91猎奇

Ellisville, MS – A teacher鈥檚 impact is not always measured by a test score or a grade. Sometimes, it is found years later in the career a student chooses, the confidence they carry into a college classroom, or the memory of someone who believed in them when they struggled to believe in themselves.

Those stories were at the heart of the inaugural Jones College Impact Scholarship Program, a new initiative through the Jones College Foundation that recognizes current Jones College students while honoring the educators they credit with helping shape their lives.

Students applied by writing an essay about an educator who made a significant difference in their lives. Each selected student received a $1,000 scholarship to Jones College, while the educator recognized in the essay received an award and a $100 Amazon gift card to use in the classroom.

Jones College Executive Vice President of Advancement Sabrina Young said the program was designed to celebrate both sides of that impact.

鈥淭oday, it is much more than a scholarship and a gift card. It鈥檚 about saying thank you,鈥� Young said. 鈥淭hank you for believing in the students. Thank you for recognizing their potential, and thank you for helping prepare the next generation of professionals, leaders, parents, and community members who will shape our world.鈥�

The essays submitted by Jones students revealed that the influence of a teacher can take many forms.

For Jaci Thornton, that impact came from Greene County High School Biology teacher Carla McCoy, who became a source of support during one of the most difficult periods of Thornton鈥檚 life. After Thornton unexpectedly lost her father during high school, McCoy made sure she knew her classroom would always be open if she needed help or simply someone to talk to.

鈥淗er empathy during that time is something I will always remember,鈥� Thornton wrote, adding that she hoped every student going through a difficult season could have 鈥渁 teacher like her in their corner.鈥�

For Katherine Smith, Northeast Jones High School English teacher Karen Fitzgerald helped her recognize something she had not yet seen in herself. After Fitzgerald praised a personal narrative Smith had written and explained specifically what made her writing strong, Smith said the experience changed the way she viewed her own abilities.

鈥淔or the first time, I believed that my thoughts and experiences had value,鈥� Smith wrote. She credited Fitzgerald with helping her 鈥渇ind my voice and trust in my abilities.鈥�

That ability to recognize potential before a student sees it is at the heart of what 91猎奇 Foundation Board President Robin Robinson said the new scholarship celebrates.

鈥淲hen I think about impact, I think about how one person can make a difference in another person鈥檚 life,鈥� Robinson said. She described a teacher as someone who sees potential in students before they recognize it themselves and encourages them to keep going when challenges arise.

Robinson also recognized the donors who make scholarship opportunities possible at Jones. The Jones College Foundation awards more than $600,000 annually to students, with donors investing in students they may never personally meet.

For some recipients, the influence of a high school teacher is already shaping what they are pursuing at Jones.

Reese Gray wrote that West Jones High School Anatomy and Physiology teacher Denise Taylor transformed a challenging science course into an experience that inspired Gray to pursue radiology.

鈥淪he did more than teach me science; she helped me discover a career path that combines my interest in the human body with the opportunity to help others,鈥� Gray wrote. Gray added that receiving the Impact Scholarship would allow her to 鈥渃ontinue the journey she inspired.鈥�

Jones College President Dr. Jesse Smith said helping students recognize their own potential is one of the extraordinary gifts educators provide. Smith thanked the teachers for bringing out the gifts parents see in their children and helping students see something bigger in themselves, describing the choice to devote their lives to students as both a gift and a sacrifice.

Together, the students鈥� stories illustrated an impact that reaches far beyond the classroom鈥攖hrough the teacher who stays late until a difficult concept finally makes sense, the one who notices when something is wrong or the one whose lesson helps a student discover a future career.

鈥淎t 91猎奇, we believe education changes lives,鈥� Young said. 鈥淎nd today, we are here to celebrate the educators who make that happen.鈥�

For the inaugural Impact Scholarship recipients, the program provided more than financial assistance toward their education at Jones. It gave them the opportunity to recognize the educators whose lessons they continue to carry with them鈥攁nd to simply say thank you.

