JACKSON ACADEMY
SUMMER/FALL 2023 | VOLUME XXVII
A Publication for Jackson Academy Alumni, Families, and Friends
“
Thank you, Jackson Academy, for facilitating the experiences, friendships, love, guidance, education, and overall wonderful environment for the past years. We could not have asked for anything more. It’s been the best!” MARTY B. GEBHART JA Parent Leland and Marty Gebhart are parents of Grace ’17, Land ’20, and Lilly ’23
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Contents
FEATURES
08
20
24
Modeling a Love of Learning
Journey to Success
Purpose and Significance
Teachers at Jackson Academy love helping their students learn and are eager learners, pursuing professional development to keep their skills and classes fresh.
Four graduates are pursuing their dreams and facing challenges head-on using life skills acquired at JA.
Jackson Academy’s long standing traditions and original programs create a unique educational setting.
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JACKSON ACADEMY
TRUE BLUE SUMMER/FALL 2023 | ISSUE XXVII
Editor/Writer
Patti Wade Director of Marketing and Communication
Creative
Jonathan Blackwell Graphic Designer
Photographers/Writers
Gracie Weatherly Social Media and Content Specialist
Mary Clark Warren Marketing Intern
Contributing Editors/ Photographers/Writers
John Berry Jonathan Blackwell Frances Bussey Lisa Bynum Daymon Gardner Martha Grace Gray ’03 Josh Hinkle ’17 LSU Athletics Mississippi State University Nobles Photography PGA Tour/Getty Images Jaden Powell Kathy Sheffield ’82 Amanda Smithers Patti Wade Jim Wilkirson Robert Wilson Office of Advancement
Jim Wilkirson Chief Advancement Officer
Frances Bussey Assistant Director of Development
Rebecca Fowler Development and Events Coordinator
TRUE BLUE, AN ANNUAL PUBLICATION, IS PUBLISHED BY THE JACKSON ACADEMY OFFICE OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION AND THE OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT.
IN THIS ISSUE 06
P rofiles
80
L ifers
34 News & Stories
81
Scholarships
Athletics 42
82
Legacy Loyal
Arts 56
84
J AA
62
85
Athletic Booster Club
68 Scholars
86
Giving
Teachers of the Year 73
94 Class Notes
Class of 2022 74
96
Students in Action
Memorials & Honorariums
JACKSON ACADEMY 4908 RIDGEWOOD ROAD JACKSON, MS 39211 IF YOU HAVE ALUMNI NEWS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE, VISIT JACKSONACADEMY.ORG/CLASSNOTES TO SUBMIT OR UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION. SUBMISSIONS MAY ALSO BE MAILED TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS OR EMAILED TO FBUSSEY@ JACKSONACADEMY.ORG. ALL PHOTOS SUBMITTED SHOULD BE HIGH QUALITY.
ON THE COVER: The entrance of the new Middle School building provides a convenient space for students, parents, and faculty to connect.
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A Letter From the Editor
Living Balanced An exciting aspect of serving as a school communications leader is interviewing students, faculty, staff, and parents who are doing fascinating things. The 2022-2023 year provided just that. It included talking to a junior who spent his summer at MIT, connecting with an alum who is auditioning for performing arts roles in Los Angeles, editing a story about a high school senior who worked for an ESPN SEC broadcast, and interviewing a sixth grader who studied STEM while staying on a college campus. In athletics, we learned about students who ran an exceptional 800 meters, won the MAIS golf championship as a ninth grader, and brought home JA’s ninth Gatorade Player of the Year accolade. One of our certified trainers shared his vision for developing programs to boost athletic performance, prevent injuries, ward off overuse, and enhance lifelong health. In arts, audiences marveled at the top-notch production of “West Side Story,” witnessed the creativity and talent of JA show choirs, heard musicians offer moving compositions at marching and stage band presentations, and applauded the work of students who produced an original play with a powerful message, written by our own Director of Performing Arts Kerri Sanders.
