JACKSON ACADEMY
2015 ISSUE | VOLUME XVI
A Publication for Jackson Academy Alumni, Families, and Friends
FROM THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI
My dear JA friends, This is perhaps one of the most difficult messages for me to compose because I am retiring from JA as Director of Alumni Relations. Words cannot express how much all of you mean to me. I have such fond memories, and I sincerely consider my JA family a second family. I will cherish the life stories that you have shared, your joys, and even times of sadness or worry. What has always inspired me is your resolve and faith to cope with the inevitable events of the stages of life. I hope that I can only do the same. While there is excitement about my retiring, please know that I will miss you very much and always hold you dear to my heart. May God bless all of you and keep you in His tender care. Love, Becky
Class Notes
23 Years of Service!
Haleigh Ritter has been named the Annual Giving and Alumni Coordinator. She is married to Andrew Ritter, class of 2009. Please contact her with your news for class notes at hritter@jacksonacademy.org.
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TRUE BLUE XVI EDITOR/WRITER Patti Wade Marketing and Communications GRAPHIC DESIGN Brian Byrd CLASS NOTES Becky Greer Alumni Relations ANNUAL REPORT OF GIFTS Tim McWilliams Development Maribeth Gibson Annual Giving
CONTENTS 4 Initiatives Pursue Organizational Health 10 JA S.M.A.R.T. Kids Lab Makes Learning Pop 11 Fourth Grade Founders’ Day Program Launched in Lower School 12 Performing Arts Programs Continue to Grow 16 Heifer Village Trip Enlightens Sixth Graders 20 Following in His Footsteps 28 Raiders in Action 32 Class of 2015 35 2015–16 Endowed Scholarships 40 JA Celebrates Giving 2014–15 56 News of Alumni 2014–15 73 BBC Newsround Films at JA
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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Michelle Mills, Bill Dennison, Marc Rolph, alumni, The Clarion-Ledger, parents, and students The True Blue magazine is published annually by the Office of Marketing and Communications and the Office of Alumni Relations.
Jackson Academy 4908 Ridgewood Road P.O. Box 14978 Jackson, MS, 39236-4978
If you have news you would like to share, please send it to the Alumni Office in care of the above address or email hritter@ jacksonacademy.org. Photos submitted should be of professional quality. Cover Image: The JA Family photo illustrates the spirit of All For One. Read more on pages 4-8.
FROM THE EDITOR
“Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.”
~Pauline R. Kezer
Patti Wade Director of Marketing and Communications
The JA leadership team’s summer reading was a book about change, entitled Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change. To manage transition, author William Bridges, Ph.D. suggests we understand its stages: ending, losing, and letting go; a neutral zone, where people realign to the differences; and a new beginning, in which people and the organization experience a new energy. No matter our life stage, change and transition are inevitable. As parents, grandparents, and school faculty and staff, we witness change in wonderful ways as the children entrusted to us grow and develop. What a privilege we have of observing and guiding their growth. It gives us hope to see what they accomplish and how they respond to the stages and challenges of life. JA is experiencing change on campus this year due to retirement. Beloved figures of our community are moving on to new stages. Among these are Becky Greer and Ray Higgins. Becky has spearheaded the content of the JAAM magazine for many years. She has been an immeasurable resource to me as I have led the process for the last three magazines. I suspect her telephone will be ringing as we try to piece together the information she just naturally has in her back pocket. And she will good-naturedly laugh when she receives the calls.
encompassing character education, leadership, spirituality, and outdoor experiences. We’ve experienced leadership change as JA followed its succession plan in which Cliff Kling assumed the role of president, and Peter Jernberg moved to president emeritus after 26 years at the helm. Read about work of the initial year of Cliff Kling’s presidency on pages 4-8. We’ve also introduced revised mission statement wording and a new brand identity. Learn more about those initiatives on pages 7 and 8. Finally, the magazine is taking on a name that acknowledges its readership of alumni and the entire JA community, so it has been titled True Blue. Price Pritchett, an author and speaker who specializes in mergers, said, “Change always comes bearing gifts.” While we may not perceive the gift immediately, we often can look back and see the good. Here at JA, we are grateful for the roots our seasoned leaders have established and for the opportunity to create branches knowing the roots are strong.
Ray Higgins has laid the groundwork for a wonderful program patterned after the activities springing from his heart and interests while teaching and coaching at JA. See pages 20-24 for a feature about Ray’s work and the unfolding of a comprehensive program TRUE BLUE 3
INITIATIVES PURSUE ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH By Patti Wade Director of Marketing and Communications
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INITIATIVES PURSUE ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH Year one began with a summer reading assignment for senior leadership called The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else In Business. Incoming President Cliff Kling had been influenced by the work of New York Times best-selling author Patrick Lencioni, whose writing argues that organizational health is the key difference between successful and mediocre organizations. This influence, coupled with discussions with independent school leaders across the country, led Kling to retain Lencioni’s firm to guide Jackson Academy in improving upon an already successful school model. He sought to preserve the culture so carefully shepherded under President Emeritus Peter Jernberg’s 26 years at the helm and prepare JA for change sweeping the educational sphere. Throughout the first year of his presidency, Kling brought forward initiatives to keep JA in the forefront of the nation’s leading schools. At the heart of these initiatives is the intent to sustain and further an educational experience that inspires and equips each student to lead a life of purpose and significance.
At the heart of these initiatives is the intent to sustain and further an educational experience that inspires and equips each student to lead a life of purpose and significance. Kling led the financial operations of JA as general counsel and chief financial officer for 13 years. His perspective as an attorney and a certified public accountant offered an added value to the president-headmaster model selected by the Board of Trustees. In 2012, when the JA trustees completed the presidential search and hiring process, they charged the president and president-elect with the task of outlining a transition plan to fully prepare Kling to assume the role of president in June 2014. Jernberg and Kling sought to preserve tradition and anticipate the continually changing landscape of education. Kling visited each JA classroom in the year prior to his presidency. He began a series of meetings with community leaders in the metro area to better understand their views of Jackson Academy and explore ways the school could continue to positively impact the community. The transition plan also connected Kling to broader educational resources that had influenced Jernberg, including state, regional, and national organizations that help JA remain on the leading edge.
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INITIATIVES PURSUE ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH
Ainsley, Cliff, Heather, and Alise Kling
Understanding The JA Way
The Why and How
After assuming the role as president, Kling spent an entire day as a student. Connecting to the student experience first hand, even though he witnessed it as a parent through his two daughters, Ainsley and Alise, was important. Beginning at 7:55 a.m. with Advanced Placement U.S. History and concluding at 4:15 p.m. with Coach Bill Ball’s well-known basketball conditioning, the shadowing experience became what Kling calls “one of the best days I have ever had at Jackson Academy.” Shadowing junior Ben McDowell was followed with small group meetings with all tenth grade students, where Kling learned what they might change about school if they could (the starting time, for instance) and the ways students’ favorite teachers connect with them and invest in their lives. He came away with a better sense of the demanding schedules our students manage. He was reminded how incredible JA teachers are. And he hoped he sent the message of how much he values students—that they are truly JA’s reason to exist. This spring, Kling met with all seniors in groups of three or four to ask them to reflect on their experience as JA students. He also sought to help them bridge the gap to alumni.
In January, JA held community events that shared the results of 12 months of collaborative thinking. A revised mission statement and a new brand identity were announced during celebratory events for faculty, staff, and the JA community. The 20 members of the Mission Statement Task Force had met regularly, sought input from JA constituent groups, reviewed mission work from schools across the nation, and had collected feedback on their ideas from the firm Mindpower, Inc. from Atlanta and other firms supporting JA with strategic initiatives. The brand identity had evolved from thorough research about JA and the educational landscape, focus groups representing the JA community, and the creative talents of Mindpower.
Read more about these experiences at jacksonacademy.org/presidentsmessages.
The mission statement and brand identity are key strands of the JA DNA, reflecting collective values and shaping what others perceive about JA. “Our new mission statement along with the All for One branding identity gives our school community a common language,” wrote Kling earlier this year in a president’s message. “There is tremendous, perhaps immeasurable, power in having a common language in any organization, but this is especially true in a mission-driven school. Common language aligns our work and unites our efforts.” Launched simultaneously with the revised mission and the brand identity, The JA Way further explains our educational philosophy as a school. “While the TRUE BLUE 7
INITIATIVES PURSUE ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH mission statement primarily answers the question of why we exist, The JA Way—positive, collaborative, progressive, and student-centered—explains how we go about fulfilling our mission,” Kling wrote. “With clear and concise language of both the “why” (mission statement) and the “how” (The JA Way) articulated, we are able to provide incredible clarity of purpose and expectations to our students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni.”
The mission statement and brand identity are key strands of the JA DNA, reflecting collective values and shaping what others perceive about JA.
Mapping Out What’s Next Finally, as JA concluded a five-year strategic plan in 2014, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, trustees, and students began “listening groups” and “work teams” under the direction of Headmaster Pat Taylor to envision the next five years. The Board of Trustees approved the 2015-2020 plan in the second semester of this academic year. Details about this plan will be announced to the community in the fall. These, and other new initiatives, have made the inaugural year exciting and productive. In June, the senior leadership team met to reflect on the previous 12 months. Their reflection included remembering how the conversation had begun with Patrick Lencioni’s principles about healthy, successful organizations that fulfill their missions. And it concluded with a group of leaders uplifted about what JA and its students will do next.
The JA Way At Jackson Academy, we can express our educational philosophy in four words: • POSITIVE A child’s first, most important lesson: You can. • COLLABORATIVE What we do together is always greater. (Think skyscrapers or supercomputers.) • PROGRESSIVE If we’re not ahead of the curve, our children will be behind. • STUDENT-CENTERED After all, children are our raison d’etre.
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ALUMNI COUNCIL’S THOUGHTS ON MISSION Will Van Skiver `87
Van Skiver Financial Services, LLC: Financial Advisor and Co-Owner Being a Raider is truly something special. As a member of the Class of 1987, I always knew in the back of my mind that Jackson Academy had played a huge role in my life. Today JA continues to touch the lives of
everyone who steps on our campus by paying equal attention to all areas including our family, faith, friends, and academics. Our son Reese is in the seventh grade and is now reaping the JA benefits.
WILL VAN SKIVER `87
Will Mosby `03
Capitol Wealth Management, UBS Financial Services Inc.: Financial Advisor I’ve always struggled to put my experience at JA into words. I believe the new mission statement does just that. The JA community of teachers, faculty, parents, and fellow students has created a culture where students can take part in a large variety of wonderful experiences. Through these different experiences, students learn their
strengths and weaknesses, possibly finding areas of strength they didn’t know they had. The culture helps to massage and improve these strengths through a student’s tenure. JA students leave this community well prepared and well rounded to lead a meaningful and significant life.
WILL MOSBY `03
Trey Sebrell `91
Sebrell Funeral Home: Owner I have taken my experiences at JA with me through life. I grew from a young student into a successful adult under the guidance of teachers like Mrs. Bobbie
Downey, Mrs. Julie Murray, and Mrs. Barbara Neely and under the leadership of Mr. Peter Jernberg and Mr. Keith Branning. I am forever grateful.
TREY SEBRELL `91
Mark Markow `97
Ross and Yerger: Producer The older I get the more I grow to appreciate my experiences at JA—both as a student and now as the proud parent of two JA students. The JA community is second-to-none, and as an alumnus who has returned to the metro area for my professional career and to raise a family, the relationships I formed among my peers and the staff members have had lasting value. My classroom and extracurricular activities earned me significant scholarship opportunities to attend the University of Mississippi. My experience as a member of the golf, basketball, and football teams brought the reward of championships, the learning experience of teamwork, and relationships that persist to this day— both personally and professionally. All are very tangible benefits to my experience at JA.
But the greatest way that JA has affected my life is in a much more intangible way—a way difficult to articulate, even with the vast vernacular taught in the halls of JA. I learned lifelong lessons from Coach Shaw as he battled cancer during our junior year. I discovered my love for math in Mrs. Eppes’ classroom in fourth grade playing “Around the World,” and sharpened those skills in Mrs. Wall’s room in AP Calculus. Coach Bunch helped keep me “out of the ditch,” and the delicate and difficult balance of discipline and nurturing helped give me the opportunity to thrive professionally, spiritually, and personally to this day. As I watch my kids grow up, my only hope is that they will be able to appreciate the JA value now, as opposed to having to wait until adulthood to fully realize this gift.
MARK MARKOW`97 TRUE BLUE 9
IN THE CLASSROOM
By Holly Collums K3 Teacher
JA
S.M.A.R.T. Kids Lab Makes Learning P
Have you ever seen a child’s face when they discover sand for the first time, or bubbles, or see a Jackin-the-Box pop up? The wonder and amazement in their eyes are things that parents and teachers wish that they could bottle up and keep forever. At Jackson Academy, Preschool teachers in the K3 division are trying to do just that. The K3 S.M.A.R.T. Kids Lab was simply an idea in early 2014, and now, children are learning about the world in a S.M.A.R.T. and innovative way that captures the wonder and amazement of discovering something new. Inspired by JA’s Lower and Middle School STEM labs, K3 teachers developed their own unique early childhood development lab that they named the S.M.A.R.T. Kids Lab. The acronym stands for Sensory-motor science, Manipulative-based math, Applied art, Reading readiness, and Technology time. Focusing TRUE BLUE 10
O P!
on each component, the curriculum (written and taught by the K3 teachers) introduces activities, projects, and experiments that introduce students to a wide variety of concepts that are too complex to be taught in a regular curriculum and within the confines of a regular classroom. This S.M.A.R.T. Kids Lab is truly one-of-a-kind and is making a huge impact in the lives of the students it serves. One little scientist exclaimed during Letter P week while waiting to watch popcorn pop in a large air popper, “I just can’t handle it! My body is just shaking in excitement!” That is the goal of the K3 S.M.A.R.T. Kids Lab...to stimulate that kind of excitement for learning in our very youngest JA Raiders. Their first experiences as students at JA will be those that will inspire enthusiasm for learning for years to come.
IN THE CLASSROOM
By Sarah Love Lower School Dean
Fourth Grade FOUNDERS’ DAY Program Launched in Lower School MAY 18, 2015
JA HEADMASTERS Pat Taylor 2007–Present Peter Jernberg 1988–2007 Glenn Cain 1975–1988 Ray Stevens 1966–1975 Loyal Bearss 1959–1966
The Fourth Grade Founders’ Day Program revisits the history of JA from the first organizational meeting of families who wanted to start a school known as Jackson Academy to our present Apple one-to-one program. Fourth grade students present a celebration of JA for their families and friends in the newly created Founders’ Day Program held in May at the end of the school year. As part of the conclusion of their Lower School experience, fourth graders re-tell the story of JA through the eyes of our headmasters. Through pictures, stories, and music, they not only share the history of JA, but they also recall their own special memories and experiences as students in the Lower School. At the conclusion of the program, our fourth graders are welcomed into the Middle School by our Middle School Dean Matt Morgan and then celebrate the completion of their Lower School experience at a reception with family and friends. With great pride, the Lower School sends our students on to their next JA experience knowing that they will continue to be nurtured toward a life of purpose and significance.
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Performing Arts Programs Continue to Grow Performing Arts Department Exciting experiences for students and delightful programs for audiences are happening regularly through JA Performing Arts programs. Each spring, students in seventh through twelfth grades audition for spots for the following school year in the choral music groups Encore, Showtime, and Select Choir. Students also audition throughout the year for musicals and plays. The Wizard of Oz, directed by Katie Shores this past fall, involved students from many age groups. Faculty member Roxie Hood directed Thornton Wilder’s Our Town in the spring, giving students the opportunity to develop dramatic skills. JA offers Finale, a show choir for sixth grade students and a choral music class for fifth grade students. Music, with opportunities to perform in the Performing Arts Auditorium and Black Box Theater, is offered in Lower School and Preschool as well.
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PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAMS CONTINUE TO GROW Select Choir Jackson Academy Select Choir is made up of ninth through twelfth grade performers. Select Choir is in its second year of revival under director Katie Shores. This year, Select Choir presented a Fall Choral Concert and participated in the Christmas Concert and Spring Spectacular with both Showtime and Encore. Select Choir competed at the annual Mississippi Music Performance Assessment at William Carey University, earning all Superiors in both performance and sight reading. The choir finished its season with a Spring Choral Concert presented in April by the entire Choral Music Department.
JA Show Choirs Showtime and Encore, directed by Katie Shores and choreographed by Kevin Chase and Nick Quamme, had a stellar year. Accompanist for the choirs is Nancy Cheney. Showtime comprises seventh through ninth grade performers. The group’s competition show, Marching On, earned first runner up at the Jackson Prep Masters, where Latham Nance was first runner up in the solo competition. At the South Jones Invitational, Latham was the solo competition champion. Showtime went on to earn first runner up at the Purvis Invitational, and the group finished its season with a Grand Championship at the West Jones Invitational, including awards for Best Vocals and Best Choreography. Also at West Jones, Katherine Kelly was solo competition first runner up, and Reese Overstreet was the solo competition champion.
Encore is made up of ninth through twelfth grade performers. Encore had its most successful season to date with its competition show, Tale As Old As Time. Encore earned first runner up in its division and fourth runner up in finals at the Jackson Prep Masters, first runner up at the South Jones Invitational, and first runner up in its division and first runner up in finals at the Purvis Invitational, where Emily Earle was first runner up in the solo competition. At the West Jones Invitational, Encore swept its division, earning Grand Champion, Best Vocals, Best Choreography, and Best Show Design. The group went on to earn first runner up, Best Show, and Best Costumes in finals. Encore finished its season with a first runner up at the Petal Invitational, then went on to FAMENew York, where the group won the Spirit of Fame award, and Dalton Gibson was recognized as the Outstanding Male Performer of the entire FAME-New York competition.
Showtime & Encore Showtime
&
Encore
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JERNBERG SCHOLARS
(From left): Carter Elliott, Allie Perkins, Columbia Holeman, Peter Jernberg, Sahil Patel, and Gracie Coe
Jackson Academy announces first Jernberg Scholarship recipients Jackson Academy has selected five students for the inaugural class of Jernberg Scholars. The JA Board of Trustees established the Jernberg Scholarship, which celebrates and awards academic excellence, in honor of President Emeritus Peter Jernberg, who led JA from 1988 to until retirement in 2014. Students were chosen from among a large group of highly qualified applicants who completed testing, essays, recommendations, and school and financial applications. Finalists completed on-campus interviews. The scholarships will become effective in the 2015-16 school year and will cover full tuition, fees, and other costs to attend JA. Chosen for 2015–16 are Gracie Coe of Brandon, (sixth grade), daughter of Josh and Sarah Coe; Carter Elliott of Brandon (seventh grade), son of Daniel and Katie Elliott; Columbia Holeman of Sand Hill (eighth grade), daughter of Tony and Ashleigh Holeman; Allie Perkins of Brandon (ninth grade), daughter of Lance and Cydney Perkins; and Sahil Patel of Jackson (tenth grade), son of Anil and Jyoti Patel. Gracie, Carter, Columbia, and Sahil are current JA students, and Allie is enrolled at JA for 2015-16. Gracie has participated in volleyball, basketball, and the TRUE BLUE 14
Lower School showchoir, Finale. She enjoys studying literature and reading. Carter has been active in the Middle School showchoir, Showtime. He enjoys playing and listening to music and reading. Columbia participates in tournament softball and track. Her favorite subject is history. Allie has participated in cheerleading and Diamond Girls and loves all subjects, although math is her favorite. Sahil has been at JA since the third grade. He enjoys studying the sciences and is active in the Chess Club. In keeping with the influence Peter Jernberg has had on students and independent education in Mississippi and nationwide, the scholarships are designed to have a life-changing impact on the students receiving them. The students, likewise, will be individuals who will have an impact on their school through their focus on academics, character, and school participation. Qualified students may apply for the Jernberg Scholarship for the 2016–17 school year beginning September 15, 2015. More information is available at jacksonacademy.org/jernbergscholars.
BAND
JA BAND PROGRAM For the 2014-2015 school year, the Jackson Academy Band program provided over 125 students in grades five through twelve opportunities to learn instrumental music, develop maturity and poise through performance, improve leadership skills, contribute to JA spirit, and gain confidence in their own capabilities. These students continue to exemplify the best principles of “All for One” at Jackson Academy: from fifth grade students playing colorful plastic trombones to sixth graders learning percussion fundamentals in the “Trash Can Band” class; from seventh graders developing skills in the intermediate class to the junior and senior high school band members dedicating themselves to learning and perfecting a difficult marching show, developing improvisation skills playing traditional jazz, demonstrating poise and grace in a beautiful winter guard show, and earning praise from the Ole Miss Director of Bands as “one of the best concert bands in the state.” The JA Band drum line, consisting of student musicians from all sections of the band, pumped up JA spirit at pep rallies, football games, and other campus events. During the 2014 marching season, the marching band competed at the Clinton Arrow Invitational and the Pearl Invitational Marching Championship, competing against much larger bands from public and independent schools around the region. They garnered numerous accolades, including all Superior ratings for band, guard, and percussion; Best in Class at both events; and numerous caption awards. At the Bands of America San Antonio Super Regional Championship, the JA Band continued a lasting legacy of excellence with a Class A Championship, including Best General Effect and Best Music Performance. Their preliminary and finals performances at the Alamodome both earned a standing ovation from the crowd. Social media comments from San Antonio and around the country were effusive:
• “The individual musicianship is off the charts for Jackson Academy!” • “I always love watching this little band from Mississippi; they have so much heart, soul, and fun.” • “So much artful jazz musicianship from JA.” • “What an awesome way to open the evening! So amazing what this little band can do!” • “One of the best Class Exhibitions that I’ve ever seen; thank you!”