2026 Impact Scholarship Recipients

The 2026 Jones College Impact Scholarship recipients and the educators they honored, listed alphabetically by student last name, are:

• William Ables 鈥� Lindsey Walker, former teacher at Sylva Bay Academy, currently employed at Jackson Preparatory School
• Skylar Balliet 鈥� Haley Thomas, South Jones High School
• Brayden Blackledge 鈥� Richard West, Jones County Career and Technical Education Center
• Ma鈥橪ahni Doyle 鈥� Kristen Parsons, Petal High School
• Kate Faler 鈥� Joannie Harrell, Seminary High School
• Reese Gray 鈥� Denise Taylor, West Jones High School
• Rihanna Guston 鈥� TeAnna Carter, Heidelberg High School
• Tyler Hedgepath 鈥� Brandi Edwards, Jones County Career and Technical Education Center
• Baylee Landon 鈥� Kelsey Blackwell, Stringer High School
• Payne McDonald 鈥� Kendra Dearman, South Jones High School
• Erin McCullum 鈥� Jana Geiger, Seminary High School
• Tyrick McLaurin 鈥� Stephanie Harris, Bay Springs Elementary School
• Laygyn Moody 鈥� Anna Lauren Prentiss, Greene County High School
• Nijelin Nichols 鈥� Tamie Taylor, Laurel High School
• DeMya Pittman 鈥� Dr. Angela Hughes, Quitman High School
• Katherine Smith 鈥� Karen Fitzgerald, Northeast Jones High School
• Elijah Smith 鈥� Carressia King, Bay Springs High School
• Jaci Thornton 鈥� Carla McCoy, Greene County High School
• Rivers Walley 鈥� Foster Ross, Wayne County High School
• Kodi Warren 鈥� James Robert, former teacher at Sumrall High School, currently employed at 91猎奇

Ellisville, MS – From a galaxy far, far away to the boxing ring, the iconic Jones College Typhoon is bringing the magic of the movies to the football field this fall. The marching band’s 2026 field show, “Typhoon Theaters: A Journey Through the Decades,” celebrates unforgettable movie music from the 1980s through the 2010s while showcasing the talent, energy and dedication of Jones students.

The production opens with the iconic 20th Century Fox Fanfare before launching into a decade-by-decade soundtrack journey. The 1980s portion features “The Imperial March,” “Gonna Fly Now,” also known as the theme from “Rocky,” and “Eye of the Tiger.” The 1990s bring animated favorites “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” and “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” while the 2000s feature “All Star,” “I’m a Believer” and the theme from “Pirates of the Caribbean.” The show closes in the 2010s with “The Greatest Show” and “Test Drive” from “How to Train Your Dragon.”

Written by C.J. Kemp and Dr. Jared Potter, the show began with the voices of the students themselves. At the end of last season, Potter invited band members to share the music they hoped to perform and used their responses as inspiration while designing the program.

“This is my first year as the lead director of the Typhoon, and the growth that these students have shown throughout the year has truly inspired me,” Potter said. “When I designed this year’s show, I took their requests to heart. That process led to ‘Typhoon Theaters: A Journey Through the Decades,’ a program that explores some of the most popular movie soundtracks from the 1980s to today.”

The familiar selections give audiences of all ages a reason to listen closely – and perhaps sing along in the stands – but bringing that wide range of music to life requires discipline. Behind every bold entrance, crisp formation and exciting musical moment are hours of rehearsal and a shared commitment to becoming stronger musicians and performers.

“My favorite aspect of this show is that, because we are covering such a wide variety of music, we have an opportunity to connect with audience members from multiple generations,” Potter said. “There is something familiar for everyone!”

Assistant Director of Bands and Instructor of Brass Kyle Matthees said the students began the season with both determination and excitement. “The 2026 Typhoon Band is off to a great start,” Matthees said. “The students have worked hard and are excited to present a show featuring cinematic hits throughout the decades. I’m especially proud of the brass section this year. These brass players bring the heat in every performance and are ready to thrill.”

The students’ work is supported by a directing team invested in their growth and in the continued success of the Typhoon tradition. Potter credited Matthees and longtime music educator Tamiko Bridges with helping the ensemble build something special. Bridges summed up the spirit of the season – and what audiences can expect from the show – in two words: “Legendary and epic!”