In each case, it became evident that JA students balance multiple pursuits well. The school supports-and our students’ families value--the opportunity to excel at more than one thing yet keep everything in proper proportion and perspective. A former JA administrator used the metaphor of a three-legged stool to describe a balanced school that supports academics, arts, and athletics. The stool’s legs must be equivalent and balanced to have a seat that sits evenly and sturdily. When one leg is shorter or loose, unsteadiness results. Similarly, a person experiences a more balanced life when developing academically, artistically, athletically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our JA faculty and staff are devoted to creating an environment that helps students accomplish these aims. JA’s mission statement pledges that this nurturing, spiritual environment remains a priority. Within these 2023 True Blue magazine pages are examples of faculty and students striving to live balanced lives. It is our pleasure to bring them to you. Patti Wade Director of Marketing and Communication pwade@jacksonacademy.org
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A Message From the Head of School
A first grader who shadowed me recently asked a simple question: “What is it like to be the Head of School for Jackson Academy?” I replied, “It’s incredible!” He then asked, “What do you do all day?” I replied, “I try to help everyone be their best so they can help others be their best.” As our conversation continued, I explained that my primary responsibility is no different than anyone else’s; I only have a different role in accomplishing the same thing - living out our mission each day. We are all here to serve one another. As I enter my 39th year of independent school education, I have seen many changes. Parenting is harder than ever, and challenges and distractions for students abound. Teaching takes place in hundreds of thousands of schools, but learning has become way too rare these days. We are blessed that learning takes place at JA. As students and parents face challenges and obstacles that no other generation has ever faced, we hold families’ hands in partnership. While character and decorum become seemingly less important in the world around us, we want to promote and support young ladies and gentlemen so they may be the difference makers in this world. While faith is often overshadowed by self interest in many parts of our culture, we want to reaffirm that truth, bound by faith, is lived out by the way in which we care for each other. Winston Churchill once said, “Hold change by the hand or change will grab you by the throat.” As Jackson Academy moves forward, please know that we hold change by the hand - not letting it impede upon our convictions. Our facilities have expanded, and we will continue to provide the infrastructure necessary to support and advance our programs. Our Preschool includes a robust K2 division in its first year. The Lower School now includes the fifth grade, after a restructuring of our Middle School, and the Lower School administrative offices moved to a more central location on our campus. Our Middle School moved into its new facility allowing appropriate space for the tremendous growth we are experiencing in student numbers and programming. Upper School gained enhancements in the science labs, helping keep JA’s facilities and curriculum in step with the best in independent school education. In college preparedness, the Class of 2023 was one of our highest achieving classes with an average score of 27 on the ACT and 55 percent of the senior class scoring a 29 or higher. The Improvement and Strategic Plan seeks to honor our past, provide excellence today, and lay the framework for a promising future. We have work to do, but please know the state of Jackson Academy is STRONG! On behalf of our outstanding faculty and staff, which I am blessed to call colleagues, we deeply appreciate the opportunity to spend our days with our Lord’s most precious gift of children. Blessings and Go Raiders!
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Profiles BRENDA SULLIVAN This Lower School music teacher loves helping first through fourth-grade students hear how beautiful they sound when they shape their vowels correctly. As she concludes her 23 years at JA, she is rewarded knowing that students have developed an appreciation of music through her class. High point of day at home When her husband Richard blows her a kiss through the kitchen window as she drives to work after he has packed her car with a cup of coffee and her school supplies. High point of day at JA Seeing the “Wow!” on students’ faces when they learn something new: a different rhythm to cool rock music, a new chapel song, or the sound they can make when their technique is good. Still to do Be a contestant on “Wheel of Fortune.” Favorite JA memory When her oldest grandson, Caleb, was in her music class during a period of months when her son’s family was home from missionary work in the Middle East. What I cherish most about JA The first phrase of our mission, “within our nurturing and spiritual community,” speaks volumes about how our school plans. I believe that divine guidance is sought from the classroom to the boardroom. Just for fun Preparing a meal with her husband for their entire family. Never thought I’d try Swimming with stingrays in the Caribbean. Totally out of my comfort zone.
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OLIVIA CLAIRE WILLIFORD ’23 This ballet dancer and FBI Youth Leadership Program graduate served as JA’s student body president her senior year. Favorite subject Spanish. Breaking a language barrier allows me to connect with more people. Extracurriculars Dance (15 years) and Accents Volunteer–President of JAMC Crown Club and with Mayor’s Youth Council Calligraphy My other interests Current events and policy. I was elected Governor at Girls State and as the Nationalist Party President at Girls Nation in D.C. My high point Fellow junior agents motivating each other during early morning workouts at the FBI Academy. Comes easy Uniting people from all different backgrounds. Still to do Go on an international mission trip. What I cherish most about JA The faculty who consistently push me to be the best version of myself. Never thought I’d try Pageants - I was crowned Miss Madison County.
