JACKSON ACADEMY
2017 ISSUE | VOLUME XVIII
A Publication for Jackson Academy Alumni, Families, and Friends
“Within our nurturing and spiritual community, Jackson Academy inspires and equips each student to lead a life of purpose and significance.�
a letter from the editor
PATTI WADE
In
director of marketing and communications
the spring semester, I had the opportunity to interview a number of people who were seeking employment at Jackson Academy. It was encouraging to hear applicants give accounts of what they knew about JA from word of mouth—information they’d heard from friends, neighbors, business associates, and family members.
Word of mouth marketing (WOMM) is the strongest advocate an institution can possess. It is believed to be the most valuable form of marketing. Some writers refer to WOMM as the original social media platform. It was very affirming to hear from the applicants their views of our school. They recognized that the positive, collaborative, progressive, and student-centered environment, while always open to improvement and growth, is something to be cherished and nurtured. As I learned in interviewing this spring, many people would like to work here. And that says a lot about Jackson Academy. While WOMM has remained the most powerful form of advertising throughout the years, the tools of marketing have changed dramatically in the last decade. With this transformation to digital and social media methods of communicating, it is always of interest to the JA Marketing & Communications Department to know how JA families and friends prefer to receive information from the school. We would like to explore with our readers of the JA magazine, True Blue, if our school’s publication needs to change with the times or remain the way it is. We want to make sure it is relevant to all the audiences who receive it. We invite you to fill out this survey found at jacksonacademy.org/tbsurvey/ and let us know your thoughts. Thank you in advance for giving us your valued feedback. TRUE BLUE 5
CONTENTS
TRUE BLUE XVIII
6
A Classroom That Moves
EDITOR/WRITER Patti Wade Director of Marketing and Communications
10
A Day in the Life
CREATIVE Lorin Pugh Graphic Designer
16
our Students Share A Typical F School Day
PHOTOGRAPHY Michelle Mills Interactive Media Coordinator
Bringing the Community Together
earning Commons Invites L Collaboration and Teamwork
20
JA Welcomes Jack and Caroline Milne
22
Student Creativity
28
The Classroom and Beyond
36
Academic Stories
44
Class of 2017
48
JA Scholars
54
Students in Action
62 Athletics
CLASS NOTES/WRITER Haleigh Ritter Annual Giving and Alumni Coordinator ANNUAL REPORT OF GIFTS Tim McWilliams Director of Development Ebony Welch Development Services Coordinator CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS/ WRITERS Jonathan Blackwell, Brian Byrd, Bill Dennison, Rachel Eason, Christina Lawrence, Sarah Love, Sherry Lucas, Michelle Mills, Emily Wagster Pettus, Lorin Pugh, Richard Stafford, Deryll Stegall, Patti Wade, alumni, parents, JAA, Athletic Booster Club, and students
72 Arts 80
JA Celebrates Philanthropy
99
Alumni News
The True Blue magazine is published annually by the Office of Marketing and Communications and the Office of Development.
Jackson Academy 4908 Ridgewood Road P.O. Box 14978 Jackson, MS, 39236–4978
If you have alumni news you would like to share, please send it to the above address or email it to hritter@ jacksonacademy.org. Photos submitted should be of professional quality.
Students utilize the Learning Commons each day. ON THE COVER are Baird Kennedy, Don Waller, Wisdom Ware, and Priya Ray.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Dear Jackson Academy Community, I pen these words having just taken part in the Upper School Awards Day program where we recognized and celebrated the many achievements of our outstanding students. Their accomplishments never cease to amaze me! This year’s senior class was offered a record $7.5 million dollars in total college scholarships. We recognized students for a wide array of talents and gifts including academic achievement, service, leadership, mentorship, artistic ability, and athletic successes. One of the things that I hear our students, parents, faculty, and alumni say about Jackson Academy is that there is no single mold of a “typical” JA student. Rather, JA is a place where individual talents and gifts are celebrated and nurtured and where students with varied passions and interests can successfully find their path. Our students are known for being balanced, well rounded, and “good kids,” not just good students. As we concluded the 2016–17 school year, we celebrated the tenure and legacy of Dr. Pat Taylor who has served as JA’s headmaster for the last ten years. Pat leaves an enduring, positive impact on our school. He has done much for our school, so much so that it would be impossible to list every accomplishment. He led both the planning and implementation of the 2009 strategic plan and the most recent 2014 strategic plan. The 2009 plan transformed teaching and learning at Jackson Academy and led to the implementation of our Apple one-to-one program and the introduction of a STEM curriculum for science in Grades 1–8. Our most recent strategic plan is ambitious and is centered on student personal development including character and ethical education. It includes expansion of the opportunities for students to participate in the Ray Higgins SOAR program. Pat spearheaded the development of our drug-testing program in 2008, which has helped protect our students from the many dangers of drug abuse. Through his accreditation service and sharing of best practices and successes with other schools, he has connected Jackson Academy to peer schools throughout the Southeast. One of his greatest legacies may be teaching us what it means to be a true independent school, focused on fulfilling our unique mission. We wish Pat and his wife Sherrye all the best in retirement and thank Pat for all he has done for Jackson Academy. He will be greatly missed! Transitions represent not only endings, but also new beginnings. We are excited for Jack Milne’s tenure to begin at Jackson Academy. After an exhaustive national search, which included many highly qualified, outstanding candidates, Jack rose to the very top of all of the candidates and was our clear choice to serve as Vice President and Dean of the School. Jack brings a wealth of experience serving at a leading independent school, but what elevated Jack above all of the other candidates is how well he fits our school culture. I know Jack’s personal approach and highly relational style will be well received by our school family. All will enjoy getting to know and working with Jack, and I encourage everyone to welcome Jack and his wife Caroline to Jackson and to JA. As you peruse the pages of this True Blue magazine, I know you will be impressed with the many accomplishments of our students and school. All for One,
Cliff Kling TRUE BLUE 7
a letter from the dean
JACK MILNE vice president and dean of the school
As
I begin my role at Jackson Academy, I would first like to share Caroline's and my intense level of enthusiasm about becoming active members of the Jackson Academy family and greater Jackson community. As our departure approached from my beloved hometown where I had resided my entire life and raised my three children, and the school where I spent the past 17 years, our friends and family asked Caroline and me what led us to such a momentous decision.
The answer is not a simple one, and much of what brought me to this conclusion is intangible, such as the hospitality and warmth with which Caroline and I have been met at every turn. However, I am able to identify and acknowledge certain important features about Jackson Academy, with its purpose-driven mission to produce students whose lives will have purpose and significance, which helped drive my decision. During my numerous visits to JA, I saw and met with talented and committed employees and trustees, along with eager and happy students being raised by dedicated and caring parents. Anecdotally, I am moved when I think back on faculty and parents being brought to tears describing what the school has meant both to them and to their children. I saw the caliber and manners of the young men and women who, at the close of a student-led chapel service, walked past me after dismissal, shook my hand, looked me in the eye, and genuinely welcomed me to their school. I too was brought close to tears watching a JA basketball team meet at midcourt after a hard-fought victory, then pray together with their opponents. Sadly, that can’t be done everywhere, but I was filled with gratitude to witness it at my future school and know that Caroline and I would soon be members of that family. These and other examples spoke volumes to me that Jackson Academy takes seriously, and lives daily, its mission’s promise. Our students are being raised well, and having character and values instilled and reinforced daily, both at home and at JA. I so look forward to being directly and regularly involved in that process. It must always be our top priority to help young women and men not only seek intelligent answers, but also follow a moral compass so that they will be prepared to make courageous and compassionate choices in college and life beyond. Character development is one of the things that an independent school has the increasingly rare ability, and in my view the sacred obligation, to do. And it must be truly exemplified and practiced daily by all members of the JA community, and not simply a brand assertion or marketing claim. Our parents trust us to do all within our talent and energy to adhere to our mission and create that nurturing and spiritual community that will indeed inspire and equip their children to lead lives of purpose and significance. It is absolutely incumbent upon Jackson Academy to be always worthy of that trust. Most sincerely,
Jack Milne
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THE MILNES
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FEATURES
A century ago, some Mississippi schools ended at tenth grade. Students had to travel significant distances to further their high school education. Faculty often taught all grades in a single classroom. Today such constraints are found in the pages of “Little House� books and in stories passed down from great-grandparents to their great-grandchildren. In contrast to models of the past, contemporary schools have the ability to meet the learning needs of students in countless ways.
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.. Factors propelling customization include the needs of tomorrow’s workforce, the influence of technology, a more sophisticated knowledge of how the brain works, and growing research about accommodations for learning differences. Teachers are adapting to the changing educational landscape and are adopting new best practices at a rapid pace.
B
Schools no longer require everyone to ‘sit still’ rain research indicates that movement and active engagement strengthen learning and retention. In an interactive classroom, movement engages all learners. At Jackson Academy, students learn and demonstrate knowledge in teams of four in Lower School science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) labs and in teams of two in Middle School STEM labs. Fifth grade math students sit on bouncy ball chairs that permit movement during math lessons and develop core physical strength, too. Preschool students sit on Hokki stools that give JA’s youngest learners room to wiggle. Fifth grade math teacher Amanda Smithers offers a class where the philosophy of movement is evident. The most obvious signs are large blue and yellow, air-filled balls that are actually chairs. Students balance atop these balls and focus on math, with the freedom to bounce, lean to collaborate with a fellow student, and move to music. In this 50-minute math class, students can listen to music using headphones during certain lessons. Fifth grader Owen Bates says getting to move on the bouncy ball “makes my brain turn on.” Classmate Turner Denton says it “feels more comfortable and relaxing than a regular chair.” Jada Lester, Aden Spratlin and Abby Fielder would like to have these chairs in all their classes. Most all students in the class agree that the yellow chairs are “squishier and bouncier” than the blue. “I don’t expect them to sit still at their desk all day,” Smithers explains. “There are several places in the classroom where they can work.” In addition to the bouncy balls, students can sit on a bench, mats, or crates designed as seating spaces.
While this may sound elementary, consider for a moment what these students are studying: They are learning coding. “Coding is considered one of the basic job skills of the future,” says Smithers. The coding exercises, which feature Karel the Dog, Flappy Birds, Angry Birds, and Plants versus Zombies, involve counting, following directions, and strategy. “There is logic behind the loops and repeats needed in coding,” explains Smithers. “Coding teaches perseverance, too. Students learn how to solve problems.”
Sometimes a guide is what is needed A century ago educators were teaching a single classroom of students with multiple academic levels and subjects. Today, teachers remain organizers of learning, but recognize that not only they, but also their students, have access to information literally at their fingertips—electronically. In this environment, teachers facilitate learning by helping students access, make sense of, and think critically about information they obtain. Teachers also guide students in applying knowledge in creative ways that reinforce learning. They create opportunities for students to express their knowledge through effective communication, and by working with others in team settings, often in hands-on projects that physically demonstrate what students have learned. “This group is the first group that has been through four years of STEM,” says Lower School STEM teacher Cliff Powers of his current fourth grade class. “They really take ownership of their projects, are goal oriented, and I’m really the facilitator. They just come in, grab their boxes, and go to it. They are learning that if I just do X, Y and Z (or not do X, Y and Z) then this will happen.”
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“ I don’ k s e all day...” d r i e h t t i s l l t a t i s o t m e h t t expect – Amanda Smithers, Teacher
Getting together is routine Evidence of collaboration and communication, two of the four skills considered among the most important for education in this century, abound at JA today. Round tables make interaction easier, chairs roll quickly into groupings of two or three and have tops that swivel for easier group work, walls are entirely marker board surfaced in certain study rooms, and creative spaces for utilizing technology have changed the face of the educational environment. Working
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in groups is simply routine. Students have collaborated on a business plan for an on-campus coffee shop, simulated a novel, built a race car, and launched a rocket. Nationally, educators, business leaders, and policymakers were among those who weighed in on the skills of greatest importance to workers of this century; the skills of collaboration and communication emerged as leaders. The other two skills considered part of the Four Cs of 21st century learning are critical thinking and creativity.
“No one has the depth of program that JA has. What makes JA unique is its balance of traditional and progressive methodology that seeks to make sure all students’ needs are met..." – Beth Murray-Wilson, Director of the Academic Resource Center
Doing is part of learning...and retaining Whether students are watching gravity work by building and launching balloon-jousting vehicles or working as a team to construct a Greenpower racer, getting their hands on the object of their study is a regular activity. In a tenth grade applied science class a student built a Hovercraft for his research project. The class had a great time trying out the Hovercraft. In the Lower School STEM classroom, learning came alive when students explored science, technology, engineering, and math through building a colorful amusement park. These lessons have staying power, too, since brain research shows that students who are engaged in activities involving movement achieve improved retention. Customization makes education fit the student There truly is a sharp contrast to the days of “one size fits all” learning. Understanding learning styles and accommodating learning differences are methods that expand opportunities
for students to excel no matter how they embrace learning. “The more brain research reveals about the brain, the more we learn about how to maximize its awesome potential,” says Beth Murray-Wilson, Director of the Academic Resource Center at JA. Services of the Academic Resource Center have adapted in recent years as a result of what’s been learned through brain research. While students may use ARC support throughout the school day, most who use the services of ARC do so for a small portion of their learning—to enhance study skills, to seek gifted learning opportunities, for improvement in a single subject, to accomodate dyslexia, or to bridge the gap when transferring from another school into the college-prep environment at JA. “No one has the depth of program that JA has,” says Murray-Wilson. “What makes JA unique is its balance of traditional and progressive methodology that seeks to make sure all students’ needs are met—whether they have a learning difference or a gifted aptitude. You need to look at giftedness in all students. All have peaks and valleys.”
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A DAY
IN THE
LIFE OF A JA STUDENT Four students share a typical day from their 2016–17 school year Molly Marie Moody Fourth grade is full of exciting challenges and opportunities to learn by doing. For Molly Marie Moody and her classmates, the STEM lab provides hands-on experience in problem solving. In the Lower School, the STEM lab, along with the supporting curriculum that accompanies it, brings dynamic and experiential learning to robotics, chemistry, physics, kinetics, and other sciences. A typical day for Molly Marie might look like this: reading projects start the day, then on to the gym for exercise and skills development in P.E., followed by a trip to the STEM lab, then back to the classroom for literature. Lunch in the cafeteria provides some relaxed time with friends before Molly Marie heads to a different classroom for math, back to homeroom to work on projects, then to another room for the special subject of the day, and, finally, back to her homeroom to end the day. After their morning reading comprehension projects and P.E., Molly Marie and the other students in teacher Mallory Gnemi’s homeroom head to the STEM lab, where they are learning robotics. They built robots earlier in the year, and next will program their robots to complete space missions on a table in the middle of STEM teacher Cliff Powers’ classroom.
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MOLLY MARIE MOODY
Molly Marie’s class is divided into four teams, and each group uses a MacBook Air and a robot. Each of the missions involves a scenario where the robot leaves home base to rescue or fix things on either Mars or the moon. For their first challenge, Molly Marie and her group have to program their robot to go up a ramp, lasso a lost space probe, and bring it back to home base safely. The room is abuzz as each group follows a pattern of program, test, and adjust. Students program their robot using their MacBook, test it on the table, and then adjust the program to fix the errors. The challenges take collaboration and critical thinking. When a group completes a challenge, it’s like acing a test, with exclamations of excitement, smiles of pride, and high fives all around. STEM labs are designed to ignite and stimulate intellectual curiosity, and the reaction of the students as they succeed is evidence that these adventures create lifelong learners. These fourth graders are the first class to go through the entire STEM program, which starts in first grade. Fourth graders are also building an amusement park using kinetic LEGOs and constructing a working race car. After STEM lab, Molly Marie returns to the classroom, where she and her classmates create study guides for their reading test the next day on John Henry. On this day, Molly Marie also has creative writing, a math test, and a history lesson. Molly Marie starts and ends her day with reading. Every time she finishes a project early, she’s back to the books. By the end of the school year, she will accumulate more than 230 Accelerated Reader points. A day in fourth grade is not only challenging and busy, but also fulfilling because of the relationships between classmates and their teachers. Working together in STEM exercises is particularly rewarding as they experience success through experimentation and cooperative learning. These lessons equip Molly Marie with the ability to assess situations, collaborate, create solutions, test, rework, and draw conclusions— skills that are going to be an essential tool for success next year in Middle School. TRUE BLUE 15
Cannon Bosarge Seventh grader Cannon Bosarge’s days are filled with a whirlwind of fine arts, athletics, and academics. Students at JA are efficient multitaskers involved in a range of activities while striving to maximize their grades. With opportunities to expand knowledge and experience at every turn, JA students graduate as well-rounded individuals. For Cannon, the day begins and ends with show choir, a gifted and competitive group that has won four grand championships. The talent in the room is inspiring: Middle schoolers sing complex solos and group numbers and follow professional choreography with crisp attention to detail. Cannon has no trouble performing his solo in class—his show choir has already competed and received second and first runner up awards in two competitions. When Cannon completes Middle School, he looks forward to auditioning for Encore, the Upper School’s competitive show choir, and continuing his performing arts career. After show choir, Cannon heads to a science class where professional engineers talk about their jobs and answer questions about engineering. Next, it’s time for a break, during which Cannon joins a multitude of seventh grade boys who take to the football field. A vigorous pick-up game ensues, exhibiting the energetic and athletic nature of JA students. Refreshed and refocused, it’s time for English, literature, math, lunch, and then social studies. Each class requires the students to participate by answering questions and sharing their opinions. Cannon answers questions from the previous night’s homework and shares his conclusions on the subject matter during in-class discussions. Times like this equip him with the critical thinking skills he’ll need to progress through Middle School. He and his fellow students are using MacBook Air computers in class, so they’re also learning more about Apple applications used in the Upper School, such as Keynote. For seventh period, Cannon goes to his fitness class. Thirty seventh grade boys gather on the football field and take commands from Coach Rob Triplett as they squat through hurdles, run the bleachers, and work on agility drills. It’s a good end to the day, providing some healthy competition for the boys after sitting at their desks for several hours. After school, Cannon goes to show choir rehearsal. A competition is coming up, and drilling every detail is of the utmost importance. Every note and jazz hand in the set must be perfect. Cannon’s day is an example of the typical experience at JA—busy. The opportunities and responsibilities students balance help them learn how to organize and budget time on their own, skills that will be indispensable in college and the working world.
De’ja Bradford Any junior in an American high school battles three challenges every school day: sleep deprivation, apathy, and navigating relationships with peers and mentors. De’ja Bradford, a junior, conquers these things daily with a stimulating curriculum, inspiring support from faculty, and the presence of great friends. In each class, she is empowered by a wonderful community of teachers and peers who help to get her through the day. The positive environment at JA is extremely important, particularly as De’ja’s day starts with calculus. If she was sleepy when she got to school, she’s awake now. De’ja says calculus isn’t as scary as it sounds or looks, and the presence of her friends in that class helps her to wrestle with and conquer the material. After calculus, she heads to Dr. Dennis Conklin’s U.S. history class. Dr. Conklin’s collegiate teaching method includes lecture, cause and effect analysis, and class discussion. The students know it’s serious business here and quickly whip out their
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Cannon Bosarge
DE'JA BRADFORD TRUE BLUE 17
HENRY BENNETT laptops to type notes furiously. De’ja claims this class is her favorite and states that it’s not that hard if you study. She sits in the front row and diligently takes notes. Dr. Conklin’s teaching pushes her to pay attention, think critically, and analyze all at the same time, skills she will apply in college and beyond. Instead of distracting her from learning, De’ja’s friends make it easy for her to stay calm in the face of an abundance of information. After an English test and a period for homework in study hall, it’s time for lunch, a much needed refresher with friends. Laughter overflows at De’ja’s table and fills the cafeteria with smiles. Following lunch, teacher Sarah Shaw’s passion for physics is contagious as she hits cardboard tubes on the desks to demonstrate the way sound waves move in pipes. Junior year is weighing heavily on the students in this class, but there is no doubting their camaraderie and determination to conquer physics together. Only three students are enrolled in De’ja’s next class, Latin IV. In-depth, personalized instruction is a bonus of reaching the higher levels within a particular elective. The students have a light conversation with their instructor, Judy McKeigney, before focusing in on the task at hand—translation. There is a thrill of excitement, as the students really want to master the language. Varsity basketball closes out the day. The gym is abuzz with whistles, shoe squeaks, and the pounding of basketballs. Coach Jan Sojourner has a meeting with the girls, and then they are dismissed. Junior year is tough; any high school graduate can tell you that. For De’ja Bradford, it’s joy that comes from having her friends in class beside her, and the support that comes from teachers who truly care, that gets her through the tough times. Each day’s success is made possible by the people who surround her at JA, cheering her on in her tenacious pursuit of excellence.
Henry Bennett A day in the life of a kindergartner could be described as “fantastical.” Each activity is filled with opportunities for imagination to run wild and critical thinking to develop. For Henry Bennett, the beginning of every day starts with a promise. His teacher, Laura Dyess, promises the students in the Monster classroom that she will keep them safe. Then, the students together promise that they will help her keep them safe, and for the rest of the day there is a sense of trust and care between teacher and students. Promises in place, Henry goes through four different learning centers: writing, reading, bonus, and the playground— the most hands-on of the four. At the writing center, each student must copy a prompt in their journals, respond, and then illustrate their responses. The prompt today is “If I had a tall black hat, I would put…” Henry draws a black hat with a cat underneath.
