2021 True Blue Magazine - Winter Issue

JACKSON ACADEMY

WINTER 2021 | VOLUME XXIII

A Publication for Jackson Academy Alumni, Families, and Friends

CONTENTS

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JA ALUMNI:

Serving During Crisis F E AT U R E S

IN THIS ISSUE

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Forward Momentum

STAYING CONNECTED NEAR AND FAR

Leadership Transition to Take Place Summer 2021

9 JA WINS MULTIPLE CATEGORIES IN CLARION LEDGER’S ‘BEST OF 2020’

21 LEGACY LOYAL

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Efforts of ARC Teachers and Students Lead to Lasting Benefits

22 PRESCHOOL VOICES

24 CLASS NOTES

25 MEMORIALS

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26 HONORARIUMS

The Great Outdoors Thomas Wayne Taylor Directs Ray Higgins SOAR Program ON THE COVER: Dr. Calvin Thigpen ’94 and Dr. Alan Jones ’90 in front of the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine in Jackson.

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JACKSON ACADEMY

WINTER 2021 | VOLUME XXIII

EDITOR/WRITER

Patti Wade

Director of Marketing and Communication C R E AT I V E

Jonathan Blackwell Graphic Designer

PHOTOGRAPHER/WRITER

Rachel Lies

Interactive Media Coordinator CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS/WRITERS

Jonathan Blackwell Frances Bussey Lisa Bynum Ann Boswell Carlson Joe Ellis/UMMC Photography Nell Floyd Anna Grace Hand Rachel Lies Richard Stafford Suzanne Thigpen Patti Wade O F F I C E O F A D VA N C E M E N T

Jim Wilkirson

Chief Advancement Officer

Suzanne Thigpen

Director of Annual Fund

Frances Bussey

Director of Alumni Relations True Blue, a semiannual publication, is published by the Office of Marketing and Communication and the Office of Advancement.

Jackson Academy 4908 Ridgewood Road Jackson, MS 39211 If you have alumni news you would like to share, visit jacksonacademy.org/classnotes to submit or update your information.

Submissions may also be mailed to the above address or emailed to Frances Bussey at fbussey@jacksonacademy.org. Photos submitted should be of high quality.

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F O RWA R D M O M E N T U M

FORWARD MOMENTUM IN A TIME OF UNEXPECTED TWISTS AND TURNS, JACKSON ACADEMY IS PRESSING AHEAD WITH TWO SIGNIFICANT INITIATIVES. TO SUSTAIN JA’S EXCELLENCE INTO THE FUTURE, THE SCHOOL IS PURSUING A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN. ADDITIONALLY, JA WILL EXPERIENCE A LEADERSHIP TRANSITION IN JUNE.

Steering Jackson Academy’s capital campaign with the development team is incumbent Head of School Jack Milne. He will pass the baton to incoming Head of School W. Palmer Kennedy in June 2021. Both leaders have worked with capital campaigns in their roles at other independent schools.

all students across campus. These state-of-theart facilities will include new construction and renovated space, allowing for future growth in programming and enrollment. New construction will open up space in existing facilities so that signature programming, such as Raider Network and SOAR, can shift into renovated facilities.

“During Jack Milne’s tenure, Jackson Academy conducted a community listening and planning event called ‘Planning the Next 60.’ Using those results, a consulting firm then led JA through a feasibility study, interviews with stakeholders, surveys, and development of campaign material,” said Chief Advancement Officer Jim Wilkirson.

“As we approach the head of school transition this summer, we will work with incoming Head of School Palmer Kennedy to bring much of the campaign to fruition. We expect a significant amount of forward motion on the initiatives of the capital campaign in the summer and fall of 2021.”

Phase II addresses student activities with a multifaceted Student Life Center that will become the anchor and entry for JA's current gym while expanding student offerings. The new addition will serve as a flexible multipurpose space for lectures, special events, and student practices. Once renovations and additions addressed in JA's new master plan are completed, JA's campus will have a more cohesive feel with a new, transformational north facade.

Feedback from the JA community guided the school's prioritization of phases of the campaign.

Phase 1 will address new classroom space and existing classroom renovation and centralize divisional offices, counseling, and testing spaces to ensure that current square footage reaches its fullest potential.

A key component of Phase 1 is creating a series of science and lab facilities readily accessible to

“This campaign will help provide the brick and mortar needed to support our programs, faculty, facility, and most importantly, our students and families as we continue the lifechanging and affirming mission of JA,” said Kennedy. “Through faithful stewardship and a commitment to helping our students discover a purposeful life, this immediate benefit will also provide excellence in education for generations to come.”

JA’s projects will be designed by Dean and Dean Associates Architects led by J. Alan Grant, principal, and JA parent.

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F O RWA R D M O M E N T U M

MILNE BRINGS JA THROUGH CHALLENGING SEASON JACK MILNE CAME TO JA IN 2017 AS VICE PRESIDENT AND DEAN OF SCHOOL AFTER HAVING SERVED IN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP AND TEACHING FOR 17 YEARS AT ANOTHER LEADING INDEPENDENT SCHOOL, THE BOLLES SCHOOL IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA. HE BECAME JACKSON ACADEMY’S HEAD OF SCHOOL ON JANUARY 1, 2018.

Early in his tenure, Milne championed a program with an emphasis on character and moral courage as part of students’ preparation for college and life beyond. He formed a student, faculty, parent, and alumni group that developed an honor code and honor council, which is now student-led.

“Today more than ever it is essential that our educational institutions, in partnership with parents and communities, work to help instill in our youth a moral force of character and to give them the inspiration to carry out honorable and compassionate acts,” he said.

The ideal of courage played a part in challenges JA faced during his leadership. In 2020, a flood threatened the main campus and overtook Raider Park, JA’s baseball, softball, tennis, and track

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complex. Shortly thereafter, the school joined educational institutions across the country in responding to the unknown—a pandemic that precipitated JA’s segue to remote learning, followed by a plan for a safe return to full inperson learning with remote learning options.

Along the way, the school began the initial phases of a major capital campaign, which Milne has continued to steer.