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Features
Modeling a Love of Learning Teachers at Jackson Academy love helping their students learn and are eager learners. Teachers pursue new pedagogical methods, advanced degrees, offsite workshops and conferences, and on-campus professional development to keep their skills and classes fresh. Head of Upper School Brandi Richardson believes that offering teachers opportunities to learn builds stronger schools. “Effective, targeted professional development for teachers, administrators, and support staff is critical 8 TRUE BLUE
for schools,” Richardson said. “It is clear that professional development for teachers has a positive impact on students. Teachers’ confidence and self-efficacy improve from targeted and routine professional development, which impacts their ability
to lead the classroom and effectively communicate about learning, student achievement, and areas of needed growth for their students.”
love of learning. “It is important for students to know that teachers, administrators, and support staff are participating in continuing education exercises--it demonstrates a commitment to their students and families,” said Richardson.
Teachers who consistently participate in professional development model a
Read on to discover how JA faculty members make learning a priority.
Teachers Active in Professional Development Amanda Smithers, B.S., M.A.T., M.S. Upper School Geometry, Advanced Math, Physics, and AP Physics 1 Wanda Pearcy, B.S., M.S. Geometry and Honors Geometry Sara Bannerman, B.A., M.A. AP English Literature, AP English Language, and Journalism • C.A.R.E Grant for Increasing Engagement in the Math Classroom by Developing Hands-On Lessons • Physics workshop • AP Reading • Testing AP Exam for College Board Amanda Smithers, Wanda Pearcy, and Sara Bannerman participate in professional development and academic pursuits individually and in groups. Pearcy and several math teachers attended a math post-COVID workshop that explored how teachers can help students catch up after the disruption of COVID. The College Board has invited Bannerman and Smithers to grade AP tests, referred to as AP reading.
Amanda Smithers
Teachers who provide College Board AP reading say the experience is incredible professional development. They interact with teachers across the country and see firsthand the College Board criteria. “There’s an application process, and you have to be invited by the College Board in order to attend,” explained Smithers. “Some subjects (like English) allow the readers to grade virtually from home. Some subjects (like physics) require the readers to attend the reading in person.” Bannerman will be reading from home, and Smithers will be reading from Kansas City. These teachers are also active in writing proposals to receive JAA C.A.R.E. grants. Smithers’ AP physics 1 class received new lab equipment as one part of a C.A.R.E. grant she wrote. The students found a rotating object’s angular acceleration and moment of inertia. C.A.R.E. grants also provide funding for professional development. Pearcy and Smithers attended a math workshop in Dallas this summer about increasing engagement in the classroom, and Smithers participated in the physics version of the same workshop last year.
Wanda Pearcy
Sara Bannerman
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Teachers Study Challenges Brought by Pandemic Years Beyond instruction, teachers actively determine solutions to educational challenges. Three JA teachers recently studied the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on students. They sought to find solutions that would alleviate any adverse effects on readiness that had resulted. Math teachers Rob Triplett, Carrie Ann Eatherly, and Wanda Pearcy worked through a pre-recorded training entitled “Catching Up Students Who Have Fallen Behind in Math” from the Bureau of Education and Research. “We had hoped to find some strategies that we could implement as a department to help ‘level the playing field’ for ALL of our students,” said Pearcy, who has worked in education for 35 years, including serving as a curriculum coordinator, an instructional coach, and a professional development supervisor and trainer. “In the end, we not only enjoyed the opportunity to look at the math we teach from more of a student perspective, we learned some strategies we could use in our classrooms and some that will benefit all of our students.” Pearcy believes educators will be discovering the impact of school shutdowns due to COVID-19 for years to come. “Many of the schools in our area were operating virtually for over a year, even while JA was open and providing in-person instruction. When we have students who come to us from a year or more of virtual school, we have not been surprised to see gaps in knowledge and issues with basic skills development. Virtual school meant that, for many students, there was no one to guide them through skills development and no one to provide a healthy and logical balance between using a calculator and doing calculations ‘by hand.’ As such, teachers 10 TRUE BLUE
worldwide are struggling to close gaps and build mathematical understanding while still attempting to keep students working on grade level. The students in any single classroom are operating at more different levels than ever before, not only at JA but everywhere.” This fall, the math teachers are implementing the workshop’s recommendations to alleviate these issues at JA. “Starting class with carefully chosen ‘bellringer’ problems is one easy strategy that we plan to implement,” said Pearcy. “We saw the value of providing self-checking exercises that are designed to promote specific skills that students are either lacking or will be necessary for future success. The self-checking aspect means that students can self-monitor their learning in real-time, find their own mistakes, and take more ownership of the process. Bellringers, or warmups, give students time to settle into mathematics, having come from a different class with different cognitive
requirements. Bellringers can be chosen to review previous material, to develop skills needed for future lessons, or to create meaningful math conversations in our rooms.” The training also described a method of helping students who have reached Middle School and Upper School without necessary computation skills with multiplication, division, and fractions. “The pandemic only exacerbated this problem, but for a variety of reasons, students enter our classrooms lacking this important prerequisite knowledge. Our math teachers recognize that calculators only go so far in bridging that gap. The presenter showed how the use of a simple hundreds chart can ease students into fluency with multiplication facts and even some fraction operations,” Pearcy said. “Our plan is to implement this strategy with one or two students, and if it is successful, use it as an ongoing intervention that will help us close some learning gaps in a relatively short period of time.”