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“My favorite animal is a dog, but I don’t think he’ll fit under there,” he explains. At the reading center, Dyess goes through a book about a fitness test. The book is just in time to help the Monsters prepare for performing a fitness test tomorrow. At the bonus center, the children get to color flags with different exercises on them for the fitness test. Next, the Monsters take to the playground for games of hide and seek and tag. After moving through the four learning centers, it’s snack time. While eating vanilla wafers, the Monsters listen to the fitness test book from the reading center on the SMART Board. Dyess touches the screen to turn the pages and each word highlights as it is read aloud. The children use a lot of technology in their classroom. It helps to reinforce what they experienced hands-on at each learning center. Next, the Monsters head to music, where teacher Holly Collums prepares them for their spring program and helps them get out some wiggles before learning math in the afternoon. Henry rocks a mean air guitar with his friends as they dance and sing. At the end of music, Collums gives each child some pixie dust to wake up Harmony, a Muppet controlled by Collums, who loves to sing with the kids and blow kisses. Harmony tells the kids a joke and gives them all hugs before they head back to the classroom for lunch. The Monsters are allowed to read a book after they finish eating. Henry makes it through five books. Math comes with some fun, new ways to learn. On the rug, Mrs. Dyess uses colored sections of blocks to explain addition. It’s a new technique presented in the most recent professional development training, and the Monsters are loving and understanding it. The Monsters spend time building fences with numbered popsicle sticks counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s and complete a color-by-number worksheet. The worksheet forms a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the famous figure they have been learning about the past two weeks. The Monsters wind down by sitting on the rug in their classroom to share their favorite part of the day. Several kids say they enjoyed playing ninja outside, doing playdough, and seeing their music teacher. Henry says his favorite part was going to the reading center to read about the fitness test. With so many wonderful things in a kindergartner’s day, it’s tough to choose. The opportunities to practice creativity, decision-making, and discovery are endless. Without a doubt, these 5 and 6-year-olds will be ready for first grade.
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LEARNING COMMONS
Bringing the Community Together: LEARNING COMMONS INVITES COLLABORATION AND TEAMWORK
“I get so much work done, and the environment is perfect because the classes are closed off so it is quiet. I love the dry erase boards and the couches. For group work, the TV screens are perfect for projecting projects and presentations so everyone does not have to look on one computer.” -Sarah Grea Walker TRUE BLUE 20
The Upper School library at Jackson Academy was renovated during the summer of 2016 into a multifunctional Learning Commons, a central hub for student learning, collaboration, and innovation. The space is inviting, colorful, open, and light-filled, but it is a workhorse when it comes to flexible learning spaces. “The reception to the Learning Commons has been very positive since the first day. It is like a magnet…students are drawn to the Learning Commons and are eager to study, think, collaborate, relax, and fellowship in the variety of spaces available,” said Cliff Kling, JA president. “We are very excited to offer this new area for students that gives them ready access to the best of progressive educational tools for learning.”
Specific areas include dedicated spots for active learning, teamwork, small groups, medium groups, a learning theater, a media/broadcast room, traditional stacks, gathering areas, and flexible classrooms with moveable walls.
“On any given day, you will see five students working with a faculty member on a special subject area, multiple student study groups, a group of students brainstorming using a marker board, a broadcast class working on components of a video, and a traditional classroom setting with students working together in teams of two or three.” -Pat Taylor, JA Headmaster (2007–2017)
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LEARNING COMMONS
“My favorite thing about the Learning Commons has to be the comfort. It is such a comfortable environment that it makes it easier to learn. I find the area relaxing, but not distracting, so I can still get my work done.� -Eeshaan Bajaj
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The Learning Commons construction was funded by major commitments from individual families and gifts to the JA Annual Fund, including a significant pledge from the Jackson Academy Association, JA’s parent organization.
The Learning Commons allows for student cooperative learning and study, access to technology and other learning resources, and a place for student entrepreneurial efforts and free time. It provides options for students to work individually or in groups, with or without technology.
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JACK AND CAROLINE
MILNE
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
J
ack F. Milne began his role as Vice President and and other school leaders. We were made to feel so welcomed Dean of the School June 1. Milne fills the role of by everyone, and both of us truly believe this is a calling to senior administrator overseeing academics, arts, a premier independent school that will result in not only athletics, and student life upon the May 31 professional growth, but also spiritual growth. While I know retirement of JA’s Headmaster, Pat Taylor. I have immense shoes to fill in following Pat Taylor, holding “Jack brings a wealth of experience and a number of different teaching and an impressive skill set to Jackson Academy administrative positions during the past after having served at one of our country’s 16-plus years has been personally and leading independent schools, The Bolles professionally rewarding and has helped School in Jacksonville, Florida,” said JA “When Caroline and I first prepare me for this challenging role. President Cliff Kling. “During the interCaroline and I are excited, honored, and set foot on the Jackson view process, it was immediately very thankful about becoming members of the Academy campus, we obvious to the search committee that his Jackson Academy community and pledge student-centered philosophy, his teachto work daily to make a positive could immediately sense ing background, his relational skills, and contribution to the school.” that this was an energetic, Having felt called to be a teacher, his leadership experience are an excellent fit for Jackson Academy.” and excelling at both teaching and progressive, caring, “When Caroline and I first set foot on administration, Milne has served at The student-centered school.” the Jackson Academy campus, we could Bolles School since 2000. The Bolles – Jack Milne – immediately sense that this was an School is a selective boarding and day energetic, progressive, caring, studentschool serving 1,750 students in grades centered school,” said Milne. “That PK to 12 on three campuses. He taught impression was affirmed when we saw the looks on the Economics, Economics and the Law, and U.S. History for students’ faces and their interaction with their dedicated four years before becoming Associate Head of School for faculty, as well as in our meetings with the search committee Student Life. After 10 years as Associate Head, he was
“
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As he prepared to take the role of vice president and dean of the school, Jack Milne visited JA in January and spoke to groups of faculty and staff, visited with students, and attended a board of trustees meeting. Here he shares his path to teaching and school leadership with Upper School faculty. tapped to lead the Middle School campus. During his years as Associate Head, Milne continued to teach a senior elective, “History of the American Civil War and Reconstruction.” In 2004, he was awarded The Bolles School Dewan Teaching Fellow Award. Milne has a particular interest in fostering the development of character and moral courage as part of students’ preparation for college and life beyond. “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. This must begin with our own acknowledgement and demonstration that every child in the school matters, and that each has gifts that are brought to the table. It is incumbent upon us to recognize the existence of those gifts and help the student likewise identify and maximize them,” he said. Among numerous areas of service, he was faculty sponsor of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, board member of the YMCA and YMCA Camp Immokalee, board member of the
•
Jacksonville Humane Society, member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and trustee and chair of the Board of Trustees for St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School. Milne graduated high school in Jacksonville and then attended college on a football scholarship at Vanderbilt University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History. He also holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida College of Law. Milne and his wife Caroline, a registered nurse, are the parents of three adult children. Their daughter Caroline is a 2011 graduate of Tulane University College of Law with her undergraduate degree in 2004 from New York University; son John is a 2010 graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania; and daughter Emily is a 2015 graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design. “I look forward to being able to introduce Jack and Caroline to you personally as they become members of the JA community in the upcoming school year,” said Kling. “I also express my gratitude to the members of the search committee for the wisdom, care, prayer, and time each of them devoted to the search process.”
S E A R C H CO M M I T T E E
CLIFF KLING, President PAT TAYLOR, Headmaster ANGIE ANTICI, Vice President for Finance & Operations PETER JERNBERG, President Emeritus ASHLEY WILLSON, Class of 1987, Board Chair
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GREG JOHNSTON, Class of 1991, Board Vice Chair RANDY JAMES, Board Member ED KENNEDY, Board Member SANDRA MCKAY, Upper School English Teacher LINDSEY ROBERSON, Class of 2003, First Grade Teacher
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Creative student blogs, has YouTube Channel, and competes in speech and debate As a senior, Natalie Ford has been the most successful and decorated member of the JA Speech and Debate Team. At the Jackson Catholic Forensic League qualifiers in February, Natalie placed second in Original Oratory, earning her the honor of representing Jackson at the National Catholic Forensic League tournament in Louisville in May. Natalie is also an avid competitor in Extemporaneous Speaking and Impromptu Speaking, having advanced to final rounds at numerous local tournaments throughout the year. Her continued success has earned her a Degree of Distinction from the National Speech and Debate Association. In addition to participating in what college admissions teams have perennially named as one of the most attractive extracurriculars to have on a college application, Natalie has a blog and a YouTube channel. Read more to learn about Natalie’s other creative endeavors:
What motivated you to start your blog?
I wanted to have a place to share my thoughts and ideas with the world. My blog is called Life: iNspired (lifeinspired16.wordpress.com) and I have been blogging since ninth grade. Life: iNspired focuses mainly on fashion, photography and writing as art forms but also on my lifestyle and things I find inspiring. In conjunction with my blog, I have a YouTube channel (theNatalog) that does some of the DIY (Do It Yourself) projects for the blog and focuses more on lifestyle and travel than the blog.
What steps did you take to get it started?
First, I did lots of research on various bloggers and blogging platforms. Then, I came up with a name and topic area. Next, I chose WordPress as my platform for blogging and built my website. Finally, I published a few blog posts.
What have you learned doing the blog?
It’s not as easy as it looks. Writing and creating fresh content is fun but, it can be time consuming and you must have your target audience in mind.
What is your career ambition? I want to be a fashion designer.
What things do you like to do at JA?
Speech and Debate is my favorite activity, but I am also a member of the varsity volleyball team and cooking club.
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MOVIE PREMIERES AND MEGA-STARS BECOME PART OF STELLA ALLEN’S WORLD The Jackson Academy preteen has racked up big-screen roles since 2014, in James Franco’s “The Sound and the Fury,” “Free State of Jones” with Matthew McConaughey, “Deepwater Horizon” with Mark Wahlberg and Kate Hudson, and more. “Deepwater Horizon,” a dramatization of the 2010 disaster, was her proudest professional moment to date. “I was really proud of the time I cried,” Stella Allen, 12, said. “They asked me to do real tears.” She delivered. Stella got to know her character’s real-life counterpart, Sydney Williams, the daughter of Mike Williams, who survived the explosion on which the movie is based. “They really got to bond,” Stella’s mother, Jennifer Allen, said. “It was very emotional for both of them.”
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Stella was starstruck meeting Kate Hudson, who played her mom in the film. “I kind of freaked out,” she said. While normal on the outside, her inner fan “was screaming, happy, joy, oh my gosh, it was so cool. She immediately put her arms around me in a big hug. Best moment ever!” The “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” star is a role model for her.
“I kind of freaked out.” One year, Stella was home schooled — “fun for a while,” she said, but she was eager to return to friends she’d missed and JA. Future projects include an episode of “Claws” (TNT) and a recurring role for three episodes of “Preacher” this summer.
SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME Mary Hunter Johnston’s credited role in “Same Kind of Different As Me” opened the acting door for the Jackson Academy senior and gave her a chance to step inside one of her favorite books. “I really enjoyed the experience and would do it again if I have the opportunity,” she said. The movie starring Renée Zellweger, Greg Kinnear and Djimon Hounsou is based on the book by the same title, about a wealthy art dealer, a homeless man and the woman who brought them together. The true, inspirational story became a best seller. Mary Hunter’s dad, Stephen D. Johnston, was a producer of the movie filmed in metro Jackson in fall 2014. They made sure the cast felt at home while filming, having them over to the house and taking them out to dinner. Spending
time on set with Olivia Holt (above photo, Johnson left, and Holt, right) (Disney Channel’s “I Didn’t Do It”), the lead couple’s daughter in the film, was a particular treat. Mary Hunter’s role as The Little Girl at the homeless mission is a small, dramatic part in a crucial scene. With a credited role, she had her own trailer during her week of filming, breakfast delivery included. “I also had my hair and makeup done while sitting next to Renée Zellweger.” The movie’s release is set for Oct. 20. Mary Hunter cannot wait. “This movie is so powerful and has a great message for our country.” Seeing herself on the big screen? “A little weird,” she predicted. A Jackson event with family and friends will celebrate the film. “I have a feeling I will go see it more than once!”
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FIFTH GRADER INSPIRES OTHERS TO
FIND THEIR VOICE Elementary students crowded the school library floor, cross-legged and curious as author and fifth grader Sydney Thaxton, 11, read aloud from her book, “Dusk.” Several lingered, lining up to buy a book and have it signed. Sydney’s slim paperback, designed and published through her dad’s Thaxton Studios, is available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million websites. The story is the tale of a stray dog’s impact on a grieving family. English teacher Grace Simmons, impressed with Sydney’s writing and storytelling skills from the start, said, “She has inspired all my other students to take a more dedicated look at their writing.” Sydney’s own trail of unfinished starts proved good practice for “Dusk.” She hails from a creative home in Raymond: father, Anthony Thaxton, is a painter and television producer; mother, Amy, is a former English teacher; brother, Bryant, 16, composes music and plays tuba in the JA band. Sydney’s writing followed her love of reading. “Reading makes me happy, and I want to make people happy with my writing,” she said. Her success took a bittersweet turn when the family’s black Lab, Big Girl (pictured on the cover) was run over shortly after the book’s release. Now, the beloved dog is immortalized in “Dusk.” “It’s still kind of sad when I see the cover and her little face, but I think it’s a good way for people to remember her.” The school library received a share of money from the day’s sales. Previous book proceeds went toward a golden retriever puppy, Luna. “She’s not replacing Big Girl,” Sydney said. But dogs do help with grief. “I know she would have wanted me to be happy.” Sydney looks forward to working on an action sequel, perhaps with “Dusk” heroine Phoenix and a team working to save the world.
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From the Classroom and Beyond
Together, On the Path To Purpose Leaders working on an ethical education initiative at Jackson Academy started with a visual prop. They had the idea of a backpack that students could fill, year by year, with social and emotional skills needed not only during school but also later in life. “On the Path to Purpose” aims to reach students in age-appropriate ways, focusing on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and decision making. “Self-awareness looks very different for a 16-year-old than for a 6-yearold,” explained Lower School Dean Sarah Love, chairwoman of the strategic plan for ethical education. Kindergartners and Lower School students learn how to greet people, how to shake hands and look others in the eyes, and even how to accept a compliment. Older students learn when and how to ask for help, how to recognize signs of stress, and how to resolve conflict. At the end of each year, students write reflections about skills they will take with them—things they are putting in the imagined backpack. The cumulative work for each student becomes a “person of purpose portfolio.” “The ultimate goal is that our students in their junior year in high school write a statement of purpose,” Love said. “It’s not about ‘what I want to be when I grow up.’ It’s more like a calling.” That calling could be to work with children, and that could manifest itself in many ways in adulthood—by becoming a pediatrician, for example, or a teacher or minister. During senior year, students could carry out a project tied to their statement of purpose. Love said administrators, counselors, and faculty members are united in the initiative: “It’s everyone’s responsibility to be on this path to purpose to equip them.”
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SOAR PROGRAM NAMED AFTER
RAY HIGGINS The JA Board of Trustees presented, on behalf of JA faculty, staff, and students, a special honor for Ray Higgins: The SOAR program has been named the Ray Edgar Higgins SOAR program. SOAR focuses on ethics, faith, service, and leadership through experiential learning outside the classroom and involvement in the community. Board chair Ashley Willson presented a beautiful etched plaque and read the following resolution: “In view of Ray Higgins’ enormous contributions for over four decades to Jackson Academy and his desire and vision to minister to students through experiencing God’s creation and challenging them outside of their comfort zones and in view of the legacy of service to others and the eternal impact he has made in the lives of JA students, the Board of Trustees of Jackson Academy is hereby RESOLVED that, the SOAR program shall henceforth and forever be known as the Ray Edgar Higgins SOAR program.” TRUE BLUE 34
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MEET The Counselors
TOUGH SKIN. STRONG BACKBONE. READY SMILE. Paula Pratt, Mandy Robertson, Lisa Lucas, and Amy Bush are going to help students choose the right college and find a larger purpose in life. All possess compassionate wisdom and servant hearts, and they work to make sure students, parents, and teachers are equipped for the challenges of Middle School, Upper School, and beyond. For these counselors, it’s important that students have advocates they can trust and parents have peace of mind, knowing each child is being pushed to strive for excellence. Patience, humility, joy, and excellence are just some of the virtues exemplified by the counselors.
PAULA PRATT “If it’s one person believing in the student, then it’s worth it.” Paula Pratt’s daily tasks surpass that of her job description, and her smile is ever-present. Pratt enjoys supporting students and guiding them through proper decisionmaking as they grow into young adults. The long hours are made easier when she sees students overcome challenges and envision a bright future. As a mom of two kids, Pratt
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has a heart filled with compassion, and seeing people fulfill their potential by setting and achieving goals is her mission. Students, parents, and teachers find a comforting, strong advocate in Pratt. MANDY ROBERTSON “If students have a friendly person to see before explaining their problem, it might help them a bit.”
“If it’s one person believing in the student, then it’s worth it.” -Paula Pratt
Paula Pratt
Mandy Robertson
Mandy Robertson is the friendly face students first encounter at the counseling office. She directs students, parents, and teachers to the proper channels to receive the help they need and enjoys the fact that each day brings something different and new to her job. Robertson offers a listening ear to anyone who walks through her door, making her an indispensable member of the JA family. A mom of three who likes to paddleboard, Robertson brings compassion to important projects at JA, such as helping with Alpha and Omega and Big Brothers, Big Sisters. LISA LUCAS “God took a passion that’s been there the whole time for me, working with children and impacting lives, and merged them together.” Passionate about using her gifts to encourage people, Lucas offers an invaluable perspective and generous, loving heart to all. Each day she is driven by the power to help, whether it is a student worried about an assignment, a parent who doesn’t know who to go to, or a teacher in need of some advice. Counselor, mom, faith leader, public speaker, and avid basketball fan, Lucas strives each day to make her
Lisa Lucas
Amy Bush
work fulfilling and joyous. Lucas is following God one faithful step at a time. AMY BUSH “What keeps me going is seeing the end result...knowing that I played a small part in the hard work that they have gone through in their four years to reach that next level.” Making a college decision is a daunting process, and Amy Bush takes joy in helping JA’s Upper School students tackle it with confidence and courage. Bush wants students to feel confident in the reasons they chose their college when they arrive for freshman year. That’s why she encourages students to explore college choices by visiting schools, applying for scholarships, and pursuing the right programs. As a people person with a compassionate heart for high school students, Bush uses her knowledge to guide them toward their goals and dreams. Ultimately, Bush enjoys seeing her students conquer the college process because she firmly believes that a smooth sea never made a skillful sailor, so this small victory is a big step for the future success of JA graduates.
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LEPRECHAUNS ROCKETS
&
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Face Other Goblins in Huntsville
“I have seen my students learning how to work with each other by resolving conflict and defining roles.”-Jeff Anderton
LEPRECHAUNS, ROCKETS, AND GOBLINS. It may all sound like a new video game, but it makes perfect sense to Jackson Academy Middle School students, and it has nothing to do with gaming. In a new engineering elective, sixth graders are building a racecar using kits purchased by the JA Annual Fund. The JA teams are the Leprechauns and the Rockets, and they are building and racing a Greenpower Goblin. Students are required to apply for the class and study curriculum written by Greenpower in collaboration with the Huntsville, Ala., public school system, which is piloting the Greenpower initiative in the United States. While fourth grade students built the first Greenpower racecar last year at JA, this second-generation Greenpower Goblin is designed for middle school and allows the opportunity to race with teams from other schools. JA’s two teams traveled to Huntsville May 13 for competition in three events: drag race, slalom, and fastest lap. The ten-person teams built their cars, tested their cars, recorded data, and chose their best drivers for each event, said teacher Jeff Anderton. “The entire process makes the students work together as a team,” Anderton said. “This is an essential skill in the modern world of collaboration, but not something that comes naturally to 12-year-olds.”
FUNDRAISING, DESIGNING, AND BLOGGING The fundraising teams are learning how to write a script, talk to companies, and seek financial support, with assistance from Anderton; Matt Morgan, dean of the Middle School; and Tim McWilliams, JA director of development. “My fundraising team has grown in their confidence,” Anderton said, “and they are learning how hard it can be to find sponsorships and to get adults to listen seriously to sixth graders.” Working in a room at the side of the JA cafeteria, students built the cars using socket wrenches, box wrenches, pliers, Allen keys, and hammers to assemble the chassis, steering, and axles. They also attached batteries and motors. “The Goblin is a kit car that focuses on learning assembly skills,” he said. Students have learned how to read schematics, how to determine the correct order for attaching pieces, and how to properly use tools. The lessons go beyond engineering to other skills that will help later in life. “I have seen my students learning how to work with each other by resolving conflict and defining roles,” Anderton said. JA teams finished eleventh and twelfth overall out of 25 teams. The two teams were separated by 0.01 second from each other. The Rockets finished sixth in the drag race and the Leprechauns finished sixth in the slalom race. “Both teams did an amazing job on race day in terms of competing, staying organized, and how they handled themselves,” said Anderton. TRUE BLUE 39
Pops and Preschool children enjoyed donuts, and pops were especially appreciative of the coffee offered at the 8 to 8:45 a.m. event.