“We are grateful for the continuing leadership of Jack Milne, who is guiding Jackson Academy through the unparalleled circumstances of the pandemic and who has built tremendous momentum for Jackson Academy throughout his tenure,” said Scott Pedigo, chair of the JA Board of Trustees.

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THROUGH THE YEARS: 1 Kindergarten students are mesmerized during Jack Milne's story time; 2 New playground equipment is designed just for Preschoolers; 3 Play reinforces learning; 4 Milne and kindergarten students are happy to return after the winter snow in January; 5 Milne, right front, joins Belhaven University President Dr. Roger Parrott and other officials in signing a dual enrollment agreement; 6 Jack and Caroline Milne; 7 Ice lingers on the Lower School playground as students return to a normal routine; 8 Milne encourages students to strive for the highest ideals during the unveiling of the Honor Code; 9 Students look forward to seeing "Mr. Milne"; 10 Milne with 2017-19 Board of Trustees Chair Greg Johnston and Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum.

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F O RWA R D M O M E N T U M

KENNEDY BEGINS LEADERSHIP THIS SUMMER BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIR SCOTT PEDIGO AND VICE CHAIR ROBERT HEDERMAN LED THE HEAD OF SCHOOL SEARCH PROCESS WITH A COMMITTEE MADE UP OF PAST AND CURRENT TRUSTEES, ALUMNI, PAST AND CURRENT PARENTS, AND FACULTY. AFTER THE DECISION IN DECEMBER OF 2020 TO APPOINT PALMER KENNEDY AS THE NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL, PEDIGO AND HEDERMAN APPOINTED A TRANSITION TEAM. THE TEAM WILL WORK WITH THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND KENNEDY TO PREPARE FOR HIS ARRIVAL IN JUNE OF 2021.

Kennedy’s appointment followed a comprehensive national search with assistance from an independent school consultant, The Education Group. “The search committee was thoroughly impressed with Mr. Kennedy’s depth of experience with independent school leadership, his record of excellence and educational leadership philosophy, and his warmth and enthusiasm for Jackson Academy,” said Pedigo.

Kennedy’s 36-year career as an independent school educator encompasses roles as headmaster of Advent Episcopal School in Birmingham and St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Mobile, and as director of Upper School at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Mobile, in addition to administrative, athletic leadership, and teaching roles at St. Paul’s.

“JA has a solid foundation of faith, strong relationships, programs, and an engaging school culture. I look forward to being a part of this community where teachers and students alike go to school each day believing both will teach and

both will learn, sharing the responsibility to help one another be their best regardless of role or age,” said Kennedy, upon accepting the position.

Kennedy holds a Master of Arts in history from the University of South Alabama and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Mobile.

He completed a Bachelor of Arts in economics and history from the University of South Alabama and completed the British Studies Program at the London School of Economics. Kennedy and his wife Karen are the parents of two adult children and became grandparents this year.

“As Karen and I look forward to joining the JA family, we are excited to be a part of an institution that deeply appreciates where it has been and the success it has experienced. The journey continues.

My favorite scripture is found in the Gospel of Luke: “Those to whom much has been given much is expected.” Those before us have provided much, and JA’s foundation is strong. That said, much is expected and needed from JA going forward.

TRANSITION TEAM ANGIE ANTICI STACY BATES MYSTI CHUSTZ ALAN GRANT

ANGIE HARAWAY AMY HEDERMAN ROBERT HEDERMAN MATT MORGAN

KRISTEN NATIONS ERIN NEELY SCOTT PEDIGO PAULA PRATT

SANDRA TRIPLETT PATTI WADE JIM WILKIRSON PATRICE WORLEY

ADVISORS FROM THE EDUCATION GROUP: KATHERINE STUART AND DAVE DAVIES

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Staying Connected 3

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Since its founding in 1959, Jackson Academy has seen thousands of students pass through its doors.

Life leads each graduate in his or her own direction and before alumni realize it, they’ve lost touch with classmates or teachers who left a lasting impression on their life. How can alumni stay connected?

Through events, reunions, and mentoring programs, JA boasts strong ties. As director of alumni relations, Frances Bussey has sought ways to improve and strengthen these connections, not only between alumni but also with the school. However, keeping up-to-date records on every student is no easy task.

In the spring of 2020, Suzanne Thigpen, director of annual fund, discovered Almabase, an alumni management software accessed via the internet. After Thigpen, Bussey, and Jim Wilkirson, JA’s chief advancement officer, vetted the program thoroughly, 8 TRUE BLUE

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Almabase was implemented at JA that fall. Creating a free account is as simple as visiting the JA Alumni Network website and creating a profile. Users can choose to sign up using their email address. However, Bussey encourages users to sign up through a Facebook or LinkedIn account.

“Down the road, if you move, change jobs, or get married, your information is automatically updated in Almabase when you update your Facebook or LinkedIn account,” Bussey explained.

Through the platform, alumni can connect with former classmates, view and register for upcoming events, or make a donation to the school.

Bussey also hopes Almabase will help expand the JA mentoring program.

Plans are in place to roll out a mentor directory where younger alumni, who are currently in college or a new graduate, can locate and connect with professionals in their chosen field.

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“In the past, our mentoring program has been focused locally. We’re hoping Almabase will allow us to expand into different states,” Bussey said. “It will be a cool tool for our younger alums, whether they are in college or starting their careers, to be able to connect with someone who can give them advice on college majors, internships, or finding a job.”

So far, Bussey says Almabase has been a great tool for building a sense of community for alumni of all ages.

“It has been a nice way to engage with our alumni, especially the ones who aren’t local,” she added. “It has been fun to look at the interactive map on the site and see where everyone is. We recently found out we have seven alumni in Europe! We wouldn’t have necessarily known that without Almabase.”