For the students, the finished performance is more than a collection of familiar songs. It is the result of long rehearsals, individual preparation, teamwork and the willingness to keep improving together. Each member contributes to the sound and spectacle audiences see under the Friday-night lights, and each performance gives the band another opportunity to represent Jones College with pride.

“This is one of the hardest-working groups of students I have had the pleasure of working with,” Potter said. “Their dedication, combined with the support from Dr. Matthees and Mrs. Bridges, is helping us create something truly special. The Typhoon this year is something that you will not want to miss!”

Catch this year’s show during halftime at our Hall of Fame game on Thursday, September 10th, 2026, at Sim Cooley Field. Kickoff is at 7 PM, and tickets can be purchased by visiting the following link: https://jcbobcats.com/sports/2021/6/25/ticket-site.aspx

2026 Typhoon Marching Band Members by County

Please note that student names are listed alphabetically, not in the order in which they were photographed.

Clarke

Cedric Parks

Covington

Alize Easterling, Tayla Keys, London Lisewski, Braxton Magee, Tanesha Magee, Anarria Mangrum, Erin Mccullum, De’Angelo McLaurin

Forrest

Brennan Brown, Cooper Byrd, Mallory Forrester, Samuel Hall, Lillie Grace Hartfield, Jerry Johnson, Lillian Johnson, Kylan Martin, Sawyer Robinson, Sara Thompson, Landen Upton

Hinds

SaiJay Carson

Jackson

Elizabeth Napier

Jasper

Mariah Agee, Tochienna Jones, Khelsey Wheaton

Jefferson Parish, LA

Ayanna Streho

Jones

Sethaniel Barlow, Lakin Barnett, Tylan Bell, Iyona Bramlett, Joshua Bridges, Cadence Cash, Vania Castillo Sanchez, Chris Coleman, Neela Cooley, Juan Carlos Cruz Adan, Jaelin Davis, Joseph Davis, Christian Dobbs, Kayden Dozier, Joseph Ducksworth, Faith Keith, Braxton Ladner, Kierstynn Lowery, Mckenzie Mackmer, Marlie Matthew, Matthew McDonald, A.J. McLeod, Karen Mendoza Alba, Autumn Mott, Nijelin Nichols, Genesis Nixon, Hope Parish, Ethan Patterson, Sidney Patterson, Tristan Patterson, Akheria Pearson, Kayleigh Reid, A’Kiyah Rivers, Allie Robinson, Kimberly Santos Elias, Kalyn Smith, Cohen Spears, Madison Stevens, Elizabeth Thomas, Makaylee Thomas, Talynn Thompson, Joseph Troutman, Harleigh Vinson, Jackson Walker, Jasper Walters, Keegan Washington, Jadon White, Layne Williams, Jody Yates

Lamar

Elizabeth Emmons, Tristyn Harvey, Jaden Haynes, Kelsey Johnson, Seth Mastin, Lillian Rainey, Emily Seals

Lawrence

Kira Alexander, Gracelyn Knight

Marion

Cayden Pope

Pearl River

Carleigh England, J’Ivani Javery

Perry County

Corbey Lashley, Maibyn Wallace

Rankin

Kailynn Atkins, Lucy Channell, Hailey Hollifield, Zaidee Robertson

Scott

Meghan Torrano

Simpson

David Abraham, Taelyn Carpenter, Logan Cockrell, Johnna Jones (not pictured), Sadee Wallace

Smith

Annabeth Ainsworth, Garrett Allen, Aidan Chisolm, Eszabella Colon-Melendez, Laney Ingram, Linsey Ingram, Ariana Layton, Moira Layton, Jena Lowery, Mallory Matthews, JT McDaniel, Audrey Wallace, Brady Warren

Walthall

La’Ambriya Magee, Kaylynn Pruitt

Wayne

Heidi Ainsworth, Richard Gonzalez, Katherine Mazariegos Lopez, Aaron Mealy, Victor Payton, Joshua Sumrall, Rivers Walley

ELLISVILLE 鈥� Twenty-five Jones College 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 Men鈥檚 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.

