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PRCC speaker says to laugh long and often

POPLARVILLE – Women need laughter and tears to maintain an emotional balance and cope with the changes life brings, the keynote speaker told more than 300 people Saturday at Pearl River Community College for the Women’s Health Symposium.

Sally Baskey of Arlington, Texas, reminded the audience that laughter causes the brain to release endorphins which increase feelings of happiness.

Sally Baskey of Arlington, Texas, was keynote speaker and told the audience laughter is her drug of choice. PRCC Public Relations photo

“You control the dosage,” Baskey said. “That’s what self-medicating is all about.”

Baskey spoke at the fifth annual Women’s Health Symposium, which offered women free health screenings and pampering, including manicures and chair massages; an art walk, break-out sessions on a variety of topics as well as the luncheon where she spoke.

“We’re very proud to have you come to our campus and be part of special events,” Dr. William Lewis, PRCC president, said in welcoming the women.

Health becomes more important to people as they age, he said.

“Quite frankly, we sometimes take our health for granted,” Lewis said. “We hope events like this help put a spotlight on various health issues.”

Women lined up for health screenings, including blood pressure, blood glucose, blood cholesterol and posture analysis. They also stood in line for the chair massages offered by Healing Touch Day Spa in Hattiesburg.

“It was fabulous,” said Alicia Logan of Hattiesburg.

Sharon Ezell, left, and Jean Massey, both of Petal and members of the Hub City Red Hat Dames, get their cholesterol checked Saturday during the Women's Health Symposium at Pearl River Community College. Pricking their fingers are PRCC medical laboratory technology students Kyle Payne of Purvis and Hannah Skipper of Picayune. PRCC Public Relations photo

The luncheon included entertainment by The Voices, PRCC’s jazz vocal ensemble, and more than 100 door prizes. Rachel Fucich of Starkville won the grand prize of a two-night stay at the Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino.

Baskey started her career as a motivational speaker after a year which started when her husband left her.

“My husband was not as happy with me as I was with him,” she said. “I so did not see this coming. I get home one day and the man is gone.”

During the next year, the divorce was finalized, their dream home was sold, her Lexus was totaled and her father died of cancer. The changes left her disliking the adage about a door doesn’t close unless a window opens.

“That much cross ventilation can blow you away,” she said.

But the adage is true, and laughter eases the pain, Baskey said.

“Laughter is a good thing,” she said. “Why is it so undervalued as a way to take care of ourselves? Laughter is my drug of choice; crying is my physical therapy. Life is about 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we react to it.”

Grand sponsor for the symposium was the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation. Silver sponsors were Firth National Bank of Picayune/Poplarville, Hancock Band and Mississippi Power Foundation. Bronze sponsors were BankPlus, Hattiesburg Clinic, Highland Community Hospital, Southern Bone and Joint Specialists, Wal-Mart Supercenter of Picayune and Wesley Medical Center.

Filed under: Featured, Forrest County, Hattiesburg, Lamar County, Lifestyle, Marion County, Medical, Oak Grove, Pearl River, Petal, Purvis, Pearl River Community College, prcc, Sally Baskey, Women's Health Symposium

PRCC hosts Mississippi Showchoir Contest in Hub City

More than 30 middle and high school showchoirs will be in Hattiesburg Friday and Saturday, Feb. 4 and 5, for the Mississippi Showchoir contest.

Sponsored by Pearl River Community College, the contest will be held at William Carey University.

PRCC Honors Military

Judges will be Dr. Mark Malone, coordinator of music education in The Winters School of Music at Carey and former choral director at PRCC; Michael Winslow, choral director at Mount Zion High School, Mount Zion, Illinois; Jena Adrianson, choral director at Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis; and Eric Van Cleave of Lafayette, Ind., producer, musical arranger and director.

Carol Joy Sparkman of the Missisisppi College music faculty will be the solo competition judge. Dr. Jonathan Kilgore, chair of fine arts and choral director at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, will judge the final showchoir competition.

Middle school showchoir competition begins at 3 p.m. Friday. Schools expected to compete are South Forrest Attendance Center, Petal, Purvis, Pearl River Central, N.R. Burger, Baxterville, Northeast Jones, Clinton, South Jones, Columbia Academy, Jackson Prep and Brandon.

Three Class A high schools – Forrest County AHS, Purvis and Stone will also compete Friday, beginning at 9:10 p.m.

The Voices, PRCC’s jazz ensemble, will present an exhibition performance before awards are given at 10:40 p.m. Friday.

