore graphic design major said this was the first time she entered an art show.
āThis is the first time Iāve ever entered anything in an art show, this is the first show! I was very shocked (to learn I won in the 3D category) because there were so many other pieces that were good. It was for the experience, even if I didnāt win anything,ā said McInnis.
Her unnamed 3D art figure, her mother calls, āSquidwardā was created using sand, cardboard, and mod podge. While time consuming, McInnis says it was fun creating her 3D art project.
āI have really come to love abstract art, 3D art. The project was to cover it in something that didnāt make it look like the cardboard used to create the figure. I thought sand would be cool because it would look rocky, and people would wonder how did that stay up? Mark Brown, my teacher told me to finish it and put it in the show and see what happens. I finished the weekend before entries were due.ā
McInnisās ābigā goal is to work for Disney animation after graduating in May from Jones and finishing her degree at USM.
Other winners from Ā鶹ֱ²„ include Bryanna Davidson of Laurelās āTeethā drawing which earned 3rd place. Honorable Mention accolades were bestowed to Laurelās Aryn Cox, for her drawing, āThe Backyard,ā and Hattiesburgās Rebekah Lawlessā drawing, āUntitled 2ā.Ā Ā In the 2D art category, Heidelbergās Quinton Chapman received an Honorable Mention for his work, “Untitled.”
Best of Show went to Southwest Mississippi Community College sophomore, Darryn Coney for his pencil drawing, āBessie.ā More than 170 pieces of art were submitted for MCCAIAās competition and art show which was on display in the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery on the Ā鶹ֱ²„ campus in Ellisville in March.
MCCAIA Awards by Category
Best in Show
Darryn Coney, Bessie, SMCC
Painting/Mixed Media:
1st: Mandy Zhang, Brick #2, Holmes Ridgeland
2nd: Theresa Ho, Nightscape, Holmes Ridgeland
3rd: Mia Cossin, Cooper Dyes His Hair, ICC
HM: Theresa Ho, Bricked, Holmes Ridgeland
Why Hewitt, Cupcake, NWCC
Drawing:
1st: Kaitlin Stegall, Plum Tea, ICC
2nd: Jamiah Smith, Decoy, Hinds/Raymond
3rd: Bryanna Davidson, Teeth, Jones
HM: Carly McInnis, Untitled, Jones
Aryn Cox, The Backyard, Jones
Peyton Barr, Self-Portrait, NWCC
Colton Miller, Converse Desktop, Co-Lin
Rebekah Lawless, Untitled 2, Jones
Megan Jeter, Self-Portrait, NWCC
Ella Bowen, Paper Bag, EMCC Golden Triangle
Kaitlin Stegall, Calebās Sunset, ICC
2D Design:
1st: Peyton Barr, Gas Masks/Emphasis, NWCC
2nd: Peyton Barr, Balance, NWCC
3rd: Olivia Reed, Self-Portrait, MGCCC
HM: Megan Jeter, Untitled, NWCC
Mia Coggin, Eye, Eye, Captive, ICC
Colton Miller, Local/Expressive Color, Co-Lin
Erin Gullet, Globes on Table, Hinds
Catherine Milford, Void, Holmes
Quinton Chapman, Untitled, Jones
Inya Kirkland, Excitement, Hinds/Raymond
3D Design:
1st: Carly McInnis, Untitled, Jones
2nd: Peyton Barr, Surveillance System, NWCC
3rd: Alissa Ladner, Linear Design Project, Co-Lin
HM: Elliana Parker, Patterned Gogh, ICC
Hailey Hardy, Bumpy Ride, East Central CC
Digital/Computer Art:
1st: Brian Lummus, November Prince, Meridian
2nd: Colton Miller, The Great Daltoni, Co-Lin
3rd: Viskiyya Muhammad, Viskiyya, Meridian
HM: Gabby Ladd, Social Medusa, Co-Lin
Photography:
1st: Nicolas Boerema, Spake Motion, Hinds
2nd: Anwar Alhanshaly, Peace and Quiet, Hinds
3rd: Nicolas Boerema, Revelry, Hinds
HM: Nicolas Boerema, Heaven Wave, Hinds
Anwar Alhanshaly, Antique Boutique, Hinds
Printmaking:
1st: Colton Miller, Oscar, Co-Lin
2nd: Honor Brown, Grammy, EMCC Golden Triangle
3rd: Ella Bowen, Honey, EMCC Golden Triangle
HM: Sarah Banes, Butterflies, EMCC Golden Triangle
Ceramics:
1st: Gabby Ladd, Chaos and Serenity, Co-Lin
2nd: Morgan Rogillio, Crystal Turquoise Bowl, Hinds/Raymond
3rd: Katherine Witsberger, Like Blades of Grass Returning, Hinds
HM: Drew Winter, Brainstorm, Hinds
Ā鶹ֱ²„’s student newspaper captures General Excellence award