鈥淚 came to Jones to play soccer, and JC means the world to me. It truly made me a different person and I鈥檓 so thankful for that!鈥� said Alexander. 鈥淚t means a lot that a school that poured into me so well would honor me like this!鈥�

颁辞濒耻尘产颈补鈥檚 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.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 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,鈥� 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.

鈥淭his 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 isn鈥檛 just about individual accomplishments, but about the impact you have on others and the legacy you leave behind,鈥� said Clearman.

Business and marketing major, Elisa Cook of Meridian was voted as Miss Jones College, 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 President鈥檚 List honors, and the Letter 鈥淛鈥� Award and she plans to pursue her education at Mississippi State and start a non-profit organization.

鈥淭his honor is a testament to the amazing professors and faculty I have had the pleasure of learning from at 91猎奇. 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,鈥� 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 Men鈥檚 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 鈥淐ody鈥� Daley has continued making a mark for himself academically at JC. He was named a Tullos Scholar, received the Letter 鈥淛鈥� 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.

鈥淏eing here has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with my instructors and faculty members. They know me, they care about my success, and they鈥檝e invested time and effort into helping me grow both academically and personally. Choosing Jones is a decision I鈥檒l always value,鈥� 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 master鈥檚 degree in Education. The history major was voted by his peers as Mr. Jones College while also being a member of the Bobcat Football Team, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the First Baptist Church鈥檚 College group. His parents are Grant and Anita-Shawn Crowder.

尝别补办别蝉惫颈濒濒别鈥檚 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 鈥淛鈥� Award. DeBar will be interning in Washington D.C. for Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. Dennis and Kelley DeBar are Leilani鈥檚 parents.

鈥淚鈥檓 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 it鈥檚 where I鈥檝e built relationships and experiences that will stay with me long after graduation,鈥� 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.

鈥淏eing inducted into the Jones College 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 Jones College and the people who supported me from day one,鈥� 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 10^th in her class and was on the Varsity basketball team. At 91猎奇, Hubbard has continued to excel academically and athletically as the Team Captain, and she has also earned a spot on the President鈥檚 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.

鈥淭his honor exemplifies that dedication, and integrity will lead to a successful path. Hard work at a college that cares will not go unnoticed,鈥� said Hubbard. 鈥淥riginally, 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 Jones College acts on it as well.鈥�

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.

鈥淗aving 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 91猎奇,鈥� said Huff. 鈥淢y 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.鈥�

Ridgeland Jones of Laurel was selected for the highest academic and athletic honors. He has served as the Team Captain for the Men鈥檚 Tennis Team, is the 2024 and 2025 Single and Men鈥檚 Doubles Tennis Champion and the 2026 MACCC Men鈥檚 Tennis Champion/and 2025 Region 23 Men鈥檚 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 master鈥檚 degree at William Carey University to be a coach and teacher. His parents are Donna and Robin Jones of Laurel.

鈥淭his honor means a lot to me because I have worked extremely hard and this accomplishment makes all the hard work worth it,鈥� said Jones.

Prentiss resident, Lake Jordan has been involved at 91猎奇 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.

鈥淚 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,鈥� 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 Women鈥檚 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 Jones College Livestock Show Team. The Agricultural Communications major plans to transfer to Mississippi State and earn her bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees. Chris and Allyson Knotts are her parents.

鈥淚 am honored to receive this award from the place that is 鈥榟ome鈥� 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,鈥� 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.

鈥淭his honor is reflective of everything I鈥檝e been able to accomplish at Jones over the last two years. I鈥檓 incredibly honored that Jones has selected me among so many incredible students!鈥� said Lewman.

Angela Martinez of Ellisville is serving as the DECA State and local chapter president. She earned the Letter 鈥淛鈥� 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 bachelor鈥檚 degree in Hospitality and Tourism and open her own restaurant or bakeshop. Jesus Martinez and Dalia Velazquez are her parents.