Jackson Academy Alumni Network

alumni.jacksonacademy.org

F E AT U R E S

JA Wins Multiple Categories in Clarion Ledger’s ‘Best of 2020’ Each fall, the Clarion Ledger opens nominations for “Best of” businesses and individuals in more than 100 categories. Businesses from throughout the state are nominated, and top nominees are selected for the final round of voting. In the 2020 Clarion Ledger Best of, Jackson Academy was voted Best Place to Work, the Performing Arts Center earned Best Performance Venue, and the JA Carnival won Best Festival. Teachers BeBe Sumner, Chris Tucker, and Richard West received nominations for Best Teacher. Tucker and West were recognized as runners-up for Best Teacher.

RIGHT: BeBe Sumner, Richard West, and Chris Tucker BELOW: 1 Performing Arts Center; 2 2019 Fall Carnival; 3 JA Administration Building.

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Caroline Walker Reed ’13 of Jackson praises ARC for teaching her how to cope with dyslexia and build her confidence.

Reed earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a real estate emphasis from the University of Mississippi in 2017 and now works as a development manager for Heritage Properties. Reed says she used the skills she learned at JA to succeed at Ole Miss.

For students with dyslexia, certain subjects may be much more difficult than others. For instance, Reed said, “I excelled in math and science, but English and history were difficult.”

She also remembers a feeling many students with learning differences understand: “When you have a learning difference, your confidence can suffer. You’re scared to ask questions.

If the teacher calls on you, you’re scared to answer.”

Efforts of ARC Teachers and Students Lead to Lasting Benefits As

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow so eloquently wrote in his poem “A Psalm of Life,” human beings can lead lives of greatness that will “leave footprints on the sands of time.”

Longfellow was calling his readers to live life to the fullest and set an everlasting and inspiring example for others. Longfellow’s call is evident in the actions of Jackson Academy teachers, particularly those in the Academic Resource Center (ARC) who help students live more fully by understanding how they learn best, managing learning differences, developing confidence, and sharpening time management skills.

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Caroline Walker Reed ’13 of Jackson praises ARC for teaching her how to cope with dyslexia and build her confidence. “They really helped me figure out how I learn best,” she said.

“I study best when I can talk out loud, almost like teaching a class."

Resource learning facilitators at JA work with students who struggle in the academic realm. These students have a diagnosed learning difference or challenges to overcome, such as test anxiety or organizational problems.

Some students struggle with specific courses due to underdeveloped study skills or time management skills.

Reed remembers how JA teachers believed in her and worked with her resource learning facilitators to help her excel. “All the teachers do a great job of building up your confidence.

They let you know you’re smart and you’ve got this,” Reed said.

Like Reed, Latham Nance ’19 found the consistent relationships developed with teachers invaluable. “When you are at a school like JA where classes are academically strenuous, having the relationships with ARC teachers like Mrs. Carlson or Mr. White who were my supporters year after year is something I cannot put into words very well. ARC teachers stay with students year after year, they know our strengths and our weaknesses, and they use that knowledge to help us become the best we can be,” he said. “That consistency was something I liked best.”

“I have known I learn differently since first grade because my mom thought openly talking about it was better than the difficulty in school coming from some unknown and me thinking I was dumb,” said Nance. “My ARC teachers did the same thing. They knew my strengths and weaknesses and would help me to recognize and overcome weaknesses.”

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The classroom teachers and resource teachers work together to find a way to ensure that students whose learning profiles do not fit the classic student mold still gain the skills they need to be successful, not only in their academic journey but in life.

Resource learning facilitators at JA consider dyslexia and other learning differences as different ways of learning, not as disabilities.

Facilitators work alongside the students, their families, and the classroom teachers to identify individual areas that need attention and develop strategies to address those areas.

ARC offers several tiers of support to qualifying students beginning with preschool students and moving through all divisions. It addresses the underpinnings of reading and the

Latham Nance ’19 assists with the Mississippi State University New Maroon Camp, a week-long student-led retreat that prepares first-year students for the transition to MSU.

foundation for mathematics for JA’s youngest learners. The program also provides speech and language therapy for students who need it.

“Many think that straight A’s are the only path to success, but I think differently,” Nance said. “I did my eleventh-grade research paper on dyslexic entrepreneurs, and I learned that the things that make school hard for people with dyslexia produce important qualities in individuals that are key to being successful business owners. I learned from ARC teachers how to push

through difficult times, communicate what I needed, have empathy with others, and persevere when things are hard. I learned how to ask for help, which is something many adults do not do.”

“JA is committed to supporting each student’s academic journey, and the program offered by the Academic Resource Center is a part of that commitment,” said JA’s Director of Learning Diversity Beth Murray.

In addition to being a certified dyslexia specialist, Murray earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Mississippi and a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Mississippi College.

“One of the program’s main goals is to promote student self-confidence and independent learning,” Murray said. Teachers encourage students to take ownership of their academic lives by teaching the skills they need to be better students, which then translates into lifelong success.

“I look back at my years in ARC, and I am thankful for many things, but one of the things helping me now is time management. From seventh grade on, teachers guided us to keep up with our daily/weekly assignments in ageappropriate ways, and the teachers kept us accountable. Now, I know they were trying to help us keep the “big picture” in mind as we kept our weekly assignments and extracurricular activities in balance. In college, I am thankful for that skill. I also gained confidence from working so closely with the ARC teachers that I would not have had it if it were not for them,” said Nance.

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Dr. Calvin Thigpen ’94 for further reading, visit jacksonacademy.org/thigpen

Remain Calm and Have Courage Medical Professionals in the Fight Against COVID-19

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ne day in mid-December, JA alumnus, board member, and parent Dr. Calvin Thigpen was at Jackson Academy for a meeting. While there, he received an email telling him that he and the internal medicine physicians in the residency program he oversees at the University of Mississippi Medical Center would receive COVID-19 vaccinations that day during the initial roll-out of the vaccine. It was a welcome surprise.

As associate professor of medicine and program director for the Internal Medicine Residency at UMMC, Thigpen was among leaders who had been facing decisions regarding the pandemic for many months. The vaccine for the residents was needed protection for these doctors who treat complex and highly acute health concerns 12 TRUE BLUE

of adult patients while completing three-year residencies at UMMC. The practice of internal medicine includes caring for patients who are in the intensive care unit. The residents under Thigpen’s direction are highly involved in the treatment of COVID-19. Early on, Thigpen responded to the pandemic by modifying the work of the 82 internal medicine residents and the 30 to 40 residents who rotate through the program as part of their completion of another residency, such as radiology, radiation oncology, and neurology.

