This JCJC graduating class was one of the largest and was marked with a couple of "firsts." The first Honorary Degree was bestowed upon Oma Hibbler, a businesswoman from Richton (pictured left with Dr. Samuel Jones and Dr. Jesse Smith). She was among the 901 eligible JCJC students who applied for graduation with 629 students participating in commencement ceremonies. Additionally, keynote speaker, Jones County District Attorney, Tony Buckley was probably the first native of England giving the commencement address and his son Evan was among the graduating JCJC students, making the day even more special. (Buckley pictured right) Buckley shared some humorous situations including his transition to "speaking Southern" from traditional English. He also shared how the "dings" of life, like that of a golf ball may surprise us by leading us to success. Dr. Jesse Smith had the pleasure of personally meeting graduates and handing each their diploma. Pictured below receiving his diploma from Dr. Smith is Will Folkes of Oak Grove. All of his family is alumni of Jones and continue to support Jones on many levels. Will and his sister Katie (2011) were active on campus in the Student Government Association and held leadership positions. Lindsay Miller (pictured left) put Jones on the national map when she earned a semi-finals spot in the Dr. Pepper Challenge. She served as SGA President and was elected by her peers as Miss JCJC. She recently earned the University of Mississippi's "Lyceum Scholarship," a full tuition scholarship, for her successful leadership and academic involvement. To read more about graduation click on the link: District Attorney shares life experiences to inspire JCJC graduates
New Graduate, Jami Taylor Attains "Impossible Goal"
Jami Taylor (middle) is pictured with her daughters, JCJC alumna, Wendy Allen (left) and Laura Parker (right).
Among the hundreds of JCJC graduates was 57-year old Jami Taylor. Faced with unemployment when the factory where she worked as an office manger for 18 years and sewed for 10 years in Laurel and Richton, closed. She discovered, through the help of family and friends, an opportunity to return to college and get "re-trained." Having only a 10th grade education and not feeling confident in her educational skills, Taylor was very hesitant about taking college courses. She said there were some "Guardian Angels" like Jane Jones who helped her every step of the way. "Some teachers went above and beyond to help me, tutor me and even offered a ride to class," said Taylor. The upbeat single mother of two adults, took on the challenge and just missed earning a perfect 4.0 GPA, but she did receive an invitation to join the international honor society, Phi Theta Kappa. She generously gave her time helping with community and campus activities. Taylor also earned a couple of scholarships through the Non-Traditional Student Association as an active member. One of the many young friends she gained over her two years at JCJC included Jatari McCann of Laurel. As one of her many encouragers, McCann said he reminded Taylor, "We got this!" every time she got stressed. Now with a proud smile on her face, Taylor says proudly, she is a graduate of JCJC and would recommend Jones to anyone because everyone was so helpful. "I can't wipe the smile off my face because I never thought I'd graduate from college!" Taylor is working at a local transportation company in accounts receiveable. Click on the link to read more of the story: "Impossible Goal" attained by new JCJC graduate, Jami Taylor
Alumni Accomplishment-Selah Weems
Four of the recent 115 graduates from Mississippi State University in Meridian were recognized for their outstanding achievements. One of those new graduates was JCJC alumna and Laurel resident, Selah Weems. She was recognized as the Outstanding Undergraduate from the Division of Arts and Sciences. Weems was an Academic All-American at JCJC, a Riley Scholar and president of the Psychology Club at MSU-Meridian. She graduated with a 4.0 GPA and earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology with a minor in English. Her older brother Caleb, also received his business administration degree at the spring commencement ceremony. The two are carrying on the tradition their mother, Deana Weems started when she graduated in May 2013 and received her degree in psychology. Selah plans to return to MSU this fall as a graduate student and pursue a master of arts in teaching community college education.