鈥淭his honor makes all the hard work and effort even more worth it,鈥� said Martinez. 鈥淚 have grown up with the 鈥榣eave it better than you found it鈥� mentality and I feel like I have been able to do that here at Jones!鈥�

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 Women鈥檚 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.

鈥淭his honor means a lot to me because I鈥檝e 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,鈥� explained Mealer. 鈥淭o 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.鈥�

Adam Nix of Ellisville is a member of the men鈥檚 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.

鈥淭his 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,鈥� 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 鈥淛鈥� Award and Sophomore Maid for Homecoming. Her parents are Julio Domingo Chun and Mayra Ambrocio Perez.

鈥淭his 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 wouldn鈥檛 be where I am today!鈥� Perez-Ambrocio said.

Emily Rogers, the 2025 West Jones Valedictorian, Lindy Calahan Scholar Athlete and HOBY attendee, continued to garner honors as a Jones College student. She was a member of the Women鈥檚 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.

鈥淛ones College means so much to me because it gave me opportunities I didn鈥檛 expect and helped shape who I am today. I am incredibly grateful that God鈥檚 plan led me here, and I will always value the experiences and relationships I gained at Jones,鈥� Rogers said.

Josie Tullos is also a member of the National Championship Tennis Team at 91猎奇 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 鈥淛鈥� Award. Tullos also participated in PTK and the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, and volunteered for First Baptist Church of 贰濒濒颈蝉惫颈濒濒别鈥檚 College Worship, Student/Children鈥檚 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.

鈥淭here have certainly been hard days, but this place has grown me as a student, an athlete and a Follower of Christ,鈥� said Tullos. 鈥淩eceiving 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 I鈥檓 very appreciative.鈥�

贰濒濒颈蝉惫颈濒濒别鈥檚 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 2^nd place honors for the Best News Story at the 2024 and Mississippi Press Association Contest, and 2^nd place for the Best Feature Story at this year鈥檚 competition. Velasco-Izaguirre also volunteers for the First Baptist Church of 贰濒濒颈蝉惫颈濒濒别鈥檚 Mission Monday.

鈥淏eing named a member of the Hall of Fame has shown me the tremendous growth I鈥檝e made. Although my time at 91猎奇 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,鈥� 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. Virgen鈥檚 future plans include going to Mississippi State University for a dual degree in industrial engineering and business administration.

鈥淭his 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,鈥� Virgen shared. 鈥淭o me, JC has meant opportunity and the chance to grow, achieve, and move forward all within Jones County.鈥�

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

ELLISVILLE 鈥� Three Jones College Associate Degree Nursing students were inducted into the Nursing Honor Society, Alpha Delta Nu, Gamma Mu Chapter at 91猎奇. Of the 38 ADN students about to graduate in December, Chelbie Dorsey of Woodville, Abbi Herrin of Pachuta and Hannah Williams of Petal and formerly of the United Kingdom, were invited to join the ADN nursing honor society. They were honored by the JC A.D. nursing faculty, family and friends during a special induction ceremony recognizing their achievements.

鈥淭hese students have shown they are dedicated to academic excellence and their commitment to their profession, built on compassion, courage and integrity. The founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale once said, that nurses must keep learning all of their lives,鈥� said A.D.N. honor society advisor, and JC A.D. Nursing instructor, Danielle Matthews. She further encouraged the new inductees. 鈥淣ursing is not simply a career. It is a lifelong journey of curiosity, grace and service. Learning does not end when you leave the classroom. Congratulations on your achievement and may you continue learning, leading and lighting the way for others, just as Florence Nightingale did.鈥�

Requirements for induction into the Nursing Honor Society include having a 鈥淏鈥� average in all nursing courses with no repeats, complete a capstone project prior to graduation and demonstrate good conduct on campus and in clinical areas which reflect integrity and professionalism.

Membership in Alpha Delta Nu provides recognition for academic excellence, potential for scholarships to continue education, and is a quality addition to a students鈥� professional portfolio. Associate Degree Nursing instructors, Danielle Matthews and Allyson Turner are advisors for the Gamma Mu chapter at 91猎奇. The graduation/pinning ceremony for the December 2025 graduates of the A.D. Nursing program will be Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium.