ELLISVILLE ā Twenty-five Ā鶹ֱ²„ sophomores were selected as Hall of Fame recipients based on their academic achievements, in addition to campus and community involvement. These students also have a minimum 3.5 GPA, and some students hold jobs in addition to their academic, athletic and campus responsibilities. They received special recognition in the college yearbook and during the Commencement Ceremony held earlier this month.
The majority of the students are graduating as sophomores with a few exceptions. Selected to be included in the 2026 Hall of Fame were Roderick “Tripp” Alexander-Gulfport, Noah Allen-Columbia, Sydney Clearman-Hattiesburg, Elisa Cook-Meridian, Cole Cress-Ridgeland, Cannon Crowder-Ellisville, William Cody Daley-Prentiss, Leilani DeBar-Leakesville, Chrishon Ellis-Panola, Larissa Hubbard-Gulfport, Mia Grace Huff-Taylorsville, Ridgeland Jones-Laurel, Lake Jordan-Prentiss, Sherline King-Panama City, Panama, Callee Dianne Knotts-Soso, Elizabeth Claire Lewman-Summit, Angela Martinez-Ellisville, Hope Elizabeth Mealer-Petal, Adam Nix-Ellisville, Emma Katherine Pattie-Hattiesburg, Edna Perez-Ambrocio-Morton, Emily Lynn Rogers-Laurel, Josie Tullos-Newton, Destiny Velasco-Izaguirre-Ellisville and Alex Guinluca Virgen-Laurel. All 25 students were nominated by faculty members as they distinguished themselves and impressed selection committee members.
Tripp Alexander is majoring in exercise science and will transfer to Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama to be a pre-medicine major. He is a member of the Menās Soccer Team where he was honored twice as an NJCAA Academic All-American, and twice he earned the MACCC Championship, in addition to being a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Team. Alexander is also a Tullos Scholar. Mark and Christina Alexander are his parents.
āI came to Jones to play soccer, and JC means the world to me. It truly made me a different person and Iām so thankful for that!ā said Alexander. āIt means a lot that a school that poured into me so well would honor me like this!ā
°ä“Ē±ō³Ü³¾²ś¾±²¹ās Noah Allen has plans to work in computer programming and coding after earning his degree at USM. At JC, he was an active member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Bobcat Brigade, and he volunteered for the Heal the Land Service and the Words of Prayer Services for the elderly. His parents are Cornelious and Lakitha Allen.
āI didnāt believe I would ever receive this honor. I had always doubted myself and compared myself to others. However, I was reminded that God created each of us differently. I have my own dreams and strengths and receiving this honor is truly a blessing that means so much to me,ā said Allen.
Sydney Clearman is an Oak Grove High School graduate who was active in cheerleading and has continued cheerleading with the Bobcats and earned a national championship in the UCA College Nationals in January. She is also involved in the Bobcat Brigade, Charles Pickering Honors Institute, and PTK, and was selected as a Tullos Scholar. With her biological sciences degree from USM, she hopes to continue her education at UMMC Dental School. Kevin and Selena Clearman are her parents.
āThis honor means more to me than words can explain. It represents hard work, dedication and growth that I have experienced here at Jones. I am inspired to continue striving for excellence in everything I do. It reminds me that success isnāt just about individual accomplishments, but about the impact you have on others and the legacy you leave behind,ā said Clearman.
Business and marketing major, Elisa Cook of Meridian was voted as Miss Ā鶹ֱ²„, and she served as Drum Major for the Typhoon Marching Band for two years. Additionally, she has been a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Bobcat Brigade, FCA, Wesley Kindle, Student Government Association, PTK and FBLA. Cook has earned Presidentās List honors, and the Letter āJā Award and she plans to pursue her education at Mississippi State and start a non-profit organization.
āThis honor is a testament to the amazing professors and faculty I have had the pleasure of learning from at Ā鶹ֱ²„. They have been constantly encouraging me and preparing me for every stage of life. I am forever grateful to God blessing me with this opportunity,ā Cook said.
Cole Cress of Ridgeland is majoring in pre-law with plans to transfer to Mississippi State and majoring in public policy. While at JC, he was a member of the Menās Soccer Team, PTK, and currently works in Jackson for the college. His parents are Blake and Kelly Cress.
The 2025 Prentiss Christian High School Valedictorian, William āCodyā Daley has continued making a mark for himself academically at JC. He was named a Tullos Scholar, received the Letter āJā Award, and was a member of PTK, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Daley also maintains his own business and volunteers in nursing homes. The construction management major plans to continue his education at USM. His parents are Teddy and Susan Daley.