Teacher and Students Help College Board Evaluate AP Test Process
The College Board, a non-profit that develops and administers testing that evaluates college readiness, is studying the essay portion of the Advanced Placement test. AP Literature students in Sara Bannerman’s class were chosen from about
20 schools nationwide to test drive this potentially new type of AP Literature exam. The organization is exploring the value of the essay being a multi-day task rather than under the gun of a couple of hours. It’s a rigorous task (5-7 pages) with multiple phases.
After completing the Pilot AP English Literature Performance Task essays, students wrote reflections to help the College Board assess the process. The reflection guide asked students for feedback on the writing process and the final product they created for the project. The questionnaire also asked if the student would have liked additional information, resources, or procedures to support their writing. “It really was a privilege to be offered a place in the pilot program, and I think many of the seniors realized that,” said Bannerman. “One gap that I know AP is trying to bridge is this percentage of students who truly have the capacity to write well but fold under the pressure of
having to write in such a relatively short period of time. Many of our seniors indicated that it was refreshing to have more time to think on their topic and reflect back on their book.” In addition, due to the advent of artificial intelligence tools such as Chat GPT, teachers are contemplating a move to in-class writing assignments. “Honestly, I think this may be the nature of essays in our near future. Chat GPT has changed the rules of writing perhaps permanently,” Bannerman said. “Now that I’ve walked the seniors through this type of project, I’m faced with the very real option of completing major writing assignments in class for both seniors and juniors.” TRUE BLUE 11
Features
My favorite part of teaching is by far the satisfaction I get when I see a student grow as a person. Being able to deal with challenging material that we have worked so tirelessly to master is so satisfying. Also, the personalities and backgrounds of each student are so enjoyable. I never know what to expect at work, and I absolutely love that.
Helping Students Grow Is Rewarding Jacob Sullivan, B.S. • Pursuing M.A.T. at Belhaven University • Teaches AP Biology, Conceptual Physics, and is the science learning facilitator in Upper School ARC, mainly facilitating chemistry and physics Jacob Sullivan realized he wanted to be a teacher during a gap year before matriculating to medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He tutored students with learning differences during that year and realized he was naturally good at it. After a while, Sullivan looked forward more to tutoring than to beginning medical school. That’s when he knew he needed to change trajectories.
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Brandon Richardson, B.A. • Pursuing M.A.T. at Belhaven University • Middle School Social Studies Teacher and JA Intramural Program Leader
My bachelor’s degree is in biology/ biochemistry, so I knew the content I was teaching very deeply. The M.A.T. program has helped me hone in the pedagogy, quantitative analysis of student progress, and creation of more full assessments that really test student understanding rather than recall. I’ve learned that knowing the content is not even half of the battle of teaching. Knowing how to plan, adjust, and create high level assessments are just a few awesome items I’m perfecting through the M.A.T. program! My biggest hope for my students is that they become empathetic members of the community who think critically and independently. One of my main objectives through teaching science is to inspire a greater understanding and appreciation of life, so I really want my students to understand the circumstances of others and how it may affect their lives. I also hope that these students will become adults who will think on their own and refine their own perspectives on life.
text, together presenting the basic principles of economics. This is followed by DBQ-style application (document-based question) to a series of real-world economic issues: agricultural subsidies, market concentration, healthcare markets, automation, etc. I hope I am giving our seniors the tools to be informed citizens, consumers, and employees/ employers.