This year, the concert band participated in the Copiah-Lincoln Concert Prefest at Co-Lin Community College and the MAIS Concert Band Festival, where they received praise from the adjudicators for their musicianship and energy and perfect scores from all judges. The Jazz Band performed at the Features Pageant and other campus events. The Winter Guard had another undefeated season. The group was named Mississippi Indoor Association Class Champions, having earned the highest score of all groups at championships and many events throughout the season. The guard was also named Class Champions at the WGI Regional Championship in Nashville. Sarah Allen Bowman, Caroline Burford, Tyler McClellan, Anna Claire Williams, and Kayla Young auditioned for the 2015 Mississippi All-State Lions Band. Caroline made the band for the third year in a row for color guard, and she earned Honorable Mention honors for dance. Sarah Allen was Honorable Mention for both color guard and dance, and Tyler was Honorable Mention for alto saxophone. Through a nurturing environment where each student is encouraged to reach his or her highest potential, the Jackson Academy Band program will continue to strive to enhance JA spirit and to provide instrumental music education and life skills development for all interested JA students. TRUE BLUE 15
HEIFER VILLAGE TRIP ENLIGHTENS SIXTH GRADERS By Patti Wade Director of Marketing and Communications
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HEIFER VILLAGE TRIP ENLIGHTENS SIXTH GRADERS What do a rooster crowing, bartering, lack of sleep, a mouse, and joy in the midst of hardship have in common? All are part of the Heifer Village experience. In March, sixth graders spent a night in this experiential learning setting designed to increase awareness of how hunger and poverty affect people. Student Priya Ray says she will cherish the memory forever. Heifer Village in Perryville, Ark., reenacts the challenges of living in areas of the world where Heifer International sends aid. “My friends and I learned so many things. We learned about how hard it is to live in poverty and how to survive. We also learned how to live without all our gadgets that we have today,” said Priya. “Heifer teaches us how to live with just a few resources—without cars, phones, a nice kitchen, and other technology. It teaches us to be more thankful...”
“It was very hard to start a fire for our group (Tibet),” she explained. “We ended up having to throw away our half-cooked rice and eat the Urban Slums’ rice. We also had a hard time getting our food and guarding it so people wouldn’t steal it.” ~Priya Ray Seven Matches, Oil, and a Paring Knife Shortly after providing orientation, Heifer Village staff randomly assigns students, faculty, and chaperones to a village in a poverty-stricken area of the world where they “live” for nearly 24 hours. Each village is given limited supplies and instructions for setting up camp, building fires, and making a meal. For example, one group of 14 was given a plastic tub filled with a pot, seven matches, a container of oil, and a paring knife. They then had to barter for wood to build a fire and acquire food by bartering, offering to work for food, or even stealing. Some students are randomly assigned an “injury,” “blindness,” or “pregnancy” to illustrate how those factors can affect daily life in a village. Faculty and chaperones are assigned to be either “elderly” or a “two-year old” so that students can take the lead.
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HEIFER VILLAGE TRIP ENLIGHTENS SIXTH GRADERS Priya said going into the trip, she did not expect it to be as hard as it was, even though teachers had shown a video in advance and had told students about it. She discovered it was actually difficult to acquire food and protect the food from hungry neighbors. Also, she found cooking the food a challenge with limited resources. “It was very hard to start a fire for our group (Tibet),” she explained. “We ended up having to throw away our half-cooked rice and eat the Urban Slums rice. We also had a hard time getting our food and guarding it so people wouldn’t steal it.”
A Spirit of Sharing, Despite Limited Resources Faculty members said the lessons learned were by far worth any discomfort experienced. They witnessed examples of empathy, finding the good in any situation, and realizing that responsibility comes with having resources. “Watching the children deal with various problems was amazing,” said sixth grade teacher Debra Hastings. They discussed solutions until the group
reached a consensus, divided duties, and went about their tasks. I saw them show compassion to others in greater need (for example, giving food to refugees). I listened as they discussed perceived injustices…” Sixth grade teacher Shelle Pinkard found the experience gave rise to creative teamwork and collaboration, and a spirit of sharing, despite limited resources. “After many, many attempts to TRUE BLUE 18
get a fire going to cook the potatoes and carrots, the Zambia family never succeeded. Upon hearing this, the Thailand family walked over to invite us to bring our food and share their fire. Wow! Their fire was awesome!” she said. “After enjoying warm potatoes, carrots, onions, and eggs, the two families worked together to clean all dirty items. There were no plates, so some of the students came up with the idea of cutting apart each of the egg cartons to serve as “makeshift” plates. Their creative juices were flowing!”
‘The Best Experience I Have Ever Had as a Teacher’ Even with its moments of conflict over resources, a rooster crowing, a hungry mouse, and lack of sleep, the trip was a great learning experience. “There is a unique experience that takes place student to student and student to teacher when you get outside of a classroom. It was a time of bonding and being equal because we were all experiencing something for the first time together. It has been the best experience I have ever had as a teacher,” said Lisa Lucas, sixth grade teacher. “My hope is this will be something that stays with them well beyond their sixth grade
year and will inspire them to find ways to make a difference in the world. I challenged them to see they can do something, and it doesn’t have to be huge. Small things can have a big impact.” Priya agrees, and now is more conscious of doing even small things to help. “I never knew it was this hard to live in poverty,” she said. “I have started to try to save energy by switching off lights when I leave any place.”
HEIFER VILLAGE TRIP ENLIGHTENS SIXTH GRADERS In gathering feedback after the trip, faculty member Nic Henderson recalled another student’s response, who said: “I felt like I wanted to go and tell the whole world to go because it was an experience that I will never forget, and it really impacted my life and made me want to help feed people that live like that every day.” Teachers have made a point to reinforce the lessons so they endure, using conversations, discussion questions, projects, and a video. “In my homeroom, we talked about our favorite moments and our least favorite moments,” said Priya. “We also watched a video called Living on One Dollar, which was a great video.” Living on One Dollar describes the journey of four young friends who attempted to live for eight weeks on $1 per day in Guatemala.
Lower School Helps Those Living in Poverty
I
n a separate Heifer International project, students in grades one through four raised money to purchase animals to benefit families around the world. Students raised nearly $4,000 by doing chores for their family and friends, baking cookies to sell, and having lemonade stands. With these funds, the Lower School purchased four heifers, three water buffalo, two llamas, three goats, two trios of rabbits, two flocks of ducks, three gifts of honeybees, a sheep, a pig, a flock of chicks, and trees. Heifer International was established 70 years ago on the “teach a man to fish” philosophy that works to end world hunger and poverty by helping families achieve self-reliance. Through donations, the organization creates a sustainable source of income and nutrition by providing a family a cow, goat, chickens, or other animal.
STUDENTS RAISED NEARLY $4,000!
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FOLLOWING IN HIS FOOTSTEPS By Karen Buck Guest Writer
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FOLLOWING IN HIS FOOTSTEPS The Great Outdoorsman
“I recall telling Ray I only
As Ray Higgins floated down the Chattooga River last summer, he did so with mixed emotions. After 40 years at Jackson Academy, this would be his last “official” year leading the annual rafting adventure. What started as a van full of adventurous middle school students had grown to be the hallmark experience for JA seventh graders. The challenge and thrill of the rapids remained, yet the moment was bittersweet.
had one requirement, and
The Start of a Tradition
that was that I be allowed to go with him.”
~Bruce Sumrall
In the early 1970s, Higgins had recently graduated from Ole Miss. The Memphis native was working as a youth director at a Jackson church when he spotted an opening at JA. Thankfully for JA, he got the job. Taking part in Young Life while in school and summers at a Christian camp had shaped the young history teacher’s outlook on how fun and community could lead to greater understanding of self and spirituality. “As a teacher and coach, I wanted to incorporate that at JA,” Higgins said. “So I just started the trips. I loaded up a van and asked kids, ‘Who wants to go?’” The first summer, he took two trips—one for girls and one for boys. Soon after, fathers started joining in, driving a second or third car. The trips grew from 30 to 60 to the more than 80 students and chaperones typical of today. Upper school students now join the fun as mentors. Higgins organically grew the seeds of an idea into the can’t-miss opportunity of Middle School—one that alums remark on today as seminal to their time at JA. “The kids start a little uncomfortable with it all and then you watch them get comfortable,” said Higgins. “They find they need help to get through things like hiking down a canyon or shooting Class V rapids. It’s fun stuff, but it’s challenging stuff.” As part of every trip, Higgins also shares devotionals and the stories of the Gospel. The older students talk about their faith and spirituality with the younger students. “They’re not perfect at it. I’m not perfect at it,” he said. “But we’re all getting out into God’s creation.” “The third person from JA I met was Ray Higgins,” said teacher Bruce Sumrall, who joined JA in 1977. “In his inimitable style, a combination of gentleness, conviction, and persuasion, he told me of his programs and, because at the time I was the Middle School dean and assistant headmaster, he asked for my permission to continue. I recall telling Ray I only had one requirement, and that was that I be allowed to go with him.”
More Than Adventure “More than experiencing the high adventure of these trips, there is an underlining component that has eternal impact,” said Suzanne Guild ’92, who traveled with Higgins as a middle school student, student chaperone, and again this year as a parent chaperone. Outside of a TRUE BLUE 21
FOLLOWING IN HIS FOOTSTEPS church setting, Ray Higgins expertly demonstrates through the high-energy setting, devotionals, and quiet time that living the Christian life is an adventure!” JA is exploring ways to expand similar opportunities for students and families to step away from the classroom and hubbub of daily life, examine their relationships with each other and with God, and reflect on what it means to live a purpose-driven life. “The kids haven’t changed at all in my time doing this,” Higgins said. “They are still live wires. Other things have changed. The culture has changed. Some of them might be trying to grow up a little earlier. But they’re still kids. They’re still 12 years old. They are looking to be accepted. They fake their way through things. They think they’re invincible. But they’re not.” Higgins’ work has won him legions of fans from Jackson to Nantahala. On last summer’s trip, the Nantahala rafting outfitter presented him with an honorary paddle and a cake. Fathers on the trip—some of them JA alums who had rafted with Higgins as students and have returned as chaperones—contributed a plaque to commemorate his dedication. “Throughout the trip I contemplated just how many lives that Coach Higgins had touched over those many years,” said alum and father Gregory Johnston ’91. “When you spend a week together as a group sitting around a campfire at night, jumping off 200-foot-tall rock ledges into a river, swimming beneath a 100-foot waterfall and breaking bread together over meals, meaningful bonds are created that last long after the trip has ended.” As JA middle school students become upper school students and graduates, they take pieces of Ray Higgins with them. On a recent Outdoors Club trip to Montana and Canada, Bruce Sumrall discussed future plans with nine students—all seasoned Ray Higgins veterans— gathered around the campfire. “They planned to travel that summer to every continent except Antarctica. Because of Ray and his leadership, part of Ray and part of JA would travel with them.” In addition to having more time to spend with his wife Millie (a JA pre-school teacher) as well as frequent trips to Oxford to visit his two children at Ole Miss (while perhaps taking in a game or two), Higgins will continue to share his wisdom and expertise as a consultant to JA. Families can expect to see him on future trips—just not every one. “I’m really more of a kayak-on-a-lake kind of guy, but I will always go to the Chattooga River. It’s by far my favorite. I just won’t have 80 people with me.”
“Outside of a church setting, Ray Higgins expertly demonstrates through the high-energy setting, devotionals, and quiet time that living the Christian life is an adventure!”
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~Suzanne Guild
FOLLOWING IN HIS FOOTSTEPS “When you spend a week together as a group sitting around a campfire at night, jumping off 200-foot-tall
Here’s What to Expect
rock ledges into a river,
Planning on joining a future rafting trip as a chaperone? First off, some important advice from Ray: “When you take thousands of kids over 40 years, there’s ample opportunity for things to go wrong. I’ve learned to be flexible. But before every rapid I still have butterflies. So I go back to one of my favorite verses: ‘If God is for you, who can be against you?’”
swimming beneath a 100foot waterfall, and breaking bread together over meals, meaningful bonds are created that last long after the trip has ended.”
~Gregory Johnston
Day 1: H ead out from Jackson. “Coach Higgins employs handwritten maps that can be delightfully imprecise to the untrained eye,” said Gregory Johnston ’91. “Many of the rural destinations on the trips have no cell phone coverage.” Once you make it, spend an afternoon of hiking and swimming in Alabama’s Cathedral Canyon, followed by a steak cookout at camp. Day 2: Raft the Ocoee River in Tennessee. Just a little bit scared? Ray reminds us: “You can sit at home or trust in God.” Make camp in North Carolina for the night. Day 3: H ike and visit North Carolina waterfalls that include the highest drop east of the Mississippi River. Keep an eye out for unforeseen hazards at White Water Falls. “About five years ago, we bee bopped down there and behold there were 15 naked hippies on the rocks,” said Ray. “I had to go talk to them and ask them to put some clothes on so we could slide. They did. We slid, and then left. They went right back to it.” Day 4: Fill up on Chick-n-Minis at Chick-fil-A before tackling the challenging, yet beautiful, Class V rapids of the Chattooga River. You’re an outdoors pro by now. Then drive to Atlanta in the evening for dinner out and a relatively luxurious stay at a hotel. Day 5: H ead back to Jackson, bursting with new friendships, stories to last a lifetime, and true life-changing experiences.
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FOLLOWING IN HIS FOOTSTEPS Building on Coach Higgins’ Legacy It’s clear that Ray Higgins is a veritable force of nature, not easily duplicated. Thankfully, Higgins has agreed to work as a consultant to help guide the JA team in maintaining and enhancing what’s available to students. “There’s only one Ray Higgins,” said teacher and coach Nic Henderson. “He just thought our kids could benefit from these things so he did them. Then he had another idea. And another. Now we’re trying to turn it into a program.” As part of the program, JA seeks to incorporate outdoors experiences with other character-building opportunities and offer signature events for grades first through twelfth. Henderson will step away from coaching and classroom duties and will take the lead, with support from other faculty and staff, in shaping this leadership program that will be a key role in our strategic plan.
www
On the JA website, you can read personal reflections from faculty, parents, and alums about the importance of these JA experiences, including:
• Bruce Sumrall on why he might be Ka-Raaaay-Zee about the outdoors jacksonacademy.org/ka-raaaay-zee
• Deanna Funderburg on Chicks to the Chattooga jacksonacademy.org/chickschattooga
Together, the trips and events will continue to nurture student growth and spirituality. Planned opportunities include: • Visits to the Down Range ropes course in Clinton Learn more at: jacksonacademy.org/cjstewart •L unch to Lead workshops and talks Learn more at: jacksonacademy.org/sisterdorothea jacksonacademy.org/quietleadership •C anoe trips on the Mississippi and Okatoma rivers Learn more at: jacksonacademy.org/msrivertrip
“Coach Higgins’ rafting trips are legendary.
•H iking in the Blue Ridge Mountains
I meet alumni from Jackson Academy all
•A visit to the Heifer International Village in Arkansas (see JA magazine pages 16-19)
•C apstone service projects
JA also will continue the popular “Chicks to the Chattooga” rafting trip that took its inaugural run last summer, pairing mothers and JA counselors on a mini version of the student trip. TRUE BLUE 24
the time, and they always ask me if he still takes people on the same rafting trips. Coach Higgins left JA better than he found it.” ~Steven Irby, Class of 2015
TECHNOLOGY AT JA
Empowering Students With Tools for Learning By Eddie Wettach Dean of Technology
1
st
Mississippi’s First Apple Distinguished School
Three years ago Jackson Academy’s Apple one-to-one program was just a vision on the cusp of becoming a reality. At this time, technology was primarily for teacher use in the classroom, but the vision of empowering all students with access to these tools was just a summer break away. No one could have predicted what an integral part of the classroom this technology would become in such short time. A look back over the past three years yields a multitude of innovative ideas and creations by JA students. Students have used the tools at their disposal to express their learning in new and creative ways. They have created movies, compelling presentations, and collaborative work. A recent introduction of drones and 3D printers continues to demonstrate the progressive and innovative learning that takes place at JA. As Mississippi’s first Apple Distinguished School, JA will continue to foster students’ curiosity about learning. The Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence, and demonstrate a clear vision of exemplary learning environments. Ultimately, all these tools are about teaching and learning. They aren’t replacing pencil and paper, but are certainly becoming equally important and necessary in the classroom. We reflect on the successes of the program over the last few years, but eagerly look toward the future. This summer JA replaced some 1400 devices on campus. We can’t wait to see what our students do with these new devices over the next three years.
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JA SCHOLARS 2014–15 National Merit Scholarship Corporation Recognizes JA Students
(From left, back) Matt Whitfield, Will Tribble, Grady Fisher, William Bell; (front) Mary Brooks Thigpen, and Elizabeth Burford Grady Fisher and Mary Brooks Thigpen were National Merit Semifinalists and Matt Whitfield, Will Tribble, William Bell, and Elizabeth Burford were National Merit Commended.
Cum Laude Society 2014–15
(From left, back) Thad Scott, Will Varner, William Bell, Matt Whitfield, Will Tribble, Jake Manning, Grady Fisher, Tyler McClellan, Dalton Gibson, Davis Rippee; (front) Hannah Jane LeDuff, Mary Brooks Thigpen, Maggie Hubbard, Elizabeth Burford, Georgia Gibson, Robyn Hadden, Hannah McCowan, and Maris Hardee
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JA SCHOLARS 2014–15 National Honor Society
The Jackson Academy chapter of the National Honor Society
Alexis Ridgeway, Glennis McWiliams; (front) Sydney Hays, Hannah
recently inducted these new members (from left, back) Caroline
Wootten, Abbey Lindsay, Madison Carroll, Sarah French, Abigail
Nall, Hannah McCowan, Jack Virden, Dalton Gibson, Tyler McClellan,
Tyner, Kendall Cockayne, Hayley Murphy, Clarke Wilkirson, Georgia
Ford Williams, Kyle Kantor, Reid Fracchia, Ford Gordon, Davis Rippee,
Gibson, and Robyn Hadden.
Ben McDowell, Parker Kennedy, Matthew Faulkner, Martha Rose Wright, Caroline Duncan, Mary Morgan Pryor; (middle): Allie Brown, Amanda Ray, Annalee Purdie, Avenell Newman, Rebecca Nosef, Rose Maxwell, Mary Ousley Owen, Sam Rhodes, Avery Smith,
National Junior Honor Society
The Jackson Academy chapter of the Junior National Honor Society
Brent Cartwright, McKinna Powell, Ashley Manning, Lexi Lomax,
recently inducted these new members (from left, back) Heather
Mary Parker Williams, Ashton Berry, Anne Marie Lundy, Skylar
Molden, Elizabeth McCubbins, Sophie Creath, Kennedy Neal,
Alexander, Erin Hederman, Camille Couey; (front) Burkette Moulder,
Columbia Holeman, Mary Beth Dyess, Lucy Clement, Samantha
Sean Lackey, Eeshaan Bajaj, Jeffrey Richburg, Elliott Butler, Preston
Brown, Francie LeDuff, Megan Lacey, Reese Overstreet, Ashlyn
McWilliams, Brandon Miller, Will Spence, Charlie Gautier, Owen
Adair, Sarah Fisher, Avery Hederman, Gabrielle Morris, Camille
Fracchia, and Webb Strickland.
Felder; (middle): Ramey Hogue, Kit McCormack, Emory Rhodes, Mary Lindley Tharp, Charlotte Palmer, Addison Avdoyan, Ellie
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RAIDERS IN ACTION JA Adds Community Service to PSAT Day This year, sophomores and freshmen participated in community service projects after taking the PSAT. The tenth grade class provided clean up at CJ Stewart Ranch in Clinton. Ninth grade served at The Little Light House, The Good Samaritan Center, or Hope Hollow.
Middle School Students Pack Shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child Students in grades five through eight took part in a project led by the sixth grade class and the Interact Club to benefit Operation Christmas Child. The purpose of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children around the world. Local ministries distribute the shoeboxes to children in their communities.
Handmade Cards Brighten Veterans Day Interact Club leaders organized a campaign in the Middle School to create cheerful cards for the veterans at the VA Hospital. The students made over 200 handmade cards. Enough cards were made to place a card in the chair of each veteran before the Veterans Day program.
Students Gather 3,000 Books for Brown Elementary A group of sixth graders coordinated a book drive to benefit students in the Accelerated Reading program at Brown Elementary in Jackson. Megan Gautier, Natalie Thompson, Emily Thompson, Anna Claire Seago, and Mary Grace Downs, with support from Librarian Suzie Adcock, organized the collection of books. JA students in grades one through six sent 3,000 books to the elementary school.
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RAIDERS IN ACTION Student Leaders Honor Law Enforcement
The Upper School and Upper School Student Council hosted a Law Enforcement Appreciation Lunch in April in the JA Amphitheater. Upper School students, faculty, and staff enjoyed a barbeque lunch with members of the Jackson Police Department and the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department. Students, faculty, and staff spent time getting to know members of the law enforcement community and thanking them for their work for the city, county, and our school. The students enjoyed exploring equipment, including a S.W.A.T. vehicle, and learning from the officers.
Student Body President Wesley Rule led a brief ceremony that included remarks by Sheriff Tyrone Lewis and Police Chief Lee Vance. Senior Class President Eliza Lundy presented a plaque to School Resource Officer Steve Lofton for his service to JA. Rocky Wilkins with Rocky Wilkins Law Firm, PLLC, and Fowler Buick GMC were co-sponsors of the student-led event.
Students Organize Black History Program A group of students and adult volunteers organized a program in recognition of Black History Month. “One Love: Diversity in America” was held in the PAC at Upper and Middle school assembly. Dr. Robert E. Luckett Jr., a faculty member from Jackson State University, delivered the address that covered issues of slavery, race relations, and the civil rights movement. Dr. Luckett received his doctorate from the University of Georgia with a focus on the civil rights movement history. Students and adults with roles in the program included Jace Stanley, prayer; Purav Maisuria, pledge; Ambie McCoy, national
anthem; Haley Murphy, black national anthem; Austin Tucker and Eliza Lundy, welcome; Gabby Bradford and Max Milam, speaker introduction; instructor William Goss, entertainment; and Luke Ross and KC Lucious, benediction. Committee members were Taylor Tucker, chairman, Jheri Thomas, co-chairman, Kristian Brent, Symone Davis, Matthew Jenkins, Madison Stanton, Heather Molden, Will April, Jeremy Thomas, Greg Stewart, Quon Sterling-Anderson, Chrisshawn Turner, Lauran Sheriff, Chelsea Francois, Matthew Campbell, Bryant Miller, Jamie Banks, and Kennedy Neal. TRUE BLUE 29
ATHLETICS Lady Raiders Coach Achieves 800 Wins
Athletes sign
JAN SOJOURNER
A January 29 victory against Hillcrest Academy put her in the news as one of the coaches in Mississippi girls basketball history with the most games won, but Lady Raider Head Coach Jan Sojourner measured the moment another way.
Tori Roberts of Ridgeland signed a National Letter of Intent with Arkansas State at November 16. Tori was joined by her parents Stan and Colleen Roberts and coaches T.J. Middleton and Courtenay Middleton.
“I really don’t see it as my accomplishment,” Coach Sojourner told The Clarion-Ledger. “I see it as being a part of the family of Jackson Academy and Canton Academy, for all the girls that played for me and the coaches that coached with me and the administration. It’s part of theirs.” JA Athletic Director David Sykes also counted the occasion as one that illustrated Coach Sojourner’s influence on young women who have experienced her program. “The success that she has had on the basketball court over the past 35 years is unbelievable. More importantly, her influence on the lives of all of the young ladies that have come through her program is second to none. We are so proud that she is such a vital part of our JA family,” he said. Coach Sojourner became the 24th coach in girls basketball history—and the sixth from Mississippi— to reach 800 wins. She joins joins Doyle Wolverton, Durwin Carpenter, Robert Hooker, George Willis, and Lucy Seaberry as the coaches with the most wins in Mississippi girls basketball history.
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Josh Kastner of Madison signed to play baseball at Belhaven University. He was joined at the signing by (from left, back) Coach Jay Powell, Athletic Director David Sykes, and (front) his parents Joe and Barbara Kastner.
ATHLETICS
with universities, colleges
Turner Yates of Ridgeland signed to play tennis with the University of Missouri Tigers. She was joined at her signing by her parents, Gene and Kendall Yates, and her coach, Julio Godreau.
Curt Knight of Jackson signed to run cross country at the University of Alabama. He was joined by coaches (from left, back) Caleb Canterbury, Jason Williams, Hunter Murray, Ray Higgins and (front) his parents, Terrell and Donna Knight, at the signing ceremony.
Three members of the football team committed to collegiate teams: Nic Conley, son of Greg and Tami Conley, of Jackson with Mississippi Delta Community College; Luke Ross, son of David and Gene Ross,
of Madison with The University of Central Arkansas; and KC Lucious, son of Willie Mae Cook, of Jackson with Pearl River Community College.
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CLASS OF 2015
Matthew Aiken
Samuel Anderson
William Bell
Drake Beneke
Hayden Berry
Hunter Berry
Lee Blair
Sarah Allen Bowman
Blake Brennan
Kristian Brent
James Brister
Caroline Burford
Elizabeth Burford
Gordon Campbell
Matthew Campbell
Beatty Carpenter
Wade Chesney
John Parker Clark
Kristen Clower
Nic Conley
Wes Crockett
Zach DePriest
Caroline Duncan
Annie Edgecombe
Grady Fisher
Daniel Fletcher
Gavin Funderburg
Reed Galloway
Will Green
Davis Guild
Maris Hardee
Anderson Helton
Dex Hewes
Josh Hinkle
Danielle Hodges
Haley Hodges
Maggie Hubbard
Brandon Hutchins
Steven Irby
Matthew Jenkins
Elizabeth Jones
Josh Kastner
Allie King
John Sharp Kirk
Curt Knight
Hannah Jane LeDuff
KC Lucious
Eliza Lundy
Purav Maisuria
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CLASS OF 2015
Andrew Mangum
Jake Manning
Gabby May
Kent McNamara
Tristan Morris
Mary Kathryn O’Connor
Harrison Partridge
Harvest Pelletier
Wyatt Powell
Mary Morgan Pryor
Suzie Raines
Tori Roberts
Luke Ross
Wesley Rule
Thad Scott
Chandler Sessums
Bailey Speed
Jace Stanley
Ray Edward Stevens
Gregory Stewart
Bryan Sumner
Mary Brooks Thigpen
Jheri Thomas
Will Tribble
Austin Tucker
Chrisshawn Turner
Will Varner
Ann Elizabeth Walker
Price Waltman
Reid Watson
Matt Whitfield
Evans Wilkerson
Lauren Williams
Bailey Wood
Stephen Wray
Martha Rose Wright
Turner Yates
Not pictured: Samara Dallaire
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COLLEGE CHOICES Valedictorian: Will Tribble
Salutatorian: Maris Hardee
Matthew Aiken
Annie Edgecombe
Eliza Lundy
Will Tribble
University of Southern Mississippi
University of Alabama
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Samuel Anderson
Grady Fisher
Purav Maisuria
Austin Tucker
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
William Bell
Daniel Fletcher
Andrew Mangum
Chrisshawn Turner
University of Alabama
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Drake Beneke
Gavin Funderburg
Jake Manning
Will Varner
University of Mississippi
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University
University of Mississippi
Hayden Berry
Reed Galloway
Gabby May
Ann Elizabeth Walker
University of Memphis
University of Mississippi
Mississippi State University
University of Mississippi
Hunter Berry
Will Green
Kent McNamara
Price Waltman
University of Mississippi
Montana State University
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Lee Blair
Davis Guild
Mary Kathryn O’Connor
Reid Watson
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Holmes Community College
University of Mississippi
Sarah Allen Bowman
Maris Hardee
Harrison Partridge
Matt Whitfield
Mississippi State University
University of Alabama
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Blake Brennan
Anderson Helton
Harvest Pelletier
Evans Wilkerson
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Mississippi State University
Kristian Brent
Dex Hewes
Wyatt Powell
Lauren Williams
University of Mississippi
Millsaps College
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University
James Brister
Josh Hinkle
Mary Morgan Pryor
Bailey Wood
University of Arkansas
University of Mississippi
Samford University
University of Mississippi
Caroline Burford
Danielle Hodges
Suzie Raines
Stephen Wray
University of Mississippi
Mississippi State University
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Elizabeth Burford
Haley Hodges
Tori Roberts
Martha Rose Wright
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University
Arkansas State University
Mississippi State University
Gordon Campbell
Maggie Hubbard
Luke Ross
Turner Yates
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University of Central Arkansas
University of Missouri
Matthew Campbell
Brandon Hutchins
Wesley Rule
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Beatty Carpenter
Steven Irby
Thad Scott
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Wade Chesney
Matthew Jenkins
Chandler Sessums
South Georgia Technical College
Hinds Community College
Mississippi State University
John Parker Clark
Elizabeth Jones
Bailey Speed
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Kristen Clower
Josh Kastner
Jace Stanley
University of Mississippi
Belhaven University
Mississippi State University
Nic Conley
Allie King
Ray Edward Stevens
Mississippi Delta
The World Race Mission Program
University of Mississippi
Community College
John Sharp Kirk
Gregory Stewart
Wes Crockett
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Curt Knight
Bryan Sumner
Samara Dallaire
University of Alabama
University of Mississippi
Belhaven University
Hannah Jane LeDuff
Mary Brooks Thigpen
Zach DePriest
University of Southern Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Mississippi State University
KC Lucious
Jheri Thomas
Caroline Duncan
Pearl River Community College
Mississippi College
Tulane University
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2015–16 ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS Jackson Academy is blessed with families and friends who have established scholarships in honor or memory of a friend or loved one that assist JA families in the form of tuition credit. Each of the scholarships is endowed and is awarded at the
appropriate class day each spring to students who meet the specified criteria established by the donating family. Jackson Academy is grateful to these families who desire to recognize excellence in achievement.
Jernberg Scholarship In 2014, the JA Board of Trustees established the Jernberg Scholarship, which celebrates and awards academic excellence, in honor of President Emeritus Peter Jernberg, who led JA from 1988 until retirement in 2014. The first recipents of the Jernberg Scholarship, listed below, were highly qualified applicants who completed testing, essays, recommendations, and school and financial applications.
James Peter Jernberg, Jr. President Emeritus
Carter Elliott
Columbia Holeman
Sahil Patel
Son of Daniel and Katie Elliott
Daughter of Tony and Ashleigh Holeman
Son of Anil and Jyoti Patel
Gracie Coe
Allie Perkins
Daughter of Josh and Sarah Coe
Daughter of Lance and Cydney Perkins
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2015–16 ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS Higgins Family Scholarship The Higgins Family Scholarship was established in 2013 by Ray, Millie, Wade, and Carter Higgins. The annual beneficiary of this scholarship is a student who has demonstrated strong, moral character in his or her daily life. The recipient
exhibits a spirit of hard work in studies, sports, or activities. They often look to the needs of others and do their share to make their school and community better. The recipient of the Higgins Family Scholarship is Jonathan Lucas.
Jonathan Lucas Son of Geno and Lisa Lucas
Scott Branning Scholarship The scholarship was established in Coach Branning’s memory by his friends, the Branning family, and Jackson Academy. Love for JA, personal integrity, respect for and sensitivity to others, and tenacity in dealing with the circumstances of life—all qualities that Coach
Branning exemplified in his daily life through his walk with Christ—are the criteria for this truly special scholarship. This scholarship honors a rising sophomore, junior, or senior and is awarded each spring at Upper School Awards Day.
Grace Gebhart Daughter of Leland and Marty Gebhart
The Herschel Brickell Family Endowed Scholarship Established in 1997 by the family of Mr. Brickell, the scholarship is presented to a rising tenth grade student who possesses the personal qualities exemplified or admired by Herschel
Avery Anderson Daughter of Mike and Stacy Anderson
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Brickell including good character, integrity, self discipline, individual initiative, independence, a quest for knowledge, and a desire to achieve.
2015–16 ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS Jane Gibbons Memorial Scholarship The recipient of the Jane Gibbons Memorial Scholarship is a rising seventh grader who exhibits the following characteristics: loyalty to Jackson Academy, having been a JA student since fourth grade,
shows promise of a musical ability, and demonstrates a Christian spirit of encouragement and kindness as exemplified by the late Jane Gibbons, a former teacher in the JA Middle School.
Kate White Daughter of Les and Sarah White
Julie Dyer Collins Leadership Award The scholarship was established in 2007 by JA alumna Julie Dyer Collins ’86. The criteria states that the student be a rising senior, have a cumulative
GPA of at least a 2.5, be an active participant in at least one sport, and be of strong moral character and a class leader as determined by JA.
Hannah Wootton Daughter of Mark and Amanda Wootton
Andrew Yoste Defore Annual Scholarship The scholarship was established in 2005 by Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Defore, Sr. in memory of their grandson, Andrew Yoste Defore, a 2002 JA graduate. This scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding student who
demonstrates the desire to unselfishly serve others, is dedicated to high achievement in academics and other activities, and is committed to a Godly and healthy lifestyle.
Dolph Maxwell Son of Joe and Rosanne Maxwell
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2015–16 ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS Mary Sprayberry Memorial Art Scholarship The Mary Sprayberry Memorial Art Scholarship was established in 2007 by the Jackson Academy elementary faculty in memory of elementary art teacher Mary Sprayberry. The recipient of the scholarship is a rising senior who exhibits the following
characteristics: loyalty to Jackson Academy, having been a JA student since seventh grade, a Christian spirit of encouragement and kindness as exemplified by Mary Sprayberry, and possessing creative and artistic talent.
Kathleen Giddens Daughter of Bert and Cindy Giddens
The 20th Century Endowed Scholarship The scholarship is awarded each year to a student who possesses leadership skills, is well-rounded
in his or her academic and extracurricular pursuits, and who comes from a Christian home.
Hayley Murphy Daughter of Henry and Aleva Murphy
Hallie Houston Keyes Memorial Scholarship This scholarship was established by the family of Hallie Houston Keyes. The boy or girl will be a rising senior who has made the best response to his or her environment and who has been the most helpful to their fellow
Steven Winford Son of Greg and Randy Winford
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students. Three students who meet the criteria are chosen by a faculty committee and then the Upper School student body votes for one recipient.
2015–16 ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS The Leigh Anne Ward Memorial Scholarship
Nicholas Brown
Lillie Grace Thigpen
Son of Angelia Brown
Daughter of Jeff and Sabrina Thigpen
The scholarship recipient is a rising eighth grade boy or girl with a grade point average in the upper half of the seventh grade class. The recipient exhibits the following characteristics: demonstrates a love for
children and a servant heart, demonstrates Christian love and caring for others, and has strong moral character.
Harmon and Faye Bowman Memorial Scholarship
Lizzie Bowman
Phillip Talley
Daughter of David and Kate Bowman
Son of Andy and Allison Talley
The scholarship was established by JA alumni Phillip Bowman ’86 and Amy Bowman ’89 in memory of their parents, Harmon and Faye Bowman. Amy and Phillip established the scholarship for Jackson
Academy students with preference given to a senior high boy or girl who has demonstrated the personal characteristics that indicate the promise of success in personal endeavors.
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JA CELEBRATES GIVING 2014–15
Gifts To The JA Annual Fund The Jackson Academy Annual Fund is “The One Fund” for annual giving and is the most important fundraising priority at Jackson Academy. The Annual Fund is the one we ask all parents and friends to give to and helps complete the Jackson Academy experience. From physical plant renovations to academic enhancements, this annual campaign impacts every area of campus. We are truly appreciative for our trustees, faculty, alumni, parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, and many friends for making a great JA education
even better. We also wish to thank our JA faculty and administration for 100 percent participation this year. Their unselfish giving is a testimony to the importance of the Annual Fund. The donors listed showed their support of the school with more than $340,000 committed. Total gifts to the school for the 2014–15 school year exceeded $500,000. Gifts listed were received between June 1, 2014, and May 31, 2015.
Honorariums Cassie Alston Sarah Ryburn Mealer Mr. and Mrs. Keith Branning Dr. and Mrs. Mike McMullan and Family Katie Chustz Sarah Ryburn Mealer Sarah Clark Sarah Ryburn Mealer
Mr. Ray Higgins (Higgins Family Scholarship Fund) The Chattooga Chicks: Stacy Anderson Heidi Berry Becky Clarke Deanna Funderburg Beth Hipps Kathy Morgan Candace Powell Audrey Wilkirson
Sophia Cox Sarah Ryburn Mealer
Mr. Peter Jernberg (Jernberg Scholarship Fund) Robert and Amy Hederman
Lynn Green Sarah Ryburn Mealer
Mr. Peter Jernberg Mrs. Virginia England
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hederman (Jernberg Scholarship Fund) Robert and Amy Hederman
Pat and Peter Jernberg Ned and Barb Currie John and Pam Turner
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Anne Keenan Sarah Ryburn Mealer Castlen King Sarah Ryburn Mealer Mrs. Judy McKeigney Wesley Rule Beth Murray–Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Frank Benner Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Guinn Mr. Floyd Sulser Amy Ward Sarah Ryburn Mealer
JA CELEBRATES GIVING 2014–15 Gifts-In-Kind Mr. and Mrs. Brad Antici 25 new hardback and 15 paperback books to Lower School Library
Mr. Greg McDade McDade’s Grocery Grocery cart for Lower School Library
Mr. and Mrs. Johnathan Rogers Books for Lower School Library
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Kantor 27 hardback books to Lower School Library
Mr. David McKinnon ‘01 Books for Upper School Library
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Spence 40 hardback and 81 paperback books to Lower School Library
Alumni Giving So many Jackson Academy alumni have faithfully shown a deep commitment and affection for their school. In giving of their time and talents through volunteering across campus, our alumni share a great history of giving back. This same commitment is also showing in their financial support. We are indeed grateful for all our alumni who want to help ensure today’s students have the same great JA experience.
For the fourth year, JA alumni class representatives have joined together each fall in the gallery of the Performing Arts Center for two nights of phonathons. They enjoy reconnecting with friends and encourage their classmates to participate with a gift to the JA Annual Fund. We are so appreciative of the positive response from our alumni in giving back to their school. The alumni listed made a gift to the JA Annual Fund between June 1, 2014, and May 31, 2015.
Class of 1982 Joel Brown Kathy Cockayne Sheffield* Johnny Simpson Chuck Smith
Class of 1986 Phillip Bowman Lynne Welsh Brennan Corbin Davis Brad Smith*
Class of 1983 Bronwyn Caves Burford Mary Kay Hollis Catchings Ronnie Cockayne Josh Dehmer Kim Jones Gonzalez Reed Hubbard Ashley Odom Lane Melanie Howell Leonard John Murray Rob Porch Margaret Doty Scott* Cobb Ware
Class of 1987 Tripp Arnold Dr. Bard Johnston Will Van Skiver* Ashley Edmonson Willson
Class of 1984 Wendell Catchings John Dinkins Sharon Ratliff Simpson Drew Weissinger Tricia Hollis Weissinger
Class of 1988 Melissa McGriff Johnston NeNe Cockayne Rhodes Scott Rhodes Kristy Lee Sanders Class of 1989 Doug Archer Stacy Bozarth Bates Frank Buchanan Claire Jacobs Bush Leigh Barnett Butler* Deborah Potter Copeland Kerri Quayle Hawkins
Rusty Hawkins Winston Jenkins Lesley Smith Jones Cynthia Burney Mahaffey Michelle Barlow Mims Frances Ridgway Ray Owen Edmondson Stratton Meredith Montgomery Travelstead Class of 1990 Jason Bullock Robert Hederman* Jay Norris Scott Pedigo Lee Seago Katie Lambert Stringer Class of 1991 Dr. Edward Copeland Kristen Edwards Greg Johnston Beth Keenan Lalwani Suzanne Kinard Murray Trey Sebrell*
TRUE BLUE 41
JA CELEBRATES GIVING 2014–15 Class of 1992 Niles Buchanan Jamie Chustz Stephen Clay Dodds Dehmer Andrew Flatgard Suzanne Greer Guild Dr. Cameron Guild Michael Johnson Brian Ramsey* John Scarbrough Class of 1993 Greg Atwood Dustin Baker Cable Frost Shane Hixon Jennifer Spring Johnston Chris Mathison* Sarah Ryburn Stainton Mealer Jeanne Moak Scarbrough Ben Skipper Locke Ward Class of 1994 Tommy Barnette* Lindsay Hines Dehmer McKie Edmonson Candace Croswell Frost David Hendrick Dr. Reid Lester Dr. Calvin Thigpen Jason Voyles Ginger Van Skiver Wallace Class of 1995 John Clay Ashford Matt James Dr. Bo McCollum Christie Evans Ogden* Class of 1996 Matt Allen Valerie Duckworth Allison Glenn Breazeale Dr. Philip Chustz Mysti Futral Chustz Charles Copeland* Joey DuMontier Dr. Tiffany Green Jill Tinnin Grogan TRUE BLUE 42
Angie Stubblefield Haraway Jeffrey Lohmeier Jennifer Decker Shipp Wes Slay Class of 1997 Cerissa Pitts Ashford Wendy Upchurch Farmer Fran Russell Havard Cable Hawkins Michael Herlihy Breck Hines Mary Arnold Kelly Barton Lampton Mark Markow* Alice Matusiewicz McCollum Allison Cook New Laurie Perry Parker Dallas Quinn Neil Raggio Lewis Ridgway Walter Weems Harrison Young Class of 1998 Henry Barber Mandy Crawford Barber Maury Breazeale* Jonathan Daniel Cole Eaton Dr. Jeff Gamblin Denton Hartlein Lee Hederman Lyn Edwards Hines Foster Kennedy Jodie Low Lockhart Kindal Jeanes Lutken Elizabeth Moes Markle Mike Monsour Jess New Mitch Peters Logan B. Phillips III Rebecca Gough Ueltschey Michael Ueltschey Class of 1999 Bo Allen Dr. Austin Barrett David Blanks Dr. Seth Christian Justin Courson
Kristen Cress Bobby Croswell Kelly McLennan Guyton Jacob Haralson* Mark Hosemann Jim Jacobs Chesley James Jenny Ruth Green Kennedy John Lauderdale Bryan Madden Majure Markow Drew Maxwell Russ McNees Lee Owen Elizabeth Calhoon Quinn Samantha Starks Staci Henson Tyler Erskine Wells Class of 2000 Sarah Clark Laura Hirn Hartlein Hillary Taylor James Jonathan McCullough Dr. Seth Mosal Jason Spell Cliff Stewart Keith Studdard Meredith Mitcham Young Class of 2001 Brian Barnett Shannon York Blanks Anna Smith Haralson David McKinnon* Ann Elizabeth Fowler Purcell Joseph Shayeb Allen Taheri Will Walker Class of 2002 David Adcock A.J. Baker Nikki Travis Bonham Ben Carlton Jacob Christian Jonathan Kemp Lainey Newton Kemp Ramsey Cruise Long Brock Maples Joseph McCaskill*
JA CELEBRATES GIVING 2014–15 J.T. Nicholas Alisha Sartin Michael Wakefield Liz Studdard White Dr. Kelly Jeanes Wilkinson Class of 2003 Ann Boswell Johnson Carlson Dr. Jacob Graham Will Mosby* Lindsey Phyfer Roberson Anna Fiser Stephens Eddie Wettach Class of 2004 Bo Allen Daniel Benefield
Wright Busching Matthew Coker Jay Fowler Aaron Graham Shannon West Morgan Wiggers*
Class of 2006 John Bussey Dr. Caleb Graham
Class of 2005 David Barrett* Jordan Cantrell Marion Keyes Gowdey Tyler Lake Patrick McDavid Martin Miller Brian Monaghan Genny Frascogna Phillips William Russell
Class of 2008 Catherine Gibson Hannah McWilliams Lewis
Class of 2007 Hunter Murray
Class of 2009 Sandra England *Denotes class agents
Gifts of JA Membership In honor of their 2015 graduating senior, the following parents donated their Jackson Academy membership to the school. Each of the families received
a rosewood desk clock with their family name and names of their JA graduates engraved on a silver nameplate. We wish to thank the following families:
The Clark Family
The Edgecombe Family
The Varner Family
Trey Clark ‘02 John Parker Clark ‘15
Will Edgecombe ‘09 Craig Edgecombe ‘12 Annie Edgecombe ‘15
Ashley Varner ‘13 Will Varner ‘15
The Sarah, David, and Joy Howie Teacher Appreciation Award
(From back, left) Bruce Carter, Will Tribble (valedictorian), Bruce Sumrall, Sarah Ryburn Mealer; (front) Dianna Howie, Homer Lee Howie, and David Howie ‘98 The Sarah, David, and Joy Howie Teacher Appreciation Award was established in 2001 to honor Jackson Academy’s outstanding faculty and annual valedictorian. A monetary award is given to
the valedictorian, who is then asked to select three teachers who made an impact on his or her life while at Jackson Academy. The teachers are given a monetary stipend as well. TRUE BLUE 43
JA CELEBRATES GIVING 2014–15 JA Annual Fund Donors Founder’s Circle $10,000.00 + Roger and Donna Bozarth Melanie and Theodore Costas Ergon Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Jason R. Voyles Mr. and Mrs. George R. Walker III
Honor Circle $5,000.00 + Mr. Kelly Allgood The Wesley A. Caldwell Foundation Bobby and Sharon Graham Mr. and Mrs. William R. James Dawn Kempthorne Drs. Timothy and Nancye McCowan Chris and Emily McNeil Morningside Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Don Noblitt Allison and Timothy Usey Mr. and Mrs. Robert Watson Mr. and Mrs. Mark B. Willson
President’s Circle $2,500.00 + Rick and Ann Calhoon Mr. and Mrs. Don Clark Cameron and Jenna Diket Mr. Jimmy Gathings Kathy and Nelson Gibson The Honorable and Mrs. Alexander H. Good Mark and Susan Hardee Mrs. Barbara Hart Mr. and Mrs. Homer Lee Howie Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Cliff and Heather Kling John and Hayley Lundy Mr. Randy and Dr. Lisa Gibson-McKee Mr. Jim Payne Mr. and Mrs. Kent Ritchey Drs. Tim and Grace Shumaker Karlen and Ben Turbeville
Headmaster’s Circle $1,000.00 + Anonymous (2) Mr. and Mrs. George M. Ardelean TRUE BLUE 44
Matthew and Tyler Armstrong Mr. and Mrs. Les Aultman Mr. and Mrs. Austin F. Barbour Sr. Jeff and Julie Barnett Dr. and Mrs. Gene Barrett Drs. James and Patrise Bennett Omni Diversified Services C.B. and Michele Berry Mr. and Mrs. Bob Bertolet Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Bertolet Phillip and Audra Bowman Dr. and Mrs. Andy Brien Dr. and Mrs. Bill M. Brister George and Leigh Barnett Butler Dr. and Mrs. George E. Copeland III Drs. Jason and Barbara Craft Mr. and Mrs. Nelson H. Creath Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Dodds M. Dehmer Mr. and Mrs. David E. Dyess McKie and Jennifer Edmonson Mr. and Mrs. Larry W. Edwards Fowler Buick GMC Mr. and Mrs. Bill Grogan Mr. Robert and Dr. Price Halford Robert and Amy Hederman Mr. and Mrs. Matt Herfurth Rafe and Jennifer Hudson Mr. and Mrs. Matt James Mr. and Mrs. Gregory M. Johnston Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen D. Johnston Ed and Robin Kennedy Ms. Julia P. Lake Dr. and Mrs. Scott Markle Mrs. Thomas McCord Dr. and Mrs. Robert K. Mehrle Jr. Kathy and Mike Morgan Mr. and Mrs. James A. Ogden Mr. Kenneth O’Keefe Britton and Bryan Owen Dr. Thomas Payne and Dr. Cheryl Johnson Trevor and Cris Pickering Mr. and Mrs. Percy F. Quinn Bob and Naomi Ridgway Bill and Creed Ridgway Robert F. Wilkins Law Firm, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Ray Robertson Mr. and Mrs. Joe F. Sanderson Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Steven E. Speights
Target Dr. and Mrs. William P. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Scot A. Thigpen Dr. and Mrs. Curt G. Tribble Mr. and Mrs. Will Van Skiver Mrs. Eleanor Wettach Ben and Melissa Williams Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Williams Denny and Ann Zimmerman
Visionary Club - ($500.00 + ) Lynn and Leigh Allen Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Bracken Mr. and Mrs. Justin M. Brasell Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Cheney Mr. Mike Cotten Mr. and Mrs. John B. Cress Mr. and Mrs. Glen W. Dace II Digital Imaging Group, LLC Steve and Deanna Funderburg Dr. and Mrs. Leland D. Gebhart III Mr. Aaron Graham Dr. Caleb Graham Dr. Tiffany Green Dr. and Mrs. Matthew W. Guinn Mr. and Mrs. Breck R. Hines Sr. JA Class of 2004 Mr. and Mrs. Billy G. Janous Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce C. Kirkland Mr. and Mrs. Steve Kowalski Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Maxwell Mrs. John W. McPherson Mr. and Mrs. Matt Morgan Mr. Mack and Dr. Anne Norwood Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy O’Mara Mr. and Mrs. Rob Porch Quality Printing Dr. and Mrs. Robert K. Revere Mr. and Mrs. Ben Skipper Mr. and Mrs. Bo Smith Mr. Brad Smith George and Mary Elizabeth Smith Mr. and Mrs. Stanley E. Sullivan Jr. Jody and Michelle Varner Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin M. Watson
JA CELEBRATES GIVING 2014–15 Loyalty Club $250.00 + Anonymous (2) Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Adams Steve and Chelye Amis Brad and Angie Antici Mr. and Mrs. Matt Armstrong Dr. and Mrs. Peter B. Arnold Stacy and Chris Bates Tom and Beebe Bruckner Mr. and Mrs. Ronald E. Butler Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Cade Mrs. Lamar Chustz Mr. and Mrs. Frank Crosthwait Mrs. Betty M. Edwards Ricky and Sherri Eiland Linda Finch Mr. and Mrs. Bob Fioretti Mr. Jay Fowler Dr. and Mrs. Jim Futral Maribeth and Teddy Gibson Dr. Joe and Kristal Golden Dr. Jacob Graham Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Greenlee Mr. and Mrs. Steve Greer Mr. Brad and Dr. Lee Ann Griffin Mr. and Mrs. Jacob N. Haralson Debby J. Hendrick Dr. and Mrs. Glyn R. Hilbun Mr. and Mrs. Brian M. Hill Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Hirn Thomas and Ellen Hontzas Mr. and Mrs. Ed Wilburn Hooker Ms. Louise Hooker Mr. and Mrs. John Sharp Howie Mr. and Mrs. Calvin C. Hudson Lifei and Jun Ji Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Kelly Dr. and Mrs. Mark H. Kennedy Pete and Angela Kestenbaum Mr. and Mrs. Kirk G. Ladner Mr. and Mrs. Jack Laws Dr. and Mrs. Reid Lester Mr. and Mrs. John McCormick Mr. and Mrs. David McKinnon Hugh and Reba McWilliams Tim and Beth McWilliams Mrs. Nora Milam Mrs. Nancy New Mr. and Mrs. Zach W. New Mr. and Mrs. Ronald E. Odom
Scott and Elizabeth Pedigo Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program Mary and Smiley Ratcliff Michael and Kristy Sanders Mr. and Mrs. Lee Seago Mr. Joseph Shayeb Bob and Mandi Stanley Drs. Ben and Laura Stronach Dr. and Mrs. G. Crawley Stubblefield Mr. Floyd Sulser Mrs. Suzie Tharpe Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Tindall Meredith and Joel Travelstead Mr. and Mrs. Jon C. Turner Mr. and Mrs. Brent Tyler Frank and Patti Wade Walter S. Weems, Jr
Century Club $100.00 + Anonymous (1) Mr. and Mrs. Joseph L. Adams Jim and Suzanne Almas Bubba and Judy Arnold Drs. Fred and Anna Asher Mrs. Sandra Ashford Mr. AJ Baker Mr. Bill and Dr. Kameron Ball Ms. Annelle P. Barnett Mr. and Mrs. Kevin D. Barnett Austin and Allison Barrett Mr. and Mrs. Kelvin L. Bateaste Mr. and Mrs. John B. Beard Drs. Chris and Elisha Benton Mr. and Mrs. David J. Blanks Mrs. Nikki Travis Bonham Kate and David Bowman Mr. and Mrs. Maury Breazeale Billie Ruth Brewer Rev. and Mrs. Dexter M. Brown Mr. and Mrs. Steven Browning Mr. and Mrs. Richard Burnette Mr. Brian L. Byrd Mr. and Mrs. Alan P. Callison Mr. and Mrs. William E. Campbell Michael and Sylvia Caples Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. Caraway Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jon W. Carter Jim and Bonnie Chapman Mrs. Cathy Chinn
Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Chunn Dr. and Mrs. Philip L. Chustz Mr. and Mrs. Jay S. Ciaccio Mr. and Mrs. John E. Clark Sr. Mrs. Sharon Clark Mr. and Mrs. James F. Clarke Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Clay Ronnie and Ginger Cockayne Mr. and Mrs. James J. Cole III Mrs. Marlene Cook Mr. and Mrs. Charles Copeland Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Croswell Clay and Deborah Crystal Mr. and Mrs. Sean M. Culhane Steve Davis Josh and Susan Dehmer Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Denson Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John C. Dinkins Joseph and Carla DuMontier John and Gail England Harriett and Mark Eppes Mrs. Sarah D. Flanagan Adelaide and Les Fletcher Mr. and Mrs. Cable M. Frost Mr. and Mrs. Kevin E. Gay Charles and Shoba Gaymes Mr. and Mrs. Gray Goodman Mr. and Mrs. James H. Gray Dr. Allen R. Griffin Dr. and Mrs. Cameron S. Guild Mr. and Mrs. Kevin G. Hahn Mr. Michael and Dr. Heather Harasty Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Harmon Ms. Ann Harper Mr. and Mrs. David P. Harrison Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Harrison Dr. Gina E. Heath Mr. Nic Henderson Mr. Brad Hillman Mr. Mark Hosemann Lonnie and Phyllis Howerton Dan and Sarah Hughes Michael Huseth Mr. and Mrs. Jerry E. Ishee Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Chesley R. James Michael E. Johnson Mrs. Anne Keenan Ms. Mechelle Keeton Mr. and Mrs. Foster Kennedy Mrs. Jenny Ruth Green Kennedy Mrs. Nancy L. Kilpatrick TRUE BLUE 45
JA CELEBRATES GIVING 2014–15 Ms. Castlen T. King Andrea and Mark Lackey Mr. and Mrs. Jay Lacoste Mrs. Beth Keenan Lalwani Mr. and Mrs. Jim Lane Mr. and Mrs. Christopher L. Laney Larry and Jane Lee Mr. and Mrs. Don Lewis Sarah Love Mike and Jennifer Lowe Cynthia and Tim Mahaffey Mr. and Mrs. Mark Markow Mr. and Mrs. Mark Marley Mr. and Mrs. Chris Mathison Mrs. Sara Ann McClintock Mr. and Mrs. Jesse R. McConnell Jr. Tara and Allen McDaniel Mark and Beth McDowell Mr. and Mrs. Mike McKay Will and Jamie McNamara Jackie and Shani Meck Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mehrle Mr. and Mrs. John Merrell Mrs. John Miller Mr. Martin Miller Mr. and Mrs. Paul Moak Jr. Mrs. Rebecca Moes Mr. Will Mosby Mrs. Beth Murray-Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Perry Nations Mrs. Barbara Neely Mr. and Mrs. Jess S. New Jr. Mrs. Bernard Patrick Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Penick Mr. Mitch Peters Mrs. Genny Frascogna Phillips Mr. and Mrs. James L. Pinkard Mr. and Mrs. Jack Porch Paula and Paul Pratt Mr. and Mrs. James M. Priest Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Clay Purcell William and Martha Ray Mr. and Mrs. Bill Reeves Mr. and Mrs. Tom Rhoden Mrs. Kellie Rhodes Renee Rice Mr. Lewis Ridgway Mrs. Lindsey Phyfer Roberson Mr. and Mrs. Bill Robertson Jonathan and Dara Rogers Mr. Chris and Dr. Kristie Rohman TRUE BLUE 46
Dr. and Mrs. Patrick H. Scanlon Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John T. Scarbrough Craig and Paige Sessums Mr. Anil Sharma and Mrs. Kamini Bhavsar Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Simpson Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Smith Mrs. Nell Smith Dr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Soltau Jr. Mr. and Mrs. William C. Spence III Mr. and Mrs. Art D. Spratlin Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bradford M. Stringer Mr. Keith Studdard Mr. and Mrs. David A. Sykes Jim and Linda Thomas Stacy and Ginger Thomas Dr. and Mrs. Walt Towery Mr. and Mrs. Chris Tucker Thad and Kate Varner Mr. Cobb Ware Mr. and Mrs. Jason E. Weeks Mr. and Mrs. Walter Weems Mr. and Mrs. Erskine Wells Mr. and Mrs. Carl Welsh Miss Shannon West Eddie and Brittany Wettach Mr. and Mrs. Joe L. White II Mrs. Lynette Wier Mr. Louis and Dr. Kelly Wilkinson Stacy and Michael Williams Mrs. Jamie Wright Mrs. Meredith Mitcham Young
Anniversary Club - ($50.00 + ) Anonymous (2) Mr. and Mrs. Bo Allen Mrs. Cassie Alson Mr. and Mrs. William A. Asbell Mrs. Mandy Crawford Barber Mr. David Barrett Mrs. Elizabeth Beacham Mr. and Mrs. Keith Branning Glenn and Carter Breazeale Mr. Joel Brown Mr. and Mrs. Reagan L. Brown Mr. and Mrs. Frank Buchanan Dr. Jason and Kendra Bullock Mr. and Mrs. Wright Busching Mrs. Claire Jacobs Bush Bill and Amy Bush
Mr. John Bussey Mr. and Mrs. Norman A. Cannady Jr. Mr. Ben Carlton Dr. Seth Christian Dr. Dennis Conklin David and Myrna Cook Mr. Justin Courson Mr. and Mrs. Gayland C. Cox Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Dye Mrs. Bill Eubank Rev. Andrew Flatgard Mrs. Rebecca W. Fowler Dr. and Mrs. Jeff Gamblin David and Kim Jones Gonzales Mrs. Dixie B. Gray Mrs. Jill Tinnin Grogan Mrs. Kelly McLennan Guyton Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hadden Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey W. Hadley Mr. and Mrs. Parker L. Harris John and Louise Hartlein Mr. and Mrs. Denton Hartlein Mrs. Debra Hastings Miss Lee Hederman Mr. Michael Herlihy Ms. Lynn Herrington Mr. Reed Hubbard Jr. Mark and Theresa Irby Mr. and Mrs. Jim Ishee Mr. Jim Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Whit Johnson III Dr. and Mrs. Bard Johnston Mr. and Mrs. Victor H. Jones Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Keyes Mr. John Lauderdale Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey K. LeDuff Mrs. Stancie Ley Mrs. Jodie Low Lockhart Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Lucas Mr. and Mrs. Chris Lutken Todd and Elaine Mangum Mr. and Mrs. Steven L. McCartney Mr. and Mrs. L. V. McClellan John and Charlotte McCormick Jennifer and Robert Miller Mr. and Mrs. Jon Mims Mr. Mike Monsour Carla and Richard Moor Ms. Gloria Morris Dr. and Mrs. Seth H. Mosal Mr. and Mrs. Brandon F. Parker
JA CELEBRATES GIVING 2014–15 Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Perkins Mr. and Mrs. George Potter Mr. John and Dr. Sara Rippel Mr. Ronnie Rogers Miss Alisha Sartin Lt. and Mrs. Justin R. Schade Mr. and Mrs. Richard Sheffield Mrs. Kathryn E. Shores Mr. Wes Slay Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Smith Mr. Richard Stafford Mr. Cliff Stewart Mrs. Cathy Strauss Mr. Chance Theriot Mr. and Mrs. Michael B. Ueltschey Mr. Will Walker Ben and Virginia Van Skiver Wallace Mr. and Mrs. Yan Wang Miss Leslie Waring Mr. David S. White Mr. and Mrs. Steven L. Wier Mrs. Audrey Wilkirson John and Patrice Worley Dr. and Mrs. Richard L. Yelverton