High schools expected to compete Saturday are Wayne County, Lumberton, Columbia Academy, Picayune, Oak Grove, Pearl River Central, Hattiesburg, West Jones, Pascagoula, Clinton, Madison Central, Northeast Jones, Opelika, Ala.; Jackson Prep, Sumrall and Petal. Competition begins at 7:55 a.m. Saturday and continues until 6:35 p.m.

Three women’s groups – Northwest Rankin, Opelika and Petal – will also compete Saturday, beginning at 1 p.m.

PRCC’s showchoir, RiverRoad, will present an exhibition performance at 2:25 p.m. following preliminary competition.

The Voices will perform again at 6:35 p.m. before finalists are announced at 7 p.m. Three soloists and five showchoirs will perform again in final competition, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Awards will be presented at 10:40 p.m.

Admission is $6 on Friday night, $6 for preliminary competition on Saturday and $6 for final competition Saturday night or $10 for both preliminary and final competition on Saturday.

PRCC started the Mississippi Showchoir Contest in 1987 and hosted it in Poplarville until Hurricane Katrina in 2005 destroyed the performance venues. The contest was held in Petal in 2006.

After a two-year break, PRCC revived the contest in 2009 with the cooperation of William Carey University.

LaDona Tyson is director of choral activities at PRCC, and Archie Rawls is chair of the Department of Fine Arts and Communication.

Filed under: Arts, Featured, Forrest County, Hattiesburg, K-12, Oak Grove, Pearl River, Petal, Purvis, William Carey, Baxterville, Clinton, Columbia Academy, education, Entertainment/Culture, Gulf Coast Community College, Jena Adrianson, Mark Malone, Opelika, POPLARVILLE, prcc, Show choir, South Forrest Attendance Center, Wayne County, William Carey University, Winters School of Music

PRCC nursing graduates do well on licensing exams

POPLARVILLE – Nursing students at Pearl River Community College did extremely well on state licensing examinations following their graduation in 2010.

The PRCC practical nursing class on the Poplarville campus scored a 100 percent passing rate, said Peggy Dease, PRCC director of nursing education. Fourteen students graduated in August and took the National Council Licensing Examination for practical nurses.

Seventy-two graduates of the PRCC associate degree nursing program ranked second in the state with a 94.44 percent passing rate on the National Council Licensing Examination for registered nurses.

“The program is strong,” Dease said. “The test measures the minimum safety quality they should have. The complexity of the testing was increased on both of the exams this year.”

The PRCC nursing education program has been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission since 1987. The program is currently undergoing the routine reaccreditation process and will host members of the commission on a site visit next month.

Students in the practical nursing program complete the program in three semesters while the associate degree program takes four semesters.

For more information on either program, telephone 601 403-1017 or visit the PRCC web site atwww.prcc.edu.

Filed under: Forrest County, Lamar County, Marion County, Pearl River, education, Medicine, Nurse education, Nursing, Pearl River Community College, POPLARVILLE, prcc

PRCC releases fall semester Dean’s List

POPLARVILLE – Pearl River Community College has released the Dean’s List for the fall 2010 semester.

Students must maintain a grade point average of 3.4 or higher to be named to the list. They are listed by hometowns:

Baldwin – Ryan D. Wardlow.

Bassfield – Courtney D. Echols and Carvey Magee.

Bay St. Louis – Rachael R. Chamberlin, Shelby L. Bounds, Amanda M. Ginn, Stephanie A. Jordan, Derek C. Kerley, Jarrett D. Lee, Whitney L. Sellier, Meri J. Spencer, Kristy L. Biddle, Ashley A. LaRocque, Jonathan W. Mirandy, James Osborn and Danna J. Tanguis.

Biloxi – Ashley C. Bull, Linda T. Le and Liberty L. Lessard.

Brooklyn – Courtney M. Ready, Victoria S. Slade, James A. Williams and Christopher M. Wilson

Buckatunna – Davontae R. Linear.

Caledonia – Brockman C. Williams.