āBeing here has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with my instructors and faculty members. They know me, they care about my success, and theyāve invested time and effort into helping me grow both academically and personally. Choosing Jones is a decision Iāll always value,ā Daley said.
Ellisville native, Cannon Crowder is currently planning to play football at Doane University in Crete, Nebraska as he earns his bachelor’s and masterās degree in Education. The history major was voted by his peers as Mr. Ā鶹ֱ²„ while also being a member of the Bobcat Football Team, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the First Baptist Churchās College group. His parents are Grant and Anita-Shawn Crowder.
³¢±š²¹°ģ±š²õ±¹¾±±ō±ō±šās Leilani DeBar is majoring in accounting with plans to become a lawyer at Mississippi State University. She has been an active member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, PTK, Student Government Association, Future Business Leaders of America, and the Non-Traditional Student Organization, while also earning the Letter āJā Award. DeBar will be interning in Washington D.C. for Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. Dennis and Kelley DeBar are Leilaniās parents.
āIām truly grateful and motivated to keep striving for excellence. I hope to use what I have learned here to make a meaningful difference. Jones helped me develop as a student and a leader, and itās where Iāve built relationships and experiences that will stay with me long after graduation,ā said DeBar.
Chrishon Ellis of Panola is an Agriculture Science major with aspirations of attending MSU to major in Crop Entomology and minor in Agriculture Policy/Law. At JC, he was a member of the Bobcat Brigade, SGA, Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society, PTK and FBLA. In his spare time, Ellis is a New Hope Mentor Scholar, and past State V.P. for the Mississippi FFA. Christopher Ellis and Shermika Harris are his parents.
āBeing inducted into the Ā鶹ֱ²„ Hall of Fame after only one year is incredibly meaningful to me because it shows that the impact I made truly mattered. In a short time, this college has shaped me, challenged me, and helped me grow in ways I never expected. It connects me to the legacy of Ā鶹ֱ²„ and the people who supported me from day one,ā said Ellis.
Just like her basketball career, Larissa Hubbard is one of the top of her class and was chosen to be a Tullos Scholar. At Harrison Central High School, she graduated 10th in her class and was on the Varsity basketball team. At Ā鶹ֱ²„, Hubbard has continued to excel academically and athletically as the Team Captain, and she has also earned a spot on the Presidentās List honor roll every semester and is a member of PTK. She earned NJCAA All-Academic Team and All-MACCC Academic Honors, and NJCAA All-Conference second team honors. In addition to being in class and on the court, Hubbard volunteers with young athletes and volunteers at college events. The accounting major from Gulfport plans to continue her athletic career at Lamar University and then work on the marketing team of a major league sports team. Her parents are Byron and Kristie Hubbard.
āThis honor exemplifies that dedication, and integrity will lead to a successful path. Hard work at a college that cares will not go unnoticed,ā said Hubbard. āOriginally, I came to Jones to play basketball, but it soon became more than just that. I grew genuine relationships not only with my fellow classmates, but with the faculty as well. For the last two years, Jones has really felt like home to me. All small colleges say they see you as more than a number, but Ā鶹ֱ²„ acts on it as well.ā
Mia Grace Xian Li Huff of Taylorsville majored in biology with the goal of pursuing a career in the medical field. While at Jones, Huff was active in the English Honor Society, Sigma Kappa Delta, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Bobcat Brigade, SGA and at her church. She plans to transfer to Ole Miss for her B.A. in Biological Sciences, then to UMMC for the doctoral program. Her parents are Jim and Samantha Huff.
āHaving only been here for only one year, I am extremely proud of what I have accomplished in such a short time, thanks to the incredible community at Ā鶹ֱ²„,ā said Huff. āMy time at Jones has provided me with the skills and confidence to overcome the fear of attending a large university. I will forever cherish how this experience has shaped me into a person ready to make a meaningful impact on the world.ā
Ridgeland Jones of Laurel was selected for the highest academic and athletic honors. He has served as the Team Captain for the Menās Tennis Team, is the 2024 and 2025 Single and Menās Doubles Tennis Champion and the 2026 MACCC Menās Tennis Champion/and 2025 Region 23 Menās Tennis Champion. Jones is a member of Bobcat Brigade, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. He plans to continue his education at USM and major in Kinesiology and then earn his masterās degree at William Carey University to be a coach and teacher. His parents are Donna and Robin Jones of Laurel.
āThis honor means a lot to me because I have worked extremely hard and this accomplishment makes all the hard work worth it,ā said Jones.