Photo by Kelly Atwood: Pictured, left to right, back row, are Ā鶹ֱ²„ās Newspaper staff writers and editors with their awards from the Mississippi Press Associationās Better Newspaper Contest: Shannon Barbin of Hattiesburg, Mackenzie Gunter of Hattiesburg, Megan Matthews of Richton, Erin Fairchild of Seminary, Keenon Simmons of Laurel, Opinions editor Jennifer Shirley of Waynesboro, Photography editor Montanah Middleton of Mize, Copy editor Olivia Norwood of Laurel; front row, News editor Bryce Dupree of Raleigh, SportsĀ editor Presley White of Quitman, photographer Bralynn Newell of Newton, and Features editor Mikayla Rainey of Ellisville. Not pictured is Kyle Manseill of Waynesboro.
ELLISVILLE – Ā鶹ֱ²„ competed in the Mississippi Press Associationās Better Newspaper Contest for colleges and brought home the General Excellence award in the community college category.
Jones students received 11 awards, with Southwest Community College earning three and Holmes Community College received two awards. For most of the categories, these three participating community colleges competed against universities, including the University of Mississippi, Mississippi College, Mississippi State University and the University of Southern Mississippi.
The Jones newspaper, the Radionian, won first, second and third place in the news category. Tori Ellis was the second and third place winner for her stories on COVID-19. The Radionian also swept the Features category. Mikayla Rainey received first place, Dariyel Johnson of Leakesville received second place, and Olivia Norwood received third place. In the Feature Photo category, Bralynn Newell won first place and Montanah Middleton won second place.
In the General Interest Column, which included both two and four-year colleges, Mikayla Rainey received third place for her column on mental health. In the Website category, which included both two and four-year colleges, the Jones websiteĀ Ā received third place. Under the Use of Social Media category, which included both two and four-year colleges, Bryce Dupree and Presley White received first place. In all three of these categories, the others who placed were all from universities.
The General Excellence award has both a university and two-year college winner. Mississippi State University joined Ā鶹ֱ²„ in the win.
āIām happy to see my students are able to successfully compete on the university level,ā said newspaper advisor Kelly Atwood. āNewspaper staffs are getting smaller at colleges nationwide, but my students are always in demand. With more people accepting social media, partisan websites and newstainment TV as official news sources, itās getting harder to find objective journalism, but it is so important for our nation. Todayās guest speakers were perfect examples of why society still needs professional journalists. Regardless of the medium, professional, objective, responsible journalists will always be needed to preserve democracy and place the public good above everything else.ā
Before the contest, the 24thĀ annual O.C. McDavid Journalism Summit was held with speakers Geoff Pender of Mississippi Today, Emily Wagster Pettus from the Associated Press, cartoonist Ricky Nobile and keynote speaker Jerry Mitchell from the Mississippi Center for Investigative reporting.
Atwood is currently taking applications for the Fall 2022 staff. Interested students should email her atĀ Kelly.atwood@jcjc.edu.
Ā鶹ֱ²„ās Theater Department presents, āHigh School MusicalāĀ
ELLISVILLE ā Live, theatrical performances of the popular, Disney movie, āHigh School Musical,ā presented by Ā鶹ֱ²„ās theater department, are expected to attract large crowds as Covid-19 regulations are easing. Musical performances will be on Friday, April 8, and Saturday, April 9, at 7 p.m. and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 10, in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 years of age. Ā鶹ֱ²„ faculty, staff and students are admitted free of charge with their Ā鶹ֱ²„ ID. Tickets will be available for purchase online. Check the Ā鶹ֱ²„ Arts, Music, and Performance Facebook page for details. Additionally, information regarding current Covid-19 Health Department and CDC guidelines and mask requirements can be found on Ā鶹ֱ²„ and the JC Arts, Music, and Performance departmentās social media in April.