Carriere – Kristen E. Ashe, Dale H. Beech, Heather R. Bond, Ariel N. Bracey, Erin C. Breland, Melissa N. Brown, Jennifer L. Burks, Phillip W. Burns, Raven L. Burns, Daniel P. Butler, Teresa M. Byrnes, Brittney N. Champagne, Jennifer L. Dabelstein, John C. Davis, Wilfred C. Demers, Shasta N. Faye, Jered T. Foulon, Gregory  C. Frierson, John Guidry, Eva M. Hernandez, Cherie A. Humphries, Shelly D. Jarrell, Maranda L. Johnson, Rebecca D. Jones, Richard C. Jordan, Natalie Kelly, Amanda F. Kerry, Hana E. Mitchell, Sarah O. Moseley, Jessica C. O’Brien, Katy L. Rodgers, Erica F. Rubio, Drew A. Sagona, Brent B. Secondine, Russell L. Skipper, Jared M. Smith, Amie K. Spencer, Chelsea L. Thomas, Courtney A. Thompson, Megan H. Todd, Jamie Varnado, Jean A. Villavicencio,   Premanjana Weltmer, Meghan           M. Werner, Garrett W. Williams, Amanda V. Willie and Aaron W. Wolf.

Carson – Colby T. Dyess and Monica P. Eason.

Columbia – Chelsea K. Adams, David Anderson, Nicholas S. Aultman, Michael W. Bass, Joanna L. Baughman, Stephen Berry, Carla S. Bowman, Steven M. Bracey, Paige L. Brown. Courtney E. Carter, Tyler L. Crosby, Nicholas A. Deal, Courtney L. Fortenberry, Mark C. Foster, Tamika    L. Franklin_Amos, Julia K. Garner, Ashley L. Jackson, Grant W.  Jefcoats, Lakisha T. Johnson, Patricia Kauhane, Paulina R.  Lewis, Justin A. Loftin, Abby M. McCain, David McCance, Lisa L. McCance, Christopher L. Morgan, Tiffany D. Nace, Fredriauna M. Perry, Cassandra D. Pittman, Karen L. Pittman, Raymond M. Pritchett, Mark S. Riley, Brian C. Roney, Olivia C. Ryals, Orry M. Sanders, Luke M. Shinn, Amanda K. Skidmore, Marvin M. Thurmond, Cedric O. Watts.

Columbus – Davie A. Puckett.

D’Lo – Emily L. Caughman.

Diamondhead – Brandalyn Brown, Vincent Flores, Jason M. Lal, Callie McCleskey, Chris J. Trahan and Leah Wilburn.

Ellisville – Randall T. Scarbrough and Bobbie Swinney.

Foxworth – Tyler A. Graham, Aleshia M. Griffis, Shawan D. Matthews, Henry A. Pittman, Ashten L. Pounds, Rachel R. Thornhill, Jacy L. Tremper, Adam N. Ward, Billy H. Ward and Ethan R. Whaley.

Gloster – Andrew T. Bell.

Greenwood – Carrie C. Jarrett.

Gulfport – Derrick O. Braxton.

Hancock – Scott J. Necaise.

Hattiesburg – Mallory C. Altazan, Amber S. Baker, Jessica G. Bass, Kenneth M. Bell, Sharon D. Bolton, Chelsea M. Boutwell, Kristina N. Brady, Amanda M. Brown, Chiquila           M. Brown, Justin D. Brown, Ellen L. Bryant, Kelli A. Bufkin, Noelle A. Burkman, Jalisha C. Calbert, Ester M. Carpenter, Bin Chen, Michelle A. Cowan, John P. Crabtree, Taylor C. Craven, Alexis A. Crosby, Cayla M. Crosby, Jennifer A. Danner, Lien K. Dao, Jennifer N. Davion, Laura J. Davion, Timothy Dennis, Ieshia M. Donaldson, Monica J. Easterling, Cameron     E. Edwards, Keren L. Ellis, Channel D. Evans, Kimberly E. Evans, Hollie L. Fasone, Suzanne N. Fortenberry, Samuel A. Foster, Justin H. Garber, Larry E. Graham, Larence K. Griffin, Samantha V. Grillo, Hunter T. Hall, Pamela H. Hall, Michael B. Harvey, Latangelia Howard, Mareno C. Jackson, Charlesha R. Killingsworth, Rebekah J. King, Amanda Lawrence, Vu A. Le, Carolyn N. Lee, Courtney E. Lee, Geneva C. Leggett, Justinadam S. Lewis, Matthew D. Lewis, Amanda Lowe, Jason E. Marshall, Andrea M. Maxwell, Ian K. McLendon, Roger B. McNair, Kennie        E. Middleton, Arthur Milonas, Juan C. Molina, Carla D. Moore, Sandra D. Moorehead, Valerie E. Moran, Amanda A. Nichols, Joseph M. Odom, Kerry Payne, Kristy R. Poole, Debra   L. Pope, Romona Pruitt, William B. Rasmussen, Ashley D. Reed, Jacob O. Richards, Marlana Richardson, Jonathan Risher, Leeann M. Rogers, Tiffany S. Shanks, Charles D. Silas, Shelly R. Simmons, Sara R. Skidmore, Stephen P. Sledge, Mishelle L. Snyder, Pamela C. Snyder, Virginia R. Strong, Bethany H. Sullivan, Heather S. Tomlin, Catherine E. Turner, Jason P. Valliere, Roberto Villalon, Stephen A. Waldrop, Jessica D. Walters, Savannah L. Ward, Ricsha           C. Warren, Fritz A. Webb, Sherry D. Weeks, Carly S. Welch, Sara L. White, Alma L. Wilkerson, Maxwell B. Willey, Kristina L. Williams, Rorminea Williams, Brittany D. Williamson, Michael J. Yonce, Latoya M. Young and Lauren A. Young.