Scholar’s Club $25.00 + Anonymous (3) Mr. David Adcock Mrs. Valerie Duckworth Allison Mr. and Mrs. Lance E. Anderson Mr. Brock Angle Doug and Lara Archer Mr. and Mrs. John Clay Ashford Mr. Brian Barnett Mr. Daniel Benefield Wendi and Tommy Blair Miss Georgia Brown Mr. and Mrs. Christopher H. Burford Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Burford III General and Mrs. Dick Burney Mr. Jordan Cantrell Mrs. Ann Boswell Johnson Carlson Mr. and Mrs. Bruce T. Carter Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Catchings Mr. and Mrs. Ken Chapman Mrs. Jennifer Clark Miss Sarah Clark Miss Joy Cloud Mr. Matthew Coker Mr. and Mrs. Webster A. Collums
Miss Emily L. Crawford Mrs. Betsy England Crawley Mrs. Polly Crosthwait Corbin and Carol Davis Mrs. Bobbie Downey Dr. and Mrs. Derek S. Dyess Miss Kristen Edwards Miss Sandra England Mrs. Wendy Upchurch Farmer Mrs. Maria Garcia Mr. William C. Goss Mr. and Mrs. Gene Griffiths Rev. and Mrs. Rowland Hall Mrs. Heather Harris Mr. and Mrs. Rusty Hawkins Jimmy and Linda Hays Mr. and Mrs. David J. Hendrick Mark and Jane Hinkle Mrs. Roxie Hood Mrs. Kathy Ingram Mrs. Susan Ingram JA Preschool Teachers Miss Winston Jenkins Mr. and Mrs. Whit Johnson III Mrs. Lesley Smith Jones Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Kinard Jr. Gregory and Suzanne Laird Linda M. Lambert Ms. Melanie Howell Leonard Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey S. Lohmeier Mrs. Ramsey Cruise Long Mr. Bryan Madden Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Margol Rosanne and Joe Maxwell Mr. Patrick McDavid Mr. and Mrs. Timothy L. McNair Mr. Russ McNees Mr. and Mrs. Ken Meacham Mrs. Sarah Ryburn Mealer Michelle and Bob Mills Mrs. Margaret Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. Meade W. Mitchell Mrs. Shelley Morris Mrs. Neely Mundell Mr. Hunter Murray Mr. and Mrs. John Murray Mr. and Mrs. Jay Norris Mrs. Jamie Pace Mrs. Ethel M. Parkes Mrs. Sydney Pinnen Miss Aimee S. Plunkett
Ms. Laura S. Pressler Mr. and Mrs. Scott Rhodes Mrs. Christen Richardson Dr. and Mrs. Elliott B. Robertson Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob A. Rowan Mrs. Olive Rule Mr. William Russell Mrs. Sarah M. Shaw Mrs. Tina E. Shaw Dr. and Mrs. John R. Shipp Mr. and Mrs. George Smith Mrs. Kerri Smith Miss Amanda Smithers Miss Samantha Starks Mrs. Anna Fiser Stephens Richard and Brenda Allday Sullivan Dr. Katharine M. Todd Cliff and Laura Torrence Mr. Robert B. Triplett Mrs. Avery Truitt Mr. and Mrs. Alexander V. Tsema Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wakefield Don and Yonnie Waller Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Weir Mr. Drew Weissinger Mrs. Haley Whatley Jason and Stephanie Williams Mr. Nason and Dr. Jane Williams Ms. Katherine B. Youngblood
TRUE BLUE 47
JA CELEBRATES GIVING 2014–15 Annual Fund Grandparent Chairs
(From back, left) Dr. Ed Kennedy, Kennedy Nations (class of 2020), Mrs. Robin Kennedy; (front) Adams Kennedy (class of 2023), Baird Kennedy (class of 2026), and Merritt Nations (class of 2023)
Gifts From Our Grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Adams Adams Kennedy Baird Kennedy
Mr. and Mrs. Frank S. Arnold Steele Dehmer Sydney Dehmer
Mr. and Mrs. Carl F. Allen Katie Carter Owen Carter
Sandra W. Ashford Kaylee Ashford Jordan Ashford
Mr. and Mrs. Leigh Allen Candice Fielder Sara Wilson Fielder Meredith Fielder Stella Allen Lucy Allen
Rosemary and Les Aultman Caroline Johnston Margaret Johnston
Mr. Kelly Allgood Parker Cole TRUE BLUE 48
Mr. and Mrs. Hilton Ball Avery Anderson Reese Anderson
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Bertolet Anna Kate Bertolet Roger and Donna Bozarth Jonathan Hontzas William Hontzas Ana Kelly Hontzas Anna Catherine Bates Billie Ruth Brewer Madison Warman Drake Warman Tom and Beebe Bruckner John Thomas Bruckner
JA CELEBRATES GIVING 2014–15 Mr. and Mrs. Richard Burnette Lucy Brooks Elfert Yates Elfert
Mrs. Polly Crosthwait Emma Lucas Anna Kate Lucas
Col. and Mrs. Dick Burney Olivia Mahaffey Mason Mahaffey Clayton Mahaffey Fuller Mahaffey Tack Mahaffey
Mrs. Betty M. Edwards Elizabeth Edwards Smith Margaret Edwards Wadsworth Stephen Edwards
Dr. and Mrs. Charles Bush Peyton Puckett Parker Puckett Rick and Ann Calhoon Chesley Quinn Anders Quinn Mr. and Mrs. Ken Chapman James Chapman Audrey Chapman Mr. and Mrs. W. Garner Cheney Garner Cheney Gibson Cheney Mrs. Lamar Chustz Coleman Chustz Mary Lamar Chustz Clay Chustz Samuel Chustz Steven Chustz David and Myrna Cook Emily Mangum Andrew Mangum Mrs. Marlene Cook Luke New Mr. and Mrs. Mike Cotten Caroline Childress Elizabeth Childress Ford Childress Mr. and. Mrs. Frank Crosthwait Sandra England Virginia England
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Grogan Will Skipper Jack Skipper Stone Skipper Charles and Charlotte Hadden Robyn Hadden Allee Hadden
Mrs. Bill Eubank Gracie Eubank Lila Eubank Bryan Eubank
Jerry and Vicki Harmon Bryant Seago Mary Grace Seago Ellie Seago
Mrs. Linda Finch John Thomas Bruckner
Ms. Ann Harper Harper Griffin Cooper Griffin
Mrs. Sarah D. Flanagan Matt Hinkle Josh Hinkle Adelaide and Les Fletcher Walker Fletcher Daniel Fletcher Blake Fletcher Dr. and Mrs. Jim Futral Madi McNair Banks McNair Coleman Chustz Mary Lamar Chustz Clay Chustz Mr. and Mrs. James Gray Emily Buchanan Avery Buchanan Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Greenlee Wilder Greenlee Ross Greenlee Michael Greenlee Becky and Steve Greer Sandon Guild Alex Guild Maddox Greer Pearson Greer Dr. Allen R. Griffin Harper Griffin Cooper Griffin
Oliver Harrison Tristan Foster Mary Grace Foster Jimmy and Lynda Hays Hays Rogers Max Rogers Ellie Rogers Pete and Susan Hays Sydney Hays Sophie Hays Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hederman Avery Hederman Erin Hederman Michael Hederman Mrs. Debby Hendrick Avery Hendrick John David Hendrick Hunter Johns Dr. and Mrs. Glyn Roy Hilbun Eliza Lundy Anne Marie Lundy Mary Gibson Lundy Tommy and Ellen Hontzas Jonathan Hontzas William Hontzas Ana Kelly Hontzas
TRUE BLUE 49
JA CELEBRATES GIVING 2014–15 Margaret and Ed Wilburn Hooker Win Hooker Anna Margaret Hooker Alexis Ridgeway Eli Ridgeway Owen Ridgeway Dr. and Mrs. L.W. Howerton Charles Moor Joshua Moor Lynne and John Sharp Howie Chris Howie Brooks Howie Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Hudson Caleb Hernandez Randy and Paula James William James Charlie James Harrison James Lillian Ruth James Pruet James Perry James Taylor James Mr. and Mrs. Victor H. Jones, Jr. Samuel Long Sara Kate Long Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Kelly Lauren Anne Smith Olivia Patricia Smith Ed and Robin Kennedy Adams Kennedy Baird Kennedy Kennedy Nations Merritt Nations Mr. and Mrs. Jay Lacoste Jace Lacoste Laurin Lacoste Mrs. Linda Lambert Brady Stringer Olivia Stringer Rett Stringer Maddox Greer Pearson Greer TRUE BLUE 50
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Laws Latham Nance Thomas Nance Cruise Nance Henley Nance Jane and Larry Lee Henry Lee Davis Lee Andrew Lee Coulter Lankford Lounette and Lamar Maxwell Rose Maxwell Dolph Maxwell Mr. and Mrs. L. V. McClellan Tyler McClellan Meredith McClellan Mrs. Sara Ann McClintock Jack McClintock Sara Evelyn McClintock Rosemary McClintock Mrs. Thomas McCord Rob Derivaux Beth Derivaux John and Corinne McCormick Avery Hederman Erin Hederman Michael Hederman John and Charlotte McCormick Hope Berry Mr. and Mrs. John McIntyre Taylor McIntyre Catherine McIntyre John McIntyre Caroline McIntyre Ridgely McIntyre
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Meacham Foster Meacham McNeil Meachum Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mehrle Pryor Mehrle Matthew Mehrle Anderson Mehrle Virginia Mehrle Mrs. Nora Milam Max Milam John Scott Milam Mr. and Mrs. Paul Moak John Moak Scarbrough Jacob Scarbrough Mr. Ray Moorer Ray Edward Stevens Drury Stevens Mr. and Mrs. Perry Nations Reagan Rhodes Sam Rhodes Kennedy Nations Merritt Nations Mrs. Nancy New Luke New Mary Madison New Holley and Don Noblitt Herrin Goodman Mr. and Mrs. James W. O’Mara Bryn Noble Liv Noble Douglas Noble Mrs. Ethel Parkes Annie Parkes
Georgia Ann McPherson Georgia Gibson
Mrs. Bernard Patrick Michael Morgan Gage Morgan
Hugh and Reba McWilliams Hannah McWilliams Lewis Zack McWilliams
Mr. Jim Payne Caroline Nall Cate Nall
JA CELEBRATES GIVING 2014–15 Mr. and Mrs. Jack Porch Caroline Porch Avery Porch John Porch Mr. and Mrs. George Potter Julianna Copeland Elizabeth Copeland Mary and Smiley Ratcliff Tyler Winford Ashley Winford Trenton Winford Steven Winford Stephanie Ratcliff Spencer Ratcliff Bill and Blue Reeves Jude Reeves Sanders Reeves Mr. and Mrs. Tom Rhoden Lily Rhoden Sophie Rhoden Lola Rhoden Bob and Naomi Ridgway Anthony Ray Amanda Ray Mr. and Mrs. Kent Ritchey Hollis Wondries Molly Wondries
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Sanderson Sophie Creath Dr. and Mrs. J. George Smith Gibson Smith Mrs. Nellie S. Smith Ellen Elliott Taylor Elliott Rob Elliott Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Smith Anna Kate Bertolet Dr. and Mrs. G. Crawley Stubblefield Graves Haraway McNeil Haraway Stone Haraway Mr. Floyd Sulser Phoebe Guinn Mrs. Suzie Tharpe Suzie Raines John Raines Mr. and Mrs. Jim Thomas Gracy Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Tindall Joe King Dr. and Mrs. Richard Warren Pryor Mehrle Matthew Mehrle
Hudson Bridges Houston Warren Hayden Warren Mr. and Mrs. Carl Welsh Victor Welsh Morgan Welsh Colin Welsh Ansley Brennan Blake Brennan Hadley Brennan Mrs. Eleanor Wettach Hannah Collums Emma Collums Mr. and Mrs. J.L. White Jack White Reed White Kate White Mrs. Lynette Wier Bennett Wier Caroline Wier Mrs. Anita Womack Emily Sigler Payton Wood Bailey Wood Dr. and Mrs. Richard Yelverton Luke Ross Kendall Ross
Memorial Gifts Mr. Bill Armstrong
Father of Audrey Bowman and Matt Armstrong, Grandfather of Shields and Armstrong, Wesley, Blaine, and Amelia Dare Bowman
Becky and Steve Greer Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Hayley and John Lundy Coach Scott Branning
Former JA Coach and Alumnus, Son of Keith and Carol Branning
Cindy Adams Charlotte Barry The 2015 Senior Basketball Players -Annie Edgecomb, Lee Blair, Brandon Hutchins, Greg Stewart, Austin Tucker, and Evans Wilkerson Susan Elliott Shirley Fortenberry Anne Keenan Allen and Tara McDaniel Dr. and Mrs. Mike McMullan
Gloria Morris Sharon, Jerry Clark and Children Cheryl Smith BeBe and John Sumner Amy and Greg Ward Tricia Weissinger Susan and Alan Whitfield Bonnie and Gray Wiggers Johnnie Newton Bray Mother of Chuck Miner
Becky and Steve Greer TRUE BLUE 51
JA CELEBRATES GIVING 2014–15 Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Mrs. Mary D. Broadwater
Mother of Chris Tucker, Grandmother of Brittany and Zack Tucker
Ann Boswell Carlson Sandra Dyess Maribeth, Teddy, Catherine, Mary Paxton, and Dalton Gibson Susan Ingram JA Class of 1989 Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg George and Whit Johnson Tim, Beth, Hannah, and Zach McWilliams Mr. Jep Brock
Father of Bae Waller, Grandfather of Emma Carroll and Dannie Waller
Maribeth, Teddy, Catherine, Mary Paxton, and Dalton Gibson Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Mr. Charlie Brown
Stepfather of Teddy Gibson, Grandfather of Catherine, Mary Paxton, and Dalton Gibson
Stacy and Chris Bates Becky and Steve Greer Frank and Patti Wade Mrs. Robyn Brown
Mother of Teddy Gibson, Grandmother of Catherine, Mary Paxton, and Dalton Gibson
Stacy and Chris Bates Becky and Steve Greer Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Patti and Frank Wade Mrs. Jean Bunch
Mother of Bill Bunch
Carol and Keith Branning Bill and Michele Bunch Bill and Debbie Campbell Sandra Dyess Ann Keenan Mr. and Mrs. Dorian A. Bunch Parents of Bill Bunch
Bill and Michele Bunch TRUE BLUE 52
Mr. Cecil Burford
Ann Keenan Frank and Patti Wade
Gayland, Sophia, and Domina Cox Nelson, Kathy, and Georgia Gibson Maribeth, Teddy, Catherine, Mary Paxton, and Dalton Gibson Becky and Steve Greer Ray and Millie Higgins Jonathan, William, Ana Kelly Hontzas Susan Ingram JA Math Department Jennifer Ley Kirschten Stancie, Kristen, and Michelle Ley Sarah Love Barbara and Perry Nations Linda and Gus Purviance David and Nancy Sykes
Officer Joseph Chatman
Ashleigh Arnold Dehmer
Maribeth and Teddy Gibson Ray and Millie Higgins Susan Ingram Gloria Morris Julie Murray Tina Shaw
Mary Kay Catchings Kathy Ingram Suzanne Kinard Murray Tricia Weissinger
Father of Chris Burford, Grandfather of Elizabeth and Catherine Burford
Bobbie Downey Maribeth, Teddy, Catherine, Mary Paxton, and Dalton Gibson Becky and Steve Greer Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Nancy and David Sykes Mrs. Peggy Catchings
Wife of Oliver and Mother of Wendall and Royal Catchings
JA Security Officer
Mrs. Ann Marie Clark
Mother of Don Clark, Grandmother of Trey and J.P. Clark
John, Gail, Sandra, and Virginia England Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Kling Dr. Rance Clower
Father of Lane Clower, Grandfather of Kristen and Kellan Clower
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg
Mr. and Mrs. Jennings B. Coincon Parents of Michele Bunch
Bill and Michele Bunch Jean Bunch Mrs. Martha Crisler
Mother of Anne Keenan and Robert Crisler, Grandmother of Kathy Roberts, Beth Lalwani and Robert, Jack, and Caroline Crisler
Stacy, Chris, and Anna Catherine Bates Georgia Brown
Former JA Teacher, Alum, and Mother of Steele and Sidney Dehmer
Mr. Robert “Bubba” Evans
Father of Susan Martin and Catherine Beddingfield, Grandfather of Michael Martin and Jeff and Nick Beddingfield
John, Gail, Sandra, and Virginia England Maribeth, Teddy, Catherine, Mary Paxton, and Dalton Gibson Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Patrice, John, Stephen, and Patrick Worley James E. “Buddy” Gardner
Father of Jamie McNamara, Grandfather of Kent, Addison, and Alden McNamara
Stacy and Chris Bates Mrs. Jane Gibbons
Former JA Teacher, Mother of Amanda Glover and Elizabeth Thompson
Harriett Eppes Terri Fisher Mary Ellen Harris Susan Taylor
JA CELEBRATES GIVING 2014–15 Mrs. Linda Goza
Mrs. Fran Jones
Georgia Brown
John, Gail, Sandra, and Virginia England
Mother of Laura Kutcher
Mrs. Bonnie Carter Hamilton
Former JA Teacher
Mother of Ray Higgins
Mrs. Katherine Kilby
Mrs. Lolita Hannon
Bobo, Becky, Rebekah, Carter, and Garrett Clarke
Carol and Keith Branning
Mother of Mitch Hannon and Kirk Hannon, Grandmother of Kenzie, Elizabeth, Caroline, and John Porter Hannon
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Mr. Carl Herrin
Father of Jack Herrin and Holley Noblitt
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Kathy and Steve Kowalski Libby and Mark Marley Mr. and Mrs. Tim McWilliams Mrs. Melinda Hooker
Mother of Maribeth Gibson, Grandmother of Catherine, Mary Paxton, and Dalton Gibson
Judy and Bubba Arnold Sandra Dyess Nelson, Kathy, and Georgia Gibson Becky and Steve Greer Susan Ingram Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg George and Whit Johnson Melodi and Tim McNair Barbara and Perry Nations Linda and Gus Purviance David and Nancy Sykes Patti and Frank Wade Patrice and John Worley Mr. Larry Johnson
Father of Michael Johnson
Becky and Steve Greer Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Libby and Mark Marley Betty Anne Johnston
Mother of Becky Newman
Judy and Bubba Arnold Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg
Mother of Sandra McKay
Coach Bill King Former JA Staff
Judy and Bubba Arnold Tripp Arnold and Family Mrs. Dee Ball Jeff and Julie Barnett Chris and Stacy Bozarth Bates Elizabeth Beacham Kate and David Bowman Keith and Carol Branning Mr. and Mrs. John Bussey, III Sharon and Jerry Clark and Children Bobo, Becky, Rebekah, Carter, and Garrett Clarke Mrs. Bobbie Downey, Richard and Katherine John, Gail, Sandra, and Virginia England April Foster Kathy, Nelson, and Georgia Gibson Maribeth, Teddy, Catherine, Mary Paxton, and Dalton Gibson Mr. Sammie Glorioso Becky and Steve Greer The Pete Hays Family Ray and Millie Higgins Mrs. Gloria Hirn Dr. and Mrs. Bo Hrom Mr. and Mrs. John Hrom Susan Ingram JA Preschool Staff for the Preschool Library Ann Keenan Sheila, Ricky, Krysten, and Adam Keyes Ann and Frank Kinard Stancie Ley - Kristen, Jennifer, and Michelle Sarah Love Mary Jo and Ron McAnally Amber and Michael McAnally
The Norton McKeigney Family Dr. and Mrs. Mike McMullan and Family Michelle, Bob, Spencer, David, Sarah Katherine, and Blake Mills Julie Murray Barbara Nations Gus and Linda Purviance Jana and Lee Ragland Marsha and Ken Revere Albert and Debbie Saik Tina Shaw Jim and Kerri Smith Mrs. Betty Springer Dee Dee Pond and Dixie Pond David and Nancy Sykes Mary Brooks Thigpen Frank and Patti Wade Mark and Carolyn Wakefield Bonnie and Gray Wiggers Patrice, John, Steven, and Patrick Worley Mrs. Lindy Lee
Wife of Richard Lee and Mother of Coulter Lankford
Mrs. Lamar Chustz Maribeth and Teddy Gibson Becky and Steve Greer Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Dr. Tom Lester
Husband of Joy Lester, Father of Reid Lester and Allison Lester Cauthern, Grandfather of Lester
Maribeth and Teddy Gibson Becky and Steve Greer Emily and Stephen Greer Suzanne and Cameron Guild Barbara and Perry Nations Dr. Bill Mayfield
Former JA Board Member, Father of Alex Mayfield, Dr. Nick Mayfield, and Dr. Will Mayfield
Carol and Keith Branning Lamar Chustz Susan Ingram Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Julie Murray Linda and Gus Purviance
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JA CELEBRATES GIVING 2014–15 Mrs. Susan Mayfield
Mrs. Yvonne Parker
Carol and Keith Branning Lamar Chustz Julie Murray
Joy Cloud
Mother of Alex Mayfield, Dr. Nick Mayfield, and Dr. Will Mayfield
Former JA Teacher, Mother of Keith Parker and Deidre Davis
Mrs. Peggy Gilmer Piasecki
Barbara and Perry Nations Gus and Linda Purviance Mrs. Jim Springer David and Nancy Sykes John and Patrice Worley Mr. Jimmy Sojourner
Glenn McGehee
Mother of Holly Collums, Grandmother of Hannah and Emma Collums
Bobbie Downey Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Katherine Mondarno
Chris Sekul
Sarah Clark Sharon, Jerry Clark and Children Bobo, Becky, Rebekah, Carter, and Garrett Clarke Ann Keenan
Barbara Neely
Mrs. Mary Sprayberry
Dr. Jane Jones Sentell
Mother of Ed Sentell, Grandmother of Leland and Sandra Sentell
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg
Suzie Adcock Sarah Clark Debra Hastings Sharon, Jerry Clark, and Children
Mr. Jesse McRight
Mr. Sherard Shaw, Sr.