“We have had to make a tremendous number of adaptations to our work,” said Thigpen. “In the first three months of the pandemic, due to our physicians being cohorted to care either for COVID or non-

COVID (one or the other but not both) patients, we had to make approximately 200 schedule changes to our residents’ schedules.

Our clinics were closed for a few weeks and then reopened only to telemedicine before returning to in-person care. All of our interviews this year of applicants are being done virtually instead of in-person, and we are having to interview more applicants since each applicant is applying to more programs. All in all, we will interview approximately 340 applicants.”

In addition to seeing changes in patient care, scheduling, and recruitment of new residents, Thigpen said the educational process changed. “Nearly all of our noon conferences or resident functions have had to be adapted for social distancing,” he said. “We’ve

used Zoom to deliver some content, and we are about to podcast most of our core educational curriculum.”

As residents adapted to changes in training and patient care, attention was given to safety and morale.

Thigpen said residents received the same guidance as everyone else regarding mask guidelines, physical distancing in work areas that typically bring people close together, reporting symptoms, getting tested to ensure no one arrived at work with COVID, and being smart about their activities away from the hospital to limit infection and transmission into the hospital. But the guidance has gone beyond the practical as well.

“Most importantly, we’ve encouraged our residents to remain calm, have courage, and be confident that we are going to see the pandemic through and use this experience to grow as people and physicians,” said Thigpen. “I believed my job was to reassure the residents about the program’s response to the pandemic, to calm their fears as much as possible, and to keep everything positive. In addition, our whole leadership team encouraged the residents to get involved in COVID care on a volunteer basis when those opportunities arose, as initially they were not involved in the care because the PPE (personal protective equipment) supply needed to be built up. Being directly involved in the care helped them and, when I became involved

in direct care of COVID patients, me, overcome any anxiety and realize that caring for patients with COVID is very similar to caring for the wide variety of patients we already care for with contagious illnesses.”

“If we fixate on that risk and allow it to control our emotions, that has the potential to do a different kind of damage to our mental and physical health that can be just as damaging or more damaging.”

Similar to the guidance he gives his residents, Thigpen encourages people to have a proactive attitude when taking care of themselves, their families, and others. “I encourage people not to be afraid, especially now that they’ve been armed with more knowledge about the virus,” he said. “They should of course follow the guidance that’s being provided to the public and be smart about the decisions they make with respect to their activities.

However, we can’t live our lives afraid of what may or may not happen. There is so much risk to our health around us on any given day that we never discuss.

This year has been so different because everyone is constantly being reminded of the risk around us. If we fixate on that risk and allow it to control our emotions, that has the potential to do a different kind of damage to our mental and physical health that can be just as damaging or more damaging.”

Thigpen’s time as a student at JA has played a big part in his current perspective, particularly in

the area of communication. “JA prepared me very well to communicate with others verbally and in writing, and that has been perhaps the most important skill of all during the pandemic,” said Thigpen, who distinguished himself as a Rhodes Scholar. “From mid-March through early May I sent a nightly email to all of our residents, and from early May through September I sent a message three times a week to them to make sure they were aware of any changes happening in the program. In addition, there was a lot of in-person communicating in meetings with other members of the department and with the residents both to make decisions and to explain why things were being done a certain way. That helped keep all of us on the same page, and I believe was one of many pieces that helped see our program through the challenges together.”

Dr. Alan Jones ’90 Dr. Alan Jones, then chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, answered questions about COVID-19 for JA families in an evening session April 1, 2020.

Hosted on JA’s Raider Network, the interactive presentation allowed the JA community to receive a medical professional’s perspective on coronavirus and ask Dr. Jones questions. Families submitted questions in advance via a form or during the session on Facebook Live.

Dr. Jones, a JA parent and alumnus, has led UMMC’s clinical response efforts for the pandemic and is the associate vice chancellor for clinical affairs.

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Finding Fitness During a Pandemic Instructors Stress the Importance of Staying on Track

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ll over the country, schools, workplaces, and local businesses were shut down upon the emergence of COVID-19 during the spring of 2020. Suddenly, even the most active people had nowhere to go – including the gym!

Anne McCaslin Snow ’09 felt the impact of the quarantine firsthand. As a certified coach with FASTer Way to Fat Loss, an online community that promotes health and weight loss through intermittent fasting and fitness, she regularly works with a variety 14 TRUE BLUE

of clients. Snow teaches macro tracking and whole food nutrition in addition to virtual fitness classes.

As weeks of shelter-in-place ticked by, many of Snow’s clients experienced an array of emotions.

These ranged from fear and anxiety to a lack of motivation. It affected not only their physical health but mental health as well.

“When the whole world shut down, I think a lot of people started panicking and turned to emotional eating,” Snow said. “People were trying to navigate how to work

at home with kids around, and getting in a workout routine was a huge challenge. Many people fell off the rails. Then when you aren’t taking care of yourself, that only adds to the stress.”

Snow is not only a FASTer Way coach, she’s also a client. As a wife and mother of young children, she understood what many of her clients were feeling. She also knew they needed to find a way to get back on track as soon as possible.

“I’m kind of a tough-love coach,” she admitted. “I encouraged my clients

that even in the midst of all the craziness, even if you couldn’t make it to a workout class, get up and move your body. Even if it was just for 15 to 20 minutes a day. Mentally, you’re going to feel so much better.”

instructor recorded a class and uploaded it to Instagram during their normal class time. Students could watch and participate in the class at a time that was convenient for them.

Carly Chinn ’13 agrees. Chinn practiced yoga for several years before becoming a certif ied instructor in 2015. When the pandemic broke out, Chinn was teaching classes at Fondren Fitness in Jackson, which had to shut down temporarily.

“I can definitely see a link between exercise and my mood, personally,” Chinn said. “People were stuck at home. They were feeling depressed.

They needed a way to get their mind off that.”