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N D FAT H E R F I G A S UR ER H ES T FA
INAUGURATE PRESCHOOL
POPS EVENT The first Pumpkins with Pops event was an occasion where kindergartners are paired with JA seniors) was present for a the word “precious” was uttered repeatedly. Jackson Academy student. One grandfather came from as far away as Batesville, kindergarten students decorated pumpkins and shared treats Miss. In some cases, both father and grandfather were with some of their favorite pops—dads, grandpas, uncles, present, making for three-generation pumpkin decorating. brothers, and other special father figures. “It was wonderful for me and our grand Preschool leaders explained that very son, Clay,” said Dr. Jim Futral. “He was so few programs are designed around fathers excited about me coming to the event for and father figures in children’s lives, and him. It was a super memory for me, and I “The quality and they wanted to change that. “It could not hope it was for Clay.” Dr. Futral values have been any sweeter...it was just magical,” the impact that JA has on his grandchild, character of this school said Millie Higgins, long-time Preschool particularly the encouragement and atis so distinctively admissions coordinator. “The dads and mosphere of excellence that also other pops were so excited.” influenced his daughter, Mysti, a JA different. I’ve been Even though some of the pops came fully alumna and parent. Clay is the son of blessed by it.” equipped for pumpkin carving, they Mysti and Dr. Philip Chustz. “The quality quickly realized that the decorating would and character of this school is so distinc– Dr. Jim Futral – be done in the safest way possible—with tively different,” he said. “I’ve been pumpkin decorating kits that included blessed by it.” stickers and glitter. “The pops were right in Pumpkins with Pops was so well there with students working with glitter and stickers and received that it is sure to become a beloved JA tradition. The having a marvelous time,” said Higgins. 2017 Pumpkins with Pops event will fall between the annual Each child had a special “pop” there. In some cases, a Nichols-Boyd Pumpkin Patch field trip and Halloween, said brother or Alpha and Omega friend (a program where Preschool Dean Tara McDaniel.
“
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EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
The familiar voice of Dean Sarah Love flows through the intercom: “And now I invite you to start the day with some deep breaths. Ready?” A Lower School student picks up the classroom Hoberman sphere to pace the rest of the students as they all take three deep breaths. The Lower School day has begun – a day that will include not only foundational academic pursuits but will also encompass the important aspects of emotional intelligence – self awareness, self regulation, self motivation, social awareness, and social skills. In addition to starting each day with deep breathing, each class also gathers in a circle for Morning Meeting. Morning Meeting begins with students greeting each other as they practice a handshake or other greeting, good eye contact, and appropriate voice level. Morning Meeting also includes a time to share life happenings with each other or to respond to a question or reflection that the teacher poses – all for the purpose of building community. Each class uses its own special “talking object” that a student holds when it is time for that student to talk. Usually twice a week, students practice a social skill, such as interpreting body language, learning personal space, or giving and receiving a compliment. Morning Meeting also includes a daily devotional and prayer. Though Morning Meeting is the cornerstone, Lower School students also participate in other activities throughout the day and week that contribute to their emotional growth – charting their emotions at the beginning of the day, taking time out for brain breaks, writing in journals, connecting literary characters to their every day lives, and working in teams. Through it all, the Lower School focuses on leading the students to a better understanding of themselves and of others.
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READ TO
FEED
READING AND GIVING COMBINE TO CREATE A BETTER WORLD Read a book. Feed a community.
It’s a simple concept that fifth and sixth graders in Nan Dear and Shelle Pinkard’s classes are learning through the program Read to Feed through Heifer International. The program works like this: Students enlist a sponsor who donates a predetermined amount of money for each book the student reads. Money is collected at the end of each semester then goes to Heifer International, an organization that provides livestock and training to a family facing poverty. That family then shares this knowledge and the first female offspring of their livestock with another family, ultimately creating a self-sufficient community. In addition to monetary donations, the students give the gift of their time at Heifer International ranch each spring.
“We are trying to use an intrinsic reward system to teach kids the value of giving to others not as fortunate as them. They don’t get an award for their reading; they get the reward of knowing they have helped someone in need,” says Pinkard. She hopes that as students read to benefit others without expecting anything in return they will develop a love of reading, a passion to help others, and a desire to create a better world. The students have responded positively to the project. Last year they raised over $2,300, and they have a goal of raising $5,000 this year. In addition to supporting self-sufficient communities, the money collected from the students’ reading accomplishments can go toward sending young girls to school in third world countries or donating a “Gift Ark,” which moves healthy livestock throughout global communities passing on the gift of food and knowledge on a worldwide scale.
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INTERESTED AND INVESTED “I like for the kids to be the ones diving into the information and solving problems that get them outside their comfort zone, while I am just another aid to that problem solving process.” – Hunter Murray – Problem-solving, self-designed projects, and excursions to the reservoir are just some of the unique qualities of Hunter Murray’s Upper School AP biology, honors ecology, and anatomy and physiology classes. Murray is passionate about getting his students interested and invested in what they are learning. For him, it’s all about being relevant to the students’ interests. For example, students in his AP biology class are interested in medicine, so Murray keeps his curriculum medically oriented, relating big projects and daily assignments back to medicine and its relationship to our world today. Murray keeps innovation alive in his classes as well by working outside the physical classroom and designing unique experiences where students problem solve. His ecology class took a four-week EdX online ecology course from Rice University, which exposed students to collegelevel learning from professors they otherwise might not encounter. This online experience is increasingly being implemented in colleges and universities across the country. He took his students to the reservoir to talk with environ mental quality professionals about local biological diversity. The students discussed ways to raise awareness of local
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environmental issues. They even sampled some of the wild roots and seeds while kayaking on the water. The ecology class grows a garden between the Upper School and Middle School, providing its own study subjects for specific units in the curriculum. Murray uses case studies every week that involve real world situations in medical and environmental ethics, where students must collaborate and debate to find the best solutions. Students then present their solutions at a symposium where teachers vote on who thoroughly acknowledged the problem and created the best fit solution. Murray has found that when teachers use real world situations, students are not as driven by grades. And when students are out of the classroom, whether in the outside elements or just at the Learning Commons with its more relaxed environment, they perform better. Through little adjustments in location and teaching methods, Murray adapts his classes to the changing world of education with a passion for students that is unwavering. With JA’s strategic plan calling for implementation of more project- and problem-solving based learning, the JA community can look forward to more teachers using similar innovative classroom methods.
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STUDENTS RUN BROADCAST FOR RAIDER NETWORK The Raider Network trailer often seen parked at the Brickyard or outside the Raider Dome was a game-changer for JA athletics last year. In August, however, the Raider Network boasted another change that brought the trailer to life: A sports broadcasting class for Upper School students. Students learned live event production, post-production video editing, graphic design, journalism, podcasting, and a
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few intangible life lessons, such as group collaboration, professional communication, and problem-solving. Every varsity home football game had student workers applying what they learned to help run the broadcast. Eventually, the students were seasoned enough to run a broadcast completely on their own. The students broadcasted JA’s victory over Prep in junior high football in Fall 2016; it
stood as the first completely student-run broadcast at JA. In the spring of 2017, the broadcast footage of that game was submitted to the National Student Production Awards, a program through the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences that awards an Emmy to student productions of high merit in several categories. From a small radio show on SuperSport 930 to an SEC-status,
multi-camera production, the Raider Network is barreling toward new standards of excellence each year, increasingly involving the talent of the student body. Next year can only bring more excitement and innovation for Raider athletics and its passionate team of broadcasters, especially with the announcement of Raider Network on Demand. More information is available at RaiderNetwork.org.
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Class of 2017
JACKSON ACA DEM Y
Charles Parker Alexander
Johnanna Douglas Almand
Oliver Logan Anderson
Conner Elizabeth Ball
Amanda Alexandra Barlow
Hope Elizabeth Berry
Gunnar Erik Bertas
Elizabeth Russell Bowman
William Zachary Brister
Mary Kathryn Brogan
Mary Katherine Brown
John Thomas Bruckner
Catherine Holmes Burford
Kathryn Rae Butler
Elizabeth McCleary Carrigan
Grace Tarsi Cartwright
Conley Sedlak Chinn
Parker Jackson Cole
Thomas Smith Coleman
Jessi Lyn Cooper
Brianna AnitraJanee' Cry
Emily Joy Earle
Robert Lange Elliott IV
Natalie Doretta Ford
Chelsea Lanita Francois
William Dennison Furr
Grace Kathryn Gebhart
Abigail Elise Giddens
Parker Reed Gilbert
Jackson Trace Golden
Samuel Alexander Good
Charles Wilder Greenlee II
Matthew Braiden Guinn
Callie Frances Hall
Grace Annamarie Herfurth
Lakin Alexander Huseth
James Austin Ishee
Emily Mechelle Iupe
Mary Hunter Johnston
Abigale Celeste Knighton
John Zachary Lancon
John Walker Laseter
Davis Marshall Magee
Claire Clementine McClure
Milla Davis McCormack
Tosh Barnes McGee
Beau Michael McHenry
Molly Suzannah McIntire
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John Sharpless McIntire IV
Emily Suzanne McNair
Addison Elizabeth McNamara
John Miles Merrell
John Scott Milam
William Westmoreland Mitchell
Micah Vernon Morgan
Kassidy Lynn Neal
Kenneth Scott McEwen Niemeyer
Chloe Symone Owens
Grace Catherine Parry
Sahil Anil Patel
Shivam Sanjay Patel
Elizabeth Grace Payne
Michael Joseph Johnson Payne
Joyia Michelle Petty
Charles Cole Phillips
James Harper Pickering
Jackson Ray Plunkett
James Austin Ramey
Margaret Elizabeth Rice
Meredith Hope Roberts
Travis Deaton Rogers
Olivia Courtney Rule
Alexander James Schott
Mary Elizabeth Scott
Price Bradshaw Sessums
Lauran Monique Sheriff
DeQuon Markeac Sterling-Anderson
Savannah Rose Stevens
Malon Virginia Stratton
Olivia Alyse Strickland
Savannah Hays Swalley
Phillip Carsley Talley
Samuel Edwin Tharp
Gracy Kathryn Thomas
Jacob Edward Touchstone
Mitchell Harry Tyner, Jr.
Nancy Laurin Usey
Edwin McDonough Varner
Caroline Sullivan Watson
Bennett Alan Weeks
Jack Leslie White
Armoni Breanna Williams
John Hoyt Williams III
Mary Swayze Williams
Virginia Dray Willson
Julian Farris Wilson
James Burland Young III
Kayla Alexanderia Young
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COLLEGE CHOICES Charles Parker Alexander
Grace Kathryn Gebhart
Addison Elizabeth McNamara
Lauran Monique Sheriff
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Mississippi College
Johnanna Douglas Almand
Abigail Elise Giddens
John Miles Merrell
DeQuon Markeac
University of Mississippi
Mississippi College
United States National Guard
Sterling-Anderson
Oliver Logan Anderson
Parker Reed Gilbert
John Scott Milam
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Mississippi State University
Savannah Rose Stevens
Conner Elizabeth Ball
Jackson Trace Golden
William Westmoreland Mitchell
University of Southern
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Mississippi
Amanda Alexandra Barlow
Samuel Alexander Good
Micah Vernon Morgan
Malon Virginia Stratton
Mississippi State University
Belhaven University
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University
Hope Elizabeth Berry
Charles Wilder Greenlee II
Kassidy Lynn Neal
Olivia Alyse Strickland
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Jackson State University
University of Mississippi
Gunnar Erik Bertas
Matthew Braiden Guinn
Kenneth Scott McEwen Niemeyer
Savannah Hays Swalley
Colorado State University
Belhaven University
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Elizabeth Russell Bowman
Callie Frances Hall
Chloe' Symone Owens
Phillip Carlsey Talley
Mississippi State University
University of Mississippi
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University
William Zachary Brister
Grace Annamarie Herfurth
Grace Catherine Parry
Samuel Edwin Tharp
University of Arkansas
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Mary Kathryn Brogan
Lakin Alexander Huseth
Sahil Anil Patel
Gracy Kathryn Thomas
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University of Michigan
Mississippi State University
Mary Katherine Brown
James Austin Ishee
Shivam Sanjay Patel
Jacob Edward Touchstone
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
John Thomas Bruckner
Emily Mechelle Iupe
Elizabeth Grace Payne
Mitchell Harry Tyner, Jr.
Mississippi State University
University of Southern
University of Southern
Mississippi State University
Catherine Holmes Burford
Mississippi
Mississippi
Nancy Laurin Usey
Mississippi State University
Mary Hunter Johnston
Michael Joseph Johnson Payne
Mississippi State University
Kathryn Rae Butler
University of Mississippi
University at Buffalo -The State
Edwin McDonough Varner
Mississippi State University
Alexander Steven Kellett
School of New York
University of Mississippi
Elizabeth McCleary Carrigan
University of Mississippi
Joyia Michelle Petty
Caroline Sullivan Watson
Undecided
Abigale Celeste Knighton
US Air Force Reserve
University of Alabama
Grace Tarsi Cartwright
Mississippi State University
Charles Cole Phillips
Bennett Alan Weeks
University of Mississippi
John Zachary Lancon
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Conley Sedlak Chinn
NOLS– University of Utah
James Harper Pickering
Jack Leslie White
Belmont University
John Walker Laseter
University of Mississippi
Belhaven University
Parker Jackson Cole
University of Arizona
Jackson Ray Plunkett
Armoni Breanna Willliams
University of Mississippi
Davis Marshall Magee
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University
Thomas Smith Coleman
University of Mississippi
James Austin Ramey
John Hoyt Williams, III
University of Mississippi
Claire Clementine McClure
Dallas Baptist University
University of Mississippi
Jessi Lyn Cooper
University of Mississippi
Margaret Elizabeth Rice
Mary Swayze Williams
Southeastern Louisiana University
Milla Davis McCormack
University of Mississippi
Mississippi State University
Brianna Anitra-Janee’ Cry
University of Mississippi
Meredith Hope Roberts
Virginia Dray Willson
Hampton University
Tosh Barnes McGee
Texas Christian University
University of Alabama
Emily Joy Earle
University of Mississippi
Travis Deaton Rogers
James Burland Young III
University of Alabama
Beau Michael McHenry
University of Mississippi
University of South Carolina
Robert Lange Elliott
University of Mississippi
Olivia Courtney Rule
Kayla Alexanderia Young
Birmingham Southern College
Molly Suzannah McIntire
University of Mississippi
Mississippi State University
Natalie Doretta Ford
University of Mississippi
Alexander James Schott
Marist College
John Sharpless McIntire IV
Georgia Institute of Technology
Chelsea Lanita Francois
University of Mississippi
Mary Elizabeth Scott
Mississippi State University
Emily Suzanne McNair
University of Mississippi
William Dennison Furr
Mississippi College
University of Alabama
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Price Bradshaw Sessums Mississippi State University
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TWO NAMED
JERNBERG SCHOLARS FOR 2017–2018
The Board of Trustees established a scholarship in 2014 that celebrates academic excellence and named it in honor of President Emeritus James Peter Jernberg Jr., who faithfully served the school as president for 26 years. Jernberg is considered one of the most influential educators in independent education nationwide, so a scholarship in his name comes with much honor and prestige. In March, two students were selected for the Jernberg Scholarship. This year, Miles Johnson, from Madison, and Paul Bautista, from Brandon, received the honor. As highly qualified applicants who started out in a much larger group of candidates, these two completed testing, essays, recommendations, and school and financial applications to be considered for the scholarship. After becoming finalists, they completed on-campus interviews, and ultimately were selected as the 2017–2018 Jernberg Scholars. The scholarship will cover tuition, fees, and other costs to attend JA. Miles came to JA from Christ Covenant last year and was influenced by another Jernberg Scholar. “Dolph Maxwell is a Jernberg Scholar that I really look up to,” said Miles, a rising sophomore. The two attend church together. “I also have had relatives work here in the past who knew Mr. Jernberg... I know it’s a great honor, and I’m so excited to receive it,” he said. Miles says the aspect that most attracted him to JA was the school's use of technology. The Tech Center and the Learning Commons won big points with him, and he uses both areas frequently.
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Paul will join JA as a ninth grader, having attended Brandon Middle in 2016–17. Paul was looking for a school that would challenge him as a student and as a young man. “I wanted a better education so I can live my life to the greatest I can, and I saw that the best place to do that was here,” he said. Paul was also attracted to the technology available at JA as well the values stated in the JA Way. “I like this place because it emphasizes community, not just excellence.” Paul applied to four boarding schools and at first was looking forward to those opportunities. But a visit to JA and its community showed him that he could be given a challenge right here in Jackson at a school that already feels like home. “This is one of those ultimate journeys...I don’t expect myself to be perfect, but I do want to be able to say I came out a better person,” he said. The scholarship celebrates the influence of Peter Jernberg’s significant impact on the world of independent education with the hope that each recipient will in turn become an individual who makes an impact on the school and community through their academics and character. Qualified students may apply for the Jernberg Scholarship at Jackson Academy for the 2018–2019 school year beginning in the fall of 2017. More information at jacksonacademy.org/jernbergscholars.
JA SCHOLARS
SEVENTH GRADERS CHOSEN FOR DUKE TIP PROGRAM The Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) identifies seventh graders who have scored at the 95th percentile or above on a grade-level achievement test from 16 states in the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest. These students are invited to participate in the Duke TIP Seventh Grade Talent Search and take either the SAT or the ACT. JA students who qualified for the 2016–2017 TIP Program are Tye Gardner, Madison Cotton, Abigail Addison, Leah Anderson, Kennedy McKee, Tray Holeman, Joseph Ciaccio, Sandon Guild, Banks McNair, Reed Travelstead, Ford
McDaniel, Hudson Hadley, Matthew Frost, Gunner Cress, Daniel Adams, Annalee LeDuff, Libby Lohmeier, Anna Carlisle Nichols, Ellis Tharp, Annalee Willson, Caroline Courtney, Regan Felder, Natalie Turner, Reid Hewitt, Jalia Coins, Gibson Cheney, Davis Lee, Drew Williams, Connor Gee, Cannon Bosarge, Harrison Johnston, Olivia Quin, Ainsley Kling, Sarah Beth Usey, Avery Adair, Drew Barrentine, Parker Lowe, Anne Barret Roberson, Garrett Smith, Ashton Tate, and John Wicks.
CUM LAUDE INDUCTS MEMBERS Established to recognize scholastic achievement in secondary schools, the Cum Laude Society has granted charters to only four schools in Mississippi. The Jackson Academy chapter recently selected these new members (from left, back) Conley Chinn, Grace Cartwright, Will Laird, Braden Lewis, Dolph Maxwell, Travis Rogers, Caroline Watson, Milla McCormack, Anna Douglas Almand (front) Elizabeth Scott, Livvie Strickland, Emma Ward, Lacey Irby, and Avery Anderson.
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JA SCHOLARS
ACT TEST SCORES TRENDING UP The 41 Jackson Academy students who have scored 29 or above on the ACT are eligible for Mississippi’s Eminent Scholars Grant, a $2,500 per year grant awarded to in-state residents pursuing their first degree at an approved postsecondary institution in Mississippi. Recipients of the grant also must have maintained a high school cumulative grade point average of 3.50 on a 4.0 scale. “JA is on the leading edge of preparing students for college success,” said Amy Bush, JA college counselor. “Our students are prepared for college and are successful in college.” The school engages students in early college and career awareness, helps students set high aspirations, and ensures that they plan a rigorous Upper School course load.
Seniors: Parker Alexander, Alexandra Barlow, Lizzie Bowman, Mary Kathryn Brogan, Grace Cartwright, Emily Earle, Chelsea Francois, Grace Herfurth, Alexander Kellett, Abbie Knighton, Milla McCormack, William Mitchell, Micah Morgan, Sahil Patel, Travis Rogers, Alexander Schott, Malon Stratton, Nancy Usey, Caroline Watson, Dray Willson, Burland Young. Juniors: Avery Anderson, Sam Ciaccio, Sophie Creath, Lacey Irby, Will Laird, Braden Lewis, Dolph Maxwell, Gracie Meck, Blake Mills, Ali Perkins, Maggie Smith, Bryant Thaxton, Emma Ward, Cameron Welch. Sophomores: Ashton Berry, Lucy Clement, Avery Hederman, Columbia Holeman, Brandon Miller, Burkette Moulder.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY SELECTS HONOREES Seniors: Parker Alexander, Abigail Giddens, Emily McNair, Micah Morgan, Chloe Owens, Elizabeth Payne, Meredith Roberts, Mitchell Tyner, Win Varner, Caroline Watson. Juniors: Avery Anderson, Janise Bennett, Blaine Bowman, Hadley Brennan, Caroline Childress, Sam Ciaccio, Kellan Clower, Kennedy Collins, Hannah Collums, Sophie Creath, Frances Anne Fortner, Cailynn Gregory, Lacey Irby, Katie Johnson, Will Laird, Braden Lewis, Tre Lewis, Emma Lucas, Dolph Maxwell, Meredith McClellan, Elizabeth McCubbins, James McLemore, Gracie Meck, Kennedy Neal, Lindsey Nosef, Walker Pedigo, Allie Perkins, Claire Ross, Maggie Smith, Olivia Stringer, Bryant Thaxton, Emma Ward, Drake Warman, Brehan Whitehead, Anna Claire Williams.
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JA SCHOLARS
NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY The National Junior Honor Society recognizes students in eighth and ninth grade who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship. The Jackson Academy chapter recently inducted the following students into the organization (from left, back) Asher Morgan, John Eric Clark, Drew Antici, Miles Johnson, Simms Baker, Jonathan Lucas, Ty Usey, Thomas Arnold, Lila Robertson, Pryor Mehrle, Sophie Hays, Jesse Montgomery (3rd row) Gibson Smith, Emery Thigpen, Sydney Guy, Ava Del Vecchio, Kelsey Burke, Case Kempthorne, Ginny Dyess,
Jude Reeves, Andrew Holmes, Bryant Seago, Jack Varner, Wes Thomas, James Smith, Parker Kirby, Elizabeth Pedigo, Ava Couey (2nd row) Azaria McDowell, Nora Pickering, Mary Liz Black, Hannah Hardee, Simeon Gates, Anna Claire Seago, Elena Roberts, Mary Grace Downs, Alice Williams, Nikki Lawrence, Zharia Hill, Avery Hendrick, Anna Blake Reed, Parker Bracken (front) Hallie Gray House, Emory Laseter, Miles Taylor Leverette, Emmy Brown, Priya Ray, Emma Roberts, Zoe Ladner, Gracie Coe, Samia Wilson, Isabel Lehman, Emma Collums, and Isabelle Lee.