Prentiss resident, Lake Jordan has been involved at Ā鶹ֱ²„ in the Bobcat Brigade, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Baptist Student Union Evangelism Team and Summer Missions, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and he works in the JC Sports Media Department. Jordan plans to transfer to William Carey University and major in Christian Studies. Mark and Cheri Jordan are his parents.
āI love the personal environment here at Jones and will sincerely miss my relationships with people on campus. It is not just JC that has been special to me, but I have also realized there is something special about the people in Jones County that makes me want to stay here,ā said Jordan.
From Panama City, Panama, Sherline King has taken the region by storm with her academic and athletic abilities.
As a Lady Soccer Team member, she Started all 22 matches and guided Jones to the national semifinals. This year, she was voted MACCC Player of the Year and United Soccer Coaches Junior College Division II Player of the Year, NJCAA Division II First Team All-American and United Soccer Coaches AA, NJCAA All-Region 23 as well as First Team All-MACCC. Also at Jones, King was a Resident Assistant in Womenās Housing, and she is a member of the Panama National Team that just qualified for the World Cup. King will be headed to Canada for her next soccer game, then to Oklahoma State University to earn her degree in Psychology. Her parents are Jorge King and Maria Perea.
Callee Knotts of Soso served as the President of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and was selected as an All-Mississippi Academic Team. She was active in Bobcat Brigade, FCA, and she was a member of the Ā鶹ֱ²„ Livestock Show Team. The Agricultural Communications major plans to transfer to Mississippi State and earn her bachelorās and masterās degrees. Chris and Allyson Knotts are her parents.
āI am honored to receive this award from the place that is āhomeā to me. It reminds me that all the hard work I put into my classes and extracurricular activities is worth it. I have made amazing connections and created lasting memories with great people,ā said Knotts.
Kinesiology major and Bobcat Cheerleader, Elizabeth Lewman will be attending the University of Mississippi as a co-ed cheerleader. The Summit resident was a member of the JC 2026 National Championship Co-ed Cheer Team, as well as Bobcat Brigade, FCA and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Dan and Lisa Lewman are her parents.
āThis honor is reflective of everything Iāve been able to accomplish at Jones over the last two years. Iām incredibly honored that Jones has selected me among so many incredible students!ā said Lewman.
Angela Martinez of Ellisville is serving as the DECA State and local chapter president. She earned the Letter āJā Award and is majoring in Culinary Arts Technology. Additionally, she is a member of the marching band, Phi Theta Kappa, and DECA. Martinez also volunteers at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Clothing Room and Christmas Food Drive. Her future plans include transferring to USM to earn a bachelorās degree in Hospitality and Tourism and open her own restaurant or bakeshop. Jesus Martinez and Dalia Velazquez are her parents.
āThis honor makes all the hard work and effort even more worth it,ā said Martinez. āI have grown up with the āleave it better than you found itā mentality and I feel like I have been able to do that here at Jones!ā
Petal resident, Hope Mealer just completed the Radiologic Technology program at JC and will be taking the National Registry test to be a Registered Radiologic Technologist. In addition to preparing for her career, Mealer was a member of the Womenās Basketball Team, Phi Theta Kappa, FCA, the Radiology Class Representative and coaches Little League at the Petal YMCA. Her parents are Newton and Jennifer Mealer.
āThis honor means a lot to me because Iāve worked so hard to prove to myself that I could balance being a student athlete and now a mom to three-year-old twins, and a full-time student,ā explained Mealer. āTo be a member of the Hall of Fame is just a testament to how hard I have worked and how much it has paid off.ā
Adam Nix of Ellisville is a member of the menās golf team, Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Homecoming Court. The physics and engineering major plans to transfer to Mississippi State to major in chemical engineering. Anthony and Stacey Nix are his parents.
Kinesiology major from Hattiesburg, Emma Pattie is also a proud member of the JC 2026 National Championship Co-ed Cheer Team, Bobcat Brigade and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and FCA. In her spare time, she is a cheer judge for local high school teams and Pattie volunteers at Civitan Camp. Her future plans include transferring to the University of Mississippi. Chad and Paige Pattie are her parents.
āThis honor is incredibly meaningful to me. I am so appreciative of the Jones faculty and staff who have poured into me and built up my strengths. Being named to the Hall of Fame is truly a privilege and I am thankful to be recognized in this way,ā Pattis shared.
Morton resident, Edna Perez-Ambrocio is pursuing a degree in elementary education with the goal of becoming a principal. At Jones, Perez-Ambrocio was a member of the FBLA, Vice President of Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society, Concert Choir, Nova Voce Choir, Marching Band, Concert Band, Student Government Association and PTK. She was honored to receive the Letter āJā Award and Sophomore Maid for Homecoming. Her parents are Julio Domingo Chun and Mayra Ambrocio Perez.