Raymond R. Stevens, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg
172nd Airlift Wing of the US Air Force Ridgeland Police Department Nancy, Ray Edward, Drury Stevens Mr. and Mrs. Ray R. Stevens
Husband of Carol Ann and Father of Allen McGehee
Mr. David McMichael
JA Parent, Husband of Nicole McMichael, Father of Cameron and Reese McMichael
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Sarah Love
Father of Jesse McRight and Grandfather of Tripp McRight
Barksdale, Joe & Magee, PLLC Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg George and Whit Johnson
JA Alum
Grandfather of Bubba Shaw, Blair Shaw, and Heather Young
Lydia Miller
Mr. Charlie Sojourner
Kate and David Bowman Sandra Dyess JA Athletic Booster Club Susan Ingram Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Nancy and David Sykes
Judy and Bubba Arnold Tripp Arnold Family Dee Ball Sarah Clark Sharon, Jerry Clark, and Children Bobo, Becky, Rebekah, Carter, and Garrett Clarke John, Gail, Sandra, and Virginia England Maribeth, Teddy, Catherine, Mary Paxton, and Dalton Gibson Sammie Glorioso Mike, Lynn, Kelly, and Benton Green Becky and Steve Greer P.D. and Debra Hastings Susan Ingram Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Ann Keenan Stancie and Michelle Ley Lauren Mashburn The Norton McKeigney Family Dr. and Mrs. Mike McMullan Julie Murray
Sister of Ronnie Rogers
Mr. Don Moore
Grandfather of Story Warren
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Dr. and Mrs. Richard Warren Mrs. Ima Jean Nicholson
Mother of Susan Ferrell Weems
Becky and Steve Greer Sarah Love Mr. Mickey Parker
Father of Keith Parker and Deidre Davis
Judy and Bubba Arnold Mr. and Mrs. Art Doty Julie Murray
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Father of Jan Sojourner
Brother of Jan Sojourner
Former JA Teacher
Husband of Nancy Stevens, Father of Ray Edward and Drury Stevens
Dr. Tom Stewart
Husband of Debi Stewart, Father of Cliff, Clay, and Claire Stewart
Chris and Stacy Bates Maribeth, Teddy, Catherine, Mary Paxton, and Dalton Gibson Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Marsha and Ken Revere Mrs. Virginia McElhaney Stringer Georgia Brown Carolyn Temple
Mother of Tress Gardner
Bobbie Downey Becky and Steve Greer Katherine Mondanaro Billy Jim Thompson
Father of Dr. Tommy Thompson
Judy and Bubba Arnold Becky and Steve Greer Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg
JA CELEBRATES GIVING 2014–15 Mrs. Carroll Waller
Mother of Bill, Eddy, and Don Waller, Grandmother of William Waller, Jeannie Zieren, Clayton, Emma Carroll, Dannie, Anne Overton, Lucy, and Don Waller
Nettie Whitfield
Mother of Alan Whitfield, Grandfather of Matt and Will Whitfield)
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg
John, Gail, Sandra, and Virginia England
Walker Wilbanks
Leigh Ann Ward
Bill and Michelle Bunch Bobo, Becky, Rebekah, Carter, and Garrett Clarke
Daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Frazier Ward, JA Alumna
Jean King
Stennis Earl Wells JA Alum
Dr. and Mrs. Edward Copeland
Mr. Ben Yandell
Father of Jane Yandell
Carol and Keith Branning
Former JA Student, Son of David and Sheila Wilbanks
Mrs. Eloise Wise
Mother of Terry Lynn Hamm
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg
ENGINEERS DELIVER REAL-WORLD LESSONS
Offered at JA through an agreement with MSU and Jackson State University, Introduction to Engineering with Chemical Engineering Applications provides real-world exploration of engineering subjects and careers. The class was taught in 2014–15 by registered professional engineer Kenneth Hughey. College credit earned through the course can be applied to MSU, JSU, or transferred to another institution of higher learning.
Jackson State to offer the challenge of a college engineering course to our top students.” The class included field trips to the MSU Starkville campus, the MSU CAVS (Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems) Extension center, and Nissan facilities in Canton.
“This course is a natural extension of the school’s interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education that has transformed the way science is taught in the Lower and Middle School divisions at JA,” said Jackson Academy Upper School Dean Steve McCartney. “We are very pleased to partner with Mississippi State and TRUE BLUE 55
NEWS OF ALUMNI 2014–15 NEWS OF ALUMNI News items have been compiled from email, newspaper articles, and class notes posted on the website prior to May 1, 2015. Every attempt was made to
Class of 1984 Omar Afzal, his wife, and two daughters live in Charlotte, N.C. He is the general manager in global claims and risk managment for APM Terminals. Tasha Ellis Byrd lives in Madison and works at Cowboy Maloney’s.
ensure accuracy within this magazine. Please notify us of errors or omissions and accept our most sincere apologies.
Cam McDermott Robbins is the property manager at St. Paul’s Square at Adriatica in McKinney, Texas.
baseball at Millsaps College. For 20 years he was a sales executive for major pharmaceutical and medical device companies.
Brian Young is a clinical psychologist in Seattle. He has a doctoral degree.
Class of 1988
Class of 1985
Julie Evers Crump is the director of development and communications at the Magnolia Speech School. For the previous 10 years she served as transitional interventionist at the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children for parents whose children are diagnosed with a heart defect or those who have lost a child.
Harriet Griffiths Cooke is a licensed professional engineer in North Carolina and has over 20 years of engineering experience.
Dr. Katherine Evans is the assistant professor of education at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va. She has a doctorate in educational psychology and is writing a book, Restorative Justice in Education. She has also been able to travel to Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, South Africa, Peru, Honduras, and Milford Sound.
Geno Lucas is the pastor of administration for Colonial Heights Baptist Church. His wife Lisa is a JA sixth grade teacher, and they are parents of JA students, Nathan and Jonathan.
Stacy McKay Goins lives in Chattanooga, Tenn. She has a bachelor’s from Mississippi College and has been busy home-schooling three children for 16 years. She is now looking at graduate school. Adam Goodman is a senior attorney at the Mississippi Worker’s Compensation Commission. TRUE BLUE 56
Chris West lives in Cummings, Ga. and is director of business relations.
Class of 1986
Tate and Suzanne Thigpen live in Oxford with daughter, Kathleen. Tate is a defensive football coach and men’s track coach for Lewisburg High School in DeSoto County. Walter Woodrick lives in Panama City, Fla., with his wife Wendy and three children. He is an investment consultant, a public speaker, and author of two books: Finances, Family and Faith - An Understanding Guide to Life’s Priorities and Seven Steps to Serious Money.
Class of 1989
Class of 1987 Kristy Hardage Launius is the retirement plans specialist with UBS Financial Services Inc. in Jackson. Stennis Wells died suddenly and unexpectedly on April 1, 2015. He and his wife Mildred have two daughters. Stennis excelled in baseball and football at JA, and he was very proud to be part of the teams that won the AAA baseball championships in 1985 and 1986. He continued playing
Dr. Holly Isserstedt is the English department chair at Mount Pisgah Christian School. She teaches AP literature and AP psychology, ninth grade honors English, and is the head swim coach. She has two children, Baylor and Emil.
NEWS OF ALUMNI 2014–15 Dr. Chris Lockwood is the chief scientific officer with 4Life Research, LLC. He and his family live in Sandy, Utah. Chris is widely regarded as one of the foremost experts and innovators in sports and physique-augumenting nutrition. He earned his doctorate in exercise physiology and his master’s in exercise and sports science and has authored, co-authored, and peer reviewed over 30 research manuscripts. Chris is a sought-after expert on protein and protein hydrolysates and their respective physiological effects within humans.
and threat assessments, providing social, emotional, and behavioral interventions for all students, facilitating social skills groups, and consulting with teachers and parents regarding mental health concerns.
Class of 1990
Jeff Allison works for Sangart, a start-up biopharma company in San Diego. He is a lead technician in the manufacturing department.
Kendra and Jason Bullock and their three daughters live in Magnolia, Texas. Jason is the assistant superintendent of administration in the Magnolia Independent School District. Scott Pedigo has been named managing shareholder for the Jackson office of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC. Scott and Lulu have two JA students, Walker and Elizabeth.
Class of 1992 Michael and Patricia Doty Bradshaw live in Memphis with their three sons, Cy, Wallace, and Michael. Kevin and Priscilla Fletcher Grissom live in Colorado where Priscilla is a school psychologist in a public charter school. She is responsible for cognitive, academic, and social-emotional assessment of all students. She also provides mental health services to students who are in special education. Priscilla also conducts suicide
Dabbs Jackson married Jeffery Massey on March 26, 2011. Jeffrey is a lead systems consultant with Verizon Business. They welcomed a son, Sterling, in February 2012 and a son, Rhodes, in March 2015.
Class of 1993
Harris and Karen Bell live in Hattiesburg. In May 2014, Harris earned a master’s in public health with an emphasis in policy and administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. He is currently practice manager for Eye Associates, a service of the Hattiesburg Clinic. Paul Boackle graduated from Millsaps College in 1997 with a bachelor’s in biology. Then he obtained a R.N. and B.S.N. from UMMC’s School of Nursing and the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine. He is a team member at UMMC’s AirCare and is also a flight nurse with the 183rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. Paul and Shayne have two sons, Andrew and Joseph.
Class of 1994 Gabe and Ashley Jones Baldwin live in Jackson with their three children. Ashley is a part-time
nurse at River Oaks Hospital, NICU. Tommy and Suzanne Barnett live in Madison with daughter, Mary Peyton, a JA fourth grader. Tommy is a licensed personal banker with Wells Fargo. He is on the radio at JA with Bryan Eubank. Ham and Lacey Bates live in Brandon with their two children. Ham is a medical sales rep. Brennan Branch Burkard is currently a stay-at-home mom to two children. Previously she was a budget analyst at the Legislative Budget Office and deputy director for Mississippi Professional Educators. O’Hara Owen married Dustin Cain on April 30, 2011. They live in Brandon with five children. O’Hara is a manager at AFLAC. She has lived in Philadelphia, Las Vegas, and the Cayman Islands, and has run in four half marathons. Carter Callaway and his wife Katherine live in Hattiesburg with their two children. Carter has Callaway Custom Homes, LLC. Jeff and Emily Breazeale Chapman live in Lansdowne, Va., with their children. Allen and Nikki Courson live in Southhaven, Miss., where Allen is a vice president with First Security Bank. Robert Croft works at Irby Construction and lives in Madison. Andy Cunningham is the pastor of men’s ministry and young adults at Chaplewood United Methodist Church. He and his wife Kaisi have two children, and TRUE BLUE 57
NEWS OF ALUMNI 2014–15 they live in Katy, Texas. Loris Nejam Davis is an art teacher at Trinity Preschool and at St. Luke’s. She has run two 50K races and also has started Tweet by Ollie, a hair accessory business. She and her husband have three children. John and Emily Decker live in Jackson with their two children. John is in furniture sales. Dodds`92 and Lindsay Hines Dehmer have three children at JA, Nash, Ridley and Rimes. Lindsay received a master’s of education degree from Ole Miss and taught at MRA. Currently she is a stay-athome mom. Michael Farrell has been named information security officer at the corporate office in Jackson’s Trustmark National Bank. Previously he has served as information security network risk analyst. Michael has more than 15 years of experience in the areas of information security and information technology. He has a bachelor’s in network information technology from the University of Southern Mississippi and a master’s in information security from Lewis University. Carl Fox is the web designer for Hilton Worldwide. He has also become an oil painter with a love for landscapes. Carl and his wife have three children, and they live in Memphis. Preston and Ashley Tinnin Frazer live in Memphis where she is a stay-at-home mom to Katie, Bennett, and Chase. Ashley has a bachelor’s from Ole Miss and master’s from the University of TRUE BLUE 58
Memphis. Both degrees are in journalism.
two daughters.
Chad and Kelly Hirn live in Madison with their three children. Chad is with the Cress Group.
Andy Melton is at ITW Global Brands as branch manager performance chemicals in Katy, Texas.
Wes and Katie Walsh `99 Ingram live in Hattiesburg where he is the pastor of students at Parkway Heights United Methodist Church. Wes played football at Millsaps College where he was inducted into their Hall of Fame. Wes and Katie have two daughters.
Katherine Downey Mondanaro is a math tutor. She lives in Chelmsford, Mass., with her husband, Jason, and children. Katherine has written children’s books (yet-to-be published). She studied abroad in London and has traveled in Europe.
Clayton and Amanda Moore `98 Kellum live in Nashville with their two children. Clayton is in medical device sales with Acclarent, Inc.
Lem and Jenny Saik Montgomery live in Madison with their two children. Jenny has a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene but is currently a stay-at-home mom.
Justin LaRose has been working for the Navy Exchange Service Command, which is based out of Virginia Beach, Va., for the last three years. He works remotely as an Oracle web and database administrator. Justin left the Air Force in 2003. Reid and Lauren Lester live in Ridgeland. Their children, Drake and Landry, are JA students. Reid is a periodontist, and his office is in Flowood. Jack and Lee Ann Royals Lutken have two daughters at JA, Ella Rose and Lucie. Lee Ann is the ICU nursing director at UMMC, and Jack is a self-employed general contractor. Brad and Kim Maxwell live in Madison with their two children. Brad is a financial advisor with Edward Jones. Nick Mayfield is a retina specialist (ophthalmologist) in Columbus, Ga. He and his wife Tanya have
Elisa Perry Mosal is the office manager at Hughes Eastern Corporation. She and Dave`95 have two children at JA, Barron and Tripp. Dave is in real estate. Stuart Nolen is a regional sales manager with Baxter BioSurgery in Frisco, Texas. Robert and Laura Buchanan Owen live in Hattiesburg with their four children. Robert is a physician. Virgil and Ella Payne live in Madison with three children. Virgil is the Yates facilities engineer with Nissan Canton. He has a mechanical engineering degree and a civil engineering degree. Clay and Helen Summerford live in Jackson with their three sons. John Clayton was born on June 24, 2014. Alex and Louis are at JA. Clay is with Intuitive Surgical. He sells the daVinci robots to physicians. Helen is the co-owner of
NEWS OF ALUMNI 2014–15 Dancing Divas and D-Squared.
Class of 1995
Lee Ann and Calvin Thigpen live in Jackson with sons, Emory and Willis, and daughter Louisa Clare, who was born August 5, 2014. Calvin is on staff at UMMC. Lee Ann is an attorney.
Ken Edwards and Lendy were married October 11, 2014. They live in Oxford where Ken is the graphic designer for Ole Miss Athletics. He also has a band called Mustache. They play 90’s country party hits.
Scott Thompson is a physician at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, Ala. John and Katie Shook Thompson and son, Wasson, welcomed twins, MK and Madison, in 2013. They live in Starkville, and she teaches in West Point. Zach and Katherine Wells Turnage live in Birmingham with their children. Katherine is a stay-athome mom. Jeff and Elizabeth Upchurch live in Madison. Jeff is in sales with Ergon. They have two children. Ben and Ginger Van Skiver Wallace live in Greenville, S.C., with their three daughters, Emslie, Virginia, and Sara Tabb. Ginger graduated from Furman University in 1998 and then worked in the U.S. Senate and at the National Cathedral School for Girls in Washington, D.C. In 2003 they moved to Nashville where she worked at the Ensworth School. This year she started a university model, classical school called the Veritas Preparatory School in Greenville, S.C. Will and Krisan Seabrook White live in Madison where she homeschools three children. They adopted a son, Noah, in 2012.
Andy Ethridge and his wife Ashley live in Nashville with two sons, Adam and Austin. Andy is sales manager with Ferguson Enterprises, and Ashley works for a nonprofit called Beads of Courage. Jennifer Fillingim has moved back to Jackson and is currently the mathematics currciulum coordinator for the Madison County School District. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s in mathematics and a master’s in mathematics education. Jennifer’s goal “is to help teachers strengthen their understanding of the content knowledge and research-based ‘best-practices’ for teaching mathematics in K-12 classrooms.” Louis LaRose opened a casual fine dining restaurant in the fall of 2014. “Lou’s Full Serve Neighborhood Kitchen” is located next to McDade’s on Fortification. Louis earned a degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales in Miami. He spent twelve years at Bravo’s, was chef de cuisine at Local 463, and was executive chef at the Mississippi Museum of Art.
Class of 1996 Peyton and Emily Phillips Atchely live in Oxford with their four children. Emily is taking off time from teaching statistics and business calculus at Ole Miss to be a full time mom.
Kenneth and Jill Tinnin Grogan and their son, Kenneth, welcomed a daughter, Allison McNeely, on June 25, 2014. They live in Vicksburg. Glenn Morris Hengst is the senior director of reinsurance accounting at Protective Life Insurance Corporation in Birmingham. Prior to this position, she was the director of general & investment accounting at ProAssurance Corporation where she worked for 10 years. She is married to Todd Hengst, and they have two children, Tana and Thomas. They live in Vestavia Hills, Ala. Lindsey Batte McMullan is the assistant professor of medicine and pediatrics at UMMC. She is an allergist and immunologist. Lindsey and Kelly live in Jackson. Jeremy and Audrey Page live in Madison with a son and two daughters. Jeremy is in medical sales.
Class of 1997 Jason and Betsy Smith Bailey, and daughter Mary Wilton welcomed another daughter Vivian “Vivi” on November 7, 2014. Jason is an attorney with Jones, Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carrere, and Denegre, LLP. They live in Alabama. Patrick and Nicole Dennery Brien and son, Camp, welcomed a daughter, Clara, on June 14, 2014. They live in Roswell, Ga. Chris Christian is a special agent with NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) in San Diego, Calif. His profession is in federal law enforcement/intellligence community. TRUE BLUE 59
NEWS OF ALUMNI 2014–15 Gina Gandy recently received the Graduate of the Year Award from the Career Colleges and Schools of Texas. She is a 2014 graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Dallas. Markus and Ashley LaFleur Haeusler are in Starkville with their children, Alex, Ave, and Addi. Ashley works at the Palmer Home for Children. Peyton Hays completed a fellowship in orthopedic hand and upper extremity at Harvard-Beth Israel Deaconess in 2013. He joined ProHEALTH Care Associates in Manhasset, Long Island, as an orthopedic hand specialist. Peyton married Matthew Axe of Suffolk, England, on May 19, 2014. Matthew is the former vice president creative director of Martha Stewart Living and now works as a freelance creative director in New York City. They live in Jackson Heights, N.Y. Drew and Laura Hendon welcomed a daughter, Caroline, on April 22, 2015. Drew is a pharmacist at St. Dominic Hospital. They live in Madison. Larry and Honey Witt May live in Jackson. She and Larry welcomed a daughter, Lila Witt, on April 17, 2015. Honey is retiring from Ann Smith Elementary, and Larry is a CPA. Rick McKnight is engaged to marry Jessica Zamora. Mick and Emily Bush O’Grady welcomed a daughter, Eloise Maeve, on August 21, 2014. They live in Nashville.
TRUE BLUE 60
Chase and Lauren Newton Roady and sons, Whit and Woods, welcomed another son, Worth, on September 23, 2014. They live in Oxford where Lauren is a pharmaceutical rep and Chase works for USI Insurance in Memphis. Don and Courtney Ross live in Oxford with their two sons. Don is the community and college pastor for the Orchard Church.
Class of 1998 Clayton and Christine Allen welcomed a son, Joseph, on June 2, 2014. Clayton was chief resident in the internal medicine department at the University of Virginia Medical Center and now is in a residency at Vanderbilt University. He graduated from UMMC in 2010. Katie Peterson Elliott is the English lab director for the Rankin campus of Hinds Community College. Daniel is a vice president and senior lender in the Midsouth Metro Market for BancorpSouth. They have two children at JA, Carter and Addie. Carrie and David Howie live in Jackson with their four children, Aubrey, Jude, Alaina Ruth, and Mary Frances. David is in commercial real estate. Betsy Woods Martin has recently become a full-time English instructor for Hinds Community College. For several years she worked as the 6:00 p.m. TV news
producer for WLBT in Jackson. At Mississippi College, Betsy received a bachelor’s in English in 2002 and then completed a master’s in communications in 2003. Her husband, Larry, also teaches English at Hinds Community College. Their daughter, Emily, is a JA first grader. Chad and Kendall Phillips Mitchell and daughter, Annabelle, welcomed a son, Mayes Clark, on December 14, 2014. They live in Collierville, Tenn. Mitch Peters attended Radford University on a soccer scholarship and works with Peters Real Estate in Jackson in commercial properties. He and Ceejaye have two daughters. Anna Powers is a defense mortgage attorney at Baker Donelson. Bryant Walker graduated from medical school at UMMC in 2006. He stayed at UMMC for general surgery training and graduated in 2011. He and his family moved to St. Louis where he started plastic surgery training in 2011. He completed his training at UMMC in June 2014. He opened a solo practice, Allure Plastics, in November 2014 at the Renaissance. Allure is adjacent to Aqua Day Spa and Barnette’s Salon. He and Irina have two children, Daniella and Nicholas. They live on the reservoir. In May 2015, Patrick Welsh traveled with former President Bill Clinton and his delegation to projects in Africa as part of the Clinton Global Initiative. He was among 20 delegation members, about 15 Clinton staff, and several press members who reviewed supported projects
NEWS OF ALUMNI 2014–15 in Tanzania, Kenya, Liberia, and Morocco. Patrick graduated from Ole Miss in political science and is working on a master’s in economic development at the University of Southern Mississippi. Troy and Katie Rutherford Wilkinson are moving to France, where Katie will be the assistant pastor at the Crossroads International Church in Ferney-Voltaire.