Teaching Involves Continual Discovery Rex Bradshaw, B.A., M.A. • Teaches economics (12th grade) • Works in JA’s After School Program • Received JAA C.A.R.E. Grant Rex Bradshaw has wanted to pursue academics for as long as he can remember, initially aiming to be a history professor. He worked as an adjunct college faculty member for several years, then responded to the opportunity to teach high school at JA. Since then, he has developed teaching methods to engage Upper School students with real-world issues while remaining an avid learner himself. Coming to economics from the humanities five years ago, I wanted to experiment and find an approach that could work for me and my strengths as a teacher and would provide a more rounded and contextualized survey of the field than I found in
the high-school textbooks I came across. I have no formal background in economics, so I had to read a stack of books to prepare myself. Over the next several years, I ended up designing a series of games to accompany an original narrative
In addition to graduate work, coaching, and teaching, Richardson is helping develop a pilot intramural program at JA that fosters a culture of togetherness for first through sixth-grade students. It began in 2022-2023 with soccer. Richardson is in his second year in the M.A.T. program at Belhaven University. “One thing that I learned from
Besides teaching, I am pursuing seminary studies through my church. Perhaps some day it will be practical for me to seek a doctorate. Whether or not more formal education is right for me or anybody else, I think teachers need to be insatiable learners themselves if they are going to cultivate an atmosphere of learning for their students. The best teachers I ever had were always on a journey of discovery, and in the classroom and outside they invited their students along with them. Continual growth not only leads to but is inalienable from mastery. That is what I aspire to. Teaching engages with two faculties of the soul: imagination and reason. Imagination receives meaningful images or concepts, which reason can then purify. Working together, these faculties help us toward the truth of things. I hope to cultivate in my students sharpened powers of reason and expansive powers of imagination, and above all, love of what is true and good. I believe this is a worthy quest in itself, but its fruit is nothing less than a meaningful life.
my most recent course is new techniques on creating assessments that were innovated since I went through education courses as an undergraduate,” he said. “I was able to learn valuable tools to help create better assessments for my students.” Read more about the new intramural program on page 52.
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Sophomore Mallory Montgomery, Elaine Low, and Lori Snider
Tech Staff Members Learn, and Make Learning Fun! Lori Snider, B.A.A. Apple Systems Administrator / Apple Teacher / Apple Learning Coach Elaine Low, M.A. Technology Administrator/ Apple Teacher • International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), JAA C.A.R.E. Grant • MS Educational Computing Association (MECA) JAA C.A.R.E. Grant Tech Center Administrators Lori Snider and Elaine Low attend professional development conferences made possible by grants they requested through the Jackson Academy Association (JAA) C.A.R.E. Grant program. Grants provide faculty funds to purchase classroom learning tools or pursue professional development. As technology facilitators, Snider and Low pass on what they learn about technology to JA faculty and staff. 14 TRUE BLUE
Snider and Low are part of the technology team at Jackson Academy. They provide tech support and training for students, faculty, and staff on a daily basis. From iPads to computers and over a variety of applications, the technology team ensures that everything runs smoothly in order to maximize classroom learning. To maintain the high level of technology integration throughout the school, technology staff members engage in year-round professional development
just like teachers do by attending training to refresh their skills and learn new techniques. Two summers ago, Snider was one of the first in the country to complete a 60 hour course with Apple to become a certified Apple Learning Coach (ALC). As an ALC, she helps faculty and staff become Apple Teacher certified and offers resources and inspiration to help our educators do their very best teaching with Apple technology. Along with designing an Apple Teacher
“
e all have our own way of learning and W expressing creativity. Our technology can empower every kind of teacher and every kind of student to learn, create, and discover their own path to learning.”