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP Nancy Usey and Alexander Schott were named semifinalists by the National Merit program. They are among more than a million students who took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test last year as juniors. Those receiving semifinalist status make up less than one percent of high school seniors across the country. In addition to testing, students seeking finalist status must validate other qualities of excellence, involvement, and leadership through a detailed application process.
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JA SCHOLARS
JA NAMES NINE TO HALL OF FAME Named to the Jackson Academy Hall of Fame are from left, back, Sahil Patel, Alexander Schott, Emily McNair, Conley Chinn, Phillip Talley, and from left, front, Olivia Rule, Malon Stratton, Lizzie Bowman, and Nancy Usey.
STAR STUDENT AND TEACHER RECOGNIZED The Mississippi Economic Council sponsors the StudentTeacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Program to encourage scholastic achievement among high school students. The STAR Program emphasizes scholastic excellence and recognizes the teaching profession. STAR students are chosen based on having the highest ACT score in their graduating class, along with other academic achievements. Each STAR student selects a STAR teacher. Jackson Academy's 2017 STAR teacher and student are, from left, Dr. Dennis Conklin and Nancy Usey.
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TEACHERS OF THE YEAR Jackson Academy is proud to recognize the outstanding Teacher of the Year award recipients at the JAA’s annual Teacher Appreciation Luncheon. Teachers are selected by their peers in each division.
Preschool Teacher of the Year Award Laura Pressler received the Preschool Teacher of the Year Award for 2017. The award is given each year in memory of Ashleigh Arnold Dehmer, JA Class of 1983 and beloved preschool teacher. A monetary stipend is also given to the recipient from an anonymous donor. Laura has taught JA Preschool students their colors, letters, and numbers for five years. Lower School Teacher of the Year Award Betsy Crawley, Lower School Academic Support, was awarded the Lower School Teacher of the Year Award for 2017. An anonymous donor, in memory of long-time Preschool teacher, Ashleigh Arnold Dehmer, JA Class of 1983, provides the monetary stipend. Betsy has taught at JA for 16 years.
Middle School Teacher of the Year Award The Middle School Teacher of the Year Award was presented to Sarah Clark. Sarah is a fourth-year teacher at Jackson Academy and teaches eighth-grade U.S. history. The award comes with a monetary stipend through the JA Annual Fund. Upper School Teacher of the Year Award Georgia Brown was awarded the Upper School Teacher of the Year Award. The award comes from a class gift made by the JA Class of 2001 given in honor of Bill Bunch. The JA Class of 2004 also donated a portion of their class gift to this award. Georgia has taught Upper School English at JA for 12 years.
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COMMUNITY SERVICE
FOR VETERANS & UMMC PATIENTS TRUE BLUE 58
HANDMADE CARDS BRIGHTEN SPIRITS Students in Lower and Middle School had the opportunity to make valentine cards as a service project. Lower School students made colorful and creative valentines to brighten the day of patients at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, as many of them do not get cards on this holiday. The valentines were placed on patient meal trays. ​ e Interact Club led a project for Middle School students in which they made cards for Th veterans. Students delivered the cards and candy to patients and staff at the VA Hospital. So many students participated that there were extra cards that were delivered to the Mississippi Veterans Home. These cards were put at each place setting for their Valentine's Day party.
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STUDENTS GO GOLD TO SHOW SUPPORT In September at a pep rally and football game, love and support for children and families impacted by cancer was emphasized. Gold clothing, special T-shirts, gold glitter, and gold ribbons abounded as the JA community rallied to recognize and honor the courage of children affected by cancer during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Go Gold is an outreach effort in area schools that helps educate students about types of childhood cancer and how they can help a classmate who is struggling with it. Go Gold was established by David and Jill Dale, who lost a son, Campbell, to cancer in 2015.
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JA STUDENT MENTORS ENCOURAGE READING Upper School students headed to Spann Elementary once a week to spend time with students who needed support with their reading skills. The Barbara Bush Foundation's Teen Trendsetters program brought this group of students together. The young ones were so excited when their teen mentor walked in, and many conversations and laughs filled their hour together. JA students and their little friends all learned and benefited from these friendships.
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STUDENTS LEAD
BLACK HISTORY
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he Black History Program Committee presented a program for the Upper and Middle School that included jazz music, prayer, singing, readings, poetry, dance, a skit, and a video. Special thanks were given to Kimble Funchess and Just Right Jazz, Shirley Hopkins, MADDRAMA (Making A Difference Doing Respectable And Meaningful Art), Essence Wallace, Richard Shaw, Nic Henderson, Ebony Welch, Steve McCartney, and BankPlus. A group of students also visited Jackson State University for a tour of its historical campus. Founded in 1877, JSU is a Historically Black College and University with structures named for noteworthy African-American scientists, authors, and scholars. The field trip included a tour of the Medgar Evers' House. On another day, students from local colleges presented demonstrations of the step-dance tradition. Step shows draw from various forms of dance and are performed as a group in formation. The Black History Program Committee included Brianna Cry, Chloe Owens, Kassidy Neal, Heather Molden, Kennedy Neal, Kaylan Sanders, Frances Fortner, TJ Smith, Ari Jackson, Cailynn Gregory, Adonis Clincy, Cameron Welch, Demi Williamson, Kayla Young, Swayze Williams, McKenna Thompson, Gwen Bishop, Addison McNamara, Tosh McGee, Lauran Sheriff, Destiny Burns, Abbie Knighton, Madison Stanton, and Conley Chinn. TRUE BLUE 63
JA HOSTS GAME WITH
MISSISSIPPI WHEELCATS The Mississippi WheelCats are the only wheelchair basketball team in the state, so their actual games require travel to Texas, Alabama, South Carolina, and other states. JA hosted a game with the boys varsity basketball team, faculty, and the Mississippi WheelCats. The event was a perfect time for the WheelCats to prep for their season and a great opportunity to bring awareness of wheelchair athletics to the JA community.
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RAIDER ATHLETICS • NEW FACES AT JA • Check out the JA website at www.jacksonacademy.org for news about new athletic staff members, including defensive coordinator Lance Pogue, strength and conditioning coach Gordon Weir, and assistant athletic director Brandt Walker.
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ATHLETICS SIGNINGS On National Signing Day and during additional individual signing events, JA athletes made their intent to play college sports official. Students, coaches, parents, grandparents, relatives, faculty/staff, and members of the media were on hand to celebrate with the student athletes.
Conner Beth Ball, Madison Golf University of Mississippi
Conley Chinn, Jackson Basketball Belmont University
Wilson Furr, Jackson Golf The University of Alabama
Emily McNair, Ridgeland Soccer Mississippi College
Jessi Cooper, Jackson Soccer Southeastern Louisiana University
Austin Ramey, Brandon Soccer Dallas Baptist University
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ATHLETICS SIGNINGS
Meredith Roberts, Jackson Tennis TCU
Lauran Sheriff, Jackson Mississippi College Basketball
DeQuon Sterling, Jackson Football Southwest Community College
NOTHING BUT NET Among them, they share more than 4,000 points. Four JA basketball players achieved the distinction of scoring 1,000 points or more in their careers at Jackson Academy this season. Head Coach Jan Sojourner recognized Conley Chinn, Emily McNair, and Lauran Sheriff, presenting them with plaques and souvenir basketballs. They join Mollie Blair, Jalessa Taylor, Stephanie Clark, Stacie Clark, and Sarah Clark in the 1,000 Point Club. For the Raiders, junior Michael Barber achieved 1,000 points during a 62-52 win over Leake Academy. Michael was recognized at JA during the next basketball game against Lamar Academy.
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JAN SOJOURNER
NAMED CLARION-LEDGER COACH OF THE YEAR The Clarion-Ledger named JA basketball coach Jan Sojourner Coach of the Year for 2017, recognizing the tradition of excellence she has maintained at the school for 32 years. Back-to-back regional, state, and MAIS overall championships and a record of 40–2 for 2017 all contributed to her selection. She has 874 career wins.
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ATHLETICS
STUDENT COMPETES IN JUNIOR OLYMPICS FENCING Nakoda Miller, a sixth grader, qualified and competed in the Junior Olympics Fencing competition in Kansas City, Missouri. Nakoda and two other qualifiers represented the Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama region at this three-day Junior Olympics event. Based upon the traditional skills of swordsmanship, competitive fencing requires strength, agility, athletic ability, and mental strategy. In the Junior Olympics, Nakoda competed in twelve bouts. The level of competition was intense, featuring high school and college level competitors. Nakoda’s experience in Kansas City enabled him to develop a strategic plan for the action required to prepare for the 2018 competition. Items in this plan include up to eight hours per week in training, participation in additional sports to build stamina and enhance flexibility, as well as independent training through videos. Nakoda’s ultimate goal is to earn a fencing scholarship to college. In addition, Nakoda would like to see fencing grow in popularity locally.
CONLEY CHINN NAMED MAIS OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE Conley Chinn was named the 2017 winner of the MAIS Don Souder Award as the outstanding female student-athlete in the 120-member Mississippi Association of Independent Schools. Les Triplett, MAIS Director of Activities and Athletics, presented the Souder Trophy to Conley at the Jackson Academy graduation exercises May 19. Excellent academics, as well as outstanding athletics, are key factors MAIS considers in granting the Don Souder Award.
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J
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MISSISSIPPI
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SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Recognizing his baseball career spanning high school, college, and professional competition as well as coaching, a selection committee representing all aspects of Mississippi sports has named Jay Powell a 2017 Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame inductee. Powell is joined by Marcus Dupree, Rick Cleveland, Bob Braddy Sr., Leslie Frazier, and Eugenia Conner (posthumous). Powell joined the JA coaching staff in 2005 and completed his tenth season as head coach of the JA Raiders baseball team in 2016–17, advancing to the MAIS playoffs. He led the Raiders to a state MAIS title in 2011, prompting the Mississippi Legislature to honor the team with a resolution for an extraordinary season. Prior to joining the JA coaching staff, Powell pitched in the major leagues for 11 seasons. One of his notable years was 1997, throwing for the Florida Marlins. Over 79.2 innings, Powell made 74 appearances and had a 3.28 ERA, which helped lead the Florida Marlins to a World Series championship. He played for Mississippi State University, where he was the fourth 1st round pick from MSU in the MLB draft, and West Lauderdale High School, where his team earned a state championship.
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E M Y
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JA HOSTS FIRST HORSE SHOW The first Jackson Academy horse show, held in November at the Canton Multipurpose and Equine Center, was a huge success. Eight teams from five states took part in the show, with 70 riders and 35 horses. There were 164 rides on Saturday and 164 rides on Sunday. Jackson Academy was reserve champion both days. The team plans to sponsor another show in the fall. The 2016–17 academic year was the team’s second year in equestrian competition. In their final regular season horse show at Providence Hill Farm, the Middle School team won reserve champion, and Sophie Rhoden won the sportsmanship award. Molly McClure qualified for regional competition.
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BANNER YEAR FOR ATHLETICS THIRTEEN JA VARSITY TEAMS GAIN FIRST OR SECOND PLACE MAIS POSITIONS
This academic year JA secured MAIS state championships in volleyball, girls soccer, girls basketball, and girls tennis. The Accents and cheerleaders also won state championships in their respective competitions. Boys soccer, boys cross country, boys tennis, girls track, boys track, boys golf, and baseball all finished in second place in the state. NOTABLE MOME NT S: JA girls and boys tennis teams finished the regular season at a perfect 12-0. This included head to head wins over Jackson Prep, Madison Central, and Ocean Springs. In the State AAAA-1 Tournament the girls swept the stand, winning all divisions, including mixed.
The JA varsity Lady Raiders reached No. 6 in the state's Super 10 for girls basketball teams. Jackson Academy was the only independent school in the listing. The team attained a school record 40th win and the back-to-back MAIS Overall Championship title at Mississippi College.
The Lady Raiders varsity soccer team captured the MAIS State Championship. The team completed its season with a 17-5 record.
The Lady Raiders volleyball team won its third straight MAIS State Championship. The Lady Raiders didn't lose a single set in the championship tournament and finished their season 25-8 with an impressive 13-0 conference record.
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N AC A D E M Y ' S O S K C A J
Performing Arts Students
Whether students opt for being part of the arts just for fun or are seeking a future career, they find opportunities at Jackson Academy. Choices for participation include musicals, plays, concert choirs, show choirs, bands, visual arts, speech and debate, set creation, stage crew, and technical support. This year the school added a new option: an a cappella group named “Unaccompanied Minors.�
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JA ARTS PROGRAMS CONTINUE TO GROW AND EXCEL
This season, Middle School showchoir, Showtime, made appearances at Jackson Prep Showchoir Masters, where the group took second place in the large division; South Jones Showchoir Invitational, where the group won first place as well as caption awards for best vocals and best overall effect; and West Jones Showchoir Invitational, where the group won first runner up and best visuals. Showtime concluded its season at the Oak Grove Magnolia Invitational where the group took first runner up and best visuals. Showtime is in its first year under the direction of JA alumna Amy Arinder. The Upper School showchoir, Encore, was awarded fourth runner up at the South Jones Invitational, first runner up at the Opelika (Ala.) Invitational, and first runner up at the Oak Grove Invitational. At the West Jones Invitational, the group received grand champion, best vocals, best visual, best overall effect, and best costumes in its division and went on to win grand champion, best vocals, best visual, and best overall effect in finals. Encore traveled to Nashville, where the group closed its season with a performance on the Grand Ole Opry stage. Encore is in its sixth year under the direction of Katie Shores. Murder Takes the Stage: A Mystery Play in Three Acts, by James Reach, was the next Upper School production. The play took place in April in the Black Box Theatre. Murder Takes the Stage was presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Middle School students presented Curiosity Cat by Chris Grabenstein in April. Curiosity Cat centers around the hardships of being a stray and the joy of finally finding a home, so the Middle School Student Council also collected donations of pet supplies and food for CARA, (Community Animal Rescue & Adoption) before the show in the PAC lobby. JA’s Middle School showchoir, Finale, presented a program in April called A Not So Terrible Parable, featuring songs such as “Because He First Loved Us,” and “Your Word is Alive.”
Left: The fall musical was 42nd Street, offered in October. Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and featuring music by Harry Warren, 42nd Street tells the story of Peggy Sawyer, a talented young performer with stars in her eyes who gets her big break on Broadway. Students took tap classes in preparation of auditions. They also performed a number from the show at Highland Village. Above: The fall one-act play was Tammy: A Coming of Age Story About a Girl Who is Part T-Tex by Julia Weiss. Tammy tells the story of the average middle school student who feels like she doesn’t quite fit in. This one-act was taken to the North High School Dramafest, and performed at JA. TRUE BLUE 77
ART STUDENTS VISIT MUSEUMS, DISPLAY AT FESTIVAL In December a group of art students, accompanied by teachers Susan Ingram and Jacob Rowan, visited the New Orleans Museum of Art. They viewed the Landscape Masterworks exhibit from the Paul G. Allen Family Collection. In the spring, students studying fine art visited the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson. Four students displayed fine art during the Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival in April. TRUE BLUE 78
JA ARTS PROGRAMS
SAVE THE DATE
for JA's Fall 2017 Production
MARY POPPINS!
October 28-30 and November 4-5 Shows are at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and Monday and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.
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TORY CLASS HELPS STUDENTS DISCO C U D O VER I N TR
MUSICAL TALENT
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very fifth-grader at Jackson Academy is getting a chance to try out every band instrument—tuba, flute, drums, French horn, you name it. “Their eyes just light up when they hit the note,” Band Director Todd Taylor says. He started the Introduction to Instrumental Music class to help students discover whether they have an innate musical talent. Those with the skills or love of music could choose to remain in band in older grades. Those who don’t continue could at least develop an appreciation for what musicians do. About 90 students were in fifth grade during the 2016–17 school year, and Taylor says his goal is to inspire 30 to participate in band in sixth grade. A long-term goal is growing the JA Band that performs at sporting events, concerts and competitions. During the introductory class, fifth graders also learn to play a simple musical piece on two or three instruments—a plastic trombone called a “phone,” a plastic flute called a “toot,” a plastic clarinet called a “dood,” or on percussion. As for the real instruments, Taylor says the saxophone is “the easiest to make a sound on” but “the hardest to make it sound good.”
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STUDENTS EARN COVETED SPOTS IN
LIONS ALL-STATE BAND
Three JA band members were honored with spots on the 2017 Mississippi Lions All-State Band, which travels internationally each summer for competition. Alexander Schott, Bryant Thaxton, and Claire Ross joined other musicians from across Mississippi as they represented our state and their school. Bryant earned first chair in tuba, Alex earned second chair in trombone and Claire earned third chair in dance. TRUE BLUE 83
JACKSON ACADEMY ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB The Jackson Academy Athletic Booster Club (JAABC) is excited about and proud of the success achieved in 2016-17. This year provided JAABC with new opportunities to support our athletic and extracurricular programs and to help our students compete at the highest levels. Some highlights from the JAABC efforts in 2016-17 include completion of renovations to the gymnasium locker rooms, installation of new outfield fencing at Raider Park, and numerous upgrades to uniforms and equipment. The ongoing expansion and renovation of the weight room is another example of how Jackson Academy and the JAABC work together with our loyal supporters to continually improve facilities and experiences for our entire student body. The JAABC is managed by a board of directors that oversee operations including membership, concessions, event parking, chair back seating, and general fund raising. The Sports Information Guide (SIG) is produced every year and is a valuable information resource that also provides an early opportunity to introduce our seniors, our student athletes, our student support programs, and our advertisers. Please contact the JAABC to place a senior portrait or advertisement in the upcoming SIG! The JAABC also produces the annual “Color Me Raider” 5K run/walk event to provide a fun and wholesome evening of fellowship and support for Jackson Academy. Funds raised by this event and the other activities managed by the JAABC are used to supplement, support, and promote the extracurricular experience at Jackson Academy. By working closely with the Athletic Department and school administration, the JAABC is able to participate in facility improvements and contribute to the success of our students. The JAABC Board of Directors extends our sincere thanks to our members and contributors who make our accomplishments possible. The JAABC can only reach our goals with the support of the JA “family.” Membership in the booster club and support of the JAABC is the best way to insure the continued success for our programs and our students. Go Raiders!
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A BLUE & A KICK-OFF TO ANOTHER GREAT SCHOOL YEAR
The 2016 A Blue & White Night Committee is (left to right) Anna Harralson, Neeli Graham, Amanda Puckett, Elizabeth Mehrle, Hillary James, Amanda Cross, Dana Robertson, Geri Beth Smith, Barbara Craft, Elizabeth Upchurch, Mary Carolyn Williams
Thanks to the generous support of this event by our corporate sponsors, True Blue Raiders, and JA families, the JAA was able to continue to support the pledge of giving $300,000 to the Learning Commons this year.
The Jackson Academy Association (JAA) hosted the third annual fundraising event, A Blue & White Night, to kick off the school year last fall at the South. Parents, teachers, and alumni were guests at the event, which included live music by Chasin’ Dixie, a superior silent and live auction, and food and flowers by Fresh Cut Catering. The event, which was held on August 13, was a festive night for all to gather and support Jackson Academy in a school-spirited environment in anticipation of a great year. Thanks to the generous support of this event by our corporate sponsors, True Blue Raiders, and JA families, the JAA was able to continue to support the pledge of giving $300,000 to the Learning Commons this year. Many campus-wide academic projects are made possible throughout the year as a result of the fundraising efforts of the JAA, including awarding over $14,000 to fund C.A.R.E grants for teachers and students to benefit from in the 2017-2018 school year, $3,600 to the Performing Arts and Images, as well as supporting numerous receptions and open house events.
The Jackson Academy Association (JAA) is the parent association for Jackson Academy. The JAA provides volunteers and financial support for educational tools in our K3-12 classrooms as well as many other benefits to our students and faculty. Focused on building fellowship and enabling growth, the JAA enhances the overall educational experience. The JAA conducts two parent-driven fundraisers during the year with the support of Corporate Sponsors and True Blue Raiders: A Blue & White Night and the JA Fall Carnival.
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JA Annual Fund
REACHES ALL-TIME HIGH OF $421,000 For the second year in a row the Jackson Academy Annual Fund has surpassed $400,000. The generosity of our JA families, alumni, faculty, grandparents, and friends is vital to our program, and we are thankful for their support. All gifts go directly to support our No. 1 priority – educating students. Thanks to a matching gift challenge from a JA parent, Darrington Seward, 40 current families made first-time gifts to the Annual Fund. These new gifts, plus the dollar-for-dollar match, meant an additional $35,900 for classroom and academic enhancements. “We are grateful for the many families, alumni, and friends of Jackson Academy who gave so generously to our Annual Fund enabling us to have yet another record year in annual giving,” said JA President Cliff Kling. “The Annual Fund allows us to fulfill our mission by providing so many enhancements to the campus and our educational program.”
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“Every dollar given immediately and significantly impacts the student experience at our school." The Annual Fund is the only school-operated voluntary fundraiser of the year. All donations are used by the JA Board of Trustees, administration, and teachers to strengthen the classroom experience for students. Trustees depend on these gifts to help pay for programs and renovations in each division. Most recently, unless otherwise specified by the donor, gifts to the Annual Fund have transformed the Upper School Library into a beautiful new Learning Commons. The 2016–17 Annual Fund will help provide continuing support for the Learning Commons renovations, a ticket booth in the Performing Arts Center, band hall improvements, and the purchase of a third “Raider Racer” car for the Middle School engineering class. The “Five-Week Annual Fund” again proved to be well received with families as the main appeals were held September 28 to November 4. Letter and email requests for the Annual Fund were limited to this window of time with weekly email updates and an enthusiastic team of parent volunteers encouraging parent participation.