While the pandemic may have gotten many off track, Snow and Chinn both emphasize the importance of getting back into a fitness routine. Snow’s coaching services are still in demand as people become motivated to undo the effects of the quarantine.

Likewise, though Chinn is busy with law school at the University of Mississippi, she has still found a way to bring small, socially distanced yoga classes to Oxford in a converted yoga studio at the home of a local resident.

Chinn and the other instructors at Fondren Fitness found ways to bring the classes to their clientele via social media. Each

“Think about what you are putting into your body. You’ll just feel better all around,” Snow encouraged. “Then create a no-excuses exercise routine

“People were stuck at home. They were feeling depressed.

They needed a way to get their mind off that.” and tell yourself you’re going to get in at least 10 minutes. Before you know it, that 10 minutes turns into 30 or 40 minutes because you feel good once you get going.”

Added Chinn, “Start small and don’t judge yourself if you have to do less than what you may have been able to do in the past.

Eventually, you will get that spark back and be able to add a little bit more and a little more frequency.”

OPPOSITE PAGE: JA alumna Anne McCaslin Snow ’09 LEFT: JA alumna Carly Chinn ’13

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Helping to Adapt, While Adapting Financial Advisors Balance Clients and Family During COVID

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hen the coronavirus pandemic brought the closure of many offices in March 2020, Jackson Academy alumni in the financial services industry found themselves balancing work and family like never before.

“I set up my workstation in the dining room of my home,” said Maury Breazeale ’98, a financial advisor at Breazeale Wealth Management.

“The transition to working from home was seamless in terms of technology and providing service for my clients. The difficult thing was I moved home to a house with my wife, four children under age seven, including three under age three, two dogs, and a cat. It wasn’t the most peaceful work environment with the noise 16 TRUE BLUE

and distractions, but we worked remotely very effectively.”

Logan Phillips ’98, senior vice president, investments, with the Meadowbrook Wealth Advisors of Raymond James, tells a similar story: He worked at home in the playroom, sometimes stepping outside to have a quiet conversation.

“I’ve got two little boys who were out of school,” he said. “When you’re at home, it’s not always easy to concentrate on work.”

Technologies from high-speed internet to Zoom made it possible to communicate with fellow employees and clients and keep up with the latest f inancial news, said Will Mosby ’03, account vice president at UBS Financial Services.

“We have been able to have WebEx, Skype and Zoom calls with our clients during this time, as we certainly believe face-to-face interaction still means something to our clients, who put so much trust in us,” he said. “Our fiveperson team uses Skype Business to communicate through a group chat on a daily, ongoing basis, and we have multiple team meetings each week to make sure everyone is on the same page and nothing is slipping through the cracks with everyone in different places.

Compliance has allowed us to use DocuSign for pretty much all our paperwork so that clients can fill out and sign forms electronically.”

Communication with clients, some of whom feared how their investments fared during uncertainty caused by the onset of the pandemic, was of utmost importance.

“Valuable lessons have been learned during the pandemic. We can’t predict what the next unknown is but can prepare for how we will minimize risks in order to weather the storm.”

LEFT TO RIGHT: JA alumni Maury Breazeale ’98, Logan Phillips ’98, and Will Mosby ’03

“Clients were definitely concerned about their investments during this time,” Mosby said. “Listening to the news and opinions voiced by those considered experts can cause clients to lose sleep and at times act irrationally. It’s my belief that one of the most important aspects of our job, if not the most important, is to help coach clients during times of crisis. This year has certainly been no exception.”

Breazeale, who said he has been even more intentional in reaching out to clients by calling them and reassuring them that their portfolios were built for the long term, agreed that the uncertainty of the pandemic added to some clients’ worry.

“Most people were even more anxious about the market pull back and recession because it was combined with a public health

crisis,” he said. “Many people were anxious about their jobs as well as how the virus would impact their health and the health of their family and friends.”

“Valuable lessons have been learned during the pandemic,” Phillips said.

“One was more a reminder that markets can overact dramatically to any unknowns,” he said. “We can’t predict what the next unknown is but can prepare for how we will minimize risks in order to weather the storm. During this time of uncertainty, we reminded our clients to not focus on a shortterm event and position their accounts to take advantage of the ensuing market recovery.”

Breazeale, Mosby, and Phillips, each of whom graduated from the University of Mississippi,

acknowledge the role JA has played and continues to play in their lives and the lives of their children, some of whom have started at JA or will next year or soon after.

“My different experiences and interactions throughout my entire time at JA provided numerous life lessons that adequately prepared me for the business world,” Mosby said.

Phillips recalls fond memories of JA, particularly his experience as a member of a football team that won the state championship two consecutive years.

Breazeale credits JA with providing an excellent academic base as well as fostering lifelong friendships. “I use the interpersonal skills that I learned at JA every day,” he said.

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Sharing God's Love

by Showing Up Pastor Leads in Providing Food and Support Amid Shutdowns

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n July 20, 2017, the Rev. Andy Cunningham ’94 preached his first sermon at Chapelwood United Methodist Church’s Fair Haven campus in Houston, Texas. Within a month, Hurricane Harvey inundated the area with catastrophic f looding.

Cunningham and his congregation set to work immediately to care for one another and their neighbors, participating in rescue efforts and 18 TRUE BLUE

rebuilding. Three years later, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused shutdowns across the nation, Cunningham and his congregation mobilized again. “When things got crazy this time, we knew how to engage it,” Cunningham said. “We rolled up our sleeves and quickly jumped in.”

Cunningham grew up in Jackson and attended JA from fifth through

twelfth grade. He played basketball for Scott Branning and continued to play while earning a doublemajor in history and English at the University of Mississippi. After college, Cunningham attended Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, with his fellow JA alumnus and friend Wes Ingram ’94, son of Upper School Art Teacher Susan Ingram. While earning a Master of Divinity

from Asbury, Cunningham met his wife of 18 years, Kaisi. She was studying to earn a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in counseling. Since graduating together in 2002, they have worked in church ministry and now have two children; son Ryvers, 12, and daughter Ella, 10.

