ELLISVILLE ā The Ā鶹ֱ²„ Radiologic Technology program celebrated the accomplishments of the largest class of graduates in recent program history. Sixten students, Eden Alyssa Benoit-Hattiesburg, Jordan D Garcia-Laurel, Abbie Grace Glasscock-Ellisville, Hannah Brooke Graham-Ovett (Raleigh native), Kelbi Ann Herring-Laurel, Katie E Jones-Mount Olive, Kaylee Lauren Jones-Mize, Alexis D Kittrell-Mize, Jayden B Lathem-Sebastopol, Gracie Elizabeth McDill-Sebastopol, Hope Elizabeth Mealer-Petal (Olive Branch native), Taylor Loy Messersmith-Laurel, Kendalen Carol Russell-Stringer, Sydney Paige Sikes-Silas, AL, Ashton Nicole Stockman-Bay Springs and Rachel Cambrea Thrash-Ellisville, each completed the six-semester program according to JC Program Director Mandy Pearson. She credits their excellent performance and dedication to learning and mastering new skills, as well as having new equipment in the JC Hospital Simulation Lab as the reason for their success in the job market.
āThese program graduates have put forth great effort to succeed in earning this degree. Their next step is the ARRT national certification examination, and I know they are prepared and will continue their success to become Registered Radiologic Technologists. We cannot wait to see the impactful futures ahead for these graduates as they become Registered Technologists and join the health care workforce!ā said Pearson.
Two students earned scholarships and special honors during the completion ceremony. Ashton Stockman of Bay Springs received the Clinical Student of the Year Award. This award is given to a student in the graduating class that excels in the clinical setting and goes above and beyond their clinical duties and is voted on by affiliate clinical sites. Stockman also received the Mississippi Society of Radiologic Technology scholarship which is awarded to a student that demonstrates good moral character and professionalism in both the classroom and clinical setting, while maintaining a competitive GPA. Both JC instructors, Mandy Pearson and Brittany Barron said Stockman is a dedicated and driven student that demonstrated exceptional patient care skills in the clinical setting.
āI am incredibly thankful to have been a part of the Ā鶹ֱ²„ Radiography Program. Throughout my journey, I had the opportunity to learn from so many amazing mentors who helped shape me into the technologist I am today. Their guidance, support, and encouragement have meant so much to me, and I am truly honored to have been chosen by the clinical instructors and technologists as Clinical Student of the Year,ā said Stockman.
Furthermore, Ashton has distinguished herself clinically and academically with impressive scholastic achievement throughout the radiography program, further reflecting her commitment to success in the field. We are extremely proud of what she has accomplished and look forward to seeing what she accomplishes in the future.
Gracie McDill of Sebastopol was named the programās, Academic Student of the Year, an award presented to a student who exceeds program graduation requirements while maintaining an outstanding grade point average throughout their college career. Her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence have made her an exceptional representative of the program.
āFaculty members describe Gracie as a student who consistently demonstrates positivity, perseverance, and compassion toward both patients and classmates. Mandy and I proudly congratulate Gracie on these well-deserved accomplishments and look forward to the impact she will make in the radiologic sciences profession,ā said Barron.
Additionally, McDill was selected as the recipient of the annual $400 scholarship presented by the Mississippi Radiological Society. This scholarship is awarded to the programās Outstanding Radiologic Technology student based on high academic achievement, sound moral character, and financial need.
āThis scholarship means more to me than just recognition, it represents the hard work, sacrifices, and encouragement that helped me get to this point. Iām incredibly thankful,ā said McDill.
Also earning honors from JC students were the clinical staff whom the students voted on as their favorite. Jeri Douglas, R.T.(R)(CT)(M) at Wayne General HospitalĀ was chosen as the Radiographer of the Year. And the Clinical Instructor of the Year Award went to Ashley Bradford, R.T.(R) at South Central Regional Medical Center.Ā
Ā鶹ֱ²„ Radiography Class of 2026Ā
Eden Alyssa Benoit Hattiesburg
Jordan D Garcia Laurel
Abbie Grace Glasscock Ellisville
Hannah Brooke Graham Ovett (Raleigh native)
Kelbi Ann Herring Laurel
Katie E Jones Mount Olive
Kaylee Lauren Jones Mize
Alexis D Kittrell Mize
Jayden B Lathem Sebastopol
Gracie Elizabeth McDill Sebastopol
Hope Elizabeth Mealer Petal (Olive Branch native)
Taylor Loy Messersmith Laurel
Kendalen Carol Russell Stringer
Sydney Paige Sikes Silas, AL
Ashton Nicole Stockman Bay Springs
Rachel Cambrea Thrash Ellisville