Jeff Brown Rests
With a total of 40-years of teaching music, JCJC assistant band director, JC Jazz Band director and former Fine Arts Division Chair, Jeff Brown has decided to "rest" and fully enjoy retirement. Although we won't see him in his second home, the JCJC Band Hall on a regular basis, he has promised he will be back volunteering on campus. To read the story about Jeff Brown, click on the link: JCJC says farewell to band director, Jeff Brown
SMPDD Establishes New Scholarship
Ten JCJC students were recently awarded the newly established scholarship, endowed by the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District, Inc. Pictured in the front row, left to right are: Scholarship recipients Nolan Stapleton, Tyshayla Mimbes, Matt Ishee, Zachary Biglane, Samuel Hinton, Lacey Feduccia and Shakela Leggett. Standing left to right are: JCJC VP of Advancement and the Executive Director of the JCJC Foundation, Charlie Garretson; Covington County Supervisor Guy Easterling; Greene County Supervisor Morris Hill; Jones County Supervisor Johnny Burnette; Perry County Supervisor Bobby Bolton; and JCJC President, Dr. Jesse Smith.
One of the college's newest scholarship endowments was awarded to ten incoming JCJC sophomores following commencement exercises. The Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District established a $100,000 endowment to help JCJC's future leaders with college tuition. To read the story, click on the link: SMPDD establishes new scholarship
Football Drawdown
The recent Football Drawdown was a night of fun, fellowship and fun-raising for the Bobcat Football Program. Catfish was enjoyed by all as Lloyd "Hurricane" Munn and the Forecasters Band provided music for the event at the South Mississippi Fairgrounds. There were five winners of the Football Drawdown, splitting $10,000: Blake & Brittany Sherman, Taylorsville Farm Supply-Dennis Glen, B.J. Walters, Lisa Owens
and Brad Johnson.
The JCJC Foundation and football coaches would like to thank sponsors of the event, Southern Beverage and Coca-Cola and the South Mississippi Fair Commission for their help in putting on the event.
Catholic priest from Oak Grove, Father Tommy Conway emceed the event with JCJC Lady Bobcat Soccer Coach Dolores Deasley and Charlie Garretson assisted with the draw-down event.
Photos/Shawn Wansley, JCJC Sports Information
JCJC Baseball Players Earn Post-Season Honors
Five Jones County Junior College Bobcat Baseball players received post-season recognition. Catcher Mason Irby was named All-Region 23 and All-MACJC. Pitcher/infielder Daniel Goff and pitcher/outfielder Carter Polles were named All-MACJC first-team. Pitcher Will Hazen and centerfielder Chris Morgan were named All-MACJC second-team. To read more about the Bobcat's honors click on the link:Post-Season Honors
JCJC Softball Players & Coach Represent in Canada
JCJC softball head coach, Chris Robinson and NJCAA National Player of the Year and first baseman, Tori Dew from Stonewall will be headed north to Canada in July. The two were invited to represent the NJCAA in the 21st annual Canadian Open Fastpitch International Competition. Also invited is pitcher/shortstop Lauren Holifield. Dewand Holifield were named to the NJCAA All-Star Team, while head coach Chris Robinson will serve as Director of Operations for the NJCAA team. To read more from Sports Information Director, Shawn Wansley, click on the link: JCJC softball leaders Canada bound
Holifield NJCAA Player of the Year
The JCJC Lady Bobcat Softball team can add another achievement to the long list. For the second year in a row, a JCJC player has been recognized as the NJCAA Player of the Year. Pitcher/Shortstop, Lauren Holifield of Columbus earned the honor with an impressive list of stats including, winning the MACJC "Triple Crown" with a .503 batting average, 28 home runs and 82 RBIs. She led the nation in home runs and in slugging percentage at 1.174 and led the Lady Bobcats in doubles with 20. To read more about this national honor click on the link: Holifield Player of the Year
Dew and Holifield Earn NJCAA Hitting Honor
The national honors seem to come in pairs for the JCJC Softball team with Tori Dew and Lauren Holifield in the spotlight. Stonewall's Tori Dew and Columbus' Lauren Holifield were both selected as NJCAA Players of the Year in consecutive years, and they were also chosen as NJCAA Hitters of the Year. Dew, pictured right, shows off the Trophy Bat Award from last year after being named NJCAA Player of the Year. The Dew-Holifield duo of JCJC softball players racked up the honors and are having no trouble finding a place to continue their careers. Both ladies also signed with USM. To read JCJC Sports Information Director, Shawn Wansley's story, click on the link: More NJCAA Honors
Wedding Announcements
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)
*Bailey Easerling of Forest and Aaron Batte of Waynesboro were married on April 25. Batte is a 2015 graduate of JCJC.
