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Jones College Adult Education Graduates Celebrate Second Chances and New Beginnings
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 |
Seat Ready for Success: Jones Up Close Prepares Incoming Freshmen for the Fall 2026 Semester
Ellisville, MS – The Fall 2026 semester is right around the corner, and Jones College is locked in on making sure students begin the academic year with confidence through Jones Up Close, a two-day event designed to ensure students are “seat ready” before the first day of classes on August 17.
Held August 5 & 6 on the Ellisville campus, Jones Up Close provided students with the opportunity to complete important checklist items while connecting face-to-face with the faculty and staff who will support them during their time at Jones.
Throughout the event, students visited with representatives from Enrollment Services, Financial Aid, Housing, Student Affairs, the Business Office, Information Technology, Student Affairs, and other campus departments to finalize schedules, ask questions, and receive personalized guidance before the semester begins.
Students were able to tour the campus with members of the Bobcat Brigade student recruitment team to learn where their classes would be located to ensure an easy first day of class. Brigade members also spoke with students about the importance of getting involved in campus life and the benefits of joining clubs and organizations.
By bringing essential services together in one location, students were able to leave campus knowing they had the resources they needed for a successful start.
The commitment to first-time student success extended beyond the main campus as well. Understanding that some students were unable to travel to campus before classes began, Jones College also offered an online orientation experience. The virtual option allowed students to complete the same essential preparations remotely, ensuring they had access to important information and campus resources regardless of where they lived or their individual circumstances.
At Jones, student success begins long before the first day of class. Through opportunities like Jones Up Close and online orientation, the college remains committed to helping every student feel prepared, supported, and confident on their educational journey.
Good news- there is still time for prospective students to become part of the Jones family this fall! Students may continue enrolling before face-to-face classes begin on August 17, with online classes beginning on August 24.
Throughout the semester, Jones College faculty and staff will continue standing ready to assist students who may still need help finding classrooms, navigating campus, adjusting schedules, or connecting with the resources they need to succeed.
Apply at the link below to join the Jones family this fall!
www.jcjc.edu/apply/
Destination Ready
Jennifer Griffith Leads New Effort to Connect Jones Students to Careers
ELLISVILLE – Long before being named Jones College’s new Executive Vice President of Corporate and University Development, Jennifer Griffith was a college student working full-time by day in the shipping department of a processing plant while attending night classes, determined to earn the education that she knew could create the future she wanted.
“It was hard,” Griffith said. “It was incredibly hard.”
There were long days and late nights, but Griffith never lost sight of the future she first imagined after discovering Jones College as a young girl and later returning for Junior Preview Day. Every sacrifice brought her one step closer to the life she knew education could make possible.
Today, those experiences aren’t just part of her story—they’re the foundation of her purpose.
“I tell students all the time, ‘You can do this,'” Griffith said. “I promise you, it will be worth it.”
While academics will always be at the heart of Jones College, Griffith’s vision extends far beyond the classroom. She wants every student who walks across the graduation stage to leave Jones with more than a diploma.
“I want students, when they come on campus, to know where they’re going to end up,” she said. “I want them to understand how Jones helps them get there.”
Griffith hopes to prepare students for successful careers by equipping them with the professional skills, workplace knowledge, and career guidance needed to enter the workforce with confidence.
“A career is different than a job,” Griffith said. “We want students to understand the whole picture.”
Through expanded partnerships with businesses and industries across South Mississippi, Griffith hopes students will gain hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities that all begin while they’re enrolled at Jones. The goal is to forge relationships early, allowing students to explore career paths while allowing employers to invest in the workforce they’ll one day depend on to continue their legacy.
“We want students to be destination-ready,” Griffith said.
Griffith believes Jones College plays a vital role in strengthening South Mississippi’s workforce by partnering with local industries to prepare graduates with the skills employers need from day one.
“If you don’t have a trained, educated workforce, companies won’t locate here, and they won’t stay here,” Griffith said.
She sees Jones College as more than a place where students earn credentials. She sees it as an anchor for the region, a foundation that helps local businesses grow, attracts new industries and creates opportunities that allow graduates to build successful careers without leaving the place they love – home.
But while workforce development is central to her role, it always comes back to people.
She talks about the student working 30 hours a week while carrying a full course load because that’s the only way they can afford to stay in school, and she thinks about the single parent trying to build a better future.
It’s why she refuses to let students believe they’re alone in the struggle.
“It’s okay not to know,” she said. “Figure out what kind of life you want, and then let your education help you get there.”
Before becoming an educator, Griffith never imagined she’d spend her life in education at all. It wasn’t until she accepted a substitute teaching job at her alma mater, South Jones High School, that everything changed. One unexpected opportunity became a calling, and she hopes Jones College can help students experience those same moments of discovery before they ever leave campus.
When asked what she hopes people will remember about her years from now, Griffith didn’t mention enrollment numbers, new initiatives or workforce partnerships.
Instead, she paused.
“I hope people say that I cared.”