The Development Office is grateful for the leadership of JA parents Rebecca and Michael Ueltschey, Annual Fund parent chairs. Austin Barbour, JA Trustee and Development Chair, headed the leadership giving division along with the Development Committee members. They are: MEMBERS:
PARENT VOLUNTEERS:
Phillip Bowman John Lundy Martha Ray Renee Rice Scot Thigpen Mary Carolyn Williams
Mysti Chustz Dawn Duncombe Bethany Gough Lee Ann Hammons Anna Haralson Laura Hillman Hillary James Emily McNeil Christy Orr Ann Purcell Elizabeth Quinn Mandi Stanley Staci Tyler Max Wondries
LAY MEMBERS: Percy Quinn Dr. Reid Lester Ray Robertson Darrington Seward
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ALUMNI GIVING CHALLENGE SUCCESS! TRUE BLUE 88
Throughout the month of February, Jackson Academy alumni supported the Jernberg Scholarship through a monthlong giving challenge called the “February Faceoff.” Our first ever alumni giving challenge brought in over $24,000 with more than 147 total gifts and commitments from Jackson Academy alumni! Since June 1, 2016, 172 alumni have given to the JA Annual Fund reaching more than $54,000 in total gifts and commitments. We are so grateful for such wonderful alumni who continually invest in the future of Jackson Academy and its students. Thank you again to all of our alumni for your commitment and service to Jackson Academy!
FEBRUARY FACEOFF CLASS WINNERS: 1. Class of 1999 – 23.6% 2. Class of 1982 – 17.4% 3. Class of 2003 – 16.4%
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JA CELEBRATES PHILANTHROPY
JA GRANDPARENT CHAIRS Gifts from JA grandparents are integral to the JA Annual Fund success. More than $50,000 was given this school year through generous contributions from this important group. Annual Fund grandparent chairs for this year are Holley and Don Noblitt. Pictured with Holley and Don are their grandchildren, Holden, Herrin ‘28, Wade, and Hart '31.
JACKSON ACADEMY TEACHER APPRECIATION AWARD The Jackson Academy Teacher Appreciation Award is a tradition at JA with the purpose of recognizing the school’s valedictorian and teachers. Each year the valedictorian selects three teachers who have influenced them the most at JA. The valedictorian and three teachers each receive a $1,000 stipend from the JA Annual Fund. This year's recipients are: Katie Shores, Lizzie Bowman (valedictorian), Gloria Hirn, and Cori Ciaccio.
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JA CELEBRATES PHILANTHROPY jackson academy endowed scholarship recipients
De’ja Bradford & Charlie Gautier
Skylar Alexander
Ava Ladner
Joseph Adams
Will Laird
Sam Ciaccio
Logan Thomas
Merritt Nations
Lily Grace Thigpen
Kellan Clower
Drew Barrentine & Fran Wilkirson
Harmon & Faye Bowman Memorial Scholarship Charlie Gautier 2019 Son of Chuck and Gingi Gautier De’ja Bradford 2018 Daughter of Donnie and E’tonne’ Bradford Jane Gibbons Memorial Scholarship Ava Ladner 2023 Daughter of Kirk and Lynn Ladner The Herschel Brickell Family Endowed Scholarship Joseph Adams 2020 Son of JoJo and Anne Robb Adams Julie Dyer Collins Leadership Award Will Laird 2018 Son of Greg and Suzanne Laird Andrew Yoste Defore Annual Scholarship Lily Grace Thigpen 2020 Daughter of Jeff and Sabrina Thigpen
The 20th Century Endowed Scholarship Skylar Alexander 2019 Daughter of Lamar and Rhonda Alexander Hallie Houston Keyes Memorial Scholarship Sam Ciaccio 2018 Son of Jay and Cori Ciaccio Scott Branning Scholarship Logan Thomas 2019 Son of Chris and Lisa Thomas Higgins Family Scholarship Merritt Nations 2023 Son of Lee and Kristen Nations The Leigh Anne Ward Memorial Scholarship Drew Barrentine 2022 Son of Sgt. Shane and Penny Barrentine Fran Wilkirson 2022 Daughter of Jim and Audrey Wilkirson
Mary Sprayberry Memorial Art Scholarship Kellan Clower 2018 Daughter of Dr. Lane and Tracey Clower
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JA CELEBRATES PHILANTHROPY GIFTS IN KIND KRISTAL AND JOE GOLDEN 1 King 606 trombone and case and a Gibraltar double chain bass drum pedal Assorted football and baseball equipment BRIDGETTE AND THOMAS IUPE Music department apparel and accessories
JOHNNY AND SHARON MALONEY Four 32 inch televisions WEN AND JAN NANCE Boy’s clothes for Showtime and Encore performances JOHN AND OWEN STRATTON 13’ Altius carbon pole
PETER AND PAT JERNBERG Gorham silver serving tray and large Towle silver punch bowl with ladle
CHRIS AND LISA THOMAS Hair supplies for Showtime and Encore
JESSICA AND JEFFREY LOHMEIER 300 assorted hard and paperback books
MAX AND TAYLOR WONDRIES 66 hardback books
JA ANNUAL FUND DONORS Cornerstone Circle $25,000 Donna and Roger Bozarth Ergon Foundation, Inc. Seward and Son Planting Co.
Ernie and Wendy Coward McKie and Jennifer Edmonson Jimmy Gathings Alexander Good Randy and Paula James Benefactor Circle $10,000 + Mr. and Mrs. Michael Johnson Dr. Bobby Graham and Dr. Sharon Martin Greg and Michelle Johnston Jim Schott and Karen Radosevich Bruce and Amanda Kirkland Allen and Geri Beth Smith Cliff and Heather Kling The Wesley A Caldwell Foundation Drs. Tim and Nancy McCowan Jason and Carolyn Voyles Mr. Randy and Dr. Lisa Gibson-McKee Robert and Rebecca Watson Robert and Liz Mehrle Mark and Ashley Willson Patrick and Cherry Mullen Wen and Jan Nance Honor Circle $5,000 + Scot and Kimberly Thigpen Mr. Mel and Dr. Josie Burgess Elise and Tommy Williams Katy and Nelson Creath Gertrude C. Ford Foundation Visionary Circle $1,000 + Robert and Jane Hederman Mr. and Mrs. Larry Accardi Senator and Mrs. Trent Lott Sidney and Kristen Allen, Jr. Chris and Emily McNeil Anonymous Don and Holley Noblitt Brad and Angie Antici Ashley and Christie Ogden Paula Ardelean Dr. and Mrs. Trevor Pickering Tyler Armstrong Kent and Janice Ritchey Mr. and Mrs. W. Lester Aultman Joel and Meredith Travelstead Austin and Deidre Barbour Guy and Allison White Haley and Marsha Barbour Bryan and Jane Anna Barksdale Sustainer Circle $2,500 + Gene and Linda Barrett Rick and Ann Calhoon C.B. and Michele Berry
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Phillip and Audra Bowman Guy and Lana Boyll Mike and Jennifer Bracken Andy and Courtney Brien Bill and Liz Brister Bruckner’s School Photography, Inc. Char Mark and Cathy Chinn Community Foundation of Greater Jackson Drs. Jason and Barbara Craft Dodds and Lindsay Dehmer Sandra and David Dyess Bill and Kimberly Felder Steve and Deanna Funderburg Guion and Staci Gee Dr. Michelle Gibson Preston and Barbara Gough Mr. and Mrs. Bill Grogan Robert and Price Halford Robert and Amy Hederman Nancy Herrin Hickson Family Foundation John and Lauren Hontzas Tom and Linda Hudson Dr. Orhan Ilercil Chesley and Hillary James Peter and Pat Jernberg Whit and George Johnson Ed and Robin Kennedy Kirk Auto Company
JA CELEBRATES PHILANTHROPY JA ANNUAL FUND DONORS Steve and Kathy Kowalski Dr. John and Julie A. Lancon Mr. and Mrs. John Lundy Drs. Sudhakar and Kimberly Madakasira Patrick and Kristin Malouf Crystal Martin Herbert and Darlene Martin Allen and Tara McDaniel David and Mary Margaret McKinnon Jimmy and Frances McLain Barry and Melody McNair Tim and Beth McWilliams Mississippi Periodontic Specialists Group Matt and Mary Clay Morgan Jess and Allison New Kenneth O’Keefe Jeremy and Erica Ory Dr. Tom Payne and Dr. Cheryl Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Penick Anonymous Rob and DeLeslie Porch Percy and Elizabeth Quinn William and Martha Ray Dr. and Mrs. Mike Robbins George and Colleen Roberts Ray and Mandy Robertson Stevens and Ward, P.A. John and Owen Stratton Specialty Metals Supply Dr. and Mrs. Pat Taylor Calvin and Lee Ann Thigpen Mr. and Mrs. Zach Thompson Anonymous Will and Desi Van Skiver Frank and Patti Wade Ben and Lynn Watson Eleanor Wettach Ben and Melissa Williams Anonymous Denny and Ann Zimmerman Loyalty Club $500 + Mr. and Mrs. Leigh Allen, III Dr. Chris and Elisha Benton Maury and Lauren Breazeale Hunter and Suzanne Cade DSquared Green Oak Garden Center Rafe and Jennifer Hudson
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Matt and Lindsey James Lounette and Lamar Maxwell Jackie and Shani Meck Mr. and Mrs. James W. O’Mara Dr. and Mrs. Joel Payne, Jr. Bill and Creed Ridgway Stephen and Suzanna Rula Aaron and Morgan Samuels John and Jeanne Scarbrough George and Mary Elizabeth Smith The Clay Firm Mr. and Mrs. Stacy E. Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Charles Tindall III Tuxes Too Michael and Rebecca Ueltschey Michelle and Jody Varner Joe Ann Ward Ben and Mary Carolyn Williams Mr. and Mrs. Ed Woods Scholar Club $250 + Vickie Lynn and Lamar Adams Sidney and Deborah Allen Matt and Lindsey Armstrong Dr. and Mrs. Peter B. Arnold Bill and Kameron Ball Reeves and Jennifer Barbour Chris and Stacy Bates Mrs. Amanda Beard Bill and Ada Butler Ronald and Rita Butler Wanda Carmichael Jennifer and Kevin Chandler Jim and Bonnie Chapman Lamar Chustz Philip and Mysti Chustz Alice and Rod Clement Cookie Dough Doctors Bobby and Jennifer Croswell Glen and Patrina Dace Justin and Kasey Davis Deviney Construction Co. James H. Dorsey Ricky and Sherri Eiland John and Gail England Mark and Harriet Eppes Jim and Shirley Futral Rita Gaines Kristal and Joe Golden
Tatum and Gray Goodman Matthew and Kristen Guinn Jacob and Anna Haralson Gloria and Stephen Hirn Dr. and Mrs. Rhett Hobgood Ellen and Tommy Hontzas Lynne and John Sharp Howie Bill and Leigh Janous Mechelle Keeton Dan and Becky Keuter Mark and Jenna Lassiter Todd and Kasey Lemkin Don and Laurie Lewis Sarah Love Mark and Michele Markow Chase and Adrea Maxwell John and Corinne McCormick Mike and Sandra McKay Anonymous Drew and Davis McIntyre Jonathan McCullough Nora Milam Party Supply Depot Inc. Scott and Lulu Pedigo Joyce and Charles Poole George A. Provias Steve and Mary Ratcliff Tom and Sharon Rhoden Renee Rice Dr. and Mrs. Lloyd E. Roberts Betsy and Joe Samuels Lester and Sandy Smith Art and Liz Spratlin Bob and Mandi Stanley Swalley Harrigill Enterprise Inc. Allen and Michelle Taheri Nancy and Jackie Thompson Walt and Rachel Towery Chris and Sharon Tucker Jon and Pam Turner Brent and Staci Tyler Mr. and Mrs. Warner Wadlington Carolyn and Mark Wakefield Locke and Melanie Ward Dr. and Mrs. Richard Warren Walter and Susan Weems Eddie and Brittany Wettach Stacy and Michael Williams Woody and Myra York
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JA CELEBRATES PHILANTHROPY JA ANNUAL FUND DONORS Century Club $100 + John and Ashley Adcock Jim and Suzanne Almas Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Drs. Fred and Anna Asher Craig and Lisa Bailey Ray and Melva Bailey Jerry and Karen Banks DeShundra Barnes Austin Barrett M.D. John and Wendy Beard Taylor and Justin Beard Jake and Blakeney Ann Black David and Shannon Blanks David and Kate Bowman Joel Brown N.Z. and Ruby Bryant Barry and Jane Burks Mr. and Mrs. Richard Burnette Wright and Elizabeth Busching Greg and Leslie Carpenter Trey Carroll Jon and Catherine Carter Wendell and Mary Kay Catchings Capt. and Mrs. Roy Caves Ken and Susan Chapman Jay and Cori Ciaccio Richard Ciaccio Becky and Bobo Clark Stephen and Tabitha Clay Marlene Cook Chris and Staci Crawford Jonathan Daniel Steve Davis Laura and Derek Dyess Susan Elliot Dr. and Mrs. Lee Ferguson Lynda and Jack Forbus Johnny and Tangela Ford Jay and Fran Fowler Parker and Rebecca Fowler Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Gay Daniel and Mallory Gnemi Dr. and Mrs. Kyle Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Brett Graven Dixie Gray Mary Jane and Bobby Greenlee
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Cameron and Suzanne Guild Shannon and Kevin Hahn Robin Hall Heather and Michael Harasty Jerry and Vicki Harmon Parker and Laura Harris John and Louise Hartlein Anonymous Glyn and Elizabeth Hilbun Dr. and Mrs. Darin Hildoer Reed and Diane Hogan Ken and Joan Hollingsworth Dr. and Mrs. Chad Hosemann Mark and Leslie Hosemann Andy and Paige Hunt Chip and Cindy Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Brent Johnston Troy and Erin Johnston Jean Jones Harper and Beth Keeler Kathleen Keeton Dr. and Mrs. Bradley Kellum Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Kelly Foster and Brandon Kennedy John and Susan Kidd Mark and Andrea Lackey Chris, Carley and Zoe Laney Larry and Jane Lee Reid and Lauren Lester Kristen Ley Stancie Ley Craig and Jana Long Mike and Jennifer Lowe Jack and LeeAnn Lutken Bryan Madden Collin and Stephanie Maley Will Marley Bill and Charlotte Manning Chris and Jennifer Mathison Dr. David and Misti May Steve and Julie McCartney Mark and Beth McDowell Patricia S. McEwen Norton and Judy McKeigney Missy and Mike McMullan Ken and Sandra Meacham Mimi and Robert Mehrle Perry and Tanya Miller Rodney and Sharolyn Miller
Paul and Jill Millette Brenda and Kiven Miner Dr. and Mrs. Jacob R. Moremen Jim and Melissa Morrison Dr. and Mrs. Seth Mosal Will and Betsey Mosby Beth Murray-Wilson Josh and Katie Neely Jess and Allison New Joe and Amy Nosef Shannon and Christy Orr Ginny Parham Wanda and Randy Pearcy Ryan and Lisa Perkins Dr. Vicky Pilkington Jimmy and Shelle Pinkard Paul and Paula Pratt Susan Lang Puckett Joyce Pully Clayton and Ann Purcell Thierry Ramsey Mildred Ridgway Andrew and Haleigh Ritter George and Betsy Ritter Patrick and Lindsey Roberson James and Stacy Roberts Danny and Bronwyn Robertson Dr. and Mrs. Elliot Robertson Jonathan and Dara Rogers Chris and Kristie Rohman Richard and Sherry Rula Kurt and Christina Rushing Charlie and Ashley Russell Frederick and Jennifer Salvo Julie Cockayne Scoville Ben and Ann Seale Ed and Barbara Sentell Paige and Craig Sessums Anil Sharma and Kamini Bhavsah Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sheffield Mr. John and Dr. Natale Sheehan Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Shelton Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Sijansky Cheryl Smith Mr. and Mrs. Danny Smith Nell Smith Jan Sojourner Bill and Phyllis Spence Richard and Mallory Stafford
JA CELEBRATES PHILANTHROPY JA ANNUAL FUND DONORS Lynn and Gabby Stapleton Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Stringer Matt and Lyndsay Summers John and Bebe Sumner David and Nancy Sykes Stella Gray and Phillip Sykes Jeremy and Charlotte Skelton Taylor Suzie Tharpe Landon Thompson Danny and Sara Thrash Robert and Mary Turner Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Tyson, Jr. Gilbert and Clare Van Loon Thad and Katie Varner Will and Caroline Walker Larry Weems Tricia Weissinger Gail and Carl Welsh Joe L. and Billie White Mr. and Mrs. John A. Wicks, Jr. Mr. Louis and Dr. Kelly Wilkinson Jim and Audrey Wilkirson Tad and Stacey Williams Patrick Worley Anniversary Club $50 + Jeff and Suzie Adcock Jeff and Ariel Anderton Amy Arinder Judy and Bubba Arnold Cindy Bailey Heidi and Arden Barnett Claire Belknap Niles and Nicole Buchanan Darin and Leah Busby Bill and Amy Bush Norman and Ashley Cannady Ben and Courtney Carlton Shawn and Anna Chatham Bill and Nancy Cheney Class of 1996 Don and Phyllis Collins Dennis and Claudia Conklin Steele Dehmer Simon and Dawn Duncombe Patty and Jim Earhart Mrs. Bill Eubank Adelaide and Les Fletcher Mary Jordan Fuller
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Jeff and Mary Shelton Gamblin Charles and Brooke Greenlee Kelly and Josh Guyton Jeff and Katrice Hadley Stephen and Beth Hammack Ann Harper Ray and Millie Higgins Mark and Jane Hinkle Jonathan and Heather Hontzas David and Roxie Hood Calvin and Laurie Hudson Jim W. Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Victor H. Jones, Jr. Nancy Kilpatrick Jean King Greg and Suzanne Laird Kay and Robert Lane John and Melanie Lauderdale Hannah and Justin Lewis Michelle Ley Jeffrey and Jodie Lockhart Doyle and Beverly Maddox Rodric and Rena Mays John and Charlotte McCormick Kirk and Dayna Morgan Fred and Mary Gwin Morris Gloria Morris Scott and Carolyn Noblitt Mack and Anne Norwood George and Judy Potter Chris and Christy Richardson Kaoru Roberson Grant and Vivian Robinson Ronnie Rogers Doug and Olive Rule Clay and Katie Sanders Anthony and Sarah Shaw Tina Shaw Aaron and Katie Shores Johnny and Sharon Simpson Lori Snider Drew and Camille Snyder Dr. David and Lisa Stanley Cathy Strauss Mary Wesson Sullivan Richard and Brenda Sullivan Claude and Sammye Tharp Adam Thrash Rob Triplett
Avery Truitt Patrick and Ana Tucker Ginger and Ben Wallace Mr. and Mrs. Don Waller Todd and Story Warren Hank and Meri Scott Waterer Ebony Welch Karl Woodard and Deidra Lang-Woodard Katherine Youngblood Contributor Club $25 + Brian and Angie Adair David and Anna Adcock Lance and Rachel Anderson Tommy and Suzanne Barnette Dick and Susan Burney John and Frances Bussey Brian and Jennifer Byrd Caleb Canterbury Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Cathcart Jamie and Katie Chustz Chris and Lisa Cotting Polly Crosthwait Sean and Marybeth Culhane Walt and Courtney Denton Sandra England Virginia England Natalie Ethridge Sydney and David Fields Spence and Ruth Fletcher Dalton Gibson Mary Paxton Gibson Andrew and Marion Gowdey John and Lindsey Gresham Luke and Heather Harris Paul and Debra Hastings Matt Hinkle Neely Holland Kathy Ingram Castlen King Jesse Kruckeberg Linda Lambert Julia Landrum Christina Lawrence Henry and Ange Lawrence Kellon and Rae Ann Lawrence Larry and Betsy Martin Joe and Rosanne Maxwell Tim and Melodi McNair
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JA CELEBRATES PHILANTHROPY JA ANNUAL FUND DONORS Robert and Jennifer Miller Michelle and Jon Mims Mr. and Mrs. Bart Morris Hunter and Kelsey Murray John and Suzanne Murray Nick Newcomb Jane Plunk
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Cliff and Jennifer Powers Jason and Lauren Ray Brad and Mandy Reeves Jacob Rowan Tina Shaw Richard and Kathy Sheffield Grace Simmons
Claire Sims Bruce and Celia Sumrall Dr. Katherine Todd David and Erin White Alan and Susan Whitfield Bonnie and Gray Wiggers John York
ALUMNI GIVING Class of 1982 Joel Brown Ginger Parham Kathy Cockayne Sheffield Johnny Simpson Class of 1983 Bronwyn Caves Mary Kay Hollis Catchings John Murray Rob Porch Class of 1984 Wendell Catchings Melody Anderson McNair Sharon Ratliff Simpson Tricia Hollis Weissinger Class of 1986 Phillip Bowman Class of 1987 Drew McIntyre Will Van Skiver Ashley Edmonson Willson Class of 1989 Stacy Bozarth Bates Jesse Kruckeberg Michelle Mims Owen Edmonson Stratton Lisa Stubblefield Stanley Alyson Roussel Swalley Meredith Montgomery Travelstead Class of 1990 Chris Cotting Robert Hederman
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Scott Pedigo Todd Warren Mary Carolyn Ikerd Williams John York Class of 1991 Greg Johnston Suzanne Kinard Murray Class of 1992 Niles Buchanan Jamie Chustz Stephen Clay Dodds Dehmer Cameron Guild Suzanne Greer Guild Michael Johnson John Scarbrough Class of 1993 Cable Frost Tom Hudson Jennifer Lee Lowe Chris Mathison Elizabeth Warren Mehrle Jeanne Moak Fred Morris Locke Ward Class of 1994 Tommy Barnette Lindsay Hines Dehmer McKie Edmonson Reid Lester Jack Lutken LeeAnn Royals Lutken Frederick Salvo Jeanne Moak Scarbrough Calvin Thigpen