Class of 1999 Bo and Mary Kathryn Thomas `04 Allen welcomed a daughter, Emme, on September 3, 2014. Matt and Lindsey Armstrong welcomed a son, Nash, on December 4, 2014. Matt is a 2004 graduate of MSU with a bachelor’s in banking and finance and real estate and mortgage financing. In 2005 he earned a master’s in business administration. He is a commercial insurance and bonds producer with Fisher Brown Bottrell Insurance. Bobby Croswell has been a trader for BTIG for several years. He and his wife, Jennifer, live in Norwalk, Conn., with a daughter, Davidson Belle, born March 18, 2015. Reed and Marie Bryan Hill live in Brandon. Marie is a behavior analyst consultant with the Children’s Center for Behavior Sciences. Reed is an insurance auditor with Wilkinson Insurance Services. They have two children.
an events manager at Healthways, Inc. in Nashville. Michael is a 2003 graduate of MSU with a bachelor’s in management information systems. He is also a graduate of the North Carolina Outward Bound School. Michael is a technical director with Edo Interactive, a software startup in Nashville, and is currently on assignment in London, England. Drew Snyder, the deputy counsel for Gov. Phil Bryant, is the new gubernatorial appointee for the Public Retirement System of Mississippi Board of Trustees. Previously Drew served as the assistant secretary of state and also practiced law with the firm Hollingsworth, LLP in Washington D.C. He received his bachelor’s in business administration from Ole Miss, where he also served as ASB President. Drew later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia Law School. He is married to Camille Allen `03. Jeff and Mary Ellen Maples Stancill live in Jackson with their son, Dudley.
Class of 2000 Tyler and Ann Lambuth Elliston and daughter, Hattie, live in Oakland, Calif. Steven and Nealie Clement Hale have a son, Hines, and a daughter, Elizabeth O’Neal (Eliza). They live in Lake Charles, La.
Grayson and Lauren Hastings Mashburn welcomed a son, Will, on December 30, 2014.
Leanna and Ryan Henderson live in Madison with daughter, Aniea Katherine. Ryan works at Trustmark Investment Advisors.
Michael O’Keefe married Nini Mullis on January 24, 2014. Nini is
Stephanie Baker married Collin Maley in August 2008. They have
a daughter, Brennan, born in March 2011 and a son, Clayton, born in January 2013. Stephanie is a stay-at-home mom and Collin is founding partner of Maley Law Group, PLLC, and co-founding partner of Maley Walker, PA. Bill Phillips lives in Atlanta where he is busy at the Big Nerd Ranch. He tackles nearly any problem tossed his way and has also co-written a book on Android programming. Robert Rushton is the chef de cuisine at Local 463 at Colony Crossing in Madison. Robert needed a job when he was a student at Ole Miss, and he found one at Proud Larry’s in Oxford. He then worked at City Grocery Restaurant, Mint, and Walker’s in Fondren. Known for its take on Southern comfort foods, Local 463 prepares everything fresh and incorporates fresh, local ingredients as much as possible. Jason Spell is with the Busby Companies, a Mississippi owned digital billboard company out of Laurel. He handles all of the Jackson territory and also sells advertisement on other boards across the state, and builds sports boards in large stadiums. Cliff Stewart is a tax manager at Watkins, Ward and Stafford, PLLC, a full service accounting firm headquartered in West Point with twelve offices in Mississippi. Cliff lives in the Jackson area. Eric and Lori Wright Stringer have two sons, Seth and Wright. Lori is a teacher.
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NEWS OF ALUMNI 2014–15 Keith Studdard recently joined the Washington, D.C. based lobbying firm of Jeffrey J. Kimbell and Associates as vice president, government affairs, and political strategy. Prior to that, Keith served U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn) as legislative director for nearly three years. Prior to his time on Capitol Hill, Keith directed federal lobbying efforts for the American Osteopathic Association and spent the 2008 election cycle as director of the osteopathic political action committee. Keith began his career in Washington, D.C. at Kimbell and Associates where he served two years as government affairs associate, comptroller, and chief of staff to Mr. Kimbell. He also has significant experience in federal campaigns and political strategy having worked on multiple presidential, Senate, and House campaigns over the last decade. In addition, during the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., Keith was directly involved with the writing of the Republican Platform. Keith graduated magna cum laude from Ole Miss with a degree in mathematics and chemistry. In November of 2013, Keith married Julia Berman in Charleston, S.C. Julia works in business development at the law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP. They live in Washington, D.C. Allen and Sarah Marie Thigpen welcomed a son, Benjamin, on December 14, 2014. They live in Oxford where Allen is with FNC. Bradford Walker is in real estate development in New Orleans, La. He is vice president of business development.
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Class of 2001 Matthew and Mary Rebecca Barry Jeffries welcomed a son, Denman, in July 2014. They live in Jackson. Cole Kimbrough is in the U.S. Army and stationed at Ft. Benning, Ga. Zach New is the director of operations for the New Summit School. He and Ashly live in Madison. Their daughter, Mary Madison, is in JA’s kindergarten program and baby Maddox is a future JA Raider. Scott `03 and Caroline Hartlein Noblitt and daughter, Hart, welcomed son, Holden, on September 19, 2014. Scott is an attorney with Butler Snow. Steve and Ley Black Smith welcomed a son, Fletcher Lee, on November 7, 2014. They live in Jackson. William Carlton and Dabney Lipscomb Wilkerson welcomed a daughter, Sawyer Ann, on April 21, 2015. They live in Annapolis, Maryland, where he is a captain in the United States Air Force. Candy Witt lives in Houston, Texas. She has a Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law and a master’s in social work from the University of Houston.
Class of 2002 Baker and Cathy Brewer Cannada live in Birmingham, where he is with Compass Bank. They have two daughters, Annie and Mary Wells. Cathy graduated from Ole Miss in banking and finance. She loves being a stay-at-home
mom, but has worked at M and F Bank in business development, and Sterne, Agee and Leach in purchasing. Preston and Lauren Collins Denley live in Jackson with their two daughters. McLean was born July 25, 2014, and Leighton is in JA’s PK program. Madeline Goodwin has a bachelor’s in international studies from Ole Miss and a bachelor’s in nursing from George Washington University. She is a registered nurse in pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant at Johns Hopkins Hospital Children’s Center in Baltimore. Madeline is engaged to marry Patrick Kelso in October 2015. Stephen Kruger is the sous chef at Table 100 in Flowood. The restaurant is known for its Southern regional cuisine, its steakhouse flair and field-to-fork emphasis. He attended the University of Mississippi for two and a half years before deciding he wanted to be a chef. Stephen studied at the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Colorado. He and Jessica live in Jackson. Miles Lane married Lane Wilson on November 1, 2014. Jonathan Lowery graduated in theater from Belhaven University in 2006. Currently he is utilizing physical theater to push the boundaries of dramatic arts with the PUSH Physical Theater. PUSH is very hard to describe with words because everything is so visual. They mash many different performance styles and use the physiciality of movement to tell stories without words. Jonathan
NEWS OF ALUMNI 2014–15 first was introduced to this type of performance with Belhaven’s theater department mime troupe, The Joshua Squad. Brock Maples married Lora Bingham on November 15, 2014. Ashley Phillips married Travis Meyer on April 18, 2015 in New York City. Ashley is a 2006 graduate of Vanderbilt University where she earned a bachelor’s in English. She is an editor at Clarkson Potter, a cookbook and lifestyle book publishing imprint of Penguin Random House. Travis earned a master’s of business administration from Columbia University. He is a managing director with Maverick Capital, Ltd. Richard and Katie Woods Rogers live in Jackson. Katie is an English professor with Hinds Community College on the Rankin campus, and Richard is a division director with the Mississippi State Department of Banking and Finance. Greg and Meredith Monsour Schiefer welcomed a daughter, Vivian Jeanne, on September 3, 2014. They live in Nashville.
Class of 2003 Wilson and Jenny Lind Bussey Boone live in Hattiesburg with a son, Clark, and a daughter, Elizabeth. Elizabeth was born July 14, 2014. Wilson is a radiologist. Michael Harkins is the key accounts manager at Brown Bottling Group. He has a degree in marketing from Ole Miss. Brittany Allen has a bachelor’s in communicative disorders from Ole Miss and a master’s in speech
language pathology from the University of Texas in Dallas. She is a speech pathologist at the Magnolia Speech School. She and John Michael Holtman married in Destin on September 13, 2014. Will Mosby married Betsy Bailey on September, 28, 2013 in Oxford. Will is a 2007 graduate of Ole Miss with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s of taxation in 2008. Will began his career with Ernst and Young in Memphis and is now a financial advisor for UBS Financial Services. They live in Jackson. Scott and Carolyn Hartlein Noblitt live in Jackson with daughter, Hart, and son Holden. Scott is an attorney with Butler Snow. Drew and Camille Allen Snyder live in Jackson where Camille is the managing director for the Allen Financial Group, a general agency for Guardian Life Insurance. Camille is a graduate of Washington and Lee University in commerce and business administration. Camille was recently elected as president of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisers. NAIFA is to insurance workers what the Bar Association is for lawyers or the National Association of Realtors is for realtors. Drew`99 is the deputy counsel for Gov. Phil Bryant. At the end of 2014, Michael Ward quit his five-year career in finance, and his wife quit her job as a doctor of physical therapy at the UMMC Pavilion. On very short notice, they sold vehicles, rented their home, and moved to Anguilla where Michael directs the Anguilla Tennis Academy. The Academy
runs a non-profit tennis program after school for the local youth. Currently Michael teaches and mentors 83 boys and girls. They have sent seven kids to college in the U.S. through tennis scholarships. He is also initiating a chess club, a mentor program, SAT and ACT preparation classes, and ultimately high performance tennis instruction to keep the kids off the street and on the right track towards higher education. The three resorts where he manages the tennis programs are www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com, www. malliouhana.aubergeresorts.com, and www.cuisinartresort.com.
Class of 2004 Cameron and Susannah Albriton welcomed a daughter, Posey, on May 19, 2014. He works with his dad at Albriton’s Jewelry. Cameron studied gemology in Carlsbad, Calif., and for seven months his class was comprised of people from all over the world including Pakistan, South Korea, Switzerland, Spain, and Canada. Bo`99 and Mary Kathryn Thomas Allen welcomed a daughter, Emme, on September 3, 2014. Michelle Allen has been working as a software developer/programmer for the last six-plus years. She also worked on software for the Department of Defense at a small development company in Oxford that did Navy software contracts for over five years. She currently works at the Juice Plus+ Company in Carrollton, Ga., as a web programmer analyst doing development and production support on their various systems. She married Dr. James Church on March 14, 2015.
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NEWS OF ALUMNI 2014–15 Stephen and Susan Hall Vickery Anderson live in Madison with daughter, Ella. Susan Hall works in the Secretary of State’s office in human resources. Brooke Banks is a registered nurse at UMMC and is in school to become a family nurse practitioner. Leslie Berryhill works at UMMC in the department of pediatrics/division genetics. She is the clinical metabolic dietitian for UMMC and the State of Mississippi. She is the only metabolic dietitian in the state. Her specialty is constructing life-long diets for children and adults who are born with errors of metabolism. Diana Smith Bolton works at InterImage, an information technology firm in Arlington, Va. She is a proposal manager/writer and facilitator of bids for federal technology work. They primarily do custom software applications and network security for customers including the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and the FAA. Diana also founded District Lit, an online journal of fiction, poetry, and visual art. District Lit publishes innovative work by established and emerging artists. Diana and her husband A.J. love being in Arlington. Elizabeth and Wright Busching welcomed a daughter, Caroline, on January 11, 2014. Wright is a basketball coach at JA. Emily and Taylor Byrd live in Prairieville, La., with a daughter, Anna Claire, born August, 11, 2014. Taylor is a medical sales/cardiac device specialist at St. Jude Medical. He specializes in the technical aspect of selling, implanting, and TRUE BLUE 64
programming pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators.
of 2014 she spent five weeks working for KPMG in London.
Will Coughlin is a programmer at BlueCross/BlueShield of Mississippi.
Taylor and Trudy Massey Howard live in Brookline, Mass. She is in development operations for Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. After graduating from Baylor, she lived in rural Kenya, Africa.
Cass and Paige Bee Dodgen live in Abbeville, Miss. Paige is a special education teacher at Davidson Elementary School in Water Valley, Miss. Mark Charles and Jilly Lang Escude’ live in Simpsonville, S.C. He is in social media marketing with MCE Automotive. Jay and Fran Fowler have two children, Katherine and Carter. Jay is the owner of Fowler Construction, Inc., and he specializes in residential construction. Daniel and Whitney Eiland Harris live in Madison and she is pleased to be able to stay at home with their baby, Sylvia Ann. Andrew and Anna Hatchett, son Jude, and daughter, Kenley live in Atlanta, where Andrew is a litigation and trial lawyer with Alston and Bird, LLP. Kenley was born November 5, 2014. Stephanie Henson married Jamie McNab on May 2, 2015 in Sea Island, Ga. They live in New York City where Stephanie is in business development for KPMG. Jamie works at Slate Path Capital. Stephanie has been on two mission trips in other countries. One trip was in Kenya which focused on delivering clean water to rural areas outside Nakuru. The other trip was in Nicaragua which focused on rebuilding homes and restoring a local elementary school outside Ticuantepe. In the summer
Laura Ann Herring Hunt works at Patterson Dental as a territory sales representative. She has a degree in marketing/business administration from Mississippi College. Laura Ann and Jonathan have two children, a daughter Saylor and a son Gaige. Jonathan makes custom furniture at S and G Custom Furniture, LLC. They live in Flowood. Nicholas and Leisel Gresham`05 Jew welcomed a daughter, Caldwell Rivers, on December 2, 2014. Nicholas is an orthopedic surgery resident at UT Campbell Clinic in Memphis. Ke Ji is an international trade specialist at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, Office of China and Mongolia. Ke helps U.S. companies address the trade and investment barriers they face in the China market and works to improve U.S. competitiveness abroad. Katherine Jones married Robert Clinton Rosenblatt on November 8, 2014. Katherine earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ole Miss in 2009. At Ole Miss she was a member of the women’s golf team. She is enrolled in the master’s program at Millsaps College and is associated with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Mississippi.
NEWS OF ALUMNI 2014–15 Katie Kean works at Mississippi Children’s Home Services in Gulfport. She graduated with both a bachelor’s and a master’s. Dr. Kurt and Ashley Anderson Lancaster live in Jackon, Mo., with three children, Evy, Liam and Lynley. Ashley is a stay-athome mom, event coordinator for women’s ministry, leads preschool worship at Lynwood Church, and homeschools her children. Jarrett Little is an attorney with Lentz and Little in Gulfport. He is also a commanding officer, HHC with the 168 Engineer Brigade of the Mississippi Army National Guard. After the Air Force, he worked in consulting for a year before law school. During that time he lived in Johannesburg, South Africa; Toronto, Canada; Savannah, Ga.; and Las Vegas, Nev. He is engaged to marry Ellon Eubank. Stephen Marsh is currently a student at Texas A and M University College of Veterinary Medicine and will graduate in May 2016. He was elected by the student body to serve as one of two delegates to the Student American Veterinary Medical Association. He and his wife, Taylor, live in College Station, Texas, where she is a practicing optometrist in the area. Robert Parrott is an attorney with Adams and Reese, LLP, and lives in Jackson. Will Ridgway lives in Dallas and is an auditor with Price Waterhouse Coopers. He still loves to golf, fish, and ski. Ira Rushing is a legal intern in the Death Penalty Appeals Division of
the Mississippi Attorney General’s office. He is also a sergeant in the Mississippi Army National Guard. Ira is a full-time student at the Mississippi College School of Law pursuing a Juris Doctor and is also at Jackson State University pursuing a bachelor’s in finance. Kirk and Maggie Russ live in Homewood, Ala., with their two children, Mary Nash and McCord. Kirk is an internal medicine resident at UAB. Peyton Smith is an attorney and certified contract advisor with Forman Perry Watkins Krutz and Tardy. He has a bachelor’s and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia. He served as Bo Wallace’s agent for his chance at the NFL draft with mechanics coach Tom House in Los Angeles. He and Emmaline live in Jackson. Emily Stacy graduated summa cum laude in 2008 from UMMC with a bachelor’s in dental hygiene and was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi. She is a sales rep for Philips Oral Healthcare in Little Rock. Emily married Charles Holmes on March 14, 2015. He is a full-time supervisor for UPS. Tyler and Jamie Stacy live in New Orleans. He works part time at an athletic store while he is working on a master’s in marriage and family therapy at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Tyler met Jamie in Italy. Clay Stewart is a software programmer in Austin, Texas, for MakerSquare.com. Angelena Health Stowers and J.W. live in Madison. Angelena is a veterinarian at Briarwood/
Millcreek Animal Hospital. After college graduation, she worked on a game reserve in South Africa for the summer, tracking and observing the patterns and behavior changes of lions and wild dogs. She and J.W. spent their honeymoon in New Zealand hunting and wine touring. William and Samantha Strong live in Hattiesburg. William is a registered nurse, an USMC infantry assaultman, and an intelligence analyst. Bradley Tompson received his bachelor’s and master’s from Millsaps College in finance. He lives in New York City where he is in an investment management specialist AVP with the Wells Fargo Private Bank. He studied abroad in London, Brussels, and Munich as part of his master’s program. Kelley Privett Thompson is a registered nurse in Emory University Hospital. She gradauated in May 2015 with a master’s as a nurse practitioner. She and Chris live in Atlanta. Jennifer Virden teaches in the gifted program and coaches cheerleaders at Florence Middle School. She also is taking two online classes in the College of Education at MSU. Doug Ward is an Enterprise account excutive with CSpire in Jackson. Anna Watson is an attorney with Butler Snow, LLP. Shannon West is an intensive care nurse at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation. She lives in Metairie, La., and is past president of the TRUE BLUE 65
NEWS OF ALUMNI 2014–15 Greater New Orleans Chapter of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. She won a national award for programming and nursing education. Josh and Mary Kate Sims Whelan live in Oxford with their two children, Jack and Mamie. Mary Kate works at Oxford Health and Rehab as a speech/language pathologist. She has a master’s in speech/language pathology. Morgan Wiggers is a customer service rep for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Mississippi. After college he spent a year in Australia on a study abroad scholarship and then obtained an master’s at Belhaven University in 2013. Tyler and Mary Claire Winford and their daughter, Grayleigh Claire, live in Winston Salem, N.C. Tyler is in a medical residency in otolaryngology. Marion Keyes married Andrew Gowdey on February 7, 2015. Marion earned a bachelor’s in family and consumer science at Ole Miss and also an associate degree in veterinary technology from Hinds Community College. She is board certified with the Mississippi Board of Veterinarians and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians. Andrew has a doctorate of medicine from UMMC and is in a residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. Scott King married Caroline Douglas Fox on November 22, 2014. Scott attended Ole Miss where he received the Lewis and Frances Graeber Scholarship. He graduated with a bachelor’s in physics and mathematics from TRUE BLUE 66
Ole Miss. Scott is the vice president of Triangle Construction in Madison. Dr. Jack Murray finished his medical degree at UMMC in May 2014. He is a resident in internal medicine in West Virginia.
Class of 2006 Jacob Black and Blakeney Anne Rader married on February 28, 2015 in Alys Beach, Fla. Jacob earned a bachelor’s in business administration from MSU in 2010. He is with Columbus Recycling Company in Memphis where he is manager over regional sales. Haley Crosby married Rob Carpenter on December 20, 2014. Haley is a 2010 summa cum laude graduate of Ole Miss and a 2013 graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law. She was a 2010 Taylor Medal recipient in journalism. Haley is the legal recruiting coordinator for Cicayda, a legal technology company based in Nashville. Rob is a commercial real estate broker with CBRE in Nashville.
