Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward MageeNews.com a small commission – at no extra cost to you.
Jones College names 2025 Hall of Fame recipients
ELLISVILLE – Twenty 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.
Graduating sophomores selected were Daniel Baldwin-Magee, Amillion Buggs-Weston, Wisconsin, Rylee Burks-Picayune, Hannah Byrd-State Line, Titus Crouch-Ellisville, Molly Griffin-Ellisville, Sam Griffith-Ellisville, Ollie Hammonds-Laurel, Hope Houston-Laurel, Dannah Knighton-Madison, Devin Lucus-Ellisville, Owen Massey-Seminary, Mary Bradley McCardle-Ellisville, Alexandria Ruth-Ellisville, Eddison Settle, Prentiss, Addison Thames-Petal, Meghan Torrano-Morton, Mia Walters-Ellisville, Sophie Wansley-Ellisville and Kate Wimberly-Sumrall. All twenty students were nominated by faculty members as they distinguished themselves and impressed selection committee members.
Music Industry Recording Arts major, Daniel Baldwin has already made a name for himself in the music industry with the release of his Christian single, “Instantaneous” last summer. The Magee resident has also been busy as a member of the Concert Choir, Jones OnStage, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Theater Club with the lead role in the spring musical, West Side Story, and as President of the Baptist Student Union. He was voted as Mr. Jones College by his peers and has earned the Letter “J” Award, Hall of Fame, has maintained a 4.0 GPA and was named a Tullos Scholar.
Additionally, Baldwin leads worship for multiple ministries and regularly serves in summer missions including in Romania and Moldova. His plans after graduation include continuing his education at the University of Mobile to pursue a degree in commercial voice. His parents are Greg and Julie Baldwin.
“Being accepted into the Jones College Hall of Fame is a true honor and something I am so grateful for. I feel incredibly thankful to get to be a small part in the Jones College legacy. This recognition means a lot to me and reflects the encouragement and support I have received along the way,” said Baldwin.
Basketball star, Amillion Buggs moved to Ellisville from Chicago, Illinois. The Wausau West High School graduate helped the JC men’s basketball team win the Region 23 Championship and play for the national championship. The Business Marketing major earned Dean’s List honors while at Jones. Buggs plans to continue his education and basketball career at the University of West Alabama. Will Connors and Shi Buggs are Amillion’s parents.
“This honor is something that will live on forever and it’s something that my family and I can be proud of because I was an average to below average high school student, academically,” said Buggs. “JC has turned out to be the most influential years of my life. It has been a time of recovery and redemption. I came to Jones broken and I leave as a champion, with many lifelong relationships.”
Rylee Burks cheered for the Bobcats during her two years at Jones College in addition to earning awards for her work as an Editor and writer for the student newspaper, The Radionian. The Political Science and Psychology major from Picayune was a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute and the international honor society, Phi Theta Kappa. She plans to transfer to Mississippi State University with the goal of becoming a school counselor. Additionally, while at JC she volunteered her time as a tutor, cheerleading coach, Habitat for Humanity volunteer and Homeless Outreach. Burks earned the academic honor called the Letter “J” Award, and she was on the President’s and Dean’s Lists. Her parents are Zachary Burks and Jennifer Fried.
“This was truly the best place to be and the gold standard that all students and particularly student athletes are held to is really something special. This standard of excellence truly has impacted my life, and it is something I will be glad to be honored for upholding,” said Burks.
Future Nurse Practitioner, Hannah Byrd from State Line is currently working on her Associate Degree in Nursing. The Fruitdale High School graduate was a section leader for the Jones Concert Choir and JC Voices and was the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Director of Events and Fundraising. She earned President’s and Dean’s List honors, the Letter “J” Award and was recognized as a Distinguished member of the PTK Officer Team. Outside of school, Byrd is the Pure Joy Christian Youth Group Team Leader. Her parents are Dr. Zickeyous and Najena Byrd.
“This honor means that you are celebrated for your individuality, dedication and willingness to learn. It means that someone saw me reaching out to learn because I learn differently. Not only did they see me, but they also celebrated me!” said Byrd. “I am forever grateful for the countless opportunities that Jones College has granted me!”
Also an Associate Degree Nursing major, Titus Crouch from Ellisville, was inducted into the Nursing Honor Society, Alpha Delta Nu and was selected as a Tullos Scholar. The member of the International Honor Society for two-year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa, also served as President of the Associate Degree Nursing graduating class of 2025. While at Jones, Crouch shared his musical talents studying piano under Dr. Theresa Sanchez and performing in the special Christmas with the Arts concert with his brother and Dr. Victoria Johnson.
A few of his honors include being inducted into the Hall of Fame and being nominated for the Gold Key Award for Merit/Honor and Leadership. His future plans include earning his bachelor’s degree and working as a nurse locally, with an end goal of being a nurse practitioner. His parents are Roy and Rachel Crouch.