Chapelwood United Methodist Church is a mult i-campus community. In 2017, CUMC incorporated the Fair Haven campus that Cunningham currently leads. The merger included the Fair Haven food pantry, which had operated since the late 1950s, run entirely by volunteers.

The modest operation would become a focal point of the church’s ministry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our food pantry went from an operation that was just a few people to one of the largest food distributions in Houston,” Cunningham said. Before the pandemic, volunteers at the pantry served between 300 and 350 people each month. When the shutdowns began in March 2020, the food pantry began feeding 300 to 350

people each day. The church reorganized the pantry into a drive-through. By April of 2021, the church had served more than 72,700 Houstonarea families, with volunteers contributing more than 19,000 hours to distribute more than 2.7 million pounds of food. “It’s been amazing that we have been able to turn a little food pantry operation into a way to really show people the love of God,” said Cunningham.

While the food pantry is a vital part of the church’s ministry to the community, Cunningham’s leadership touches every aspect of church life. With in-person opportunities altered by COVIDrelated restrictions, the Fair Haven community supports one another through gestures like care packages delivered to front porches, personal emails, and text messages. “We’re finding ourselves having to be a little more creative since we’re in a hybrid world, but still seeking to connect.”

As a pastor, Cunningham’s daily tasks have always centered on meeting his congregation’s needs.

“It’s been amazing that we have been able to turn a little food pantry operation into a way to really show people the love of God.” Now, that work includes determining the COVIDrelated protocols that need to be in place and cheering on those serving on the front lines. Cunningham views his role as this: “To provide a non-anxious presence in a very anxious time and try to be supportive, loving, and caring in a time when people are frustrated all of the time.” From the beginning of his ministry at Fair Haven to the present, Cunningham has navigated unprecedented challenges. Through faith, collaboration, and servantleadership, he and his congregation continue to share the love of God by showing up to meet the needs of their community.

OPPOSITE PAGE: JA alumnus Andy Cunningham ’94 and his wife, Kaisi, and their two children, Ella and Ryvers LEFT: Meals boxed and ready to be distributed at the Fair Haven Houston Food Pantry (Credit: Instagram.com/ chapelwoodumc)

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F E AT U R E S

The Great

Outdoors THOMAS WAYNE TAYLOR DIRECTS RAY HIGGINS SOAR PROGRAM

W

hen you meet Thomas Wayne Taylor, Ph.D., he’ll promptly ask you to refer to him by his nickname, “WT.” The simplicity of his moniker belies the depth of experience and insight he brings to engaging the wonders of the outdoors.

Holding a doctorate in recreational studies, Taylor recently retired only to hear a call to Jackson Academy while hiking in Arizona. As he was leading a trip through the Grand Canyon during the fall of 2020, Taylor met Jackson Academy’s chair of the Board of Trustees, Scott Pedigo, through mutual friends. Three days into the trip, Pedigo asked Taylor about his experience and interests in outdoor adventures, and within two weeks, Taylor interviewed for the position of Jackson Academy’s SOAR director.

Taylor grew up on his grandparents’ farm in Alabama and always thought of himself as outdoorsy, but it would

be a long time before he dreamed of forging a career out of that passion.

With bachelor’s degrees in history and education from Mississippi State University, Taylor began a teaching career. He earned a Master of Science in elementary education from Baylor University. While earning his master’s, his younger sister, also a Baylor student, introduced him to a friend who encouraged Taylor to pursue outdoor education. He spent several years leading outdoor adventures during the summer months before returning to school to earn a Master of Arts in outdoor education from Southern Methodist University. In 2001, he earned a doctorate in leisure studies and outdoor recreation from the University of Mississippi.

outdoor experiences modeled after the outdoors programs at state universities throughout the South.

In the spring of 2021, the calendar of SOAR events includes hikes, a horseback trail ride, camping, wilderness backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and a ropes course with zip lines. Taylor plans to involve students in planning and executing trips, empowering them to step into leadership roles or outdoor adventure jobs. The first opportunity occurred this spring when Taylor invited students to be leaders of the new low ropes course, part of a low and high rope installation at Ashleigh Park.

In his new role, Taylor will continue to grow the Ray Higgins SOAR Program that our alumni know and love, offering challenging

Gifts to the Annual Fund maintain Ray Higgins’ legacy of leadership and service to Jackson Academy through the SOAR program that Higgins founded and Thomas Wayne Taylor, Ph.D. now leads. Give now at jacksonacademy.org/give.

Sixteen members of the Class of 2020 followed in the footsteps of parents who went before them as JA alumni. These families have built a legacy of loyalty to JA, and we are thankful for their commitment to this community throughout the generations of growth, change, and cherished traditions.

REESE ANDERSON and father MICHAEL ANDERSON ’86 WESLEY BOWMAN and father PHILLIP BOWMAN ’86 BRENT BUTLER and mother LEIGH BARNETT BUTLER ’89 STEVEN CHUSTZ III and father JAMES CHUSTZ JR. ’92 BONNER DINKINS and father JOHN DINKINS ’84 CARTER ELLIOTT and mother KATIE PETERSON ELLIOTT ’88 ELIZABETH EUBANK and mother CYNDI TOMLINSON EUBANK ’92 SYDNEY GUY and parents SARAH ROSS GUY ’92 and SEAN GUY ’87, and JASON MATTICE ’91 THAD HAWKINS and parents KERRI QUAYLE HAWKINS ’89 and THAD HAWKINS ’89 JOHN DAVID HENDRICK and father DAVID HENDRICK ’94 ANA KELLY HONTZAS and mother STACY BOZARTH BATES ’89 HENRY LEE and parents ANN MARIE HENRY LEE ’91 and STEPHEN LEE ’91 KENNEDY NATIONS and parents KRISTEN KENNEDY NATIONS ’95 and LEE NATIONS ’93 REEVES STRATTON and mother OWEN EDMONSON STRATTON ’89 HAILEY SWALLEY and mother ALYSON ROUSSEL SWALLEY ’89 WILL TRAVELSTEAD and mother MEREDITH MONTGOMERY TRAVELSTEAD ’89

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PRESCHOOL VOICES

MAKE THE WORLD A HAPPIER PLACE Preschoolers know how to enjoy the simple things in life. In the hustle of adult life that often follows high school and college graduation, it’s easy to lose sight of the mystery and wonder of daily living. That’s why we asked a few of the happiest people on campus how they think we can all work together to make the world a better place. This is what the children of alumni currently enrolled in JA’s K4 had to say:

“The world would be happier if everyone was friends and loved each other.”

