NEWS AND STORIES

JA Graduate Co-Authors Journal Article During Senior Year

GLAKE HILL ’21 RECEIVED TWO HONORS EXPERIENCED BY COLLEGE UNDERGRADUATE OR GRADUATE STUDENTS MORE OFTEN THAN BY HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS.

During an internship in Jackson State University’s chemistry department, Glake participated in research under Professor Paresh Ray. His work led to a scientific journal co-authorship and an award-winning conference presentation.

“I got connected to the internship by my parents,” Glake said. His father, Dr. Glake Hill, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Atmospheric Sciences at Jackson State University, and his mother, Dr. Shonda Allen-Hill, is the associate director of JSU’s Center for Computational Chemistry. Having grown up in a science-minded family, Glake loves to explore the world through science’s lens. He will attend Tougaloo College and either follow in his parents’ footsteps or pursue a degree in finance.

The opportunity to learn more about chemistry and presentation skills drew Glake to participate in the JSU internship, which awarded college credit. He was one of four high school students included in the program. Glake said his responsibility was “to research ways to create clean water for places that don’t have any by finding a specific particle that could break down harmful pollutants.” He found himself well prepared for the rigors of research and laboratory work, noting that, “the teachers at JA helped hone my writing skills in order for me to properly contribute to the science journal.” The peer-reviewed journal article, “Development of Human Host Defense Antimicrobial Peptide-Conjugated Biochar Nanocomposites for Combating Broad-Spectrum Superbugs,” was published October 30, 2020, in the American Chemical Society's journal, ACS Applied Bio Materials. The article dealt with timely topics like infectious diseases, multidrug-resistant superbugs, and the design of broad-spectrum anti-superbug biomaterials.

In November, Glake presented research at the 27th International Conference on Current Trends in Computational Chemistry and won third place in the college undergraduate category. There was no high school category available. His topic and poster presentation were titled, “Magnesium and Nitrogen Co-Doped Carbon Dots as a Fluorescent Probe for Selective Detection of Cobalt Ion.” Besides the thrill of competing with college students from across the country, Glake’s third-place win included a cash prize, a book award from the scientific publisher, Springer, and a certificate of achievement.

Glake said that the most valuable parts of the internship were presenting the project before scientists and getting third place in the process. The audience included noted people in the scientific community, including book authors. “Being a published co-author feels like a pretty big accomplishment,” he said.

TOGETHER at JA

Cherished Buddy Programs Cultivate Friendships Despite Pandemic

Sharing one campus means so much to the JA family. Special programs such as Alpha and Omega and Book Buddies exist because children study within walking distance of one another. Each year, the Alpha and Omega program pairs seniors with a kindergarten student. The students meet periodically for the remainder of the year to talk, read books together, share snacks, and play games. In Book Buddies, sixth graders interview first graders several times during the school year and write and illustrate a book about them. Full of imagination, these books become precious keepsakes. Both programs enrich students’ lives with friendship and fond memories. When COVID-19 changed everything, it altered these cherished JA traditions.

Instead of being together for the first Alpha and Omega meeting, the kindergarteners ate snacks in their classrooms and watched a video created by the seniors. As everyone adjusted to the new normal, teachers and administrators planned a safe way for the students to gather. Initially, Head of Lower School Sarah Love observed, “The most challenging part was figuring out how to help them get to know each other since they had to stay socially distanced and wear masks.” Mallory Gnemi, who teaches English in the Middle School and organizes the Book Buddies program, agreed. “We normally do handson activities like cup-stacking that help break the ice for the buddies in September, but we were unable to host that,” Gnemi said. “It wasn’t the same.”

Despite the challenges, the teachers and students found it well worth the effort to continue the programs. “After everything the kids have gone through and had to do without in the past year, this was something we weren’t willing to give up,” Gnemi said. “Seeing the smiles on all the buddies’ faces when they gave and received their books made all the hard work worth it.”

The students relished spending time together and seeing the world from their buddies’ perspective. “My favorite memory from Alpha and Omega was the pizza and games picnic on the football field,” said Lila Robertson, ’21. “My buddy and I both like to sing, so we sang songs and just ran around and blew bubbles, and it felt like being a kid again.” Bryant Seago, ’21, described the value of the program when he said, “Alpha and Omega is one of those things that you look forward to growing up here at JA. It’s something that means so much to the little kids and means even more to the seniors.”

JA’s Beloved Outdoor Program Expands

Students and alumni who have experienced Jackson Academy’s signature rafting, hiking, and other outdoor adventures frequently recall them as a highlight of their time at JA. Continuing the memorable work of previous leaders in the Ray Higgins SOAR program is WT Taylor, Ph.D., who joined JA as the SOAR Outdoor director in 2020. Taylor will build upon the existing SOAR initiative, modeling his work after the outdoors programs at state universities throughout the South. He plans to foster student leaders to assist in planning and executing trips, empowering students to step into leadership roles or jobs in outdoor adventure.