“I have worked tirelessly during my time at Jones, putting forth my very best effort. This honor is a testament to the fact that hard work truly pays off!”
Ellisville’s Molly Griffin has been a member of the Jones Concert Choir, Jones OnStage and the honor society, Phi Theta Kappa. The Secondary English Education major has plans to continue her education at the University of Southern Mississippi and become a teacher. Brad and Keri Griffin are her parents.
“Jones gave me several opportunities to continue to use my talents beyond my South Jones High School experience, allowing me to grow in those talents and make great relationships along the way. I am thankful I chose Jones and was able to represent a strong legacy that I’m proud to be a part of at Jones.”
Electrical Technology major, Sam Griffith, will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at Mississippi State University. His goal is to work with his brothers and begin their own electrical company in the future. While at JC, Griffith was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and has earned the Letter “J” Award, Academic Distinction Scholarship and was on the President’s List. Greg and Jennifer Griffith are his parents.
“It is a huge honor to me to be in the Hall of Fame,” said Griffith. “Just as Jones has left a lasting legacy within me, I hope to leave a legacy with Jones.”
Ollie Hammonds is an accounting major from Laurel who assisted the Bobcats Athletics Sports Information Office while being a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, PTK and FBLA. Some of his honors include being selected as a Tullos Scholar, earning the Letter “J” Award and being on the President’s List all four semesters. Hammonds’ future plans include attending the University of Mississippi and becoming a CPA with aspirations of working in sports broadcasting. His parents are Luke and Andrea Hammonds.
“My father (Luke) graduated from JC and came back to work here when I was very young. I never really considered another college because my life’s path has been shaped and directed by Jones,” said Hammonds. “I have a foundation of education and personal growth that I will forever cherish.”
Hope Houston of Laurel has been a member of the JC Concert Choir and JC Voices, a photographer for the yearbook, the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Baptist Student Union and the V.P. of Scholarship for PTK. In fact, she earned the PTK Distinguished Officer Team Award and was selected to the All-Mississippi Academic 1st Team and the Gold Key Merit Award. Off campus, Houston spends her time volunteering at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans and the Veteran’s Memorial Museum in Laurel. Her parents are Jimmy and Angela Houston.
“Academics have been extremely hard for me because of my dyslexia and bad vision. The Lord has taught me so much through all of these challenges. I have learned the value of hard work and to fully rely on Him for all of my strength. JC has been the biggest blessing by experiencing a myriad of situations that have helped me grow as a person.”
Madison’s Dannah Knighton is majoring in elementary education and specializing in general science. The Germantown High School graduate made her mark at Jones College as a yearbook photographer and assisted the Student Affairs Office. She has earned honors as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Vice President and part of the PTK Distinguished Officer Team, Letter “J” Award and she has been on the President’s List. She is a member of the Student Government Association, Charles Pickering Honors Institute and was selected as the Homecoming Student Body Maid and as a Tullos Scholar. Knighton volunteers her time as a small group leader at First Baptist Church in Ellisville for the children’s ministry. Her future plans include pursuing an elementary education degree at the University of Southern Mississippi before earning her master’s degree in biology or education administration. Her parents are David and Jill Knighton.
“I ended up at Jones by the grace of God, but I just felt it would make sense since my whole family grew up in Jones County,” said Knighton. “I am forever changed for the better because of JC. It has set the golden standard and will continue to do so as it inspires greatness across each generation of students.”
Biology major from Ellisville, Devin Lucus, is pursuing the goal of becoming a veterinarian after earning her degree from Mississippi State University. The Tullos Scholar recipient is also a member of PTK, FBLA and she was the 2023-2024 manager of the Women’s Soccer National Championship Team. The graduate of South Jones High School earned numerous accolades including the Lindy Callahan Scholarship, Leadership Jones County and Trent Lott Leadership Award, as well as maintaining a 3.8 GPA or higher. Kevin and Sonia Lucus are Devin’s parents.
“I love Jones because there are so many opportunities for each individual to create their own pathway post college. The teachers, organizations, and resources have provided me with so many blessings that I intend to use going forward,” said Lucus.
Owen Massey of Seminary is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering from Mississippi State University. The Presbyterian Christian High School Valedictorian has earned accolades at Jones College as a Tullos Scholar, and member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Engineering Society, PTK and FBLA. After earning his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and minor in math and industrial engineering, Massey plans to work for a local electric cooperative or utility company. His parents are Joseph and Amy Massey.
Earning honors on the field and in the classroom, Mary Bradley McCardle hopes to become a teacher and Leadership Coach. The Ellisville native was a member of the 2023 NJCAA Women’s Soccer National Championship team, Bobcat Brigade and Phi Theta Kappa honor society. While completing her education at Belhaven University, McCardle plans to continue playing soccer. Brad and Paige McCardle are her parents.