Portfolio to submit to Apple for recognition later this year, she attended a professional development in technology this summer with Elaine Low. When Snider and Low learn, they pass that knowledge along. For instance, Snider recently shared with faculty about science-based learning techniques in Goodnotes Study Sets, called Space Repetition. Put simply, by employing the technique to space out student learning, students can retain more information in less time. Her enthusiasm for learning with technology is contagious and encourages teachers to pursue continuing education. “We all have our own way of learning and expressing creativity. Our technology can empower every kind of teacher and every kind of student to learn, create, and discover their own path to learning. We must always strive to be curators of spaces that give all students the freedom to be curious, and explore new ideas,” said Snider. She was a huge proponent of helping JA reach 100 percent Apple Teacher Certification when the course was introduced by Apple. In June, Snider and Low attended ISTELive ’23
(International Society for Technology in Education) virtually. Low said the virtual conference helps keep tech team members in touch with current trends in Technology Integration for Education without the high cost of out-of-state travel. This annual conference brings together experts in the field who present seminars and demonstrations to educators and technical staff worldwide. “Education and learning are absolutely enhanced by using technology in the classroom,” Low said. “There are so many
creative ways to integrate technology in school curriculum that there is always something new to learn or improve.” For Snider and Low, attending conferences helps them be more effective technology guides for students and faculty. They keep abreast of technology trends, learn new applications/ platforms, and discover new ways to integrate Apple products. “I’m excited that JAA made this opportunity possible for us to attend I.S.T.E. virtually because,
as an Apple Distinguished School, we have a responsibility to keep on top of the market and be leaders in trying new things,” said Low. “Professional development for our teachers is so important because we want them to have the chance to be creative in their teaching methods.” Low also believes the work of technology in education will help students prepare for their next steps. “We realize that different students learn in different ways - it is rarely a one size fits all situation in the classroom,” she explained. “So, we can use technology to enhance learning for all students as a whole (such as our 1:1 iPad initiative - they all have the same hardware) and individually by offering various ways to present new materials and give assessments. We also want to make learning fun!”
JAA C.A.R.E Grants Help Fund Professional Development The Jackson Academy Association (JAA) is the parent body of the school. One of the association’s many initiatives is to offer C.A.R.E. (Classroom Academic and Resources Enhancement) Grants every other year for classroom projects, equipment, materials, programs, field trips, and professional development. The JAA funded 32 C.A.R.E. grants this year, putting more than $28,000 right back into the classrooms. The grants funded anything from child’s butterfly hatching stations in Preschool to robotics and drone kits in Lower School. Six of the grants funded professional development or training. Grants were funded in each academic division and schoolwide. Individual teachers, groups of teachers, or departments may submit grant requests, and there is no limit on the number of applications a teacher may submit, whether individually or in groups. Read more about the JAA on page 84.
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On-site Professional Development Offered through Teacher Tidbits Teachers at Jackson Academy are not only helping their students learn, they are also learning from one another. JA offers Upper and Middle School teachers monthly programs called Teacher Tidbits, which are after-school professional development sessions where teachers hone their skills or gain new information. This past year, Upper School Mathematics Teacher Amanda Smithers led a session on ZipGrade, a platform that lets teachers create custom-made answer sheets, analyze test results, and allow students to review their individual correct and incorrect answers on tests by logging into the grading platform. Earlier, Director of Learning Diversity Beth Murray and Upper School Facilitator Lynda Morse offered a session for teachers on the subject of executive function.
Head of Upper School Brandi Richardson said Teacher Tidbits sessions are not only for learning: They build community as well. “Everything we do is studentcentered, but my goal in bringing teachers together is to help them feel supported and routinely developed thereby raising student experiences in their classrooms,” she said. “We have a talented group of faculty members here at Jackson Academy, and I love to see everyone working together. Some of the most impactful changes arise from simple discussions and problem-solving sessions from classroom faculty!”
Murray said the executive function session she and Morse offered helped teachers better understand how brain development aligns with instruction in the classroom and achievement. “It is important to understand learning diversity with respect to learning differences, but truly understanding executive function is part of every student’s learning profile,” she said. “Over the last 20 years, much has been learned about maximizing retention by understanding how the brain matures. Teachers gain insight into the “why” students respond the way they do in and out of a classroom setting.”
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Content specific professional development helps teachers grow in their breadth and depth of content knowledge. Teachers serve many roles in a student’s life. Oftentimes, PD comes in the form of studying things far beyond the classroom like social and emotional development of children, neurodiversity, mental health awareness, and the latest trends that negatively affect students.” BRANDI RICHARDSON Head of Upper School
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(from left) Mallory Brooks, Ann Boswell Carlson, Josh Dockins, and Harper Mars
Time Becoming ACT Certified Is ‘Time Well Spent’ Ann Boswell Carlson, B.A. • ACT Test Prep Instructor • Completed certified educator courses from ACT.
them to view test prep as exciting, a bridge or stepping stone to their future, to be able to work on skills and eventually have fun.”
Teacher Ann Boswell Carlson has led test prep for tenth to twelfth-grade students after becoming an ACT Certified Educator. She participated in four AIM (ACT Instructional Mastery) online sessions, one for each of the four sections on the ACT.
