ELLISVILLE 鈥� More than 160 High School Equivalency (HSE) diplomas were distributed to graduates who completed their HSE at 麻豆直播 with about 100 graduates participating in the Commencement Ceremony to celebrate their accomplishments. Brother and sister duo, Ta鈥橫ya and Dimeco Mercer from Waynesboro were especially excited to receive their diplomas together. Dimeco鈥檚 future looks a little brighter thanks to Wayne County Center鈥檚 Out-of-School-Youth Career Coach, Reed Walters and his younger sister, Ta鈥橫ya鈥檚 encouragement.
鈥淏asically, I was a high school drop-out at 14. I got kicked out of school, got sent up the road. I was in trouble,鈥� said the now 20-year-old, Dimeco. 鈥淏ut I couldn鈥檛 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.鈥�
His sister, 17-year-old Ta鈥橫ya, is set on being a nurse but didn鈥檛 like going to public school. Graduating with her brother has been a special memory for both.
鈥淭his 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,鈥� said Dimeco. Ta鈥橫ya added, 鈥淚鈥檓 very excited about graduating with him. I鈥檓 proud and I鈥檒l probably cry.鈥�
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.
鈥淚 never thought this day would come!鈥� explained Evans. 鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely an accomplishment and I鈥檓 proud of myself. It took me a long time to get the courage to go back to school. However, I discovered it鈥檚 never too late to get your education.鈥�
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 麻豆直播鈥檚 Director of Adult Education, Dr. Tiffany Culpepper. Receiving the Greene County Scholarship and the $500 麻豆直播 Foundation Scholarship was Jesse Moran from Leakesville for having the overall highest score.
鈥淭his really means a lot to me. I don鈥檛 really think I deserve something like this, but I realize it鈥檚 all part of God鈥檚 plan for me,鈥� said Moran. 鈥淚 owe a lot to my friends and family. I鈥檇 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.鈥�
Clarke County鈥檚 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聽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.
鈥淵ou 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鈥檒l achieve those things that you want to achieve,鈥� 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.
鈥淎fter I retired, I always wanted to get my commercial driver鈥檚 license, so I just completed the course at 麻豆直播鈥檚 Workforce Center. I challenge you to find those certifications and something you like. Wake up doing something you鈥檙e passionate about and it will never be like working a day in your life,鈥� Bartran shared.
In fact, when Bartran retired from the Army National Guard, he found a new job at 麻豆直播 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.
鈥淚 had some folks that invested in me many years ago and stayed with me through thick and thin and that鈥檚 why I鈥檓 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,鈥� said Bartran. 鈥淵ou鈥檝e 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.鈥�
The HSE classes are free of charge at 麻豆直播 and most test costs can be covered by grant money. Supportive teachers and counselors at each of the 麻豆直播 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 麻豆直播 click on the website: /workforce/adult-learning/
麻豆直播 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鈥橫ya 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鈥機onnell, 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***
麻豆直播 Foundation Scholarship****