A recent addition to SOAR Outdoor is a low ropes course at Ashleigh Park, adjacent to JA’s multi-sport complex, Raider Park. Installation of the 12-element system was completed in the spring; it is the first phase of an anticipated larger ropes course installation.

Safely maneuvering through a spider’s web, navigating a log bridge over imaginary molten lava, or swinging like a ship’s bosun are not everyday experiences. These scenarios help participants face challenges as a team. Taylor says there is no “I” in these scenarios; working as a team, groups sharpen their communication, problem-solving, trust, and strategic thinking skills.

“The ropes course is fun and a great way to meet others and to help students grow as individuals and as a group,” said Taylor.

Middle School literature teacher Castlen King Rogers, who helped during one of the courses, said she saw a willingness to experiment. “I think what impressed me most was how enthusiastic the students were about helping one another and trying new things,” she said. “Of the six groups that rotated through the elements at our station, no two groups approached the challenges the same, but all of the groups met with success. When something didn’t work, the students would come up with another plan and try again. That kind of grit and collaboration will serve them well in many areas.” Students had this advice for those experiencing the new ropes course at Ashleigh Park:

Black History Month

Celebrated Throughout Campus

Black History Month presents an invitation to educate and celebrate. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jackson Academy would invite performers to campus such as New Stage Theatre’s education director Sharon Miles or Jackson State University’s MADDRAMA troupe (Making A Difference Doing Respectable And Meaningful Art). The pandemic prevented such performances during 2020-2021 but created an opportunity to delve deeper into Black history through classroom study.

Preschool

Storybooks are important for many reasons, and one of those reasons is the opportunity to intentionally feature the incredible variety of people God made. During the month of February, classroom teachers highlighted stories that featured Black children and adults overcoming fears, enjoying celebrations, and making the world a better place. During library time, preschoolers heard books about civil rights, focusing on biographies and fictional stories such as “The Other Side” by Jacqueline Woodson.

Lower School

Teachers read aloud about people such as Jackie Robinson, Katherine Johnson, Martin Luther King Jr., and other famous African Americans. Fourth grade students researched famous Black people. Teacher Abbie Cox said that through their extensive research, students saw over and over the conditions and racism that Black people suffered throughout history. Additionally, they witness the drive, perseverance, and heart that allowed these men and women to endure and succeed. “They see their many accomplishments and God-given gifts that have made our world a better place,” she said.

Middle School

On Fridays, Middle School students dove into Black History Month studies. In eighth grade literature, they began with an overview of history, starting in 1619 when the first slave ship arrived in the American colonies. Next, the students read several non-fiction documents, including autobiographies, historical documents, and an account of Brown v. Board of Education, the trial that ended legal segregation in public schools. Individually, students selected historical or modern-day Black leaders, artists, innovators, or athletes to research and present to their classmates.

Upper School

Each morning during February, Upper School announcements featured a moment of reflection drawn from Black history. During a chapel service, Marcus Harris shared the poem, “Too Black,” based on a poem by the same name that Marcus altered in collaboration with his mother to highlight his unique experience. Upper School Chemistry Teacher Richard West then shared his story of growing up in Mississippi. Students listened as their beloved teacher described learning in school that Black people were either slaves or maids and watching the KKK burn a cross in his grandmother’s front yard. West then posed four questions to his listeners: Who am I? Why am I here? What’s wrong with this world? How do we fix it? He answered each question with scripture and ended his message by reading from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, which describes what real love looks like in a person’s life. West received a standing ovation.

LEADERS BEGIN ROLES in UPPER and MIDDLE SCHOOLS

K through 12 educator and school leader Brandi Richardson joined the Jackson Academy staff as head of Upper School this summer. From Grand Bay, Alabama, Richardson was most recently the Upper School director at Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile. Her other secondary and higher education roles include teaching AP History and Spanish at St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Mobile, serving as department chair at St. Luke’s, and instructing courses in world and U.S. history at Coastal Alabama Community College.

“I look forward to working with students, faculty, and families as we seek to lead students in discovering their purpose in life,” said Richardson. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the leadership team serving the JA community!”

The Middle School leadership team working with Head of School Palmer Kennedy includes two interim appointments of current staff members. Associate Head of School and Academic Dean Matt Morgan is serving as interim head of Middle School while continuing the current position that he has held since 2018. Morgan previously led JA’s Middle School for five years. During his 17 years at JA, he also served two years in an administrative role under Head of Lower School Sarah Love and as a Spanish teacher and football coach.

“I am looking forward to teaming up with Palmer Kennedy on our entire academic program and with Brandt Walker as we lead the Middle School,” said Morgan.

Brandt Walker will assume a new position as interim associate head of Middle School while serving as associate athletic director. Walker was appointed associate athletic director in 2017 and has also served JA as head coach of the track teams, the cross country team, and varsity and junior high football roles. Walker came to JA with 14 years of coaching experience, including a decade of coaching football and track.

“The opportunity to work with Matt Morgan and the Middle School faculty and to continue to advance our academic and athletic programming makes me very excited about the 2021-22 school year,” said Walker. “It is going to be a great year to be a Raider!”

To read more about these leaders, visit: JACKSONACADEMY.ORG/UPPER-SCHOOL-LEADERSHIP and JACKSONACADEMY.ORG/MIDDLE-SCHOOL-LEADERSHIP

POGUE AND WALKER LEADING ATHLETIC PROGRAM

Jackson Academy’s athletic program leaders anticipate a year of great competition and great opportunities. Lance Pogue is serving as interim athletic director, overseeing the administration of the school’s athletic programs. He will continue as varsity head football coach, which he held during the 2020-21 school year. Before that, he served JA for three years as the team’s defensive coordinator.

“Our goal is to be distinctive in all sports at JA, providing students the best experience possible no matter the sport they choose. As a coaching staff, our No. 1 goal is to have the best interests of the kids in mind,” said Pogue.

During his career, Pogue has led acclaimed programs as the head football coach and athletic director at Eupora High School from 1998 to 2007 and South Panola High School from 2007 to 2016. Pogue is the only high school coach in Mississippi who holds a National Championship title. He was the USA Today National Coach of the Year in 2010.

Brandt Walker will continue to serve with Pogue as associate athletic director. Appointed associate athletic director in 2017, Walker has served JA as head coach of the track and cross country teams. He also has had roles with varsity and junior high football. Walker came to JA with 14 years of coaching experience, including a decade of coaching football and track.

Both Pogue and Walker are committed to an athletic program that creates a positive experience for students and makes it possible for them to participate in multiple sports if they choose.

2020-2021 MAIS Athletic Highlights

Accents

STATE CHAMPIONS State Runner Up (Pom Division)

Boys Soccer

STATE CHAMPIONS

Boys Tennis

State Runner Up

Varsity Cheer

STATE CHAMPIONS State Runner Up (Tumbling Division)

Varsity Football

State Runner Up

Girls Basketball

STATE CHAMPIONS

Girls Soccer

State Runner Up

Girls Tennis

STATE CHAMPIONS

Golf

STATE CHAMPIONS

Volleyball

STATE CHAMPIONS

Outdoor Venue Adds to Meaningful Graduation Ceremony

Wearing navy blue robes and matching mortarboards with white stoles, the Jackson Academy Class of 2021 processed into the Brickyard on campus as the traditional graduation march, “Pomp and Circumstance,” played.

JA held graduation outdoors at the Brickyard for the first time in 2020 as a precaution to guard against the spread of COVID-19. However, the school community’s response to the location prompted JA to repeat the outdoor ceremony this year on May 7, making its way to becoming a tradition, said Jim Wilkirson, chief advancement officer at JA.

“Everybody has a special memory of that field whether it has to do with sports, the end-of-year field day, or the mentoring event where K5 youngsters are paired with seniors,” he said.

During the ceremony, each soon-to-begraduate occupied a blue chair spaced 10 feet apart and spread across the football field, making it easy for parents and friends seated in the stadium to see the student they came to support.

“We had everyone spaced out last year because of the pandemic, but we arranged it like that again this year because it provides for better photo opportunities and makes it easier for parents and friends to locate individual graduates,” Wilkirson said.

Thoughtful details for the occasion included one that calls for a graduate’s stole to be embroidered with the initials and graduation years of any immediate family members who are JA graduates. “It’s a way of honoring a family’s legacy to the school,” Wilkirson said.

Lifers, students who attend JA from kindergarten through twelfth grade, wore a special medallion. The Class of 2021 included 67 Lifers.

A drone flew overhead to capture the scene for the Raider Network, which live-streamed the event so anyone unable to attend in person could watch it over an electronic device.

The JumboTron, which would usually share football scores, showed a slide for each class member that featured a senior portrait, a list of high school accomplishments, and the college or university graduates selected to attend.

The valedictorian, salutatorian, and officers of the senior class led the ceremony. “We do that purposefully because we want graduation to be about the seniors,” Wilkirson said.

The outdoor venue provided graduates the opportunity for the traditional toss of mortarboards, which an indoor venue does not allow.

The 116 graduates, JA’s newest alumni, carried the school colors and banner out, and the faculty followed behind them, recessing to “The Hymn of Joy,” which is better known as “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.”