Alys Cirilli Farlow was born on June 11, 2014, to Ashley Cirilli and husband Ryan in Lakewood Ranch, Fla. Ashley and Ryan married in 2012 and moved to Sarasota, Fla. as part of a team planting Good Life Church. Ashley is enjoying her new role as a mom and is also working from home as a writer and copyeditor for SRQ
magazine and as the marketing manager for a local interior design business. Ryan is a CPA for public accounting firm CS and L. Joseph Gex married Sally Clark on May 30, 2015, at Oxford Methodist Church in Oxford, Miss. Joseph graduated from Ole Miss with a bachelor’s in history and with a minor in political science. He is with Arthrex in orthopedic surgical sales. Joy Kate Waterer and Daniel Gilmer married on March 21, 2015. Joy Kate graduated from MSU with a bachelor’s in kinesiology with an emphasis in clinical exercise science. She also completed a two-year program at UMMC with a Bachelor of Science in nursing. She is a registered nurse at Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children in the Pediatric Emergency Department. Daniel is a first-year resident in the radiology program at UMMC. Caleb Graham is a 2014 graduate of UMMC. He is in a radiology fellowship in Denver. Colette Jackson graduated from UMMC in May 2014. Currently she is an intern at Baylor and then will be an ophthalmology fellow at Texas Southwestern. Collins Johnson has a bachelor’s in public relations from the University of Georgia. She finished an internship with the Atlanta Braves, and has worked for Chicago Sky, a WNBA team in Chicago, and the corporate headquarters of Groupon. Currently she works for Barracuda and builds firewalls for huge corporations. David Mooney married Amanda Thompson on July 26, 2014.
NEWS OF ALUMNI 2014–15 David is a 2011 graduate of Delta State University where he received both his bachelor’s in science and master’s in business. He is sales manager of R.J. Young Company in their Chattanooga and Rome, Ga. offices.
do, and is working in the oil and gas industry. Ashley Winford graduated from UMMC in May 2014. She is in a pediatric residency at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock.
Class of 2007 Austin Baker has passed the North Carolina Bar. He and his wife Jamie live in Fort Mills.
Rob Puckett has a bachelor’s from MSU in finance. He and Katherine welcomed a son, Rob, on March 31, 2015. Katherine was a fifth grade English teacher at JA. Rob works in his family’s business, Puckett Machinery. Justin and Jessie Stribling Robinson live in Olive Branch, Miss. They work in the DeSoto County School District. Prior to that they were in central Pennsylvania where Jusin attended graduate school at Penn State and Jessie was a graphic artist and a manager at Starbucks. Jessie is a magna cum laude graduate of MSU. Ann Robin Tucker is at UMMC where she received the medical alumni scholarship and the Blance Lockhard scholarship for outstanding female medical student. Haley West graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s from Ole Miss in 2010. She earned her law degree from Ole Miss in 2012 and is licensed to practice in Colorado and Tennessee. She currently lives in Denver, Colora-
Ellen Elliott is engaged to Steven Blevins. She is a graphic designer for Churchill Downs, Inc., and Steven is at PNC Bank in wealth and management. Ann Howard and Andrew Hinds married on December 13, 2013. Ann graduated from Mississippi College in 2011 and completed a doctorate of audiology from the University of South Alabama. Andrew received a Master of English Literature from the University of Alabama and his Juris Doctor from LSU. Michael and Jennifer Ley Kirschten welcomed a second son, Grayson Stanley, on April 9, 2015. They live in Lansing, Ohio, with their three-year-old son, Lucas. Kellon Lawrence, a graduate of MSU (bachelor’s in 2011, master’s 2012) is an investment analyst at Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. He married Rae Ann Otts on January 18, 2014. Rae Ann is pursuing a master’s in civil engineering at MSU. Hunter Murray is a teacher in JA’s Upper School and is also helping with a new program that Coach Higgins has started at JA. He
graduated from Ole Miss in secondary education with a degree in biological science and coached the Ultimate Frisbee team at Ole Miss. Hannah Neely finished her bachelor’s in nursing from UMMC and currently works at St. Dominic Hospital. She is also completing her requirements as a nurse practitioner. Hannah is married to Harley White. Hannah O’Leary is engaged to Jared Meads. Elizabeth Queen is engaged to marry Matthew Henry in September 2015. She is Galloway Methodist Church’s new director of missions and outreach. She will begin this job in the summer of 2015. Matthew is graduating from law school and is taking the Bar Exam in two states, Mississippi and North Carolina. Elizabeth is also attending training to become a certified yoga instructor through Yahweh Yoga. Matthew and Elizabeth are also applying to be licensed as foster parents. Carrie Shumaker is engaged to marry Chase Wynn. Mary Brook Traxler married T. C. Ewing on November 15, 2014. Mary Brook graduated from the school of business in 2011 at Ole Miss with a bachelor’s in risk management and insurance. She was selected as a campus beauty and was a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Sigma Alpha Pi, Gamma Beta Phi and was awarded the J.W. Davidson M-club All American Scholarship, the Herb Dewees Alumni Association Scholarship and the Dixie 1752 Scholarship. T. C. is a TRUE BLUE 67
NEWS OF ALUMNI 2014–15 broker for Charlotte-based commercial real estate firm, Collett and Associates. Ben Ulmer married Joan Childress on October 18, 2014. Ben graduated from MSU in 2011. Sarah Sams Weyrens and her husband live in Louisville, Ky., where Nick is in seminary and Sarah is teaching high school science at a private school. John Wilson married Audrey Jane Gardner on October 19, 2014. John graduated from MSU in 2011 with a bachelor’s in wildlife management. Upon graduation he worked as a fisheries observer with the National Marine Fisheries Service and is presently associated with Forestry Suppliers Inc. in Jackson.
Class of 2008 Morgan Chaney married Ryan Geary`07 on December 13, 2014. Morgan is a graduate of the school of business at Ole Miss with a bachelor’s in marketing. Upon graduation, she lived in Washington, D.C., where she was associated with Will Milligan Events as a political events coordinator. She was involved with the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa. Ryan has a degree in accounting from Ole Miss. After graduation, he was a graduate assistant for the Louisiana Tech University basketball team in Ruston, La. He now lives in Birmingham, where he is associated with Excell Communications as a site acquisition specialist. Domina Cox is engaged to Jack Kaler. She works in accounting at Dixon Hughes Goodman. TRUE BLUE 68
Meghan Giurintano married Drew Moroux on March 14, 2015. Meghan attended Millsaps College where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa Society. She graduated summa cum laude in 2012 with a degree in biology and a minor in business. She is in her third year of medical school at Ole Miss and was recently selected for membership into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Drew is a CPA with KPMG in Jackson. Ryan Jones is an electrical engineer in the corporate engineering department at Ergon. He is the only electrical engineer at Ergon, but works closely with the civil and mechanical engineers, managing an array of projects in the oil refining and asphalt industries. Ryan lives in Jackson. Hannah McWilliams married Justin Lewis on January 19, 2013. Hannah received an accounting degree from MSU and a master’s in accounting from Mississippi College. She is currently employed by Horne, LLP in Ridgeland. They welcomed a daughter, Katherine Elizabeth, on March 19, 2015. Kimberly Peach married Andrew Roberts Norwood on December 20, 2014. Kimberly graduated cum laude from MSU in 2013 with a degree in biochemistry. She is in physician assistant graduate studies at Mississippi College. Andrew is a third-year law student at Mississippi College School of Law. Anne Eastland Vickery married Cole Richardson on March 7, 2015. Anne Eastland received a bachelor’s in communication,
magna cum laude, from MSU. She also graduated in health related studies from UMMC and is currently a dental hygienist in Jackson. Cole is a medical student at William Carey University of Osteopathic Medicine in Hattiesburg. Claire Sims graduated in December 2012 from Ole Miss with a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics. While at Ole Miss, she was a member of the Student Dietetic Association and the Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society. She is currently working on her master’s in the dietetics coodinated program with plans of finishing in the spring of 2016. Landon Thompson is with Nationwide Insurance in Jackson. Margaret Wright married Michael Carr on June 7, 2014. Margaret graduated from MSU in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics. She was also elected freshman class president. At Ole Miss, she completed both her master’s degree and an internship in May. Michael is an outside salesman for RAM Tool in Memphis.
Class of 2009 Tori Arinder is in physical therapy school at UMMC. Mississippi State University’s spring 2014 architecture graduate Tyler Bauman received the American Institute of Architects Henry Adams Certificate, the runner-up
NEWS OF ALUMNI 2014–15 award for general excellence in architecture throughout the course of study. Meredith Brabec married Phillip Rodgers on November 15, 2014. Blake Brown and Megan Laird are engaged to marry on Februrary 27, 2016. Blake lives in Vicksburg where he is a mechanical engineer with International Paper Company. He is a graduate of MSU. Megan is in PT school at UMMC. Sandra England is teaching in JA’s Lower School and helping with a program that Coach Higgins has started for Jackson Academy. Mary Grace Eppes completed her Bachelor’s of Arts in communication with an emphasis on public relations at MSU in December 2013. While at MSU, Mary Grace was a member of the public relations committee for MSU’s student association, the Public Relations Student Society of America, the Southern Public Relations Federation, and the Public Relations Association of Mississippi. While in school she interned in community relations at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, Miss., and in media relations at the Agricutural Communications Office at the MSU Extension Service. Mary Grace is currently the digital content producer at WLBT and FOX 40 in Jackson. Mary Grace writes news articles and manages WLBT’s website, msnewsnow.com, as well as managing all social media platforms for the station. Jonathan Hontzas married Heather Waldrop on November
22, 2014. They are both in nurse practitioner school at UMMC. Bethany Mahaffey is engaged to marry Witt Haggard. Bethany works at Mahaffey’s Quality Printing in Jackson. Drew Moak is at Belmont University in the graduate program of sports management. Bailey Pond is an emergency room nurse at St. Dominic Hospital. She is a graduate of UMMC.
was a news reporter and weekend anchor at KAMC-TV in Lubbock, Texas. Parker graduated from MSU with a bachelor’s in kinesiology. Parker is with Stryker Medical Sales, and they live in Macon, Ga. Hank Waterer married Meri Scott Carpenter on July 12, 2014. Hank is a 2013 graduate of MSU where he received a bachelor’s in business administration with an emphasis in insurance, risk management, and financial planning. He is with Trustmark National Bank.
Katie Puckett is a nurse in the cardiac ICU unit at St. Dominic Hospital. She married Marcus Ginn on May 16, 2015.
Class of 2010
Adam Ray and Charles Adcock`10 are members of The Red Thangs, an Indie Rock Pop band of four members. They recently released their first album, The Red Thangs. The Red Thangs have a music style that features catchy, current arrangements paired with clever lyrics. Some of the songs are upbeat and high energy, while others are more mellow and relaxing. Adam arranges much of the music and plays the guitar, trumpet, and bass, and contributes to the vocal. Charles wrote many of the lyrics and plays the bass, guitar, and sings. The Red Thangs have been touring the state and the South promoting the album. The group hosted a release party June 20, 2014 at Hal and Mal’s.
Caroline Campbell is in occupational therapy school at UMMC.
Anne McCaslin Parker and Parker Snow were married on August 2, 2014. Anne McCaslin attended SMU and was on the homecoming court her senior year. She has a bachelor’s in journalism and minors in business and fashion media. Prior to her marriage she
Kristen Blair married Austin Braasch on September 27, 2014.
Alyssa Davant is teaching in the Clinton Public School District and married Jake Johnson on June 20, 2015. Natalie Ethridge is in medical school at UMMC. Kaitlyn Kilbourne is in occupational therapy school at UMMC. David Lewis completed architecture school at MSU and is working at an architectural firm in Jackson. Ryan Mitchell married Kylie Weeks on November 15, 2014. Ryan is a 2014 magna cum laude graduate of Mississippi College where he received a bachelor’s in biology medical sciences. He is associated with Mitchell Real Estate Investments and is a candidate for dental school. Kylie is pursuing graduate studies and is an ambassador with the Salvation Army in the greater Jackson metro area. TRUE BLUE 69
NEWS OF ALUMNI 2014–15 Avery Nejam attended the Parsons New School for Design and The School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. She is a “ModPop” artist (digital illustrator extraordinaire plus creator at the Candid Observer) and recently started a weekly column for Harper’s Baazar - “Chic of the Week” and has had a spot in the Nylon magazine. Her signature red glasses have become her trademark. See more of Avery’s work on her blog: www. thecandidobserver.com or follow her adventures through instagram:@averynejam. Meagan Ramage married George Calvi on October 19, 2014. She graduated from nursing school at UMMC in May 2014.
of Auburn University.
Class of 2011 Christine Bowman is a communication/public relations major at MSU. Christine is one of 24 seniors that are new members of the university’s prestigious Society of Scholars in the Arts and Sciences. The honor organization recognizes top university students each semester from all majors who have demonstrated the highest standard of academic excellence, and who also have pursued a broad exposure to courses in the arts, sciences, and humanities. The fall scholars’ class represents the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. In April she was named “Student of the Year” by the Public Relations Association of Mississippi. Christine will attend Boston University for graduate school. David Dye has been elected vice-president of the senior class and class favorite at Ole Miss for 2014-15. He is a business major.
Morgan Welsh was selected to be on the Saintsations Field Team. Saintsations is a 22 member squad which will perform at home games for the Saints. Over 100 women participated in tryouts. Formal interviews were held with the semi finalists. Morgan has a degree from LSU in mass communications with a minor in psychology. She was a Golden Girl for all four years at LSU. She lives in New Orleans and works at Fox Channel 8 as a media consultant. Patrick Worley is a civil engineer with Walter P. Moore, Inc. in Houston, Texas. He is a graduate TRUE BLUE 70
Taylor Irby was named to the SEC 2014 Spring Academic Honor Roll at Ole Miss. Taylor is a high jumper for the Ole Miss track and field team. Alex Ray has been accepted to the Harvard Business School for his graduate degree. Currently he is a PQE intern at Nissan. Alex is engaged to marry Caroline Noelle Harris. Keith Shumaker was named a 2015 C Spire Ferriss Trophy finalist on May 11, 2015. At Millsaps he boasts an 8-1 record with a 2.31 ERA but also owns a .417 batting
average. His double-duty performance earned him the Southern Athletic Association Player of the Year award for the second time in three years.
Class of 2012 Matt Denny was named to the SEC 2014 Spring Academic Honor Roll at Ole Miss. Matt is a pitcher on the Ole Miss baseball team and semi-finalist in the 2014 College World Series. Kelsey Pettus was recently named a top 10 campus beauty at the annual “Ole Miss Parade of Beauties” for the 2014-2015 school year. She was also selected as one of the 52 Ole Miss juniors to Mortar Board. Jack Pickering is the newly elected president of the Business School at Ole Miss. He is majoring in marketing with a minor in entrepreneurship. This summer Jack will intern with U.S. Senator Roger Wicker. Caroline Porch was among 52 Ole Miss juniors selected to Mortar Board, a national honor society recognizing college seniors for their exempary scholarship, leadership, and service.
NEWS OF ALUMNI 2014–15 Melissa Ramsey recently became recognized as a member of Mortar Board, a national honor organization at Ole Miss for exemplary scholarship, leadership and service. Abbi Thomas is studying fine arts at the University of Southern Mississippi. She is captain of the colorguard for USM’s Marching band, The Pride of Mississippi, and was invited to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, in March 2015.
plans to attend nursing school. Catherine received the Ole Miss Alumni Scholarship and is on the Dean’s Honor Roll. Sarah Katherine Mills is at Ole Miss majoring in pre-occupational therapy. She received the Academic Excellence and Bledsoe Scholarships and is on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll. Sarah Katherine is a member of the Sally Barksdale Honors College. Rebecca Parker is seeking a double major in psychology and marketing at Ole Miss. This past summer she was selected to serve on summer staff at Young Life Camp in Lake Champion, N.Y.
Make sure your news is in next year’s True Blue To place your news in the next True Blue issue, email Haleigh Ritter at hritter@jacksonacademy.org or update your info under the alumni section of our website at jacksonacademy.org.
Class of 2013 Jamaal Clayborn was one of 43 MSU’s student-athletes named to the 2013-14 Southeastern Conference Honor Roll on July 11, 2014. Peyton Conn is a biology major at Ole Miss. She is the recipient of the Academic Excellence and Bledsoe Scholarships. Peyton worked as a volunteer at a Special Needs Camp Capernaum, a Young Life Ministry, and is a volunteer for Madison Ark Animal Shelter. Megan Jameson is a communications major with a concentration in public relations at MSU. Megan is a member of the College Rebublicans, the Mississippi State Public Relations Committee and a staff member of the school newspaper, The Reflector.
Instagram.com/ja_alumni Facebook.com/JAAlumni
Catherine McIntyre is an exercise science major at Ole Miss with TRUE BLUE 71
CAREER DAY 2015
Where The Jobs Are: Hot Prospects For College Grads (Back, from left) Phil Ethridge, Brad Antici, Ryan Jones; (middle) Lindsey Batte McMullan, Maury Breazeale; (front) Kristen Kennedy Nations, Ann Fowler Purcell, and Carly Stegall Yelverton
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Jackson Academy hosted Career Day 2015 for the eleventh and twelfth grades. Keynote speaker Bethany Cooper and JA guests discussed career paths for students preparing for college and their future.
BBC NEWSROUND VISIT
BBC NEWSROUND FILMS AT JA
What is life like for kids growing up in America in 2015? Four journalists from British Broadcasting Corporation spent a morning with JA fourth through sixth graders to find out. The journalists from BBC Newsround, a long-running news program for children ages 6-12 in the United Kingdom, visited schools in various parts of the country, including Philadelphia, Penn., Washington, D.C., and Jackson. Locally, Newsround visited JA and Northwest Jackson Middle School. Newsround Producer Andrew Swanson said students in the U.K. are “fascinated with the lives of kids in other parts of the world, particularly in America.” The
program will explain what life is like for American children, including their hopes for the future, family life, and ideas about the community, state, and nation. Students in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades participated in small-group interviews. Also, the BBC representatives held a Q&A session about life in the U.K. with Harriett Eppes’ fourth grade class, visited the Lower School STEM lab, dropped in on P.E., watched Showtime rehearse, and conversed with President Cliff Kling. The school will alert the JA community when the program is available for viewing. More information about BBC Newsround is can be found at www.bbc.co.uk/newsround.
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ALUMNI Alumni Reunions Jackson Academy’s classes of 1984, 1994, and 2004 celebrated their class reunions. Alumni were invited back to campus for a tailgate party that included dinner and season football passes to home games. The following day a picnic was held for the alumni classes along with evening activites planned by the reunion committees. Class of 1984
Class of 1994
WELCOME BACK TO JA! Class of 2004
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ALUMNI Alumni Christmas Party
On December 19, JA Alumni were invited to a holiday Christmas party hosted by the JA Alumni Office at
Mint The Restaurant in Ridgeland. All enjoyed time with former classmates and friends.
Alumni Council
Jackson Academy’s Alumni Council is made up of alumni volunteers from the classes of 1982-2005. The council assists the alumni office in establishing and encouraging an active and involved alumni network. The 2014-15 council includes (from left, back) Chris Mathison ’93, Trey Sebrell ’91, Tommy Barnett ‘94, Jacob Haralson ’99, Will VanSkiver ’87, Will Mosby ’03,
Robert Hederman ’90, Charles Copeland ’96, Brian Ramsey ’92 (front) Maury Breazeale ’98, David Barrett ’05, Margaret Doty Scott ’83, Joseph McCaskill ‘ 02. Not pictured: Kathy Sheffield ’82, Brad Smith ’86, Leigh Barnett Butler ’89, Mark Markow ’97, David McKinnon ’01, and Morgan Wiggers ’04.
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JAA
Over 800 individuals registered for the first Color Me Raider Run at JA held on Friday, April 17. The massive crowd of runners and walkers in white T-shirts advanced through the first color station at the back gate at Raider Field after an aerobic warm-up provided by Brickhouse Cardio. In a “color run,” participants are showered with powdered color as they advance through stations of the run. By the end of the run, their clothes are covered with a rainbow of colors. Participants completed the 5K at Raider Park where they received admission to a varsity
baseball double-header and a Kids Fun Zone. Crawfish and hamburger plates were available at the concession stand. A one-mile fun run gave walkers and runners of all ages a chance to participate. The Raiders split the double header with the No. 2 team in the state. The entire event was a great evening for the JA community and friends. View all the Color Me Raider photos on Facebook.com/ jacksonacademy.
A Blue & White Night Saturday, August 15 at 7:00 p.m. The South Warehouse
The JAA will host A Blue & White Night at The South Warehouse in Jackson on Saturday, August 15, 2015. The event will feature a fabulous silent auction, a tuition raffle, a live auction, amazing food, and live music. Dress in your favorite casual blue and white outfit and join us for a wonderful evening. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit jacksonacademy.org/unite.
For questions or to become a “True Blue Raider” contact: Max Wondries at mtwondries@mac.com or Kristen Nations at kristennations@hotmail.com. TRUE BLUE 76
JACKSON ACADEMY 4908 Ridgewood Road | P.O. Box 14978 Jackson, Mississippi 39236-4978 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED The Alumni Office welcomes your comments and suggestions. Phone: 601.364.5721 Fax: 601.364.5722 Email: hritter@jacksonacademy.org