*Lauren Lewis of Buckatunna and Nick Robertson of Buckatunna were married on April 25. Lewis is a 2014 JCJC graduate.
*Shana Roberts of Richton and Kane Edwards of Richton were married May 2. Both are JCJC graduates.
*Elisha Ray of Ellisville and Joey Bishop of Moselle were married May 9. Ray is a 2012 graduate of JCJC.
*Laken Blue of Ellisville and Chase Kervin Jr., of Laurel were married May 16. Blue is a 2014 graduate of JCJC.
This JCJC graduating class was one of the largest and was marked with a couple of "firsts."
The first Honorary Degree was bestowed upon Oma Hibbler, a businesswoman from Richton (pictured left with Dr. Samuel Jones and Dr. Jesse Smith). She was among the 901 eligible JCJC students who applied for graduation with 629 students participating in commencement ceremonies. Additionally, keynote speaker, Jones County District Attorney, Tony Buckley was probably the first native of England giving the commencement address and his son Evan was among the graduating JCJC students, making the day even more special. (Buckley pictured right) 
Lindsay Miller (pictured left) put Jones on the national map when she earned a semi-finals spot in the Dr. Pepper Challenge. She served as SGA President and was elected by her peers as Miss JCJC. She recently earned the University of Mississippi's "Lyceum Scholarship," a full tuition scholarship, for her successful leadership and academic involvement.
Among the hundreds of JCJC graduates was 57-year old Jami Taylor. Faced with unemployment when the factory where she worked as an office manger for 18 years and sewed for 10 years in Laurel and Richton, closed. She discovered, through the help of family and friends, an opportunity to return to college and get "re-trained." Having only a 10th grade education and not feeling confident in her educational skills, Taylor was very hesitant about taking college courses. She said there were some "Guardian Angels" like Jane Jones who helped her every step of the way. 
nt Association as an active member. One of the many young friends she gained over her two years at JCJC included Jatari McCann of Laurel. As one of her many encouragers, McCann said he reminded Taylor, "We got this!" every time she got stressed. 
graduates from Mississippi State University in Meridian were recognized for their outstanding achievements. One of those new graduates was JCJC alumna and Laurel resident, Selah Weems. She was recognized as the Outstanding Undergraduate from the Division of Arts and Sciences. Weems was an Academic All-American at JCJC, a Riley Scholar and president of the Psychology Club at MSU-Meridian. She graduated with a 4.0 GPA and earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology with a minor in English. 
ith a total of 40-years of teaching music, JCJC assistant band director, JC Jazz Band director and former Fine Arts Division Chair, Jeff Brown has decided to "rest" and fully enjoy retirement. Although we won't see him in his second home, the JCJC Band Hall on a regular basis, he has promised he will be back volunteering on campus. 
Five Jones County Junior College Bobcat Baseball players received post-season recognition. Catcher Mason Irby was named All-Region 23 and All-MACJC. Pitcher/infielder Daniel Goff and pitcher/outfielder Carter Polles were named All-MACJC first-team. Pitcher Will Hazen and centerfielder Chris Morgan were named All-MACJC second-team. 
nd NJCAA National Player of the Year and first baseman, Tori Dew from Stonewall will be headed north to Canada in July. The two were invited to represent the NJCAA in the 21st annual Canadian Open Fastpitch International Competition. Also invited is pitcher/shortstop Lauren Holifield. Dewand Holifield were named to the NJCAA All-Star Team, while head coach Chris Robinson will serve as Director of Operations for the NJCAA team.
The JCJC Lady Bobcat Softball team can add another achievement to the long list. For the second year in a row, a JCJC player has been recognized as the NJCAA Player of the Year. Pitcher/Shortstop, Lauren Holifield of Columbus earned the honor with an impressive list of stats including, winning the MACJC "Triple Crown" with a .503 batting average, 28 home runs and 82 RBIs. She led the nation in home runs and in slugging percentage at 1.174 and led the Lady Bobcats in doubles with 20.
Stonewall's Tori Dew and Columbus' Lauren Holifield were both selected as NJCAA Players of the Year in consecutive years, and they were also chosen as NJCAA Hitters of the Year.