Hurley – Terri S. Adams.

Kiln -Christen C. Austin, Joshawa A. Billiot, Bobbie E. Booth, Kimberly R. Breazeale, Scottie B. Duprey, Andrea D. Faye, Lacie J. Garber, Jillian L. Harris, Amy L. Ladner, Erica R. Palmer, Dana M. Perret and Sandra L. Searles.

Kokomo – Patrick D. Glynn and Britney Holmes.

Leakesville – Caitlin G. Churchwell.

Liberty – Annie M. Cardenas and Jessie D. Morales.

Long Beach – Daniel S. Meek and Jonathan M. Toney.

Lumberton – Chelsey B. Alexander, Michael G. Berry, Aimee’ D. Boyle, Ginger E. Breshears, Terri J. Burge, Kathrine K. Davenport, Maurice A. Dyches, James C. Eaton, Brandi C. Hall, Marilyn E. Hayes, Kaci L. Kottemann, Amanda L. Morris, Brandy M. Rester, Amber M. Robbins, Anita      A. Taylor, Candis Walters and Samantha H. Wise.

Madison – Gabriella E. Clark.

Magee – Stephen B. Ambrosier.

McComb – Cortney L. Lloyd.

McNeill – Kellsey Copling, Jacob A. Dixon, Penny B. Taggart and Tanya A. Yarbrough.

Monticello – Heather B. Russell.

Moselle – Bridgette Brady.

Moss Point – Brandy Bolton.

Ocean Springs – Courtney D. Morris and Cindy T. Nguyen.

Osyka – Allison M. Viator.

Pascagoula – Epiphany Magee and Candice N. Weathers.

Pass Christian – Tyneka R. Hollins.

Perkinston – Vincent P. Campos, Janessa Dedeaux, Melinda S. Dittmann, Jamie M. Ferguson, Destry M. Hariel, Christy A. Ladner, Naomi S. Ladner, Lindsey N. Palmour and Janet E. Rogers.

Petal – Shannon L. Bastine, Cynthia R. Betancourt, Steven D. Brewer, Jessica Burns, Zach T. Cochran, Russell L. Colvin, Laura K. DeLancey, Chelsie L. Dobbins, Jennifer L. Draughn, Dinah R. Eike, Megan N. Fuchs, Kayla L. Holman, Rebecca E. Laubscher, Kristen R. Lee, Felicia M. Mars, Ashlyn      N. McIntyre, Fatma A. Otwane, Patrick D. Paul, Emily R. Roby, Jerome H. Siegel, Danielle M. Stalnaker, Mary D. Stevens, Tammi L. Sutherland, Meghan C. Tyner, John Wiechmann and Jansen A. Wuisan.

Picayune – Lloyd Alexander, Tom F. Bichell, Deborah L. Burke, Richard Carriere, Jonathan A. Chavers, James E. Cochran, Cory N. Coole, Victoria K. Cortez, Tori A. Daigrepont, John W. Daniel, Ashley M. Daw, Shelby L. DeJean, Benjamin S. Ezell, Michael P. Fields, Matthew B. Fleming, Derek L. Gill, Kyle B. Goss, Rene E. Graham, Gary Hall, Zachary M. Haller, Brooke M. Hart, Andrew R. Hedgepeth, Ian J. Hopel, Irene       R. Johnson, Samantha K. Johnson, Phillip Koury, Richard T. Kraft, Tracy Ladner, Misty A. Litchfield, Kellie E. Lumpkin, Pamela A. Massey, Shondi J. Merwin, Tamara N. Miller, Austin W. Mistretta, Christopher M. Moore, Annie D. Patrick, Melissa M. Peoples, Christopher R. Pfalzgraf, Myoshia Poole, Derryl J. Powell, Kristen M. Rice, Alvin B. Richard, Jacob M. Riser, Alexandra J. Roberts, Travis   S. Roberts, Derrick V. Robinson, Lee W. Russell, Roy J. Savoie, Pamela M. Scheuermann, Crystel L. Schultz, Jessica L. Sentilles, Amy    L. Sheasby, Mark A. Shepherd, Elizabeth F. Skipper, Joshua B. Smith, Travis M. Smith, Shaana L. Stewart, Jessica Tomlinson, Jordan M. Vaughan, Phillip D. Verge, George K. Walker, William J. Whitfield, Jared C. Williams, Tanya A. Yarbrough and Haley M. Young.

Poplarville – Joshua L. Bowman, Bailey M. Boyte, Joyce N. Broom, Harold J. Bunch, Amy Z. Burge, Zorana E. Burge, Kristen K. Burkett, Mary C. Chadwick, James M. Cooper, Colton R. Dedeaux, Kolyn R. Dossett, Kayla S. Fendlason, Paul W. Ferguson, Elijah K. Frierson, Rebecca L. Fuerst, Katrina Garren, Jonathon M. Geiger, Christina N. Guidry, Stephen A. Harris, Kristin J. Herbert, Brennan K. Hoelzel, Ashley B. Holden, Adam Holder, Nikki R. Hollier, Shaderrika T. Houston, Rachel L. Huff, Judith Langston, Elvin S. LeFebvre, Amy V. Lee, Samuel C. Lott, Tessa B. Martin, Kimberly M. McAndrew, Jennifer L. Mills, Heidi A. Montegut, Trysta R. Newcomb, Justin Odom, Lacey C. Odom, Kalyn B. Owens, Hosie B. Parker, Brande M. Reyer, Tina M. Rockco, Sarah E. Seal, Kelly B. Sheppard, Megan A. Smith, Tara N. Smith and William J. Wayman.

Prentiss – Lavary P. Betts, Kimberly M. Harper and Amber N. Welch.

Purvis – Kylan L. Bosarge, Christina E. Bright, Ashley R. Cordova, Casey A. Cuevas, Natasha L. Cunningham, Dakota W. Dale, Anthony Felipe, Kelly A. Goolsby, Larry E. Graham, Austin L. Herrin, Connor C. Hill, Jesselyn C. Lammers, Jennifer S. Lewis, Brittany M. Long, Jennifer Lowe, Vanessa F. Mitchell, Kristy Nash, Heath W. Parker, Robert H. Parker, Kaleb A. Riser, Riley E. Rouse, Justin M. Tuck, Kelly T. Tyler, Barbara Vanduser, Corey A. Waltman, Stephanie J. Wheatcroft, Angela   T. Whiddon, James Williamson and Shanika M. Young.

Richton – Brandi N. Brewer and Amy M. Whiddon.

Saltillo – Aaron P. Morphis.

Sandy Hook – Chelsea N. Breland and Matthew D. Stafford.

Saucier – Ty N. Cadle and Jessica L. Hebert.

Smithdale – Kayla C. Gatlin.

Sumrall – Kasey Anderson, Jodi L. Berry, Sarah A. Brand, Blake D. Buras, Mattie L. Bush, David B. Carter, Victoria A. Cox, Jennifer L. Crapps, Kimberly N. Denham, Hunter V. Graves, Thomas D. Jones, Ronald J. Loftin, Justin W. Loftus, Sherman A. Mixon, Joshua D. Morris, Ashton S. Pace, Shelby K. Pace, Sara B. Patterson, Katye T. Pendarvis, Misty L. Pittman, Joseph C. Runnels, Ashton A. Taormina, Laken J. Taormina and Amanda C. Wells.

Taylorsville – Mary D. May.

Tylertown – Kathryn N. Knippers and Joshua A. Murray.

Vancleave – Kady L. Summerlin.

Vossburg – Crystal E. Milsap.

Waveland – Adrienne B. Callahan, Austa A. Chasez, Robin Herndon, Christel D. Holliman, Sarah M. Ladner, Ashley R. Mallini, Brooke E. Moran, Cassandra T. Myers, Brandi N. Wyman and John K. Yenawine.

Wiggins – Rainey M. Loper and Tyler C. Szura.

Winter Springs, Fla. – Bradley J. Nemchik.

