14 Holmes Ridgeland Campus students inducted into 2026-27 Hall of Fame
RIDGELAND —
Holmes Community College recently recognized 14 outstanding student leaders from the Ridgeland Campus with induction into the 2026-27 Holmes Hall of Fame, the college’s highest student honor.
Students selected for this distinction demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, service and commitment to the Holmes community. For the Ridgeland Campus, honorees include Madalyn “Maddie” Grace Caldwell of Brandon; Lilly Callum of Madison; Jonah Clarke of Canton; Natalie DeVille of Madison; Grayson Garrett Green of Jackson; Rylee Kay Kirkland of Sumrall; Charles “Paxton” McGee of Brandon; Kate Gray Nesbit of Brandon; Adelette Grey Nichols of Brandon; Victor G. Piccone of Cayey, Puerto Rico; Brandon Shaffer of Starkville, Darryl “D.J.” Thompson, Jr. of Brandon; Myla Shea Thortis of Brandon and Gregory Ar’shawn Windham, Jr. of Madison.
Maddie Caldwell
Caldwell, daughter of Bobby Caldwell and Wendi Caldwell, is a pre-law major. After Holmes, she plans to earn an undergraduate degree in political science before attending law school. Caldwell also plans to continue her college soccer career at the next level, although she is currently undecided about where she will attend. During her freshman year, she was recognized for her academic achievement through membership in Phi Theta Kappa and earned an ACT Scholarship and President’s List honors for both the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters. A member of the Holmes women’s soccer team, she was named First Team All-MACCC, to the All-Region Team and the United Soccer Coaches All-American Team and was recognized as an NJCAA Second Team All-American.
Lilly Callum
Callum, daughter of Matt and Corley Callum, is a pre-nursing major at Holmes. She is a member of the Holmes women’s soccer team and received a soccer scholarship, Board of Trustees Scholarship and Mississippi Eminent Scholars Program Scholarship/Grant. Callum was named to the President’s List for fall 2025 and spring 2026 and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She was also named Second Team All-MACCC in soccer in 2025. Off campus, Callum volunteers as a soccer coach. After graduating from Holmes, she plans to attend nursing school and pursue a career as a nurse practitioner.
Jonah Clarke
Clarke is the son of Edward and Marcy Clarke. He is a pre-nursing student at Holmes, where he has excelled academically earning a place on the President’s List and induction into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society during both his freshman and sophomore years. He plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and continue his education in the nursing field. Outside of academics, Clarke enjoys hunting, fishing and golf, and serves as the head coach of the St. Joseph High School Swim Team.
Natalie DeVille
DeVille, daughter of Christopher DeVille, is a pre-nursing student at Holmes. Her passion for health care and desire to become involved in her community have guided her academic and extracurricular journey at Holmes. DeVille serves as a co-president of the Holmes STEM Club and has worked as a work-study student for the Workforce Development Training Center for more than a year. During the summer, she had the opportunity to work in the new Allied Health building and Fitness Center, where she gained valuable experience in leadership and teamwork. Through her involvement on campus, DeVille has enjoyed building meaningful connections within the Madison County community while maintaining a place on the President’s List and participating in student life.
Outside of academics and campus activities, DeVille enjoys expressing her creativity through canvas painting, reading, watching movies and listening to music. Her time in the Madison Central Marching Band before attending Holmes helped develop her lifelong love of music and instilled a sense of discipline that continues to guide her. She also enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, friends and family. After Holmes, DeVille plans to pursue the highest level of education possible in nursing with the goal of becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist and providing compassionate, high-quality care to her patients.
Grayson Green
Green, the son of Darren Blaine and Lori Holland Green, is a computer networking technology major at Holmes. During his time as a student, he has received the Board of Trustees ACT Scholarship, was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa and was named to the President’s List for the fall and spring semesters. Green has also volunteered with the Clinton Brick Street Players community theater, played piano at Ridgeland Place assisted living facility and operated the sound booth at his church.
Following his time at Holmes, Green plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in information technology from the University of Southern Mississippi, complete CompTIA, Google and Apple certifications and pursue a career in the computer industry.
Rylee Kirkland
Kirkland, daughter of James and Daphne Kirkland, is a general studies major at Holmes and a forward for the Lady Bulldog soccer team. She was named to the Dean’s List in 2026 and received both an ACT Scholarship and a soccer scholarship after graduating from Sumrall High School. After graduating from Holmes, Kirkland plans to attend Mississippi State University, where she will major in kinesiology and pursue a career in sports medicine. She enjoys playing pickleball and hanging out with her teammates.