She referenced a quote that has stayed with her throughout her career and has become her philosophy: People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
As Jones College continues embracing its “All Roads Lead to Jones” campaign, Griffith believes every student’s road should lead somewhere even greater.
Whether their next step is a university or a career, Griffith believes every Jones graduate should leave with both a diploma and a clear destination.
Because while all roads may lead to Jones, Griffith hopes every road that begins here leads students to purpose, opportunity, and a future they’re proud to build.
Jones College Celebrates Young Writers Through American Hero Essay Contest
ELLISVILLE – Jones College is investing in the next generation of writers, leaders and storytellers through the inaugural Jones College American Hero Essay Contest, an initiative designed to inspire students across the Pine Belt to explore the lives of those who have demonstrated courage, sacrifice and service while strengthening their own writing skills.
Hosted in partnership with the Laurel-Jones County Library and the Laurel Leader-Call, the contest invited elementary, middle and high school students to submit original essays recognizing an American hero who has made a lasting impact on their lives or on the nation’s history. Entries were evaluated on originality, historical accuracy, organization and writing quality.
Jones College awarded a $1,000 scholarship to the first-place winner in the high school division, Annie Byrd, furthering the college’s commitment to making higher education more accessible for outstanding students.
Cutline: Annie Kathryn Byrd (left), first-place winner in the high school division of the inaugural Jones College American Hero Essay Contest, accepts her certificate and a $1,000 Jones College Foundation scholarship from Sabrina Young, executive vice president of advancement at 91ÁÔĆć. Byrd was recognized during the June 24 awards ceremony at the Laurel-Jones County Library for her winning essay highlighting Revolutionary War heroine Deborah Sampson.
“Our mission extends beyond the classroom,” said Sabrina Young, Executive Vice President of Advancement at 91ÁÔĆć. “We want to encourage students to think critically, communicate effectively and recognize the qualities of leadership and service that shape our communities and our country. This contest gave students the opportunity to do exactly that.”
The American Hero Essay Contest reflects Jones College’s ongoing commitment to educational outreach and community partnerships that encourage academic excellence beyond the college campus. By creating opportunities for students to develop their writing and critical thinking skills at an early age, the college hopes to inspire future scholars while strengthening literacy throughout the region.
Georgia Pacific invests in future workforce through continued partnership with Jones College
Representatives from Georgia Pacific joined Jones College President Dr. Jesse Smith and Executive Vice President of Advancement Sabrina Young to celebrate the continued growth of the Georgia Pacific Endowed Scholarship.
ELLISVILLE – The path from the classroom to the workforce often begins with strong partnerships, and Georgia Pacific is helping ensure Jones College students have every opportunity to succeed.
Representatives from Georgia Pacific visited Jones College on June 18 to meet with students, tour technical education programs and reaffirm the company’s commitment to workforce development through an expanded investment in the Georgia Pacific Endowed Scholarship.
During the visit, Georgia Pacific announced an additional $1,500 contribution to the scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year, bringing the endowment to $25,000. Company representatives also shared their commitment to continue annual contributions while the scholarship corpus grows, ensuring the fund will provide financial assistance to Jones College students for years to come.
The Georgia Pacific Endowed Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in welding, electrical technology, electromechanical technology, automotive technology, mechanical engineering technology, computer-aided design engineering and other technical fields that are critical to Mississippi’s workforce.
Following a welcome presentation, representatives toured Jones College’s Welding Technology, Automotive Technology and Advanced Technology Center programs, where they met with students and faculty and saw firsthand the hands-on training taking place across campus.
Georgia Pacific representatives visited with Jones College Welding Technology students and faculty during a tour highlighting the college’s workforce training programs.
Jones College Vice President of Instruction Rod Tolbert said partnerships with companies like Georgia Pacific play an important role in preparing students for careers in today’s manufacturing and industrial sectors.
“Most of these plants are designed to run 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Tolbert said. “Inevitably, something is going to break. Welding, electrical work and every aspect of industrial maintenance are critical to keeping those operations running. These trades are only becoming more necessary.”
Tolbert said Jones College works closely with business and industry to ensure students graduate with the skills employers need.
“It’s hard to find the skill sets that industry is built on,” Tolbert said. “Jones College is here to work with companies by making great employees into great skilled laborers.”
During the tour, Welding Technology instructor Ethan Wimberly demonstrated the college’s training facilities and highlighted the hands-on experience students receive before entering the workforce. Automotive Technology instructor Barry Bradshaw showcased the program’s automotive and machine shop labs, while Jennifer Griffith shared information about Jones College’s workforce development programs at the Advanced Technology Center and discussed new initiatives designed to meet the evolving needs of local industries.
As Mississippi’s workforce needs continue to grow, partnerships between Jones College and industry leaders like Georgia Pacific help ensure students are equipped with the knowledge, technical skills and real-world experience needed to succeed while providing employers with a pipeline of highly trained professionals.
Georgia Pacific representatives visited with students in Greg Griffith’s Electrical Technology program during a tour of Jones College’s technical education and workforce training programs.