Hagatna, Guam – Shana Marie C. Spindel.

Angie, La. – Daphnne E. Branch and Frederick E. Lawrence.

Bogalusa, La. – Carly C. Entrevia and Maegan L. Johnston.

Bush, La. – Trevor F. Parker.

Franklinton, La. – Crystal L. Knight, Cole Miner and Brittney A. Stogner.

Pearl River, La. – Ryan M. Johnsen.

Slidell, La. – Lance Magee.

Tallulah, La. – Courtney B. Ernst.

Filed under: Covington County, Forrest County, Lamar County, Marion County, Pearl River, deans list, Pearl River, Pearl River Community College, prcc

PRCC President’s List scholars named

POPLARVILLE – Pearl River Community College has released its President’s List for the fall 2010 semester.

Students named to the list must maintain a 4.0 grade point average. They are listed by hometowns

Bassfield – Wesley A. Watson.

Bay St. Louis – Rainee N. Davis, Kirsten Huber, Brandy R. Moran.

Beaumont – Anthony Hinton.

Biloxi – Laura A. Askin, Tran Diep and Beau C. Underwood.

Brandon – Jody L. Breazeale.

Brooklyn – Bobby G. Cooley, Chasity L. Dye, Cindy M. Jefferson and Mikel R. Rogers.

Caledonia – Brent B. Hitchcock.

Carriere – Derrick J. Buchert, Dawn Burks, Erin Clement, Brandy L. Eaves, Phylllis L. Fleming, Jordan  A. Flynt, Pamela A. Graves, Samantha L. Hague, Robert A. Harrison, Sasha L. Hutcherson, Carlton Knight, Hayleigh P. McCardle, Kevin G. Mederos, Sherry Morgan, Eden A. Nitcher, David N. Pearson, Sandra L. Pennington, Jill C. Poupart, Stanley E. Ratliff, Justin Smith, James W. Spiers and Gary M. Sullivan.

Carson – Joshua C. Lee.

Columbia – Christie S. Abram, Shirley A. Boyd, Jessica L. Breakfield, Lindsay N. Davis, Laurie L. Dement, Brittany A. Fortenberry, Marla D. Ham, Kathryn N. Hasselvander, Christopher B. Johnson, Glindal A. Johnson, Jerry C. Lee, Sabrina E. Lee, Kevin J. Mills, Hannah E. Pierce, Donovan    E. Sartin, Ayrion L. Taylor and Matthew R. Wisecup.

Columbus – Cameron Beall.

D’Iberville – Nhi Y. Le.

Diamondhead – Rebecca A. Dardar and Jamie L. Thompson.

Ellisville – Kerri A. Knox.

Foxworth – Jason R. Gartman, Noah J. Griffis, David L. McLeod, Stacie A. Revette, Laura N. Story Schuckman, James D. Stringer and Jeremy L. Sumrall.

Gautier – Julian T. Williams.

Gloster – Rebecca A. Rushing.

Greenville – Michael Snodgrass.

Hattiesburg – Rebecca N. Bradshaw, Zachary R. Robinette, Jennifer J. Williams, Stephen E. Adams, Justin T. Allen, Tia L. Beach, Allison L. Beasley, Melissa C. Beaty, Amanda E.  Blount, Rex H. Broadhead, Jameka S. Calcote, Nicholas W. Coley, Michelle Davis, Rachel B. Dear, Sarah M. English, Carla Finnegan, Michael S. Fleener, Jacob T. Ford, Logan M. Ford, Tonne R. Forquer, Chris S. Fugett, Samanta Gracia, Ashton L. Green, Mary E. Hammett, Vernon L. Kinabrew, Kyle E. Kirk, David L. Lishman, Shanell L. Miller, Jeanna M. Norris, Dana L. Raspberry, James D. Scott, Jordan D. Smalley, Casey L. Smith, Sarah L.Smith, Jaimi    L. Thomas, William S. Tisdale,  Jason M. Townsend, Hung N. Tran, Wajeh U. Turner, Dan W. Vega, Jonathan A. Waldrop, Brittanny R. Walley, Nancy L. Warden, Jacob A. West, Lauren M. Williams and Yelena Zemtsova.

Kiln – Kelsey K. Crago, Brittney M. Dykes, Jordan A. Pettigrew and Mallory L. Stone.

Kokomo – Justrin R. Cox.

Liberty – Kayla D. Harvey.

Louisville – Steven B. Jernigan.

Lucedale – Corrie Hatcher.