āThis honor represents the opportunities that Jones has given me again, and it is a representation for my family and Guatemalan Community to know that all my dedication and effort did not go unnoticed. It also represents the support from my parents and friends because without them, I wouldnāt be where I am today!ā Perez-Ambrocio said.
Emily Rogers, the 2025 West Jones Valedictorian, Lindy Calahan Scholar Athlete and HOBY attendee, continued to garner honors as a Ā鶹ֱ²„ student. She was a member of the Womenās Tennis Team that earned its first National Title for JC and Mississippi. She also enjoyed being a member of Bobcat Brigade, PTK, and the Charles Pickering Honors Institute. Rogers is transferring to MSA to complete her biology degree with hopes of getting into medical school. The Good Shepherd Clinic volunteer plans to become a physician and work in her hometown of Laurel.
āĀ鶹ֱ²„ means so much to me because it gave me opportunities I didnāt expect and helped shape who I am today. I am incredibly grateful that Godās plan led me here, and I will always value the experiences and relationships I gained at Jones,ā Rogers said.
Josie Tullos is also a member of the National Championship Tennis Team at Ā鶹ֱ²„ and recently was named the ITA JUCO Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship National Award. She also earned MACC and Region 23 Championship Awards, the Jones Tennis Bobcat Award and the Letter āJā Award. Tullos also participated in PTK and the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, and volunteered for First Baptist Church of ·”±ō±ō¾±²õ±¹¾±±ō±ō±šās College Worship, Student/Childrenās Ministry and is D-now small group leader. The Newton resident is planning to complete the Teacher Assistant Program at William Carey University. Wyatt and Holly Tullos are her parents.
āThere have certainly been hard days, but this place has grown me as a student, an athlete and a Follower of Christ,ā said Tullos. āReceiving this honor is immensely special to me because Jones has truly been the best two years of my life. The community has poured into me greatly and Iām very appreciative.ā
·”±ō±ō¾±²õ±¹¾±±ō±ō±šās Destiny Velasco-Izaguirre is majoring in International Business with the intention of pursuing a double major in economics and ancient Mediterranean culture, as well as a career in journalism. At JC, she served as the V.P. of Phi Theta Kappa, V.P. and Social Media Manager for the BSU, and a staff member for the student newspaper, The Radionian. She was elected as Student Body Maid in 2025, V.P. of the Student Government Association, and earned 2nd place honors for the Best News Story at the 2024 and Mississippi Press Association Contest, and 2nd place for the Best Feature Story at this yearās competition. Velasco-Izaguirre also volunteers for the First Baptist Church of ·”±ō±ō¾±²õ±¹¾±±ō±ō±šās Mission Monday.
āBeing named a member of the Hall of Fame has shown me the tremendous growth Iāve made. Although my time at Ā鶹ֱ²„ has not been without challenges, this recognition reminds me that I have made at least one step forward towards my goal in life, to reach my full potential,ā shared Velasco-Izaguirre.
Laurel Middle College graduate and JC graduate, Alex Virgen also served as a member of the Future Leaders of Jones County. At Laurel High School, he was the Valedictorian, served as the Beta Club secretary and was a member of the Gospel Choir. Virgenās future plans include going to Mississippi State University for a dual degree in industrial engineering and business administration.
āThis honor represents the dream that my parents wanted for me when they came to the United States, the dream of giving their child chances they never had,ā Virgen shared. āTo me, JC has meant opportunity and the chance to grow, achieve, and move forward all within Jones County.ā
Hall of Fame Students 2025-2026
Roderick “Tripp” Alexander-Gulfport
Noah Allen-Columbia
Sydney Clearman-Hattiesburg
Elisa Cook-Meridian
Cole Cress-Ridgeland
Cannon Crowder-Ellisville
William Cody Daley-Prentiss
Leilani DeBar-Leakesville
Chrishon Ellis-Panola
Larissa Hubbard-Gulfport
Mia Grace Huff-Taylorsville
Ridgeland Jones-Laurel
Lake Jordan-Prentiss
Sherline King-Panama City, Panama
Callee Dianne Knotts-Soso
Elizabeth Claire Lewman-Summit
Angela Martinez-Ellisville
Hope Elizabeth Mealer-Petal
Adam Nix-Ellisville
Emma Katherine Pattie-Hattiesburg
Edna Perez-Ambrocio-Morton
Emily Lynn Rogers-Laurel
Josie Tullos-Newton
Destiny Velasco-Izaguirre-Ellisville
Alex Guinluca Virgen-Laurel