Paxton McGee
McGee, son of Keith and Erin McGee, is a culinary arts technology major at Holmes. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, was named to the Dean’s List and serves as a Holmes Ambassador. He served as an escort for the 2025 Homecoming Court and was selected to serve on the 2026 Homecoming Court, as well. After graduating from Holmes, McGee plans to further his education in pastry arts through an internship and pursue his dream of opening a bakery.
Kate Gray Nesbit
Nesbit, daughter of Jeffrey Christian Nesbit and Whitney Herron Nesbit, is a biology major at Holmes and plays forward for the Lady Bulldogs soccer team. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and was named to the President’s List and the NJCAA All-Academic First Team, as well. After graduating from Holmes, Nesbit plans to attend nursing school and potentially pursue medical school after gaining experience as a nurse.
Adelette Nichols
The daughter of Tommy Eugene Nichols Jr. and Jessica McDonald Nichols, she is a health sciences major at Holmes. Nichols is an ACT Scholarship recipient, Holmes Ambassador and member of the Student Government Association and Content Creator Club. She was also chosen as a sophomore Homecoming Maid. After graduating from Holmes, Nichols plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in radiologic sciences from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, then pursue certification as a medical dosimetrist and create radiation treatment plans for cancer patients. She hopes to work with children.
Victor Piccone
Piccone, son of Esthermarie Torres, is a pre-physical therapy and sports medicine major at Holmes. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and was named to the President’s List while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. He also received an out-of-state men’s soccer scholarship to attend Holmes, where he plays defense for the Bulldogs. After graduating from Holmes, Piccone plans to transfer to a four-year institution to earn his bachelor’s degree while pursuing the opportunity to play Division I soccer and eventually sign a professional contract. He then plans to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and become a licensed physical therapist.
Brandon Shaffer
Shaffer, son of Donald and Vanessa Shaffer, is an English major at Holmes and plays forward for the Holmes men’s soccer team. He was named to the President’s List in spring 2025 and received the men’s soccer team Student-Athlete Award. After graduating from Holmes, Shaffer plans to attend a four-year institution, prepare for the LSAT and pursue a law degree.
Darryl “D.J.” Thompson, Jr.
Thompson, son of Darryl Thompson Sr. and Teresa Thompson, is a computer science major at Holmes. He was named to the President’s List and received a Dean’s Scholarship during his freshman year. During his sophomore year, he was again named to the President’s List and became a member of Phi Theta Kappa and a Holmes Ambassador while continuing to receive a Dean’s Scholarship. As a passionate believer in Christ, he serves his community as a volunteer at his local church: New Vision Fellowship. Thompson plans to transfer to Mississippi State University in spring 2027 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
Myla Thortis
Thortis, daughter of Shannon and Melanie Thortis, is a pre-law major at Holmes and a defender for the Holmes women’s soccer team. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and was named to both the Dean’s List and President’s List. She also serves as a team captain for the Lady Bulldogs. After graduating from Holmes, Thortis plans to attend a four-year institution to earn her bachelor’s degree before attending law school and pursuing a career as a lawyer. She also hopes to continue excelling academically, serve her community and build meaningful, lasting relationships along the way.
Gregory Windham, Jr.
Windham, son of Melinda and Gregory Windham Sr., is a business management major at Holmes. He is a Holmes Ambassador and was selected as an escort for the 2025 and 2026 Homecoming Courts. As a freshman, he was also a member of the Content Creator Club, the STEM Club, the Student Government Association and was a co-founder of the Holmes volleyball program. After graduating from Holmes, Windham plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration with concentrations in management and international affairs.
These exceptional students exemplify the core values of Holmes Community College through their commitment to academic excellence, leadership and service to their communities. The students will be recognized during halftime of the Homecoming game in celebration of their accomplishments. Holmes faculty, staff and administration congratulate these outstanding students and look forward to their continued success at Holmes and beyond.
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IN THIS PHOTO: Pictured are members of the Holmes Community College Ridgeland Hall of Fame. They are (front row, left to right) Madalyn Caldwell, Myla Thortis, Gregory Windham, Victor Piccone, Natalie DeVille, Darryl Thompson, (back row, left to right) Lilly Callum, Grayson Green, Brandon Shaffer, Jonah Clarke, Paxton McGee and Kate Nesbit. Not pictured: Adelette Nichols.