The gift that will keep on giving and growing was delivered to Jones County Junior College today from Sanderson Farms. Two commercial tractor-trailers were donated to the college's Commercial Truck Driving program with the hopes of increasing the number of professionally trained truck drivers entering the workforce.
Charlie Garretson accepts the titles from Sanderson Farms Corporate Fleet Manager, Kevin Butler.
"This gift will enable the college to provide quality trained potential employees for the transportation industry and in particular Sanderson Farms. We are honored that they have confidence in us and are fully committed to furthering the success of their company and other industries in our service areas," said JCJC President, Dr. Jesse Smith. He also noted, "Sanderson Farms, its founders, board members and employees have long been benevolent partners with the college."
Sanderson's gifts, which include a sleeper truck, live haul trailer, feed tractor and feed trailer, have a combined total of an estimated $25,000. Lampkin Butts, President and Chief Operating Officer for Sanderson Farms, said the company is committed to providing educational and professional opportunities to those within our local communities who are interested in acquiring new skills to further their careers.
"Commercial truck drivers compose an integral part of our company's workforce and we hope that this donation inspires future drivers to join our company after completing their education and training," said Butts.
The transportation industry is a major component to the success of Sanderson Farms. Company officials said without good truck drivers, business is interrupted.
"Having skilled truck drivers is a necessity to our industry. Commercial drivers ensure that our flocks are safely transported and provided with the feed necessary to ensure proper health and growth," according to Randy Pettus, Sanderson Farms' Director of Production. "We hope that this donation will help to equip new drivers with the skills necessary to sustain not only a successful career in the commercial driving industry, but also a successful career with Sanderson Farms."
Sanderson Farms' Corporate Fleet Manager Kevin Butler also anticipated an influx in commercial drivers as a result of the donation.
"We wanted to partner with JCJC and the Commercial Truck Driving program so we could both benefit from having quality drivers. Sanderson Farms is looking for quality drivers to help us get past the driver shortage and hopefully this will lead to a long term relationship between our company and the college," said Kevin Butler, Sanderson Farms Corporate Fleet Manager.
Sanderson Farms representatives presented JCJC with two tractor-trailers as a donation to JCJC's Commercial Truck Driving program. Pictured left to right are: Brittany Ward, Sanderson Farms Marketing Coordinator; Jason Dedwylder, JCJC Dean of Career and Technology; Kim Bridges, JCJC Commercial Truck Driving Instructor; Candace Weaver, JCJC VP of Instructional Affairs & Institutional Effectiveness; Dr. Jesse Smith, JCJC President; Charlie Garretson, JCJC VP of Advancement & Foundation; Kevin Butler, Sanderson Farms Corporate Fleet Manager; Kenneth Walley, Sanderson Farms Corporate Fleet Coordinator; Terry Rayborn, Sanderson Farms Corporate Driver Trainer; Jack McKenzie, Sanderson Farms Corporate Fleet Manager and Daniel Forde, Sanderson Farms Beginning Trainee.
JCJC's Commercial Truck Driving instructor, Kim Bridges explained the demand for good truck drivers is overwhelming. He said he has had requests for female drivers, and has noticed more veterans are taking advantage of the short training time.
"I see this as a big benefit for Jones. Because there is more demand than supply for good truck drivers. Every one of my students has a job, if they are willing to work," said Bridges. "I feel the JCJC truck driving program has and will always continue to help with our economy, including the currently laid off individuals from the oil fields."
Since the program's launch in August, 2007, 151 students, including 25 women have passed and earned their Class CDL. Bridges said he has a 100 percent job placement rate. The JCJC Commercial Truck Driving program meets Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. for eight weeks. Students take a Skill Driving Test in their seventh week.
"If they pass, they get their Class 'A' CDL. They also get a Certificate from the truck driving program, and a certificate from Jones," said Bridges.
The next class will begin in May and is filling up fast said Bridges. For more information about the JCJC Commercial Truck Driving program call 601-477-5440 or email:kim.bridges@jcjc.edu
Alumni Accomplishment-Rebecca Patrick
Congratulations!!! to Rebecca Patrick on being selected one of the Chronicle of Laurel newspaper's, "Heroes Among Us." She was surprised with the news at a gathering and announcement at the Laurel Train Depot last Thursday evening. As a student worker at JCJC and now as the JCJC yearbook and former newspaper adviser, Patrick has touched many students over her 31 years at JCJC. She also taught Reading and Humanities for the College Readiness department. Her job resume' also includes Public Relations Director and Recruiting assistant, as well as JCJC President, Dr. Terrell Tisdale's secretary. Patrick's former student, Kathryn Romero (pictured on the left of Rebecca) nominated her favorite and most influential instructor. Romero commented, "Working at the Palin event last summer, I looked at all of the media covering the event and not only did they all know Rebecca, most had her as a teacher." The JCJC Marketing Department is also proud of her many accomplishments and people Patrick has influenced at JCJC and surrounding communities. Some of her responsibilities and volunteer work includes organizing the annual "Treats in the Streets" event at JCJC, coordinating JCJC's Most Beautiful Pageant, preparing South Jones HS students' interviewing skills for Future Leaders of Jones County, assisting with JCJC's magazine layout, writing the JCJC football game scripts and organizing field activities for the pre-game and half time shows as well as filling numerous roles like photographer, news writer and hostess. Students recognize Patrick for her caring spirit, guidance and love for JCJC.
Rebecca Patrick, pictured center poses with JCJC co-workers and her husband Howard after receiving the "Heroes Among Us" Award. Pictured left to right are: Lisa Purdum-Marketing; JoAnna Newcomb-Alumni Office; Howard and Rebecca Patrick; Finee' Ruffin-VP of Marketing & Recruiting; Teresa McCreery-Public Relations; and Gabe Bozeman-Graphic Design.
Dew named MACJC Player of the Week
JCJC sophomore Lady Softball player, Tori Dew is starting out the season in the spotlight once again. She has been named the MACJC Player of the Week. The Quitman native who plays third base, was 8-for-20 with three home runs, two doubles, nine RBIs and eight runs scored as the top-ranked Lady Bobcats went 6-0 last week. She had a home run and three RBIs in a 10-1 win over Pearl River, a home run and two RBIs in a 5-1 win over Pearl River and a home run, double and three RBIs in a 9-4 victory over Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The Southern Miss signee is currently hitting .484 with six home runs and 31 RBIs for the 22-0 Lady Bobcats. She had a .906 slugging percentage as of 3/26/14.
Alumni Golf Tournament
Scenes from the 16th annual Alumni Association Golf Tournament. To read the story and results from Shawn Wansley, JCJC SID click on the link:
The annual Spring Recital Series hosted by the Fine Arts Department will begin after Easter through the month of April, ending Friday, May 1.
The Friday concerts begin at 12:30 p.m. until 12:55 p.m. in the Foote Chapel on the Ellisville campus, and are free of charge and open to the public.
The first concert on April 10, will feature, "Cintemani," a husband and wife duo of flutist, Rachel Ciraldo and guitarist, Nicholas Ciraldo (pictured on right). The following concert will have tenor, Jonathan Yarrington and pianist, Lois Leventhal performing on April 17. The Impromptu Piano Quartet will perform on April 24, and rounding out the Series will be Meredith Hite on oboe and Kim Woolly on bassoon. For complete details click on the link at:Spring Recital Series
Lady Bobcat Tennis Team 11-0
Breanna Waller hits a backhand for the Lady Bobcats during Monday's match against Meridian.
The Jones County Junior College women's tennis team upped its record to 11-0 Monday afternoon at the Howard Sports Complex Tennis Courts by defeating Meridian Community College, 8-1. JCJC swept the doubles' points. Jenna Hegwood and Shelby Gillilanddefeated Paige Gibson and Caroline Terry in No. 1 doubles, 8-4. Claire Rounsaville and Breanna Wallerbeat Jennifer Smith and Alden Hartley in No. 2 doubles, 8-5. Tymeka Hunter and Krissy Stutts won No. 3 doubles over Taylor White and Jami Daugherty, 8-2. Hegwood went three sets to win No. 1 singles over Gibson, 6-4, 2-6, 10-6. Gilliland beat Terry in No. 2 singles, 6-2, 6-2. Rounsaville rallied to beat Smith in No. 3 singles, 1-6, 6-1, 10-8. Stutts defeated White in No. 4 singles, 7-6 (5), 6-2. Hunter whipped Summer Stockstill in No. 5 singles, 6-0, 6-1. MCC's Daugherty beat Caitlin Taylorin No. 6 singles, 6-4, 6-0. JCJC's Haley Middleton won an extra match over Brittany Allen, 9-7.
The Bobcats travel to Holmes for a 2 p.m. match on Wednesday and go to Itawamba for a 1 p.m. match on Friday.
JCJC's Robert Kiewit blasts a return during Mondays Match with MCC.
Men's Tennis
The Jones County Junior College men's tennis team defeated Meridian Community 6-3 Monday afternoon at the Howard Sports Complex Tennis Courts.
The JCJC men's team improved to 9-2 with the victory. The Bobcats took five of the singles' points.
Josiah Lim defeated Chris Mallette in No. 2 singles, 6-4, 6-3. Eric Swisheroutlasted Judson Watson in No. 3 singles, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 10-1. Austin Baskinwhipped Samuel Butler in No. 4 singles, 6-3, 6-0. Robert Kiewitdowned Walt Harrington in No. 5 singles, 6-3, 6-4. Josh Hesterwhipped Sean Grice in No. 6 singles, 6-1, 6-1. MCC's Shane Trebisley defeated Graham Lightsey in No. 1 singles, 6-0, 7-6 (4).
Lim and Baskin downed Watson and Butler in No. 2 doubles, 8-6. Lightsey and Swisher fell to Trebisley and Mallette in No. 1 doubles, 9-7. Kiewit and Hester lost to Harrington and Grice in No. 3 doubles, 8-4. JCJC's Taylor Tambergwon two extra matches. He defeated D'Quante Evans, 8-0, and Reed Kasper, 8-5.
The Bobcats travel to Holmes for a 2 p.m. match on Wednesday and go to Itawamba for a 1 p.m. match on Friday.
Story & pictures by: Shawn Wansley
Basketball Honors
Bobcat Christopher "CJ" White
(pictured right),a sophomore from Harrison Central, will participate in the MACJC Men's All-Star Game on April 10, at the Brackeen-Wood Physical Education Building on the campus of East Central Community College.
Bryce Jones and Otis Harvey have also been invited to represent JCJC
in the MACJC Men's All-Star Basketball Game. Rodrigus Palmer was chosen as an alternate.
The men's game will start approximately 20 minutes after the conclusion of the women's game, which tips at 5 p.m.
Bryce Jones, a 6-foot sophomore point guard from Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn, New York, was named All-Region 23 and first-team All-MAC
JC South Division. He averaged 19.5 points, 6.1 assists, 4.0 rebounds a
nd 2.1 steals per game for the Bobcats. He shot 34 percent from 3-point range and 80 percent from the free throw line.
White, a 6-foot-5 forward from Harrison Central, averaged 9.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Harvey, a 6-foot-4 guard/forward Gulfport, averaged 9.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. He shot 42 percent from 3-point range.
Palmer, a 6-foot-5 forward from Madison Central, averaged 10.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
Starla Daggans and Kadie Parkerwill represent Jones County Junior College in the MACJC Women's All-Star Basketball Game with Alyson Johnson as analternate. The women's contest begins at 5 p.m. at ECCC's Brackeen-Wood Physical Education Building.
Daggans (pictured right), a 5-foot-11 guard/forward from Bassfield, was named All-Region 23 and first-team All-MACJC South Division. She averaged 14.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.6 steals per game. She shot 53 percent from the floor and 76 percent from the free throw line.
Parker, a 5-foot-7 guard from Northeast Jones, was named second-team All-MACJC South Division. She averaged 13.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. She shot 40 percent from 3-point range and 71 percent from the foul line. She was named MACJC Player of the Week on Dec. 2.
Johnson, a 5-foot-7 guard from Terry, was named honorable mention All-MACJC South Division. She averaged 11.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.9 steals per game. She shot 32 percent from the 3-point line. The Lady Bobcats posted a 19-8 record this season.
Congratulations! to the following JCJC alumni who recently married:
(The following couples' wedding announcements were found in local newspapers. We would love to hear from everyone. Please email your news and announcements to jcjcalumniinfo@jcjc.edu)
*Jami Green of Heidelberg and Joe Rose of Ellisville were married on March 14. Both are graduates of JCJC.
in 1934 when a crowd of 2,500 witnessed the dedication of the new Bush-Young Stadium on September 28, 1934? The addition was the seventh modern brick building on campus. The Bobcats won over Perkinston 19-6.
spaper's, "Heroes Among Us." She was surprised with the news at a gathering and announcement at the Laurel Train Depot last Thursday evening. 
is starting out the season in the spotlight once again. She has been named the MACJC Player of the Week. 
Scenes from the 16th annual Alumni Association Golf Tournament. To read the story and results from Shawn Wansley, JCJC SID click on the link: 
