Ellisville, MS – When Brownyn Robertson, Assistant Director for WIOA Compliance for Adult Education at the Mississippi Community College Board, looked at over 100 graduates seated behind her on stage, she didn’t see people defined by obstacles they had to overcome. She saw courage.
She saw parents balancing jobs and families while studying for exams. She saw students who had wrestled with doubt, fear, and uncertainty before finding the confidence to walk through the doors of Jones College Adult Education. And she saw individuals whose decision to earn a high school diploma would create opportunities not only for themselves, but for generations to come.
“You have already overcome one of the hardest things that I think you’re going to have to overcome in your life, and that is walking through the door of an Adult Education program,” Robertson told graduates during the ceremony. “You’ve already accomplished the mental anguish, the confidence and the anxiety that it takes to walk in and admit that you need help.”
For many graduates, that first step was the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, one marked by confidence, opportunity and the belief that it’s never too late to change the course of your future.
For Dr. Tiffany Culpepper, Director of Jones College Adult Education, that belief is the heart of the program’s mission.
“Our program is truly unique because it offers people a second chance at one of life’s most important decisions.”
While students arrive from a variety of backgrounds, many left traditional school years earlier for reasons beyond their control. They return to Adult Education recognizing that earning a high school diploma can open doors to higher education, career advancement, and financial stability.
For Culpepper, watching those transformations unfold is the most rewarding part of her job.
“Earning a diploma often becomes the turning point that helps our students transform their lives,” she said. “It creates opportunities, levels the financial playing field and instills confidence in their abilities, potential and self-worth.”
For graduates Joshua and Della Harris, that turning point became a family milestone. Joshua had carried the weight of unfinished goals for almost two decades before deciding it was finally time to return to school.
“The program helped me do what I had put off for over 20 years, and with their help, I was able to obtain my GED in less time than I thought I would,” Joshua said. “I plan to pursue my welding and HVAC certificates through Jones College and to one day open my own business in HVAC.”
Standing beside him throughout the journey was his wife, Della, whose experience reflected the same encouragement and support that so many graduates described.
“The experience was amazing; everyone was helpful and encouraging,” Della said. “My plans after I graduate are to get my CNA and Phlebotomy license and to get my BSN eventually.”
The Harrises were part of a milestone year for the program.
“This year alone, a husband and wife, along with four sets of siblings, earned their diplomas,” Culpepper said. “Witnessing entire families reach this milestone together is incredibly meaningful. The positive impact on these families—and the generations that follow—is truly immeasurable.”
For Carlisa McDonald, earning her diploma meant proving something to herself. At first, she questioned whether she could succeed, but with encouragement from her instructors and inspiration from her mother – who earned her own GED years earlier – McDonald found the confidence to keep moving forward.
“I was nervous at first, but I put my mind to it and got it done. Honestly, this was the best decision I’ve made,” McDonald said. “The support from the administrators and the encouragement from the teachers… they welcomed me with open arms. And Mrs. Paige and Mrs. Gwen? We are family now.”
Now enrolled in Jones College’s Automotive Technology program, McDonald plans to attend pipeline training next year to build a career that allows her to care for her mother.
Elizabeth Weems credits the patience and compassion of Adult Education instructors with helping her reach graduation day.
“My experience at the school was amazing,” Weems said. “My teacher, Mrs. Vallerie, is one of the best people I’ve ever met. She was so kind and patient when I was struggling with my work, and she convinced me to keep going when I thought about quitting the program.”
Weems said the encouragement she received from instructors and staff made all the difference as she worked towards earning her diploma.
Whether returning after years away from the classroom or taking an unconventional path to graduation, each student’s journey looked different. Yet every story reflected the same truth: success begins with the courage to believe that a second chance is possible.
As Robertson reminded graduates, that courage extends far beyond a diploma.
“When I think about what you’re accomplishing today, it goes so much deeper than just getting a diploma,” she said. “You’re opening up an opportunity for yourself.”
While graduation day celebrates the finish line, the work of Jones College Adult Education begins long before a student ever earns a diploma.
Every student who enrolls meets one-on-one with Adult Education staff to discuss more than academic goals. The conversation starts with a simple question: What could prevent you from reaching this goal?
The answers vary from student to student. Transportation, childcare, work schedules, financial hardships, and other life circumstances often stand between students and their education. Rather than allowing those barriers to become roadblocks, Adult Education staff work to remove them.
“Our program is intentionally designed to meet students where they are,” Culpepper said. “Our goal is simple: identify obstacles early and eliminate as many of them as possible so students can remain focused on earning their diplomas.”
That support extends far beyond the classroom. Through partnerships with churches, local businesses, the United Way, DJ Transit, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, the WIN Job Center and numerous community organizations, Adult Education staff connect students with resources that allow them to remain focused on their education while navigating life’s challenges.
Robertson encouraged graduates to continue building on the momentum they had already created, reminding them that education opens doors to careers, workforce training and college opportunities.
“It all starts with a high school diploma. That opens up so many opportunities,” Robertson said. “I’m hoping that you will continue your next step onto Jones College… and I know they’re going to walk with you every step of the way.”
That next step was already taking shape for many graduates as they were awarded more than $75,000 in scholarships during the ceremony.
Several graduates earned merit-based academic scholarships based on their ACT scores, recognizing academic excellence and encouraging students to continue their education at 91ÁÔĆć.
Recipients of the Rising Excellence Scholarship (ACT scores of 18-20) were Kady Adams, Reagan Bagwell, Eli Clark, Alissa Martin, Thomas Bishop, Austin Dykes, Edward Hall, Raeanna Herrington, Alyssa Castillo and Alexandria Henderson.
Receiving the Academic Achievement Scholarship (ACT scores of 21-24) were Mitchell Spradley, Jessica Shows, Cayden McLain, Beau Sullivan and Gavin Suarez.
Receiving the Academic Distinction Scholarship (ACT scores of 25-28) were Russell Bankson, William Bankson, and Jacob Clark.
The college also recognized graduates who received full-tuition county scholarships, made possible by supervisors from each county in Jones College’s eight-county district.
Scholarship recipients included Kady Adams (Clarke County), Beau Sullivan (Covington County), Madison Polkey (Greene County), Tanner Richardson (Jasper County), Russell Bankston (Jones County), Jessica Shows (Perry County) and Cayden McLain (Wayne County).
Cayden McLain also received a $500 Foundation Scholarship from the Jones College Foundation, which can be used to further his education.Â
Together, the scholarships represent more than financial assistance – they are investments in students who have already demonstrated determination, perseverance and a commitment to building brighter futures.
The ceremony also celebrated another milestone for the Adult Education program.
“An accomplishment that we are extremely proud of is that our program started a chapter of the National Adult Education Honor Society this program year, and twelve of our students qualified for membership during our first year,” Culpepper said.
The inaugural chapter recognizes students whose academic excellence, leadership and determination exemplify the mission of Adult Education while encouraging continued excellence as they pursue college and career opportunities.
For Culpepper, those accomplishments represent something much larger than graduation statistics.
“The impact of that opportunity extends far beyond the individual student. It strengthens families, benefits communities and contributes to a stronger workforce and economy.”
As graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, applause echoed throughout the room – not simply for what they had accomplished, but for what is to come.
Some will continue their education at 91ÁÔĆć. Others will enter workforce training programs or begin new careers. Many will become the first in their families to earn a diploma or pursue higher education, creating opportunities that will influence future generations.
Robertson understands that impact firsthand. As the daughter of a man who earned his GED, she knows one decision can change the trajectory of an entire family.
“When I think about what you’re accomplishing today, it goes so much deeper than just getting a diploma,” she told graduates. “You may not see it today. You may not see it tomorrow, but I want you to know that you’re making an impact.”
For the graduates of Jones College Adult Education, the ceremony marked more than the completion of an educational milestone. It celebrated resilience over regret, opportunity over obstacles, and hope over hesitation.Â
Every diploma represents a promise fulfilled. Every scholarship reflects a future made possible. And every graduate who walked across the stage serves as a reminder that while earning a diploma may begin with a small step through a door, its impact reaches far beyond the student by strengthening families, enriching communities, and opening doors for generations to come.
HSE classes are free of charge at 91ÁÔĆć, and most test costs can be covered by grant money. The outstanding staff at each of the Jones College 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 91ÁÔĆć, click here: /workforce/adult-learning/
Jones College High School Equivalency Graduates 2025 – 2026
| Kady Lyn Adams | Clarke County |
| Samantha Brooke Adams | Clarke County |
| Della Vadar Harris | Clarke County |
| Joshua James Harris | Clarke County |
| Lakelynn Whitley Mars | Clarke County |
| Jordan Grace Ellzy | Covington County |
| Garrett Hunter Fairchild | Covington County |
| Kristen Nicole Finley | Covington County |
| Madison Paige Gentry | Covington County |
| Ivory Koleen House | Covington County |
| Beau Gamble Sullivan | Covington County |
| Kya Janae Moody | Forrest County |
| London Marchell Byrd | Greene County |
| Miranda Liane Dumas | Greene County |
| Harley Jackson Fortenberry | Greene County |
| Jon Irvin McLain | Greene County |
| Madison Grace Polkey | Greene County |
| BryLee Rayne Smith | Greene County |
| Jagger Slade Tribble | Greene County |
| Caris Lynn Walley | Greene County |
| Olivia Danielle Bankston | Jasper County |
| Jackson Cole Mann | Jasper County |
| Alissa Jean Martin | Jasper County |
| Jocohby Nehemiah McKenzie | Jasper County |
| Samantha Mollean Pruitt | Jasper County |
| Tanner Kirk Richardson | Jasper County |
| Katherine Nicole Thornton | Jasper County |
| Elizabeth Joyce Weems | Jasper County |
| Noah Oscar Windham | Jasper County |
| Joseph Walton Wright | Jasper County |
| Raenesha Porchia Arrington | Jones County |
| Russell Flynt Bankson | Jones County |
| William Roy Bankson | Jones County |
| Ashley Hope Barnes | Jones County |
| Brannon Luke Beech | Jones County |
| Nevaeh Joysue Boe | Jones County |
| Emilee Grace Bryant | Jones County |
| Ezequiel Ariel Castillo Parker | Jones County |
| Courtney Kay Cheek | Jones County |
| Ethan Lane Lee Clardy | Jones County |
| Logan Wayne Lee Clardy | Jones County |
| Parker Nimmo Clark | Jones County |
| Jacob Aaron Clark | Jones County |
| Zachary Tyler Craft | Jones County |
| Adriana Marie Crosby | Jones County |
| Destiny Somaria Crosby | Jones County |
| Madison Reece Estrada | Jones County |
| Johneshia Ty’Eshia My’Esh Everett | Jones County |
| Orlando Ormelas Garcia | Jones County |
| Laura Luranda Gatlin | Jones County |
| Emily Madison Gipson | Jones County |
| Audrey Love Graham | Jones County |
| Sabrina Cherie Harvey | Jones County |
| Alexandria Rose Henderson | Jones County |
| Raeanna Joy Herrington | Jones County |
| Karlee Paige Hickson | Jones County |
| Michael Cole Hollinghead | Jones County |
| Madison McKinley Holmes | Jones County |
| Alexiea Elizebeth House | Jones County |
| Abbigail Grace Hutchinson | Jones County |
| London Virginia James | Jones County |
| Caleb Tanner Jarrell | Jones County |
| Ackerley Harrison Jefcoat | Jones County |
| Zyriaya Aniaya Johnson | Jones County |
| Jaden Benard Jones | Jones County |
| Carlee Ray Kelley | Jones County |
| Mary-Katherine Marie Kitchens | Jones County |
| Juan Luis Rafael | Jones County |
| Carlisa Mariel McDonald | Jones County |
| Adramelech Xavier McKenzie | Jones County |
| James Richard McKissack | Jones County |
| Wilson Sebastian Ortiz | Jones County |
| Ainsley Renee Pepper | Jones County |
| Colt Jagger Wayne Phillips | Jones County |
| Pashences Rena Pollock | Jones County |
| Joanna Rivera – Sanchez | Jones County |
| Jackson Bryce Roberts | Jones County |
| Katherine Victoria Sena | Jones County |
| Sarah Tatiana Simmons | Jones County |
| Emily Makael Smith | Jones County |
| Joshua Taylor Smith | Jones County |
| Shyianne Kamryn Lena Stringer | Jones County |
| Anna Marie Sullivan | Jones County |
| Alexis Alexandria Thornton | Jones County |
| Ashton Patrick Tucker | Jones County |
| Sklar Suzanne Weaver | Jones County |
| Sarah Elizabeth Whisenhunt | Jones County |
| Makayla Amaya Wilson | Jones County |
| Micaiah Rashad Jordan Wilson | Jones County |
| Conner Shane Wohlscheid | Jones County |
| Alyssa Rochelle Castillo | Jones County |
| Jessica Rose Shows | Perry County |
| Cheyenne Marie Simmons | Simpson County |
| Hannah Dove Campbell | Smith County |
| Hunter Blake Graham | Smith County |
| Aiden Jacob Middleton | Smith County |
| Brandy Ellzey Sullivan | Smith County |
| Shanika Xenora Allen | Wayne County |
| Colton Layne Breland | Wayne County |
| Aden James Brewer | Wayne County |
| Dayten Justin Busby | Wayne County |
| Eli Parker Clark | Wayne County |
| Xiaojing Vivian Jiang | Wayne County |
| Colt Ian Kittrell | Wayne County |
| Cayden Lain McLain | Wayne County |
| Kamoria Reginae Pittman | Wayne County |
| Patrick Bernard Ruffin | Wayne County |
| Eric Lashaun West, Jr. | Wayne County |
| Jayla Danielle Woods | Wayne County |