Head of Upper School Brandi Richardson is pleased that JA offers greater exposure and comfort with standardized testing for college entrance exams. “Our faculty and staff work very hard to help students prepare for the college admissions process, and our curriculum routinely layers in college readiness standards to help prepare students for the ACT and SAT. Ann Boswell Carlson is an excellent fit in our test prep program,” said Richardson. “She truly understands the ins and outs of college entrance exams and the importance of student success on these exams.”
“Each session was 14 hours over two days, and participants took a test at the end of each session to become certified. I am now certified in all four sections,” she said. “It was 56 hours well spent.” Carlson’s test prep goals are for her students to receive scholarships, gain access to more colleges, build their reading comprehension, and increase ACT scores. She wants every student “to graduate with every possible opportunity. I want
Carlson’s work, and that of her students, is paying off. “As of the December test, my test prep students had gained over 500 points in the four
categories and over 110 composite points. Also, as of the March test, 98 percent of test prep students who have taken a real ACT have increased their super scores by some amount,” Carlson said. “I think one of the greatest effects I’ve seen has been an increase in confidence when they sit down to test,” she said. “My students exhibit much less anxiety than at the beginning of the year because they have a plan for the test that they have practiced...a lot.” Carlson appreciates the professional development opportunities JA provides for faculty. “I know that when I’ve taught the same subject several years in a row, it is easy to forget that learning is not easy; in fact, it is rather stressful,” she said. “Continuing education helps me keep a healthy perspective regarding how it feels to be a learner, too, and not the teacher who has the answers.” TRUE BLUE 17
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Ideas Shared Elevate All Schools Palmer Kennedy, B.A., M.A., M.S. • JA Head of School • Board Member, Southern Association of Independent Schools
have served on the SAIS board, along with current Head of School Palmer Kennedy.
Head of School Palmer Kennedy is a member of the SAIS Board of Trustees, where he currently serves as treasurer. SAIS has granted membership to nearly 400 kindergarten through twelfth-grade independent schools in and outside of the U.S. JA is one of 12 Mississippi schools with membership in SAIS.
Besides holding the role of treasurer, Kennedy is on the SAIS head search committee and the accreditation committee, where he travels with teams to evaluate other schools moving through the accreditation process. “Serving on an accreditation committee for SAIS is incredible professional development. While evaluating another school, we also observe what makes a school successful as we share ideas that hopefully will elevate JA as well.”
The SAIS board oversees the association’s activities, whether providing accreditation to member schools or strategic advice. As a board member, Kennedy joins other educators as they consider issues affecting all independent schools. This interaction keeps JA’s leaders informed on educational issues
experienced by schools across the region and provides cutting-edge thinking about best practices. Kennedy follows previous JA leaders elected to the SAIS Board. Two former JA heads of school, President Emeritus Peter Jernberg and former JA President Cliff Kling,
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erving on an S accreditation committee for SAIS is incredible professional development. While evaluating another school, we also observe what makes a school successful as we share ideas that hopefully will elevate JA as well.”
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Faculty Test Methods as Part of Professional Development Bronwyn Burford, B.P.A., M.B.A. • Library Media Specialist, Teaches Financial Management and Digital Literacy Financial management teacher Bronwyn Burford tested a customizable educational platform. The Nearpod platform became possible through a grant. Nearpod allows teachers to create original lessons or choose from a library of previously developed curricula loaded into the system. From the students’ view, the platform lets them work through exercises such as games, infographics, reading material, polls, and quizzes with multiple question types. Nearpod even includes drawing tools, collaborative spaces, and the ability for students to compete during games.
“It gives learners different tools to check their learning,” Burford said. Burford finds the tool useful in introducing a lesson, reviewing lessons, and when remote work is appropriate. “This tool would have been fabulous for my class during COVID,” she said. Head of Upper School Brandi Richardson said that Nearpod became increasingly popular during the pandemic as teachers
across the country tried offering quality distance education. Distance education requires interactive engagement, not just one-way delivery of information. From the teacher’s view, instructors can see student participation, missed questions, and mastery of knowledge. The reporting offers depth, speed, and lets the teacher view student comprehension. Nearpod is a great way to measure student learning, Burford said. She has observed that students in her class continue to gravitate toward interaction and class discussions, so she sees Nearpod as a supplement
to introduce new material, review lessons, or if she has a substitute teacher. Richardson said that she loves the interactive features offered. “Nearpod brilliantly captures multiple learning modalities because students can work through note-taking and absorbing new material with visuals, sounds, and video,” she said. “At the same time, teachers can seamlessly measure student understanding with built-in questions and polls. Nearpod has a wonderful bank of premade lessons for teachers to use easily, allowing teachers to customize and build their own interactive lessons.” TRUE BLUE 19
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Journey to Success
Life is full of choices. How an individual approaches those choices ultimately leads to success. These four Jackson Academy graduates are pursuing their dreams to the fullest — whether in a college classroom, a laboratory, or on a stage — and facing challenges head-on using life skills acquired at JA.