JAMES NEW Son of Ashly and Zach New ’01

GRAY MCKINNON Son of Mary Margaret and David McKinnon ’01

“Play with kittens.”

ELLIE LAMPTON Daughter of Janna and Will Lampton ’03

PRYOR MOSBY Daughter of Betsey and Will Mosby ’03

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“Be nice to everyone by saying and doing nice things like tell a girl she looks beautiful, help someone get up when they get hurt, and give everyone cake.”

“Love everyone and help someone carry their heavy groceries!”

JULIA MILLER Daughter of Austin and Martin Miller ’05

“I would give everybody the biggest chocolate and the sweetest mommy and daddy to take care of them.”

MARSHALL PETERS Son of Courtney ’01 and Sam Peters ’00

“Water and hotels.

Because going to hotels makes me happy, and water is for growing flowers and drinking and swimming.”

with advice from the HAPPIEST PEOPLE “We can make the world happier with love, joy, and peace.”

“Having good friends.”

ELLIS JEW Daughter of Leisel ’05 and Nicholas Jew ’04

“By playing and being nice and by celebrating the holidays so we can be thankful.”

JOHN GRESHAM Son of Lindsey and John Gresham ’03

“Being nice, hug my parents, and kiss the planet.”

ROBERT KELLUM Son of Quinn and Bradley Kellum ’99

“We can make the world a happier place with Jesus, kangaroos, and rainbows that come with the rain.”

“Fill up everybody’s buckets and share.”

SAVANNAH BEST Daughter of Kimberly and Nathan Best ’00

“Make sad people laugh, sit by everyone, you can all draw together, and you can get ice packs for hurt people.”

HELEN WILKINSON Daughter of Kelly ’02 and Louis Wilkinson

CARLYLE ALBRITON Daughter of Susannah and Cameron Albriton ’04

ELIZABETH NEELY Daughter of Erin and Max Neely ’06

“To make the world a happier place I would play with everyone forever and be their friend and I would tell them about Jesus.”

WILSON LESTER Son of Lauren and Reid Lester ’94

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CLASS NOTES

1990 Charlotte and JOHN YORK live in Jackson with their daughter, Anne, who attends JA. John is in real estate.

SEAN POOLEY married JULIE HENRY ’94 on November 7, 2020 at The Chapel of the Cross in Madison, Mississippi. They reside in Madison.

1996 PAIGE HERRING HUNT and husband, Andy, live in Starkville. Paige has recently been named the director of tourism for the Greater Starkville Development Partnership and the Starkville Visitors & Convention Council. Andy is an insurance claims adjuster. They have an 8-year-old son, John.

recently joined First Commercial Bank in their Private Client Group as a Vice President and Managing Director in the Meadowbrook Road office. Meri Scott is a K5 assistant teacher and Henry is in K3 at JA.

2011 KATIE KENNEDY and MATT DENNY live in Memphis, Tennessee. Matt received the early-career MVP Award at this year’s Broker Boot Camp 2020. The MVP Award is given each year to the top early-career revenue generator who demonstrates commitment to JLL’s core values of teamwork, ethics, and excellence. Katie recently started her own company, The Daily Dennyr, which is a meal planning and grocery list subscription service.

2012 MARY HASTINGS GARAWAY lives in Jackson and works for A2Z Printing.

AMY ARINDER WHITTENTON and husband William welcomed son, William “Liam” Henry Whittenton, on December 9, 2020. Amy is the director of choral music at JA; William is a business analyst. They live in Madison.

CAROLINE PORCH WARREN recently moved to Chicago where her husband, Hugh, started a new job as a patent attorney. After receiving her PharmD in 2019 from The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, Caroline completed a year of clinical training as a pharmacy resident at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. While there, she developed a passion for translating difficult medical concepts into engaging content for both physicians and patients.

The experiences she gained over her professional journey inspired her to pursue a career in medical communications, and she recently accepted a position as a medical writer with Prescott Medical Communications Group in Chicago. “The writing education I received at Jackson Academy was second to none,” says Warren, “and I would like to especially thank Mrs. McKay, Ms. Downey, Ms. Kutcher, and Mrs. McKeigney for the quality writing and language education they provided. More importantly, they nurtured my natural interests and refined my ability to communicate.

I will always be grateful for my academic and personal experiences at Jackson Academy.”

Paige Herring Hunt

2009 SAMANTHA PETTUS SNELL and husband, Jimmy, live in Dallas, Texas with their 1-year-old daughter, Charlotte. Jimmy is VP at Land Rover of Dallas.

Meri Scott and HANK WATERER live in Jackson with their son Henry. Hank

Caroline Porch Warren Family

Amy Arinder Whittenton Family

Class Notes printed here were submitted since JA’s Summer 2020 issue.

To submit Class Notes for the next issue of True Blue, email Frances Bussey at fbussey@jacksonacademy.org or go to JACKSONACADEMY.ORG/CLASSNOTES to submit or update your information online.