Jason Voyles Ginger Van Skiver Wallace Story Moore Warren Class of 1995 Guy Boyll Matt James Christie Evans Ogden Mary Gwin Stainton Morris Class of 1996 Philip Chustz Mytsi Futral Chustz Stephen Hammack Paige Herring Hunt Chad Hosemann Jake Klingler Kasey Lemkin Class of 1997 Claire Smith Belknap Mark Markow Allison Cook New Brad Reeves Ann Ostenson Seale Class of 1998 Maury Breazeale Jonathan Daniel Jeff Gamblin Shannon Spencer Hahn Foster Kennedy Jodie Law Lockhart Betsy Woods Martin Jim Morrison Jess New Shannon Spencer Michael Ueltschey Rebecca Gough Ueltschey
Class of 1999 Matt Armstrong Austin Barrett David Blanks Bobby Croswell Kelly Guyton Jacob Haralson Mark Hosemann Jim Jacobs Chesley James Bradley Kellum John Lauderdale Bryan Madden Drew Maxwell Elizabeth Calhoon Quinn Drew Snyder Brent Tyler Class of 2000 Tatum Noblitt Goodman Hillary Taylor James Stephanie Baker Maley Jonathan McCullough Seth Mosal Keith Studdard Class of 2001 Shannon York Blanks Anna Smith Haralson Chase Maxwell David McKinnon Carolyn Hartlein Noblitt Ann Fowler Purcell Allen Taheri Will Walker Class of 2002 David Adcock Ben Carlton
JA CELEBRATES PHILANTHROPY ALUMNI GIVING
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Lauren Collins Denley Kelly Maxwell Rice Kelly Jeanes Wilkinson
Class of 2004 Wright Busching Jay Fowler
Class of 2003 Ann Boswell Johnson Carlson John Gresham Matt Hinkle Julia Landrum Kristen Ley Will Mosby Josh Neely Scott Noblitt Lindsey Phyfer Roberson Clay Sanders Camille Allen Snyder Adam Thrash Eddie Wettach
Class of 2005 Mary Jordan Kirkland Fuller Marion Keyes Gowdey Lauren Wakefield Ray Class of 2006 Jake Black John Bussey Robert Grenfell Charlotte Skelton Taylor Class of 2007 Kellon Lawrence Hunter Murray
Mary Wesson Sullivan Class of 2008 Steele Dehmer Catherine Gibson Hannah McWilliams Lewis Nick Newcomb Claire Sims Landon Thompson Class of 2009 Trey Carroll Sandra England Virginia England Jonathan Hontzas Andrew Ritter Hank Waterer
Class of 2010 Natalie Ethridge Sydney Dehmer Fields Will Marley Vivian Lang Robinson Patrick Worley Class of 2012 Amy Arinder Mary Paxton Gibson Michelle Ley Class of 2016 Dalton Gibson
GIFTS FROM OUR GRANDPARENTS Mr. and Mrs. Larry Accardi Conner Hillman Hallie Hillman Vickie Lynn and Lamar Adams Adams Kennedy Baird Kennedy
Hilton and Dee Ball Jay Coleman Avery Anderson Reese Anderson Haley and Marsha Barbour Ava Barbour Haley Barbour
Mr. and Mrs. Leigh Allen, III Lucy Allen Stella Allen Bennett Allen Abby Fielder Walker Fielder
Roger and Donna Bozarth Ana Kelly Hontzas
Sidney and Deborah Allen Perry Allen
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Burnette Lucy Brooks Elfert Yates Elfert
Mr. and Mrs. Les Aultman Caroline Johnston Margaret Johnston Ray and Melva Bailey Ava Bailey Connor Bailey Hudson Bailey
N.Z. and Ruby J. Bryant Bryant Miller Brandon Miller
Bill and Ada Butler Ashton Tate Dick and Susan Burney Tack Mahaffey Fuller Mahaffey
Clayton Mahaffey Rick and Ann Calhoon Anders Quinn Chesley Quinn Wanda Carmichael Slates Veazey Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Cathcart Blake Bartlam Capt. and Mrs. Roy Caves Catherine Burford Ken and Susan Chapman James Chapman Avery Chapman Lamar Chustz Samuel Chustz Clay Chustz Steven Chustz Mary Lamar Chustz Coleman Chustz
Richard Ciaccio Sam Ciaccio Joseph Ciaccio Don and Phyllis Collins Liam Gill Marlene Cook Luke New Joseph New Polly Crosthwait Emma Lucas Anna Kate Lucas Bruce and Terri Deviney Lexi Lomax London Lomax Leah-Marie Lomax James H. Dorsey Londyn Dorsey Patty and Jim Earhart Gus Summers
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JA CELEBRATES PHILANTHROPY GIFTS FROM OUR GRANDPARENTS Mrs. Bill Eubank Gracie Eubank Lila Eubank Bryan Eubank Adelaide and Les Fletcher Blake Fletcher Lynda and Jack Forbus Emma Lucas Anna Kate Lucas Dr. and Mrs. Jim Futral Banks McNair Coleman Chustz Mary Lamar Chustz Clay Chustz Preston and Barbara Gough Preston Gough Anderson Ueltschey Tanner Ueltschey Taylor Ueltschey Mary Jane and Bobby Greenlee Wilder Greenlee Michael Greenlee Ross Greenlee Mr. and Mrs. Bill Grogan Stone Skipper Jack Skipper Will Skipper Jerry and Vicki Harmon Bryant Seago Mary Grace Seago Ellie Seago Ann Harper Harper Griffin Cooper Griffin Robert and Jane Hederman Avery Hederman Erin Hederman Michael Hederman
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Nancy Herrin Herrin Goodman Richard and Janet Hickson Gibson Smith Glyn and Elizabeth Hilbun Anne Marie Lundy Mary Gibson Lundy Ken and Joan Hollingsworth Will Thomas Wes Thomas Ellen and Tommy Hontzas Ana Kelly Hontzas Lynne and John Sharp Howie Brooks Howie Calvin and Laurie Hudson Caleb Hernandez Randy and Paula James Charlie James William James Perry James Pruet James Taylor James Mr. and Mrs. Brent Johnston Gregory Johnston Harrison Johnston Mr. and Mrs. Victor H. Jones, Jr. Samuel Long Sara Kate Long Anna Caroline Long Ainslie Long Kathleen Keeton Hannah Hoover Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Kelly Lauren Anne Smith Olivia Patricia Smith
(CONTINUED) Ed and Robin Kennedy Adams Kennedy Baird Kennedy Kennedy Nations Merritt Nations John and Susan Kidd Thomas Earl Charlie Earl Elle Earl Mark and Jenna Lassiter Evie Moremen Larry and Jane Lee Andrew Lee Davis Lee Henry Lee Senator and Mrs. Trent Lott Shields Armstrong Addison Armstrong Doyle and Beverly Maddox Charlie Ross Bill and Charlotte Manning John Porch Herbert and Darlene Martin Zach Brister Lounette and Lamar Maxwell Dolph Maxwell John and Corinne McCormick Avery Hederman Erin Hederman Michael Hederman John and Charlotte McCormick Hope Berry
Patricia McEwen Jackson Plunkett Jimmy and Frances McLain Austin Ishee Owen Ishee Ken and Sandra Meacham McNeil Meacham Foster Meacham Mimi and Robert Mehrle Pryor Mehrle Matthew Mehrle Anderson Mehrle Nora Milam John Scott Milam Don and Holley Noblitt Herrin Goodman Mr. and Mrs. James W. O’Mara Douglas Noble Live Noble Joyce and Charles Poole Mollie Robertson Emma Robertson George and Judy Potter Julianna Copeland Elizabeth Copeland Shirlene Priest Seamus Priest George A. Provias Andrew Provias Susan Lang Puckett Peyton Puckett Parker Puckett Joyce Pully Chandler Anderson
JA CELEBRATES PHILANTHROPY GIFTS FROM OUR GRANDPARENTS Smiley and Mary Ratcliff Dr. Tyler Winford Dr. Ashley Winford Trenton Winford Steven Winford Stephanie Ratcliff Johnson Spencer Ratcliff Tom and Sharon Rhoden Lily Rhoden Lola Rhoden Sophie Rhoden Kent and Janice Ritchey Hollis Wondries Molly Wondries
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Joe and Kathy Sanderson Sophie Creath
Nancy and Jackie Thompson Mary Hampton Walker
Hayden Warren Houston Warren
Julie Cockayne Scoville Anna Claire Sheffield
Charles and Rebecca Tindall Joe King
Walter and Susan Weems Alexander Weems
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sheffield Anna Sheffield
Gail and Carl Welsh Hadley Brennan Eleanor Wettach Hannah Collums Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Tyson, Jr. Emma Collums Virginia Browning Phillip Browning Joe L. and Billie White Reed White Mr. and Mrs. Warner Jack White Wadlington Kate White Ellie Morgan Ed and Linda Woods Joe Ann Ward Bailey Berry Brennan Maley Ashton Berry
Mr. and Mrs. Danny Smith Lila Pressler Noah Pressler Sela Pressler Lester and Sandy Smith Smith Haralson
Dr. and Mrs. Lloyd E. Roberts Allie Martin
Nell Smith Rob Elliot
Richard and Sherry Rula Sara Kate Rula Nicholas Rula
Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Stringer Isabelle Partain
Betsy and Joe Samuels Kate Samuels Caroline Samuels
Suzie Tharpe John Raines
Robert and Mary Turner C.J. Banks J.J. Banks
Dr. and Mrs. Richard Warren Hudson Bridges Anderson Mehrle Matthew Mehrle Pryor Mehrle
Woody and Myra York Hampton Blanks
NEW FURNITURE PROVIDED FOR RESOURCE CLASSROOMS THANKS TO DONOR New furniture has been provided for the Middle and Upper School Resource Centers thanks to a generous and substantial donation from JA parent Darrington Seward. This innovative furniture creates an active learning environment that meets diverse learning needs. Students now enjoy new couches, tables, chairs, and partitioned study areas. Darrington is joined by his children (from left): Mary Elizabeth ‘23, Knox ’29, Jack ‘26, and Sam ‘27.
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MEMORIALS 2016-2017 JESSE O. ADCOCK Father-in-law of Suzie Adcock, Lower School librarian, grandmother of JA alumnus, Mark Adcock ‘04 Peter and Pat Jernberg Tim and Beth McWilliams Frank and Patti Wade
JOSEPH CHATMAN Former JA security guard Katherine Bartlett Youngblood ROY CONN Grandfather of Alex Conn ‘12 and Peyton Conn ‘13 Stancie Ley
POSEY ALBRITON Grandmother of JA alumni John Albriton ‘00, Cameron Albriton ‘04, BARKIE CROSLAND and Irby Albriton Lawrence ‘01 Former JA 1st grade teacher Peter and Pat Jernberg Judy and Bubba Arnold JA Faculty and Staff RUBY BOND NOBLITT ALLEN Ray and Millie Higgins Grandmother of Tatum Goodman ‘00 and Scott Noblitt ‘03, Great Ed and Barbara Sentell grandmother of Herrin Goodman ‘28 Pat and Peter Jernberg MARTHA CURTIS Georgia Brown REBECCA BALDWIN Mother of JA student Rush Baldwin ‘20 and JA alumna Chaney ASHLEIGH ARNOLD DEHMER Baldwin ‘13 Suzanne and John Murray Chris & Stacy Bates and Ana Kelly Hontzas Tricia Weissinger Katherine Bartlett Youngblood SONJA BARNES Mother of JA student Walker Barnes ‘19 ASHLEIGH PARK Chris and Stacy Bates and Ana Kelly Hontzas Bronwyn Burford Peter and Pat Jernberg Wendell and Mary Kay Catchings Frank and Patti Wade Kathy Ingram Harper and Beth Keeler MR. CLAY BARTLETT Father of Katherine Youngblood, JA Preschool teacher MRS. VIRGINIA ENGLAND Pat and Peter Jernberg Former teacher and mother of JA teacher, Betsy Crawley, and grandmother of JA teacher Sandra England, and Virginia England ‘09 MRS. LORRAINE TURNER BLOUNT Betsy Crawley Mother-in-law of Lorraine H. Blount, Lower School teacher Gloria Morris Pat and Peter Jernberg Suzanne and John Murray Tricia Weissinger SCOTT BRANNING MEMORIAL Charlotte Barry JOANNE FEDRICK Tommy and Wendi Blair Mother of JA alumni: Bobo and Becky Clarke Chase Maxwell Shirley Fortenberry Drew Maxwell Mary Wesson Sullivan Kelly Rice Tricia Weissinger Katherine Bartlett Youngblood IMA JOE LEWIS GARDNER Grandmother of JA alumni, Kent McNamara ’15, Addison OLIVER CATCHINGS McNamara ‘17 and JA student Alden McNamara ‘22 Father of JA alumni Royal Catchings ‘90 and Wendell Catchings Stacy and Chris Bates ‘84, father-in-law of JA Preschool teacher, Mary Kay Catchings Pat and Peter Jernberg JANE GIBBONS SCHOLARSHIP Linda Lambert Jana Ragland
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MEMORIALS 2016-2017 CALEB GRANTIER JA Alumnus Class of 2009 Class of 2009 Peter and Pat Jernberg Jana Ragland Bonnie and Gray Wiggers STAN HALL Father of JA alumna, Callie Hall ‘17 Hall Family ROBERT D. HATZFIELD Father of Kerri Smith , Middle School Administrative Assistant Bobo and Becky Clarke BRANTLY WALKER HELVENSTON Father of JA 4th grade teacher Harriet Eppes, grandfather of JA alumna Mary Grace Eppes ‘09 Tim and Beth McWilliams Frank and Patti Wade ELEANOR CLARK KELLEY Mother of former board member Stephen Kruger, grandmother of JA alumni Stephen Kruger ’02, Andrew Kruger ’03, Peter Kruger ’04, and Philip Kruger ‘07 Peter and Pat Jernberg ANTHONY KOLANTZIS MEMORIAL AWARD Patrick and Cherry Mullen LINDA BARNETTE LEWIS Mother of JA alumnus, Tommy Barnette ’94, grandmother of Mary Peyton Barnette ‘23 Jan Sojourner DARLENE LUCAS Former JA teacher Judy and Bubba Arnold Peter and Pat Jernberg DONNA MAXWELL Mother of JA alumni Max Maxwell ’91, Brad Maxwell ’94, and Jennifer White ‘98 Peter and Pat Jernberg JOSEPH McCASKILL Father of JA alumni Rivers Walker ’97, Alex Cooper ’06, and Joseph McCaskill Jr. ’02 Chris and Stacy Bates Peter and Pat Jernberg Frank and Patti Wade
CHARLES McNAIR Great-grandfather of Madi McNair ’14, Banks McNair, 22, Emily McNair ’17, and Kristen McNair ‘10 Jan Sojourner EVELYN REEVES McNAIR Great-grandmother of Madi McNair ’14, Banks McNair ’22, Emily McNair ’17, and Kristen McNair ‘10 Pat and Peter Jernberg Rob and DeLeslie Porch Frank and Patti Wade REBA McWILLIAMS Mother of Tim McWilliams, Director of Development and grandmother of JA alumni Hannah McWilliams Lewis ’08 and Zack McWilliams ‘14 Chris and Stacy Bates Teddy, Maribeth, Mary Paxton, Catherine, and Dalton Gibson Peter and Pat Jernberg Sarah Love David and Nancy Sykes Frank and Patti Wade BETTY LUCILLE MILNE Mother of Jack Milne Vice President of JA Rob and DeLeslie Porch HAYES MITCHELL Son of Guy and Allison White, brother of Hyde White, class of ’19 and Mary Gray White, class of ‘20 Chris & Stacy Bates and Ana Kelly Hontzas J.B. NORWOOD Friend of the Morgan family Kirk and Dayna Morgan ANNA MARIE OLANDER Granddaughter of Jean Jones, JA preschool teacher Pat and Peter Jernberg LUIS PAREDES Stepfather of Angie Antici, Administrative Vice President for Finance and Operations of JA, grandfather of JA students Thomas Antici, ‘23 and Drew Antici ’21 Pat and Peter Jernberg Rob and DeLeslie Porch Frank and Patti Wade
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MEMORIALS 2016-2017 DOT RULE Mother-in-law of Olive Rule, grandmother of Olivia Rule ’17 and Wesley Rule ‘15 Peter and Pat Jernberg
ALISON TURBEVILLE JA Alumna Class of 2014 Nic Henderson Bruce and Celia Sumrall
JAMES AND DOROTHY RULE Father-in-law and mother-in-law of Olive Rule, grandparents of Olivia Rule ’17 and Wesley Rule ‘15 Ray and Millie Higgins
ALBERT GAYDEN WARD, JR. Father of JA alumnus, Locke Ward ‘93 and grandfather of Mary Ward ‘25 Chris and Stacy Bates
WILLIAM SMITH, JR. Father-in-law of Marty Tucker, former trustee Pat and Peter Jernberg
LEIGH ANNE WARD Dr. and Mrs. Frazier Ward
JOAN SPEED Mother of JA alumni Hayden Speed ’14 and Bailey Speed ‘15 Katherine Bartlett Youngblood MARY SPRAYBERRY SCHOLARSHIP Jeff and Suzie Adcock Debra and Paul Hastings Ellis and Jamie Wright NANCY THOMPSON Grandmother of Mary Hampton Walker ‘24 Randy and Nan Randall Jan Sojourner
STENNIS WELLS Father of JA student Elizabeth Wells ‘27 Mildred Ridgway JOHN DOUGLAS (JACK) WESELI Father of trustee Renee Rice, grandfather of Anna Love Rice ’10 and Meg Rice ’17 Peter and Pat Jernberg Frank and Patti Wade WALKER WILBANKS Former JA student Bobo and Becky Clarke
IN HONOR OF THIERRY BEARD RAMSEY 4th grade teacher Katie Chustz
PETER AND PAT JERNBERG President Emeritus of JA Dr. and Mrs. Mike Robbins
MR. AND MRS. W. GARNER CHENEY Grandparents of JA students Garner Cheney ’18 and Gibson Cheney ‘22 The Cheney’s
STAN, DAWN, AND TRUSSELL JONES JA Family Claire Belknap
BETH MURRAY-WILSON Coordinator of Studies Matthew and Kristen Guinn
ROSEANNE T. MAXWELL JA Teacher Jon and Pam Turner
LAURA PRESSLER Preschool Teacher Mr. and Mrs. Danny Smith
STEVE McCARTNEY Upper School Principal Anonymous
CLAYTON AND KILBY PURCELL JA students class of ‘29 and ‘31 Clayton and Ann Purcell
AUDREY AND CLAIRE DAVIS JA students class of ‘28 and ‘31 Justin and Kasey Davis HARRIETT EPPES 4th grade teacher Katie Chustz
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TARA McDANIEL AND PRESCHOOL FACULTY AND STAFF Ben and Lynn Watson
ALUMNI EASTER EGG HUNT On April 1, JA Alumni and their families attended the first ever Alumni Easter Egg Hunt. The event was held on campus and included games for children, an Easter photo booth, and lots of happy egg hunters!
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U E N R
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N O I S
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CLASS OF 1986
REUNIONS Jackson Academy's classes of 1996 and 2006 celebrated their class reunions on Friday, October 7, and Saturday, October 8, 2016. Alumni were invited back to campus for a tailgate party before the Friday night football game. The following day a picnic was held for the alumni classes along with evening events planned by the reunion committees. The Class of 1986 celebrated their 30 year reunion in June 2015 at the Fairview Inn.
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CLASS OF 2006
YOUNG ALUMNI CHRISTMAS PARTY The JA Alumni office hosted a Young Alumni Christmas Party at The Apothecary at Brent's Drugs in Fondren on Wednesday, December 21, 2016. Alumni from the classes of 2001-2013 were invited to attend. All enjoyed time visiting with former classmates and friends!
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CLASS NOTES CLASS OF 1982 DAVID McMULLAN is an attorney with Barrett Law Group, P.A. where he primarily focuses on complex civil litigation, including consumer class actions, insurance, environmental law, and natural resource law. In addition to trying cases in State and Federal circuit courts, David has successfully argued appellate cases before the Mississippi Court of Appeals, the Mississippi Supreme Court, and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. He and his wife, Johanna, live in Jackson with their five children. KATHY COCKAYNE SHEFFIELD works as a teacher and school nurse at JA and began her role as Lower School counselor in August of 2017. In her new position, Kathy works with Preschool and Lower School students on ethical education, talking with students who have emotional/behavioral needs and working with groups of students on issues that are age related. She and her husband, Richard, live in Canton and have four children: Lindsay, Cody, Nelson, and Anna Claire.
CLASS OF 1983 DR. BEN WILLIAMS is a pediatric dentist with his own dental practice in Bartlett, Tenn.
CLASS OF 1984 DR. KATHERINE EVANS was recently promoted to associate professor of education at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va. She earned her doctorate in educational psychology and also recently co-authored a book, “The Little Book of Restorative Justice in Education,” through Skyhorse Publishing. MIKE GIEGER is co-founder and principal of Serviam Communications, LLC, a telecom-consulting firm based in Denver, Co. Before co-founding Serviam,
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Mike worked as an attorney where he managed more than 80 legal professionals and oversaw legal support for business markets, mass markets, and wholesale markets sales channels. Mike and his wife, Julie, have six children and live in the Denver area. He spends his free time following his kids’ pursuits but occasionally slips out for some of his favorite outdoor activities— fly fishing, hiking, camping, and golf.
produced the film, “A United Kingdom”, which was released in theatres in March 2017. Based on a true story, “A United Kingdom” stars David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike and has been a New York Times pick of the week, on the No. 1 Must List in Entertainment Weekly, and has reached an 83 percent Rotten Tomatoes score. Brunson’s upcoming film “Walking Out” was recently in competition in the Sundance Film Festival.
