Local Achievers Among Graduates at Jones College's 96th Commencement

At the 96th Commencement Ceremony of Jones College in Ellisville, nearly 600 graduates received their degrees and certificates. Among them, eight students from Laurel High School, participating in the Middle College Program, earned both their high school diplomas and associate degrees. One of these students, Kena Monique Smith, was also inducted into the JC Hall of Fame for her ability to manage both high school and college courses simultaneously.

During the ceremony, keynote speaker Stan Buckley, Founder and Executive Director of But God Ministries in Jackson, addressed the graduates. He encouraged them to pursue meaningful life goals rather than merely accumulating possessions. Buckley shared a personal inspiration from Amy Grant’s mother, who advised her daughter to sing songs that carry significance.

Buckley also recounted his ministry's involvement in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, highlighting the contributions of Tony West, a nurse practitioner who provided essential medical care. This story emphasized the value of applying one's skills to make a global impact.

Additionally, Buckley told the story of Joshua Brown, a Jones College student athlete who faced legal issues that affected his studies. Buckley's intervention helped Brown overcome these challenges, illustrating the importance of advocating for justice.

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