“This recognition is not just about academic success, but it’s also about the journey, the friendships built, the lessons learned outside the classroom and on the athletic field, and in the methods we lifted each other up along the way,” said McCardle. “I’m proud, humbled, and inspired to carry the spirit of Jones College into my future. JC is not just a college but it’s home.”
Business Administration major, Alexandria Ruth has been a member of the Concert Choir, Theater productions, Bobcat Brigade, Charles Pickering Honors Institute and FBLA while enrolled at JC. The Laurel Christian School graduate has volunteered her time as a tutor for an elementary school in Laurel, as part of the literacy project, Mission Accelerate, and she has been a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Lead Team member. Also, Ruth is a member of PTK and has earned Faculty List honors. Stacy Ruth has been her mother since Alexandria was 11 years of age.
“To be inducted into the Hall of Fame is not only an honor, but it is also a reflection of the years of hard work and dedication to my studies, and a firm commitment to learning,” said Ruth. “Jones is not only a fantastic school, but a family, support system and institution that has had a strong impact on who I am as a person.”
Eddison Settle of Prentiss is studying to be a lawyer. His future plans include earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, in law, in addition to attending medical school. While at JC, Settle was a member of PTK, FBLA and the Vice President of the Philosophy Club. He earned the Letter “J” Award and was on the President’s List. His parents are Ricky Burrow and Maryann Settle.
“To me, this honor is about leaving a lasting mark on the college I’ve been proud to attend, showing passion, perseverance, and purpose can make a difference,” said Settle.
Speech Pathology and Audiology major, Addison Thames of Petal’s future plans include earning her degree at USM and working with individuals to improve their communication skills. While at JC, Thames was a member of the JC Voices, Concert Choir, Jones OnStage, Jones College Quartet, JC Octet, and PTK. She led the student body as the Student Government Association President in addition to earning President’s and Dean’s List honors. Greg Thames and Tasha Reynolds are her parents.
“Jones College has shaped me into a stronger, more confident person and it will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Leading the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Rho Sigma chapter as president, Meghan Torrano of Morton has earned many accolades. She earned the Regional Gold Key Distinguished Chapter Officer Award and the PTK Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Award. Additionally, she received the Letter “J” Award, and was on the Dean’s Honor List, while being a member of the marching, concert and basketball pep bands. The Medical Radiologic Technology major hopes to earn her radiography Associates Degree then specialize in ultrasound. Ricardo and Yanina Torrano are Meghan’s parents.
“I hope to inspire my younger siblings and others in my community to pursue their dreams and education, proving that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible. This journey has shaped my future as a first-generation college and high school graduate. JC helped me build my dreams,” said Torrano.
Mia Walters of Ellisville is majoring in Animal Science with the goal of pursuing a degree in Animal Dairy Science and applying for veterinary school at MSU. The Ellisville resident is a member of the Bobcat Brigade, Charles Pickering Honors Institute and PTK. Walters spends a lot of her time volunteering for a vet, working the concession stands at sporting events, and volunteering at Sandhill Baptist Church. Jake Wade and Danyelle Walters are Mia’s parents.
“Although I didn’t plan on graduating from Jones in one year, I am blessed to have created the relationships I have while being here. I have gained so much experience here and I would not be the person I am today without it,” said Walters.
Music Education major, Sophie Wansley hopes to spend her life helping others through music in some fashion. At JC, she was a member of the marching band and served as woodwind captain and flute section leader. The Ellisville native also played in the Basketball Pep Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band and Flute Choir. Wansley was also a member of the international honor society, PTK and was on the President’s and Dean’s Lists. She volunteered as a woodwind tech for Northeast Jones and South Jones high schools and assisted First Baptist Church of Ellisville’s Children’s Choir. After earning her bachelor’s degree in music therapy and master’s degree in music education from William Carey University, she plans to, “make a difference in the lives of the people she encounters, whether it’s through teaching, healing or simply sharing the joy of music.” Her parents are Josh Wansley and Sarah Wilborn.
“Being selected for the Hall of Fame is one of the most meaningful honors I’ve received. As a music major, I’ve poured my heart into every class, every performance, and every organization I’ve been a part of,” said Wansley. “To know that my hard work has not only paid off but it has also made an impact on others is incredibly humbling.”
Sumrall resident and civil engineering major, Kate Wimberly has earned honors as a Tullos Scholar at JC and has served as the President of the Engineering Society. While at Jones College, Wimberly was a member of PTK and the Charles Pickering Honors Institute. Her future goal includes earning her bachelors of science degree in civil engineering at MSU. Guy and Virginia Wimberly are Kate’s parents.
“This honor is not only a reflection of my own work, but it is also a testament to the great professors and faculty I have had the honor of encountering at Jones College,” said Wimberly. “They have been nothing short of amazing, constantly encouraging me and preparing me for every stage of life. I am forever grateful.”
MageeNews.com is the online website serving Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the state of Mississippi