24 TRUE BLUE

MEMORIALS

Memorials 2020-2021 CHRIS BLACKBURN ’86 JA alumnus and son of past parent Marilyn Blackburn Pat and Peter Jernberg MARJORIE CLARK Grandmother of Emily McLaurin ’06 Gee and Joe Dex SHARON CLARK Mother of JA teacher Sarah Clark Marilyn and Jimmy Royals BOB DONNELLY Husband of former JA staff member Mary Donnelly Linda and Gus Purviance PATSY FUTVOYE Mother of Alan Futvoye ’77, Laura Futvoye Barnett ’85, and Matthew Futvoye ’91 Linda and Gus Purviance

EARL KEYES Father of Susan Keyes Ward ’82 and Grandfather of Krysten Jernigan ’06, Adam Keyes ’09, Franklin Keyes ’09, Houston Keyes ’10, Marion Keys Gowdey ’05, Brett Ward ’09, and Ryan Ward ’07 Linda and Gus Purviance TONY M. LAMB Son-in-law of JA staff member Susan Ingram and husband of Bethany Ingram Lamb ’02 Gloria and Stephen Hirn Stancie Ley Patti and Frank Wade MARILYN S. MADDEN Mother of Bryan Madden ’99 and Brad Madden ’93 Pat and Peter Jernberg Nancy and David Sykes Patti and Frank Wade

CYNTHIA DUBARD JOHNSTON Mother of Greg Johnston ’91, Brent Johnston, Jr. ’83, and Bard Johnson ’87 and Grandmother of Gregory Johnston, Jr. ’19, Harrison Johnston ’23, Jesse Johnston ’26, and Trey Johnston ’24 Judy Arnold Tripp Arnold and Family Lamar Chustz Linda and Gus Purviance Patti and Frank Wade

RONNIE L. MONROE Grandfather of Anna Katherine Godfrey ’28 and Mary Thomas Godfrey ’28 Ann Monroe

HOWARD JUE Grandfather of JA students Alexander Patterson ’26 and Ava Patterson ’30 Pat and Peter Jernberg

MITZI AND JOHN RICHART Parents of Daniel Richart ’83 Deena and Daniel Richart

SALLY TURNER PANNEL Mother of JA teacher Carrie Ann Eatherly and Grandmother of Newell ’24 and Wilson ’22 Eatherly Becky and Bobo Clarke JA Class of 2027

JAKE SPENCER Former JA student Class of 2007 and brother of Kimbrell Spencer Evans ’05 Cindy and Jim Spencer RAYMOND R. STEVENS, II. Brother of Edward Stevens ’15 and Drury Stevens Nancy and Ray Stevens GAY STREET Mother of Simeone Gore ’90, Barry Street ’91, and Asher Beam ’96 Judy Arnold BILLY M. TANNEHILL Mother of Colonel Brad Tannehill ’89 Judy Arnold Tripp Arnold and Family Pat and Peter Jernberg REBECCA TINDALL Mother of JA teacher Castlen King Rogers and Grandmother of Joe King ’25 and Brooke Rogers ’23 Becky and Bobo Clarke HARRIS VIRDEN Brother of former JA staff member Nancy Alford Pat and Peter Jernberg Patti and Frank Wade CHARLES VIVIANS Grandfather of Maysa Vivians ’21 Stephanie and Timothy Vivians TRACY WHEELER ’84 JA alumnus Brian Young ’84

Memorial Scholarships 2020-2021 ASHLEIGH ARNOLD DEHMER MEMORIAL Chris and Bronwyn ’83 Burford Beth and Harper Keeler Suzanne ’91 and John ’83 Murray

SCOTT BRANNING MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Susan Elliott Bryan Madden ’99 Lee Ann and Calvin Thigpen ’98 Ana and Patrick Tucker

MARY SPRAYBERRY SCHOLARSHIP Debra Hastings

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HONORARIUMS

Honorariums 2020-2021 NASH AND ANDERSON ARMSTRONG JA students Sharon and Jim Armstrong CHARLES ’18, THOMAS, AND JANE ARNOLD JA alumnus and students Susan and PG Arnold

JAA GRADUATION NIGHT COMMITTEE: DAWN AMMONS, KATIE CHUSTZ, JO ANN CLARK, ALI DINKINS, CYNDI EUBANK ’92, LEIGH JANOUS, GINA MUHOLLAND, KRISTEN NATIONS ’95, AND OWEN STRATTON ’89 JA parents Jackson Academy Class of 2020

DEBBIE CAMPBELL JA grandparent William Campbell

BAIRD KENNEDY, ADAMS KENNEDY, KENNEDY NATIONS ’20, AND MERRITT NATIONS JA students and alumnus Robin and Ed Kennedy

NAN AND BILL CAMPBELL JA parents and staff William Campbell

KAY LANE JA teacher Nan and Glen Dear

MASON BRANTLEY AND ELIZABETH CASTLE JA students Carol Crawford

AINSLIE, ANNA CAROLINE, SAMUEL, AND SARA KATE LONG JA students Carol and Victor Jones

REECE BURGESS JA student Teresita and Jerry Golden CLAY, COLEMAN, MARY LAMAR, SAM, AND STEVEN ’20 CHUSTZ JA students and alumnus Lamar Chustz LEIGHTON DENLEY JA student Isabel and John Woods ANNA SPENCER EVANS AND HUTTON RUTH EVANS JA students Cindy and Jim Spencer ORLANDO EVANS JA student Becky and Paul Cade GRAY FOX JA student Kathryn Curry ALEX GOOD JA past parent Theodore Waechter ADAMS AND BAIRD KENNEDY JA students Vickie Lynn Adams 26 TRUE BLUE

BRYAN MADDEN ’99 JA coach Katie and Jamie ’92 Chustz ALYSSA, ANNA, AND DANILE MARTIN JA students Patricia and Mark Wise REED MILEY JA student T and Bill Miley MIDDLE SCHOOL STAFF JA teachers Julie Murray JULIA LYNN PARKER JA student Julia Parker COLLEEN ROBERTS JA coach Katie and Jamie ’92 Chustz CAROLINE AND KATE SAMUELS JA student Betsy and Joe Samuels Memorials, Memorial Scholarships, and Honorariums printed here were submitted prior to March 15, 2021.

HONORARIUMS

Jackson Academy acknowledges gifts made in memory of faculty, staff, and JA family members each year in the True Blue magazine. To submit a memorial, contact Suzanne Thigpen at sthigpen@jacksonacademy.org or mail your memorial to Suzanne Thigpen, Jackson Academy, 4908 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, Mississippi 39211.

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TRUE BLUE | WINTER 2021 | VOLUME XXIII

JACKSON ACADEMY 4908 Ridgewood Road Jackson, Mississippi 39211

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Kindergartners enjoy a fall spirit day at JA.