Following a smaller cast show, āG“Ē»å²õ±č±š±ō±ōā in 2021, and the cancelation of 2020ās musical, āMomma Mia,ā because of the Covid-19 pandemic, JC musical theater director/producer, Dr. Jennifer Bruton said she wanted to bring as many students as possible on board for a popular show that would be enjoyed by both the performers and audience.
āThis generation of students grew up with the āHigh School Musicalā franchise which includes three blockbuster movies and several spin off series,ā said Bruton.Ā āThe original, āHigh School Musicalā movie, which the musical is based upon, was in theaters in 2006, and vaulted Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, and Ashley Tisdale to stardom.ā
One of the lead characters, Troy is played by Conner Smith of Ellisville. He is portrayed as one of East Highās most popular students and a star basketball player. The new girl in town, Gabriella is played by Natalie DeWitt of Laurel. This shy, smart girl is also a great singer and upstages Sharpay, played by Anna Leigh Ragsdale of Mize. Everyone soon learns Troy has a hidden talent that also threatens Sharpay and her brother Ryanās (played by Wesley Nelson Carmical of Ellisville) popularity and starring roles in the schoolās musical. Troy isnāt exactly ready to shine on the stage but he likes performing with Gabriella as their relationship blossoms.
Musical hits from the original soundtrack include, āBreaking Free,ā which landed as #4 on the pop charts. Other songs like, āWildcat Cheer,ā āWeāre All in This Togetherā and āGetācha Head in the Game,ā will also likely have the audience singing along with the cast.
āI knew we were going to have a great turn out for auditions when we started playing, āWeāre All in This Togetherā and the students broke out into the dance moves from the movie!ā said Bruton.
The Ā鶹ֱ²„s musical theater production of āHigh School Musicalā features 30 students and a live band. Additionally, Musical Theater incorporates the talents of various Ā鶹ֱ²„ programs, including the commercial and residential maintenance program, and the band and cheerleaders to help make this production come to life.
Familiar to the JC theater stage, is sophomore mechanical engineering major, Conner Smith. As Troy, played by Zac Efron in the Disney movie, the veteran singer and theatrical performer is familiar with playing the lead role in theatrical productions. In fact, Smith has a lot of experience being cast in the lead roles as Jack Kelly in ā±·±š·É²õ¾±±š²õ,ā Kerchak in ā°Õ²¹°ł³ś²¹²Ō,ā and Doodie in ā³Ņ°ł±š²¹²õ±šā during his high school acting career at South Jones. Most recently, last spring, Smith played the double role of John the Baptist and Judas in ā³Ņ“Ē»å²õ±č±š±ō±ōā at Ā鶹ֱ²„. He said he is looking forward to being the star basketball player in this yearās musical.
āIāve always loved the Disney movies, āHigh School Musicalā so I thought I would enjoy being in this production,ā said Smith. āItās fun playing a character thatās not that different from who I am.ā
His female co-star, Gabriella played by Natalie DeWitt of Laurel, is a freshman, pursuing a degree in speech pathology. She is also no stranger to the theater stage.
āI love being able to bring Gabriella to life and play a character that I havenāt performed before. I feel that we can all see a bit of ourselves in Gabriella, however, as an extrovert, getting the opportunity to play a character like her has been different and exciting,ā said DeWitt. āI have had a love for performing and have been involved in many plays throughout my life. It is truly so special to work with such a talented cast like this!ā
Feeling insecure about the new girl at East High is the fashionable and feisty, Sharpay. She is portrayed by music education vocalist, AnnaLeigh Ragsdale of Mize.
āā¶ÄHigh School Musicalā has been one of my favorite movies since I was little with Sharpay being my favorite fashionable character. Being able to play her character is a dream come true!ā said Ragsdale. āSharpayās bitter attitude has been a fun way to step out of my comfort zone during rehearsal.ā
Coming to Gabriellaās rescue is her best friend in the movie, Taylor McKessie, played by Wayne Countyās Mya McLain. The sophomore pre-law major has no problem playing the smart girl with real-life roles as the President of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and being selected for the JC Hall of Fame and Letter āJā academic honors.