CLASS OF 1985
Dan and DONNA ARMISTEAD HODGES ’86 live in Madison where Dan owns and operates Hodges Property Management, LLC, and Donna is a nurse practitioner at Premier Medical Group in Jackson. Their twin daughters, Haley and Danielle, graduated from JA in May 2015.
ROB HENDRIX lives in Houston, Texas where he is director of investments at Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., a full-service investment firm that provides financial services and advice to high net worth investors, individuals, businesses, and institutions. Mark and MICHELE WILLIAMS WATERS live in Newnan, Ga. with their two sons, Kyle and David. Michele is with Delta Airlines.
CLASS OF 1986 CHRIS BLACKBURN lives in Jackson and is currently disabled as he is awaiting a kidney transplant at UMMC. BRUNSON GREEN is a film producer and president of Harbinger Pictures, an American feature film production company based in Los Angeles. He earned an Oscar nomination for the movie “The Help” in 2012, and recently
Brunson Green
CLASS OF 1987 DEBORAH ATKINS lives in Bartlett, Tenn. where she is an educator for Shelby County Schools. Desi and WILL VAN SKIVER live in Madison where Will is a financial advisor and co-owner of Raymond James-Van Skiver Financial Services, LLC. Their son, Reese, is currently a ninth-grader at JA.
CLASS OF 1988 Stephen and MELISSA McGRIFF JOHNSTON, along with fellow JA alumna, KATIE CALHOON ’01, produced the film “Same Kind of Different as Me”, releasing in theatres October 20, 2017. The film is based on the New York Times best selling novel and stars Greg Kinnear, Renée Zellweger, Djimon Hounsou, Olivia Holt, and Jon Voight. Les and GINGER HUBBARD NEWSOM live in Oxford with their three children: Anna Grace, Caroline, and Luke. Ginger works at the University of Mississippi as a mathematics instructor, and Les is the area coordinator for Reformed University Ministries.
CLASS NOTES CLASS OF 1989 CHRIS LOCKWOOD is president of Lockwood, LLC, an innovation, research, and consulting firm within the dietary supplement, nutrition, and fitness industries. In this role, Chris has been a co-investigator on and has raised over one million dollars toward protein and dietary supplement research, is the sole or lead inventor on five patents and pending applications, and is the sole license owner of two breakthrough ingredient innovations currently in their final stages of development. He has formulated over 65 successful products and is widely regarded as one of the world's leading experts in performance nutrition, weight management, anti-aging, and dietary supplements. He and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Draper, Utah and have two daughters, Avery and Adeline.
high school sophomore who enjoys playing varsity football and acting in school plays and musicals; and daughter, Kaylin, who stays busy training and competing in dressage on her horse. Hil is the vice president financial consultant at Morgan Stanley, and Lisabeth is a stay-athome mom. They enjoy serving at their church and spending time with friends. Lisabeth says she doesn't get to visit Jackson often, but when she does she is always amazed at how JA has grown! TREY MANDERSON is the managing broker and founder of Manderson Realty Group in Pensacola, Fla. He has ranked among the top ten percent of all Coldwell Banker agents internationally for most of his career and has won numerous customer service and production awards. Trey lives in Gulf Breeze, Fla. with wife, Christy, and their four children: Claudia, Nicole, Carter, and Davis.
CLASS OF 1991
Dr. Chris Lockwood and Family
STEPHEN and ANN MARIE HENRY LEE live in Jackson and have three sons at JA: Henry, Davis, and Andrew. Ann Marie is a pediatrician with Rankin Children’s Group, PLLC, and Stephen is an otolaryngologist with Mississippi Ear, Nose & Throat Surgical Associates in Flowood.
MEREDITH MONTGOMERY TRAVELSTEAD and husband, Joel, live in Jackson where Meredith is an OB-GYN, and Joel is in investment financing. CLARK MACKEY is director of web Meredith was recently promoted to marketing and co-owner of CAKE OB-GYN section chief at Mississippi Websites & More, LLC. Founded in 2001, Baptist Medical Center, and was also CAKE is a full-service marketing firm in nominated president-elect of Central Asheville, N.C. Medical Society. She is a member of The Woman's Clinic executive board, MSMA JENIFER FITZGIBBON PROCTOR Physician Leadership Academy, and is a lives in Atlanta, Ga. where she is with young adult Bible study leader. They have InterContinental Hotels Group as a new three children at JA: Will, Reed, and John. business development manager.
CLASS OF 1990 LISABETH SWANSON BOWMAN has lived in Dallas, Texas since 1994 where she met and married her husband, Hil. They now have two children; Jackson, a
TREY SEBRELL and wife, Deborah, live in Madison where Trey is funeral director and owner of Sebrell Funeral Home, and Deborah works as a speech pathologist.
CLASS OF 1992 STEPHEN and Tabitha CLAY live in Jackson and have two children at JA, Sarah and Caden. Stephen is an attorney with The Clay Firm, and Tabitha is a registered nurse. CAMERON and SUZANNE GREER GUILD live in Ridgeland with their two children, Sandon, a JA eighth-grader, and Alex, a JA sixth-grader. Cameron is an interventional cardiologist at UMMC, and Suzanne is an artist and stay-athome mom. Jeffery and DABBS JACKSON MASSEY live in Madison with their four sons: Logan, Dylan, Sterling, and Rhodes. Jeffery is with C-Spire as a system analyst, and Dabbs is a teacher at Meadowbrook Preschool. LEE McCOY is an attorney with AutoZone, Inc. in Memphis. He and his wife, Leticia, live in Southaven, Miss. with their four children: Abby, 15, Cooper, 13, Reese, 10, and Luke, 6. STEPHANIE BROWN POWELL is a fourth-grade teacher in the Madison County School District. Her husband, Jayce, recently opened Bicycle Revolution, a bicycle shop and cafe in Gluckstadt and is also a part of the push for Gluckstadt to become a city by serving on the board of alderman. They currently live in Madison with their two children, Marcie and Clayton. Stephanie says her family has had a very busy year and look forward to what God has in store for 2017. BRIAN RAMSEY is in real estate property management and home building for The Ramsey Companies. He also serves as Alderman, Ward 4, for the city of Ridgeland and is the state director for the American Canoe Association. He lives in Ridgeland with wife, Alaena, and son, Westin. They are expecting their second child, a daughter.
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CLASS NOTES CLASS OF 1993 JASON and Mary Kelly BRANNING, along with daughter, Meg, and sons, Charlie and Benjamin, welcomed another son, “Wilson” Mark, on September 6, 2016. They currently reside in Madison where Jason is a financial advisor and owner of Branning Wealth Management, LLC.
Jason Branning and Family
DREW and Nikki DUNCAN live in Madison with their two children, Dylan and Della. Drew works with Nissan as a manager of logistics strategy, and Nikki is a realtor. RENEE RODRIGUEZ GUEST and husband, Tal, live in Madison and have two children, Mary Bratton and Beau. BARD '87 and JENNIFER SPRING JOHNSTON live in Madison where Bard is a physician and Jennifer is a stay-athome mom. They have two children, Jake, 18, and Tori, 14. ARTHUR and DeeDee JONES welcomed twin sons, William Arthur and Joseph Alexander, on January 17, 2017. LEE and KRISTEN KENNEDY NATIONS ‘95 live in Madison with their two children, Kennedy, a JA tenth-grader, and Merritt, a JA seventh-grader. Lee is the president of ABC Mississippi, a national construction industry trade association that represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry, and Kristen works as a physical therapist. KRISTI PATRICK WILLIAMS lives in Bakersfield, Calif. where she is a nurse for
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the Bakersfield City School District. Her husband, Josh, is the assistant principal at Liberty High School. They have two children, Claire, 9, and Carson, 8.
CLASS OF 1994 TOMMY and Suzanne BARNETTE live in Madison where Tommy is a licensed banker with Wells Fargo Bank, and Suzanne is a dental hygienist. Their daughter, Mary Peyton, is currently a seventh-grader at JA. ANDY CUNNINGHAM is with Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Katy, Texas, and was recently promoted to pastor of GROW ministries. In his new role, Andy is responsible for the oversight, guidance, and training of all adult education, Christian formation and discipleship classes, and leadership recruiting and training. This includes Sunday schools, small groups, materials, spiritual formation retreats, and other discipleship opportunities. He and his wife, Kaisi, have two daughters, Ryvers and Ella. DODDS '92 and LINDSAY HINES DEHMER live in Jackson and have three children at JA: Nash, Ridley, and Rimes. Dodds is the general counsel for Yates Construction, and Lindsay is a teacher at Trinity Preschool. FREDERICK SALVO is an attorney with Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, & Berkowitz, PC. He and his wife, Jennifer, live in Jackson with their three children: Natalya, a JA fifth-grader, Olivia, a JA fourth-grader, and Frederick, who began kindergarten at JA this year.
Frederick Salvo Family
After 20 years of service, ROSS WORLEY is retiring from the United States Army and will be returning home to Mississippi to start his second career. He and his wife, Danielle, have three children: Leah, Toni Paige, and Dudley.
CLASS OF 1995 HASTINGS and AMANDA BUSH PUCKETT live in Madison where Hastings serves as president of Puckett Machinery, and Amanda is a stay-at-home mom to their two children, Peyton, a JA sixth-grader, and Parker, a JA fifth-grader.
CLASS OF 1996 Dustin and VALERIE DUCKWORTH ALLISON live in Ventura, Calif. with their six-year-old daughter, Savannah. Valerie is associated with Parker Hannifin Corporation as a chemical engineer and territory manager. ASHER STREET BEAM completed her doctor of health administration degree in May 2017, and was selected as a 20162017 member of the Norman C. Nelson Order of Teaching Excellence at UMMC. Established in 2004, this award recognizes faculty "who have provided the finest attention to student education on the UMMC campus." Asher currently works as an assistant professor of radiologic sciences and serves as program director of the master of science in magnetic resonance imaging program at UMMC School of Health Related Professions. STEPHEN '95 and EMILY LAMBERT GREER, along with sons, Maddox and Pearson, welcomed another son, “Beckett” James, on November 22, 2016. Stephen is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Madison with offices in the Delta, and Emily is a stay-at-home mom. Maddox and Pearson are both students at JA. GLENN MORRIS HENGST is senior director of reinsurance accounting with
CLASS NOTES Protective Life Corporation in Birmingham, Ala. She and her husband, Todd, live in Vestavia Hills with their eight-year-old daughter, Tana, and fiveyear-old son, Thomas. PAIGE HERRING HUNT is with The Ramey Agency in Jackson and was promoted to director of marketing and business development in September of 2016. In her new role, Paige plans, directs, and oversees all marketing and business development initiatives, while ensuring all outbound marketing is on-brand, fresh, and compelling. She and her husband, Andy, live in Flowood with their son, John, who is currently in JA’s PK program. DOUGLAS and Erika STRONG welcomed a son, Hudson Douglas, on February 15, 2017. They recently moved back to Nashville, Tenn. from Austin, Texas. ELIZABETH WHITE married Jim Collins, originally from Long Island, N.Y., on December 18, 2016 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in New Orleans, La. Liz holds a bachelor's degree from Birmingham-Southern College and two master's degrees in nursing from Vanderbilt University. They currently reside in Hattiesburg, Miss. where Liz works as a nurse practitioner at Hattiesburg Clinic, and Jim is selfemployed as a medical sales distributor.
CHRIS CARLTON and his wife, Lyndsey, welcomed twins, Charles Haley and Katherine Lyle, on February 23, 2017. They BRIAN and Heather EMORY live in currently live in Jackson where Chris is a Brookhaven with their children: Cameron, dentist and co-owner of Harmony Dental Chloe, and Zoe. Brian is director of Care in Fondren. Lyndsey works as a nurse development at Brookhaven Academy practitioner at UMMC. and Heather is an instructor at Hinds Community College. is a stay-at-home mom to their two daughters, Katherine and Georgia.
CLASS OF 1998 AMY INGRAM married Parker Honeycutt on December 31, 2016. They live in Oxford where Amy is with Hunt Marketing. AMANDA HUTTON SANDERSON and husband, Tommy, live in Birmingham, Ala. with their six-year-old daughter, Anna Dixon. DANIEL SCARBROUGH and wife, Shea, live in Madison along with their three children: Abram, Sadie, and Fisher. Daniel serves as the family and youth pastor at Riverwood Bible Church located on Old Canton Road in Jackson.
CLASS OF 1999 In April 2016, CRYSTAL KREINBRINK DANCER left corporate accounting to launch her own private tax and small business consulting practice. Her first tax season has been very rewarding with a growing nationwide client base. Crystal and her husband, David, live in Jonesboro, Ark. and have four children. LESLIE THRASH HENSON and husband, Matt, live in Madison with their two children, Lillie, 6, and Parker, 2. Leslie works as the director of operations at Singletary & Thrash, PA.
Elizabeth White
CLASS OF 1997 Charles and CLAIRE SMITH BELKNAP live in Hattiesburg where Charles is a pediatric dentist, and Claire
CLASS OF 2000 KATY VAUGHAN BARBATI and husband, Gary, live in Cleveland, Miss. where Katy is associated with the Cleveland School District as a speech language pathologist.
Chris Carlton and Family
KATIE QUAKA DEWEESE and husband, Clay, live in Oxford with their two sons, Rhett and Tison. Clay works as a real estate broker with Nix-Tann and Associates. Leighton and MELISSA BUSH LILES, along with son, Wells, welcomed a daughter, Melissa Crawley “Milly”, on March 22, 2017. They currently reside in Nashville, Tenn. where Melissa is in commercial real estate as vice president of Avison Young, and Leighton serves as CFO at Sano Informed Prescribing, Inc. GEORGE MAYRONNE and wife, Claire, live in Jackson with their one-year-old son, Luke. Harrison and ELIZABETH CARMICHAEL WILLIS welcomed a daughter, Huntley Jane, on February 24, 2016. Elizabeth is a NICU nurse at River Oaks Hospital.
CLASS OF 2001 Caleb and LYNLEE GLENN CRITZ live in Fayetteville, Ark. with six-year-old daughter, Lyla, and two-year-old twin sons, Case and Ford. LINDSAY MILLER lives in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. where she is an interior
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CLASS NOTES designer for Lovelace Interiors, Inc. She is engaged to marry Colby Cannon on October 7, 2017. Ryves and MARY CHRIS KELLUM MOORE live in Memphis, Tenn. with three-year-old daughter, Darby, and oneyear-old daughter, Mary Mason. Mary Chris is a nurse practitioner at Tanenbaum Dermatology, and Ryves is an orthopedic surgeon. Jeffry and MORGAN CARTLEDGE PETERS live in Wiggins, Miss. where they own and manage Jack's Home Improvement Center. They have four children: Brayden, Caleb, Trace, and Allie. ANN FOWLER PURCELL works as a nurse practitioner at St. Dominic Hospital and UMMC in Jackson. She and her husband, Clay, live in Madison with their two children, Clayton and Kilby. Steve and LEY BLACK SMITH live in Jackson with son, Fletcher. They welcomed a daughter, Meriwether Makena, in April 2017.
with daughters, Lila Grace and Annie, and son, Luke, welcomed another son, Campbell Joseph “Camp”, on June 10, 2016. They currently live in Jackson where Sarah Love is a stay-at-home mom. Bentley graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary in May 2017.
Sarah Love Bickerstaff Crawford and Family
Will and ABIGAIL SAMPLE ETLING, along with son, Mercer, welcomed a daughter, Rowan Lee, on January 25, 2017. SAM and Lauren HARRIS, along with twin sons, Charlie and Bo, welcomed a daughter, Catherine Harding “Cate”, on January 7, 2016. They live in Birmingham where Sam is with BBVA Compass Bank.
BRAD LANEY graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering and went TONEILLE STAPLES lives in San Diego, on to earn his juris doctorate from the California where she owns WorkSmart University of Mississippi in 2009. He and Integrated Solutions, LLC, a marketing his wife, Emily Jean, currently live in firm and co-owns WorkSmart Properties, Houston, Texas where Brad is a practicing LLC, a residential rehab and patent attorney, and Emily Jean teaches development company. She and her fifth-grade math and science at Owens partner recently acquired a 20-home Intermediate School. community development in San Diego and hope to break ground in the next JONATHAN LOWERY is entering his nine months. tenth year as a company performer with PUSH Physical Theatre where he recently CLASS OF 2002 starred as Hyde in the PUSH original BEN CARLTON married Courtney adaptation of “Jekyll and Hyde.” He also Spring on November 12, 2016. He is works as a Parkour instructor at the first currently working as a quality assurance dedicated Parkour gym in the state of New analyst with Allenburg Cotton Company York. in Memphis, Tenn. Erik and NATALIE WALDEN PINTER Bentley and SARAH LOVE welcomed a son, Robin James, on March 8, BICKERSTAFF CRAWFORD, along 2017. They currently reside in Ridgeland
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where Natalie is a realtor with Keller Williams Realty, and Erik is a physical therapist. Louis and KELLY JEANES WILKINSON, along with son, Louis, welcomed a daughter, Helen Frances, on May 12, 2016. They currently reside in Jackson where Kelly is an oncologist at UMMC, and Louis works as a contractor. Parker and LINDSEY SMITH WISEMAN, along with daughter, Amelia, and son, Graham, welcomed another son, Logan Yeager, on March 14, 2017. They currently live in Starkville where Parker has served as mayor for the last eight years.
CLASS OF 2003 HALEY NETHERY ALDRIDGE and husband, David, welcomed a daughter, Ann Morgan, on January 10, 2017. They recently moved to Gainesville, Georgia where Haley is an interior designer, and David is in real estate development. Scott and PAIGE PRESTAGE BLACKBURN currently reside in Menlo Park, Calif. with 2-year-old son, Charlie. Wilson and JENNY LIND BUSSEY BOONE, along with son, Clark, and daughter, Elizabeth, welcomed another son, “Anderson” Douglas, on December 9, 2016. They live in Hattiesburg where Wilson is a radiologist.
Jenny Lind Bussey Boone Family
CAPT. RYAN BRIDLEY is an active duty Army Captain. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point,
CLASS NOTES as well as the Army's Airborne, Air decrease the risk of cancer exposure in Assault, and Ranger Schools. He has firefighters. He was also asked to test a served in the Honor Guard at Arlington new integrated thermal imaging system, National Cemetery, deployed as an which is worn on a firefighter's air pack Infantry Rifle Platoon Leader for and enables them to see through smoke Operation Iraqi Freedom, served as to find trapped victims. Matt currently Company Commander of 380 service owns and operates a firefighter training members in Seoul, Korea, and currently company in Jackson called Box Alarm works in the Pentagon as a liaison for 20 Training. His training company has a foreign embassies. He has also completed YouTube channel approaching 1.5 10 marathons, including the JFK 50 mile million views. ultra marathon. Ryan and his wife, Alexis, live in Alexandria, Va. with their 3-yearBASKIN and Katherine JONES, along old twins, Lila and Wes, and 1-year-old with daughter, Harper, welcomed a son, daughter Quinn. Emerson David, on February 24, 2016. Baskin is an attorney with Giddens Law ALDEN and Kate CRANFORD Firm, P.A. in Jackson. welcomed a son, William Robert, on December 21, 2016. They currently reside Justin and CHRISTI COLEMAN in Chapel Hill, N.C. where Alden is a KELLY, along with son, Jack, welcomed senior auditor for Old Republic Title, Ltd. another son, Levi, on September 15, 2016. They live in West Monroe, La. where Christi is a fourth-grade teacher at Belle Chasse Primary School. JAKE and Kristen LAMBERT live in Ocean Springs where Jake is an attorney at Dogan and Wilkinson, PLLC. They welcomed a son, Hank, on February 1, 2016.
Alden Cranford Family
Davidson and ANGELA ARNOLD FORESTER welcomed a daughter, Ann Pearson, on June 30, 2016. Lindsey and JOHN GRESHAM, along with 3-year-old daughter, Mary Hollis, welcomed a son, John Kenneth Gresham IV, on July 11, 2016. They live in Jackson where John is a petroleum landman, and Lindsey is employed with KTB, LLC. This past year, MATT HINKLE was among a very small group of firefighters across the United States who were asked to test a particulate barrier hood to help
WILL and Janna LAMPTON, along with son, Leighton, welcomed a daughter, Ellie, on July 5, 2016. SARA LONG LITTON lives in Cleveland where she is a physical therapist at Bolivar Medical Center. She and her husband, Brian, along with daughter, Addie, welcomed a son, Garner Wyatt, on August 1, 2016. SUSAN LOVE graduated from Grand Canyon University with a master's degree in professional counseling. She lives in Tucson, Ariz. where she is a trauma and eating disorder therapist and is pursuing her independent counseling license. JOSH and KATIE FINNEGAN NEELY
live in Denver, with their two children, Jay and Rose. Katie is a CPA at Cimarex Energy Co., and Josh is an attorney. BLAN '04 and BONNIE GRACE NEWCOMB welcomed a son, Nolan Judson, on June 30, 2016. They live in Jackson where Bonnie is in the oil and gas industry, and Blan is with Newk's Cafe. SCOTT and Morgan NEWELL welcomed a son, Thomas Lee, on March 24, 2017. Scott is with Pinnacle Financial Partners in Nashville, Tenn. Patrick and LINDSEY PHYFER ROBERSON live in Madison with their two children, Lucy and Jack. Patrick works as an orthopedic sales representative, and Lindsey is a firstgrade teacher in JA's Lower School. JENNINGS ROSS is the creative manager for Read Between The Lines®, a paper goods company in Dallas, Texas. DREW '99 and CAMILLE ALLEN SNYDER welcomed a son, James Edwin Bennett “Jeb”, on July 25, 2016. Camille is the managing director at Allen Financial Group, and Drew is the policy director and counsel for Gov. Phil Bryant. ADAM and Carmen THRASH, along with daughter, Carmen Claire, welcomed another daughter, Hazel Hayden, on October 13, 2016. Adam is an attorney with Singletary & Thrash, P.A. in Jackson.