Lumberton – William T. Ford, Joseph Martin, Hollis A. Mason, Angela C. Pounds, Derrik H. Rester, Misty D. Shows and Mitchell J. Ward.

Madison – Laura K. Dahlem and Whitney Williamson.

McNeill – Joshua A. Taggart.

Mendenhall – Jamie Shows.

Moselle – Miranda N. Parker.

Moss Point – Ashton Dearman.

New Augusta – Marquita A. Sims.

Pascagoula – Antonia Armstrong and Arrealle L. Windham.

Pearlington – Christopher B. Bridges.

Perkinston – Bethany N. Earhart, Casey L. Mallett and Felicia M. Necase.

Petal – Jackie D. Baker, Brandon M. Bernard, Kristen H. Brewer, Kristilyn          Brooks, Bridget K. Carr, Courtney D. Davis, Taryn B. Dyess, Kayla A. Hall, Stephanie M. Howard, Joseph Kindel, Lennzee A. Lawrence, Laurin D. Locke, Tindell O. Mabry, Matthew G. Magee, Brittany N. Roach, Kristen D. Sanford, Camela L.   Shows, Patricia A. Southerland, Kenneth W. Stalnaker and Amanda L.Woods.

Picayune – David J. Adams, Andrew P. Aymami, Daniel Beavers, Galen E. Bond, Jesse G. Crawford, Gineca Garriga, Brett C. Grantham, Anthony P. Laterrade, Sarah  E. Malley, Adam M. McCoy, James W. McCurdy, Kate Mitchell, Willard Perry, Angelia M. Powell, Joshua E. Spence, Candace N. Stockstill, Sara M. Stuart, Jessica        A. Teston, Mary B. Thorman and Glinda T. White.

Poplarville – Michael R. Broadus, Matt S. Bunales, Tina R. Coleman, Kevin J. Delahoussaye, Scarlette M. Evans, Ashton C. Goodwin, Jenna R. Goodwin, Jeremiah Grizzle, Tina E.     Ladner, Erin E. Norra, Justin A. Nuccio, Bethany L. Penton, Brett D. Russ, William H. Schupp, Candace Stogner and John E. Waltman.

Prentiss – Mildred Kumar.

Purvis – Samantah J. Bond, Ashley M. Bourgeois, Jeffrey L. Carter, Ethan M. Ewoldt, Lauren F. Hensleigh, James E. Hodges, Heather L. Knue, Melissa L. Montgomery, Channa M. Nowell, Kamarie Spivey, Evelyn S. Stuart, Vickie L. Watts, Haley M. West and Jacki D. Yawn.

Quitman – Porchia S. Smith.

Richton – Holly N. Byrd.

Sandy Hook – Lisa C. May and Blake Woodward.

Seminary – Cathy N. Anderson and Carl I. Macon.

Soso – Jordan R. Hill.

Starkville – Bennie Keither.

Sumrall – Rachel R. Aultman, Charrie A. Berard, Richard Cranford, Crystal M. Curtis, Chase A. Davis, Sarah D. Landrigan, Amber R. Mixon, Mark A. Pace, Rachel V. Palmer, Brittni D. Prine, Julie Shears, Lyndsey P. Sims, Courtney M. Sullivan and Ramona B. Waller.

Taylorsville – Britton V. Ford.

Tunica – Katrina K. Reed.

Vicksburg – Mary Croisdale.

Waveland – Jordan Hubbard, Cynthia J. Mahner, Julie Moore and Catherine A. Nelson.

Wiggins – Andrea C. Johnson, Colby J. Kirby and Megan T. Walker.

Woodville – Glenn Carter.

Meraux, La. – Gina S. Phillips.

Filed under: Covington County, Forrest County, Lamar County, Marion County, Pearl River, Pearl River Community College, prcc, presidents list

PRCC to Train Workers for Solar Panel Plant

With the help of Pearl River Community College, a California-based solar panel manufacturer will hire hundreds of employees for a new plant in

Scott Alsobrooks

Hattiesburg.

Stion officials announced on Jan. 4 that the company will make 1 million solar panels annually after production begins later this year.

But before the first panel is made, the company has to find and train employees.

“As Stion starts to ramp up and gets ready to interview people, they’ll develop the job descriptions and post them at the WIN Job Center,” said Dr. Scott Alsobrooks, PRCC’s director of workforce education. “In conjunction with the WIN Job Center, we’ll test these applicants to determine their skills.”