āI love Taylor McKessie! Sheās too smart for her own good sometimes and she has to show her edginess and strong spirit in subtle ways that donāt put her in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Sheās blunt, hard working and knows what she wants. I get compared to her a lot actually!ā said McLain.
As everyone seems to demand Troy and Gabriellaās time, they find little time for each other which works perfectly for Sharpay and Ryan, who devise a plan to disrupt the new coupleās opportunity to shine on the stage.
To learn how the drama at East High unfolds, buy your tickets in advance, online by checking the Ā鶹ֱ²„ Arts, Music and Performance website and social media pages. For more information about the Ā鶹ֱ²„ Arts, Music and Performance department, call 601-477-4203.
Cast, Crew and Ensemble
Sarah Adams, Ellisville – Ensemble
NiāRiyah Bell, Laurel – Ensemble
Wesley Nelson Carmical, Ellisville – Ryan
Ta’Nyia Cooley, Shubuta – Ensemble
Natalie DeWitt, Laurel – Gabriella
Reagan Gass, Waynesboro – Kelsi
Cameron Glenn, Laurel – Chad
Mackenzie Golemon Moselle – Ensemble
Jordan Grimes, Leakesville – Ensemble
Dasani Hill, State Line – Susan/Ensemble
Christopher Holloway, State Line – Crew
Kamaya Hutton, Laurel – Crew
Kathryn Hyatt, Laurel – Ensemble
Beyonce Kenny, Rolling Fork ā Cathy/Ensemble
Mackenzie Lacy, Pass Christian – Martha
Eboni McDonald, Taylorsville – Ensemble
Mya McLain, Waynesboro – Taylor
Mya McLaurin, Bay Springs – Ensemble
Alexis Millwood, Brandon – Ensemble
Briannesha Mingo, Sandy Hook ā Costume/Crew
Lee Mixon, Stonewall -James/Ensemble
Brandon Murray, Laurel – Ensemble
Bralynn Newell, Newton ā Mrs. Darbus
Abby Nix, Ellisville – Ensemble
Eileen Ortega, Collins ā Cyndra/Ensemble
AnnaLeigh Ragsdale, Mize – Sharpay
Phoenix Riley, Petal – Crew
Ethan Robertson, Columbia – Ensemble
Dreamanda Ross, Monticello – Ensemble
John Scott, Hattiesburg – Ensemble
Jaylon Sims, Raleigh – Zeke
Conner Smith, Ellisville – Troy
Matthew Taylor, Richland -Ripper
Payton Voge, Laurel ā Stage Manager
Dalton Whitehead, Columbia ā Alan/Ensemble
Donovan Williams, Laurel ā Jack Scott
Ā鶹ֱ²„ hosts Mississippi Community College Art Instructor Associationās Student Art Competition/Art Show
ELLISVILLE- Ā鶹ֱ²„ās Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery in Ellisville is featuring the artwork from community college students statewide who have submitted artwork in the annual, Mississippi Community College Art Instructor
Associationās (MCCAIA) Student Art Competition and Art Show. More than 170 pieces of artwork is featured from students competing in eight categories of artwork from painting and mixed media to drawing, 2D Design, 3D Design, Digital/Computer Art, Photography, Printmaking and Ceramics. All entries will be on display throughout March, with the winners presented with ribbons and cash awards at the showsā awards presentation and reception, on April 1, at 9:30 a.m. in the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery.
āThe quality of the work in the show is an indicator of the excellent art instruction students can receive at the community college level,ā said Ā鶹ֱ²„ art instructor and the MCCAIA President, Melanie Eubanks.
The art gallery is filled with the submitted work from full time students from Co-Lin Community College, East Central Community College, East Mississippi Community College, Gulf Coast Community College, Hinds Community College, Holmes Community College, Itawamba Community College, Ā鶹ֱ²„, Meridian Community College, Northwest Community College, and Southwest Community College.
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 through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. 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 .