Holmes alumna passes licensing exam to become a vet

Joshlyn Martin Winstead, a 2013 Holmes Community College graduate, recently passed the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). She earned a bachelor's in biomedical engineering from Mississippi State University in 2015 and will graduate from MSU's College of Veterinary
Medicine on April 29.

"Joshlyn is a memorable student because she always gave her best efforts in class and lab," said Holmes biological sciences instructor Mary Leigh Poole. "She has a wonderful personality and I am excited beyond belief that she will be in the Flowood area. I wish she was going into practice where we could use her as our regular Veterinarian. I know my pets would get the very best of care! I will definitely go to the Emergency clinic if we have a need. Congratulations! We are so proud of you!"

A 2011 alumna of Central Holmes Christian School, Winstead came to Holmes right out of high school and became an engineering major. During her time at Holmes, she took honors courses, was a President's and Dean's List scholar and was a member of the Holmes Plus program, as well, which is a competitive scholarship organization for students who show an aptitude in science and mathematics. Additionally, Winstead was an active member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, where she served as vice president her sophomore year, earned the Golden Key Award, earned the All- USA academic team scholarship and earned a PTK transfer scholarship.

"Joshlyn Martin was an excellent student in the classroom and in the laboratory," said Holmes chemistry instructor Heather Jones." As her chemistry instructor, I was able to watch her growth in knowledge and in experience in the sciences making a larger connection between biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. I knew that she would accomplish any goal that she set for herself, as she never settled for less than perfection. She was a joy to teach and was a great asset to campus when she was a student at Holmes."

Winstead, daughter of Angie and Jeff Martin, is married to Ricky Winstead. She and her husband reside in Starkville with their two sons, Walker (3) and Wade (2). Winstead has accepted a position at the Animal Emergency and

Referral Center in Flowood and will begin after graduation.
"Holmes was the perfect choice for me after I graduated from CHCS," Winstead said. "It was important to me that my teachers knew me by name and truly cared about my success in their class and outside the classroom. I learned valuable lessons from them all! I did not realize how much I would miss the campus after I graduated, so much that my husband and I were married in the Holmes chapel in the summer of 2014. I will always remember my time and the people I met there with a smile!"

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