The PRCC staff at the Lowery A. Woodall Advanced Technology Center in Hattiesburg will administer a battery of three tests called the National Career Readiness Certificate. The tests measure an applicant’s skills at problem solving, critical thinking, using written, work-related text; applying information from workplace documents and mathematical reasoning to solve problems, performing work-related math calculations and understanding and using information in graphics.

“Stion can then use those scores to screen down the number of applicants,” Alsobrooks said. “The ball is then in their court to interview and pick the people they want.”Once the company has hired employees, PRCC will help develop job-specific training.
“Pearl River Community College is where job training will be focused,” Gov. Haley Barbour said at the Stion announcement.
Putting together industry-specific training is a primary function of workforce education.
“We do it all the time, based on a particular employer’s needs,” Alsobrooks said.
Funding for PRCC’s work with Stion comes from the Workforce Enhancement Training Fund. The Legislature appropriates money for the Unemployment Security Trust Fund, and the Mississippi Department of Employment Security funnels the money to the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges. The board channels the money to the 15 community colleges based on current projects, Alsobrooks said.

“In the past several years, we’ve gotten anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million a year,” he said. “When you’ve got a big project like this, you can tap into this fund more.”

Stion plans to revamp the old Sunbeam plant in the Hattiesburg-Forrest County Industrial Park, creating a number of construction jobs, company officials said. Depending on the extent of the work there, Stion may locate some of its offices temporarily at PRCC.
“There’s potential that they’ll use the business incubator in the Advanced Technology Center,” Alsobrooks said.

Filed under: Business, Forrest County, Hattiesburg, Jones, Jones County, Lamar County, Oak Grove, Petal, Purvis, Sumrall, Hattiesburg, Lowery A. Woodall Advanced Technology Center, MS, prcc, Stion

PRCC Surgical Tech Graduates Announced

The December 2010 surgical technology class at the Forrest County Center of Pearl River Community College graduated in ceremonies on Dec. 13 in Hattiesburg. They are, front row from left, Holly Lott of Beaumont, Matthew Lewis of Hattiesburg and Frankie Hilburn of Tylertown; second row, Cassandra Thornhill of Columbia, Tammi Sutherland of Petal, Savannah Ward of Hattiesburg and Holly Byrd of Richton; third row, Ashley Reason of Hattiesburg, Danielle Bass of Columbia, Kerri Knox of Ellisville and Cassi Brady of Carriere. PRCC Public Relations photo

Filed under: Featured, Forrest County, Hattiesburg, Lamar County, Marion County, Oak Grove, Pearl River, Purvis, Sumrall, Pearl River, prcc, surgical tech grads

PRCC Dual Enrollment Nursing Graduates

Eight students who spent a year taking both high school and college courses received diplomas and practical nursing pins in ceremonies Dec. 13 at the Forrest County Center of Pearl River Community. The students enrolled in the practical nursing program at PRCC in August 2009 while completing their senior year of high school and then spent two semesters as full_time students at PRCC. They are, front row from left, Jennifer Danner of Hattiesburg, Emily Roby and B. Hope Sullivan, both of Petal, Ester Moriah Carpenter of Oak Grove; second row, Camela Shows, Jansen Wuisan, Patrick Dylan Paul and Joseph Kindel, all of Petal. All eight graduated with honors.

PRCC Public Relations photo

Filed under: Hattiesburg, Laurel, Oak Grove, Pearl River, Petal, B. Hope Sullivan, Camela Shows, education, Emily Roby, Ester Moriah Carpenter, Forrest County Center of Pearl River Community, Jansen Wuisan, Jennifer Danner, Joseph Kindel, Nursing, Patrick Dylan Paul, prcc

Student Dies on PRCC Campus Thursday

A Hattiesburg woman died Thursday after collapsing at the Forrest County Center of Pearl River Community College.

Jessica V. House, 28, collapsed while walking to the Allied Health Center.

PRCC personnel trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempted to revive her until medics from AAA Amublance Service arrived. She was transported to Forrest General Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Forrest County Coroner Butch Benedict said her death was the result of natural causes.

House was a general academic student at PRCC.

“The thoughts and prayers of the Pearl River Community College family are with Jessica’s friends and family in this difficult time,” said PRCC President William Lewis.

Filed under: Forrest County, Hattiesburg, Lamar County, Marion County, Medical, Pearl River, Butch Benedict, Forrest County Center, Forrest County Center of Pearl River Community College, Forrest General Hospital, Hattiesburg Mississippi, Pearl River Community College, prcc, William Lewis