CLASS OF 2004 Stephen and SUSAN HALL ANDERSON live in Madison with their two children, Ella and David. Stephen is in his cardiology fellowship at UMMC, and Susan is a stay-at-home mom. DIANA SMITH BOLTON is an assessment editor at the American Institutes for Research, supporting the development of K-12 assessments and
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CLASS NOTES technical reporting in the field of educational analysis. Her poetry chapbook, “Just Universes”, won the 2016 Mid- Atlantic Chapbook Prize from Lines + Stars Press published in 2016.
Tommy and CAROLINE MOONEY OSTENSON welcomed a son, Thomas Lloyd, on February 23, 2016. They currently live in Jackson where Caroline is in pharmaceutical sales.
Elizabeth and WRIGHT BUSCHING, along with daughter, Caroline, welcomed another daughter, Marion McKay, on March 10, 2017.
IRA RUSHING is an attorney at Markow Walker Law Offices, P.A. in Ridgeland. He married Stevie Farrar in May 2017.
JENNIFER VIRDEN married Chris Crissey on June 10, 2017 in Jackson. Jennifer is a teacher at Germantown High School and plans to complete her education specialist degree in December 2017.
BRANDON SNYDER received his bachelor’s degree in agribusiness from Mississippi State University and is now working as an agriculture management consultant for Mississippi Ag Company in Yazoo City. He married Carrie Tilley on May 12, 2017 in Jackson.
NICHOLAS DENNERY is a dentist in Josh and MARY KATE SIMS WHELAN Nashville, Tenn. He and his wife, LeeAnn, along with son, Jack, and daughter, are expecting their first child due August Mamie, welcomed another daughter, 2017. Frances Claire, on September 28, 2016. They reside in Oxford where Mary Kate Jonathan and LAURA ANN HERRING works as a part-time speech language HUNT along with daughter, Saylor, and pathologist at North Mississippi son, Gaige, welcomed another daughter, Outpatient Therapy, and Josh is the vice Suttyn Claire, on February 1, 2017. president of development for Palmer Home for Children. KATIE KEAN works as a child psychotherapist in Pass Christian, Miss. TYLER WINFORD completed his and recently opened her own private residency in ear, nose, and throat-head therapy practice called Imagine and neck surgery at Wake Forest Counseling Center. University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. He will be starting STEPHEN MARSH graduated from an ENT practice at the Baptist Health Texas A&M University College of Systems Madison campus. Tyler and his Veterinary Medicine in May 2016. He and wife, Mary Claire, have a 2-year-old his wife, Taylor, live in Houston, Texas daughter, Grayleigh, and a 1-year-old son, where Stephen is practicing small animal Bennett. clinical medicine, and Taylor is an optometrist. They welcomed a daughter, CLASS OF 2005 Camille, in January 2016. BLAKE and Kristen BARNES welcomed a daughter, Ainsley, on May 5, 2016. They Jamie and STEPHANIE HENSON live in Madisonville, La. where Blake is a McNAB welcomed a son, James Riley medical device account consultant. McNab IV, on February 8, 2017. They currently live in New York City where JORDAN and Lauren CANTRELL Jamie is an analyst for an investment firm, welcomed a daughter, Elizabeth Jane and Stephanie is in business development “Libba”, on October 14, 2016. They live in with KPMG. Madison where Jordan is a sales
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representative for Smith and Nephew Orthopedics. CLIF EGGER and wife, Lauren, welcomed a son, Clifton Burnell “Burns”, on January 20, 2017. Andrew and MARION KEYES GOWDEY live in Memphis where Marion works as a licensed veterinary technician, and Andrew is completing his residency at UT Methodist in urology. They welcomed their first child, Mildred Manning “Millie”, in May 2017. NICHOLAS '04 and LEISEL GRESHAM JEW along with daughter, Caldwell, welcomed another daughter, Evelyn “Ellis”, on July 20, 2016. They live in Memphis, Tenn. where Nicholas is an orthopedic surgery resident at the University of Tennessee.
Nicholas and Leisel Jew Family
JESSICA BUNTING McGEHEE and husband, Allen, have three children: James, Maggie, and Louella. They currently reside in Madison where Jessica is a teacher at St. Augustine School, and Allen is a computer programmer. In 2016, EMILEE PEEPLES MILLING completed her residency in pediatric dentistry from the University of Florida in Naples. She and her husband, Matthew, have recently moved back to Jackson where Emilee is practicing pediatric dentistry at the office of Drs. Heber
CLASS NOTES Simmons and Joe Young, and Matthew works as a certified nurse anesthetist. They welcomed their first child, Julia Charlotte, on October 19, 2016. CHAD and Samantha RICHARDSON, along with daughter, Hadley, welcomed another daughter, Stevie Caroline, on February 15, 2017. They live in Arlington, Texas where Chad is in sales with First Choice Medical Supply. WILL '03 and LAURA SKELTON SMITH welcomed a son, William Graham, on June 5, 2016. They live in Birmingham, Ala. where Will is an accountant with Tann, Brown, and Russ Co., PLLC. Laura is in a radiology fellowship at Baptist Health Systems. LAURA HAINES STILES and husband, Joey, welcomed a daughter, Lynley Grace, on November 12, 2016. They currently live in Starkville, Miss. where Laura works as a counselor with MSU Student Counseling Services, and Joey is a collision repair technician.
CLASS OF 2006 CHELSEA MOORE BERRY works as director of admissions and marketing at Hartfield Academy in Flowood. She and her husband, Parker, have a 2-year-old daughter, Tatum, and are expecting another baby girl due September 2017. Chris and ELIZABETH THOMAS BOWERS welcomed a son, Leeman, on May 7, 2016. They currently live in Shreveport, La. and are expecting a baby girl. JOHN and Frances BUSSEY welcomed a baby boy, John Wycliffe, on October 16, 2016. KENNY ELLIS married Grace Craig on June 17, 2016 in Saint Lucia. Kenny is a 2010 graduate of the University of Mississippi where he received bachelor's
degrees in biology and psychology. While at Ole Miss, he was active in Manna Feeding Ministry and was a member of the Ole Miss track and field team. Kenny currently serves as legislative liaison to Lt. Governor Tate Reeves.
February 15, 2017. Rob is a sales and operations manager with his family's business, Puckett Machinery.
MARY-CROSBY TURNER ROBERTS was recently promoted to director of St. Luke's Preschool in August 2016. She Ryan and ASHLEY CIRILLI FARLOW, and her husband, Walker, live in Jackson with their daughter, Alys, welcomed a son, with their 2-year-old daughter, Ava Price. Eli Ryan, on October 14, 2016. They live in Birmingham, Ala. Jeremy and SARAH MARGARET BRANNING ROWAN and 3-year-old son, Spears, welcomed a daughter, Lynlee Kate, on August 21, 2016. Sarah Margaret teaches kindergarten at Flowood Elementary.
Ashley Cirilli Farlow Family Sarah Margaret Branning Rowan
COLLINS JOHNSON graduated cum laude from the Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia in 2010 where she earned her bachelor's degree in public relations. She married Nick Pease on January 21, 2017, and currently works as a channel account manager for Barracuda Networks in Chicago. Carson and MADALYN WOLFE JOHNSON welcomed a son, Levi Russell, on December 15, 2016. Wesley and STEPHANIE RATCLIFF JOHNSON, along with son, Jacob, welcomed another son, Luke Rivers, on November 21, 2016.
ARTHUR WALDEN received his bachelor's degree in construction management and land development from Mississippi State University in 2011. He married Caroline Church on February 25, 2017 in Oxford. ASHLEY WINFORD completed her pediatric residency at Arkansas Children's Hospital in June 2017 and will begin work at Madison-Ridgeland Children's Clinic in Madison as a pediatrician in August. She married Ryan McGlawn on July 29, 2017.
CLASS OF 2007
R.J. and Lauren NALTY welcomed a daughter, Charlotte, on October 31, 2016. They live in Little Rock, Ark.
BEN and Amanda BARNETT welcomed a son, Nolan Blaine, on December 18, 2016. They currently reside in Ocean Springs where Ben is a mechanical engineer at Huntington Ingalls Industries.
ROB and Katherine PUCKETT and son, Robert, welcomed another son, Ross, on
ALLISON STUDDARD married Blake Carden on September 24, 2016. Allison is
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CLASS NOTES a nurse at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital in Nashville, Tenn. DREW CHISHOLM is an MSU graduate where he earned his bachelor's degree in business administration with a double major in banking and finance and risk management, insurance, and financial planning. Drew currently lives in Raleigh, N.C. where he is a software quality assurance engineer with Itron. He married Elizabeth Kelly Holtsinger on May 13, 2017. HUNTER and Karleigh HARRIS welcomed a daughter, Redmon Leigh, on February 21, 2017. They live in Corpus Christi, Texas. JONATHAN and Wesley JOSEY welcomed a baby boy, Seth Lucas, on December 20, 2016. Jonathan is a physical therapist with Sta-Home Health and Hospice, and Wesley is a stay-athome mom. JOHN McGOWAN married Jordan Conn on June 4, 2016. John is a 2014 graduate of Mississippi State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering. He is associated with McGowan Working Partners, Inc. as a civil engineer. HANNAH O'LEARY married Jared Meads on May 30, 2015. Hannah works as a registered nurse at St. Vincent's Hospital in Birmingham, Ala. ERICA O'LEARY married Dustin Alexander Short on October 24, 2015. They currently reside in Newport News, Va. where Erica is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty. She also works at Waters Edge Church. George and BETH DERIVAUX SMITH welcomed twin daughters, Eleanor and Adaline, on July 12, 2016. They live in Memphis, Tenn. where Beth is a dentist.
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Bowen and MAGGIE GIFFIN WEIR welcomed a baby boy, Alva Bowen, on December 26, 2016. They currently live in Fairhope, Ala.
Catherine Gibson
Maggie Giffin Weir Family
SARAH SAMS WEYRENS is a teacher at Louisville Collegiate School in Louisville, Ky. where she received The Katherine McCracken Davis Distinguished Teaching Chair Award in May 2016. Presented at graduation, this award is given each year to a full-time teacher who best represents the ideals of lifelong learning and the pursuit of excellence. Harley and HANNAH NEELY WHITE live in Jackson where Hannah is associated with St. Dominic's Neurosurgery Associates as a nurse practitioner.
CLASS OF 2008 NICK BLACK married Jordan Leigh Herald on March 4, 2017 in Memphis. Nick is a project manager for Environment Masters in Jackson, and Jordan is a contract sales representative at Cowboy's Kitchens in Ridgeland. CASEY CHINN married EVAN HAWES on January 21, 2016. CATHERINE GIBSON married Colin Luba on September 24, 2016 in Jackson. They currently live in Dallas, Texas where Catherine is the showroom manager for The Mix Showroom, and Colin is with National Warehouse Lending at Plains Capital Bank.
ASHLEY GRIFFIN is a registered nurse at Caring Hands Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care, LLC, in Jackson. She married Michael Russell on December 2, 2016. EVAN HAWES married CASEY CHINN on January 21, 2016. ERIC McKIE graduated from the University of Mississippi in mechanical engineering and is now working as the operations manager at Green Oaks Garden Center in Jackson. He married Carly James on February 4, 2017 in Cancun, Mexico. MOLLIE MELLON is a 2012 graduate of the University of Mississippi where she earned her bachelor's degree in accounting. She went on to earn her master's of accountancy from Ole Miss in 2013 and is now associated with Cox Enterprises in Atlanta as an assurance and advisory specialist. She married Ryan Terrette on April 8, 2017 in Dahlonega, Georgia. DOUGLAS PEARSON married Emily Colvin on March 11, 2017 in Jackson. Douglas earned his doctorate degree from UMMC in May 2017 and is beginning his residency in family medicine. BOBBY and Mimi PETERSON welcomed a daughter, Anne Harper, on December 19, 2016. They currently live in Birmingham, Ala. where Bobby is the executive director of Bigtime Ministries and the football and track coach at Mountain Brook High School.
CLASS NOTES where Austin is completing his doctor of dental surgery degree at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and Katie Love is a teacher at Cornerstone Preparatory School.
Bobby Peterson Family
LOUIS and Dorothy ROGERS welcomed a baby girl, Suzanne “Anne Tipton,” on February 14, 2017. They live in Memphis where Louis is an auditor with KPMG, and Dorothy is a speech-language pathologist.
Marcus and KATIE PUCKETT GINN welcomed a daughter, Mary Cliburn, on November 21, 2016. Katie works as a cardiac ICU nurse at St. Dominic's Hospital in Jackson.
BLAYNE and Emily THOMAS live in Brandon with sons, Lex and Ted. They welcomed another son, Benjamin “Benny,” on December 13, 2016.
CLASS OF 2009 CHELSEA CURE married Kevin Schaumburg on April 16, 2016. They currently live in Bay St. Louis where Chelsea owns Bella Mar Boutique. SANDRA ENGLAND married Rob Triplett on July 8, 2017 in Jackson. Sandra teaches fourth-grade in JA’s Lower School, and Rob is a junior high football coach at JA. KATIE LOVE GARRAWAY obtained a bachelor's degree in elementary education at the University of Mississippi and has taught third-grade at Stonebridge Elementary of Brandon and kindergarten at Spann Elementary School. She married Austin Owen on January 7, 2017 in Oxford. They now reside in Memphis
Katie Love Garraway
Katie Puckett Ginn Family
KATHLEEN KIRKLAND married Caleb Ivy on October 29, 2016. They currently live in Madison where Kathleen is a Walt Disney World vacation planner. BRAD NAYLOR married Brittney Presley on July 18, 2015 in Natchez. Brad recently changed jobs and will be working as a manufacturing engineer with FXI in Tupelo. Brittney is a second-grade teacher. MAGGIE SELPH married Nicholas Carr on June 18, 2016. Maggie is a magna cum laude graduate of Mississippi State University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education. While at State, Maggie was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society and Kappa Delta Pi honor society in education, where she served as vice president. In 2014, she received her master's of education degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Mississippi. Maggie and Nick currently live in Jackson where
Maggie is a second-grade teacher at Northwest Rankin Elementary. HANK and Meri Scott WATERER welcomed a son, Henry Patton, on February 22, 2017. Hank is with Trustmark National Bank as a commercial relationship manager. They live in Madison.
CLASS OF 2010 SONNY BENEKE married Laura Lee Smith on June 11, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. Sonny graduated cum laude from the University of Mississippi Honors College in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in public policy leadership and then went on to receive his master's of business administration in August of 2015. Sonny currently works as the engineering coordinator for Pileum Corporation in Jackson. Laura Lee is a medical student at UMMC. RACHAEL DAVIS is engaged to marry FRANKLIN KEYES '09 in January 2018. Rachael received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Ole Miss and currently works with The Baptist Children's Village in Ridgeland. Franklin is associated with Southern Insurance Specialists, Inc. in Ridgeland. SYDNEY DEHMER obtained her bachelor's degree in hospitality management from the University of Mississippi and then went to work at the Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. as a wedding coordinator. Sydney married David Fields on April 22, 2017, and now works as the assistant property manager at Henley Property Management in Oxford. TAYLOR GEX graduated from the University of Mississippi where she obtained a bachelor's degree in general studies with minors in history and education. She married Jonathan Walhood on February 4, 2017 and
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CLASS NOTES currently works for the city of Oxford as the human resources assistant. VIVIAN LANG married Grant Robinson on July 23, 2016 in Jackson. Vivian graduated summa cum laude from the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College at the University of Mississippi in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in English. While at Ole Miss, Vivian received the Taylor Medal and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi. She received a master's in English literature from Wake Forest University in May 2015. Vivian and husband, Grant, currently live in Jackson where Vivian is a teacher and Grant is a third-year medical student at UMMC. ANNA LOVE RICE LITTLE and husband, Kyle, welcomed a son, William “Fenton”, on September 25, 2016. They currently reside in Madison.
was a Dean's List scholar. She then completed her associate degree in nursing at Hinds Community College. She married Knox Strickland on March 25, 2017 in Jackson and is currently working as a nurse at St. Dominic Hospital.
CLASS OF 2011 In 2015, CHRISTINE BOWMAN graduated summa cum laude from Mississippi State University where she earned her bachelor's degree in public relations. She then went on to earn her master's degree in public relations from Boston University in May 2016. She married JACK MURRAY ‘05 on August 27, 2016. They currently live in West Virginia where Jack is in his internal medicine residency at West Virginia University.
In 2014, LESLIE LLOYD graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor's degree in education and earned her master's in curriculum and instruction in 2015. She married Peter Nix on January 21, 2016. They currently live in New Orleans where Leslie teaches third-grade reading and English language arts. LUCY TUCKER KNIGHT married David Roberts on August 20, 2016. They currently reside in Hattiesburg, Miss. KRISTEN McNAIR earned her bachelor's degree in exercise science from the University of Mississippi where she
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CLASS OF 2012 WILL CROCKETT is a 2016 graduate from the University of Mississippi where he earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism. While at Ole Miss, Will worked as a journalist for The Daily Mississippian. He is currently working as the online content manager for the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau. SYKES MOAK graduated from Auburn University in 2016 where he earned his bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences. He now works as a rehabilitation aid with RehabWorks in Auburn, Ala. KELSEY PETTUS is currently in medical school at UMMC. She is engaged to marry Jack Berry on July 22, 2017 in Oxford.
Christine Bowman
Anna Love Rice Little Family
DENNY ’12 on August 26, 2017. Katie works in the JA preschool as a K3 assistant teacher.
REGAN ARNOLD and JOSEPH MAXWELL were married on June 11, 2016. They currently reside in Jackson where they are both in their second-year of medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. KELLIE KING is a 2015 cum laude graduate from the University of Mississippi where she earned her bachelor’s degree in general studies. While at Ole Miss, Kellie received the Academic Excellence Scholarship, Holmes Scholarship, and was listed to the Dean's Honor Roll and Chancellor's Honor Roll. She married Austin Hartzog on May 21, 2016, and is currently studying nursing at UMMC. KATIE KENNEDY married MATT
CLARA BETH TUCKER graduated from the University of Mississippi in May 2016 where she earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science. She is currently studying nursing at Belhaven University in Jackson. ELLIE YATES graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2016 and is now working with Cushman & Wakefield in Nashville, Tenn. She is engaged to marry COLE STACY on December 2, 2017.
CLASS OF 2013 In May 2017, MEG BOYLES graduated from Hendrix College where she worked as an assistant to the Creative Writing Department. She was awarded a graduate fellowship for study in the master of fine arts program in creative writing at Chapman University in Califonia where she will begin this fall. She also spent time with the Kenyon Review Workshop in Ohio this past summer, and will have
CLASS NOTES two poems published in The Courtland Review in May 2017. ZACHARY DALLAIRE was inducted into the Mississippi State University chapter of the Omega Chi Epsilon National Engineering Honor Society in March 2017. BRENT FERGUSON is a 2017 magna cum laude graduate of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College at the University of Mississippi where he earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry and minors in biology and psychology. He received special recognition from the American Chemical Society for Top Graduating Chemistry Majors and was also selected as Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. During his time at Ole Miss, Brent served as ASB Attorney General, Morale Captain for RebelTHON, and was a founding member of Coaching for Literacy. He was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society in April 2017. KATIE FERGUSON is a 2017 magna cum laude graduate of the University of Mississippi where she earned a bachelor's degree in accounting and a minor in economics. She was inducted into Beta Alpha Psi Honor Society in April 2017 and was also selected as Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Katie will continue her education as a graduate student at the
University of Mississippi and has been chosen as a graduate assistant for the 2017–2018 school year. SARAH KATHERINE MILLS graduated magna cum laude from the Barksdale Honors College at the University of Mississippi in May 2017 and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She has been accepted into the occupational therapy program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. BRYAN PITTMAN is a 2017 graduate of Millsaps College with a major in history and minor in education. While at Millsaps, Bryan was a member of the Majors football team where he was nominated team captain, named SAA all conference honorable mention, and three times named to the SAA academic honor roll. He was also on the Dean’s List and was recently inducted into Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society. This coming fall, Bryan will attend graduate school for a master of education in social sciences. LAURA RAMSEY was recently accepted into the master's of health administration program at the University of Memphis where she will begin studying this fall. BRIAN SCOTT RIPPEE graduated from the University of Mississippi in May 2017. During his time at Ole Miss, Brian Scott worked with The Daily Mississippian newspaper where he earned the role of
sports editor this past year. He is currently working as a sports correspondent with The Clarion-Ledger and is also interning with d1baseball.com. SARAH WADE graduated cum laude from Millsaps College in May with a degree in anthropology and a minor in biology. She was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa and received the Order of Omega Award. She was President of Chi Omega Fraternity, a member of the Millsaps Singers, a Foundations Director, a senator, on the homecoming court, and a Presidential Ambassador. She will pursue graduate study in the fall at The University of Edinburgh.
Alumnae from JA Class of 2013
Alumnae from the JA Class of 2013 gather at The University of Mississippi during their last college semester together in 2017. From left, are Julia Beacham, Caroline Gordy, Elizabeth Strauss, Sandi Sullivan, and Sarah Criddle.
CLASS OF 2015 Mason and ALLIE KING were married on June 3, 2017, and currently live in Madison.
L ET US K NOW W H AT YOU T H I N K We would like to explore with our readers of the JA magazine, True Blue, if our school’s publication needs to change with the times or remain the way it is. We want to make sure it is relevant to all the audiences who receive it. We invite you to fill out this survey found at jacksonacademy.org/tbsurvey/ and let us know your thoughts. Thank you in advance for giving us your valued feedback.
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TRUE BLUE | 2017 ISSUE | VOLUME XVIII
JACKSON ACADEMY