Priya Ray ’21 New York City
Priya Ray is a self-described people person. As a JA student, she frequently volunteered at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and discovered her love for helping and comforting people during their time of need. With this discovery combined with a love of science, Ray felt a strong calling to pursue a medical career. Ray is at Columbia University in New York City, studying biophysics with aspirations to attend medical school. The curriculum at Columbia has challenged her in ways she never expected. But she’s thankful for the solid fundamental mathematics foundation that JA Upper School teachers Wanda Pearcy and Gloria Hirn instilled in her. Ray says 20 TRUE BLUE
she’s been able to build off that base and embrace the analytical way of thinking for which Columbia is so famous.
Because Ray interacts with a massively diverse student body daily, she relies greatly on the people skills she acquired at JA.
Moving from Mississippi to New York has also been a monumental, if not exciting, life experience.
“JA does a wonderful job of teaching moral discipline and self-discipline, how to be polite and how to
be courteous. While rank and academics can take you far, what helps you win an interview or get your foot in the door is having charisma and good communication skills. That is something I will forever be indebted to JA for,” she said.
Dalton Gibson ’16 Los Angeles
Dalton Gibson has always had a love for math. After graduating from JA, he studied at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He received undergraduate degrees in mechanical engineering and mathematics and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. During his senior year at JA, he recalls a time when his teachers went above and beyond to help him succeed. Gibson was interested in taking an advanced physics elective but was the only student to sign up for the class. Rather than make the course unavailable, teacher Sarah Shaw set Gibson up for an independent study. Upper School science teacher Cori Ciaccio volunteered her free period to coach Gibson through the class. “It meant so much for Mrs. Ciaccio to take the time to mentor me. That class made me realize how much I really did love physics. That really set in my mind that’s what I wanted to do — pursue engineering through physics in some way.” Gibson embarked on a promising career as a
mechanical engineer, but decided he didn’t want to stop there. He also aspired to follow another one of his passions — dancing. In 2022, he moved to a suburb of Los Angeles and recently signed with a talent agency. By day, he works for a firm that designs HVAC and plumbing solutions for large construction jobs. Outside of work, he auditions for various roles around Los Angeles. “People will probably laugh; dancing and my technical interests of engineering are such different interests. But they’re both so important to me. JA allows students to really spread themselves and be involved in a variety of different extracurriculars. It helped me realize that I could pursue so many things.” TRUE BLUE 21
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Clarke Wilkirson ’16 Houston
When a student leaves the halls of JA, the bonds they have formed with faculty and staff don’t necessarily leave with them. When a child joins the JA family, they become a student for life, as is the case with Clarke Wilkirson and Upper School Mathematics teacher, Gloria Hirn. “Mrs. Hirn really invested in me, allowed me to problem solve and find out what I like about math,” Wilkirson said about her former AP Calculus teacher. “To this day, she’s still somebody who reaches out to me monthly to hear about what I’m doing or who will text me to tell me that she’s praying for me if I’m having a hard time.” After graduation, Wilkirson decided she wanted to apply her skills as a mathematician toward a medical career but wanted to do something other than become a doctor. She graduated from the University of Alabama in 2020, majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in biology. Afterward, she transferred to Rice University in Houston, where she is currently enrolled in the doctoral program for mechanical engineering. Already, Wilkirson has made a name for herself as the lead author of three articles published in peer reviewed journals related to her field of study, with two 22 TRUE BLUE
more slated for publication in the next few months. She plans to pursue a career in developing new medical diagnostic devices. In addition to preparing her academically for the rigorous studies ahead, Wilkirson also credits JA for developing in her an aptitude for effective communication. She recalls giving presentations as far back as first grade. While these presentations may have been simple, Wilkirson believes they were the beginnings of a strong foundation that allows her to work in a lab side-byside with people of varying ages, experiences, and cultural backgrounds. Wikirson has this advice for future JA graduates: “Always put yourself out there. You don’t realize how much JA teaches you until you get out on your own. You learn so much by going off and doing something different and exploring new things, but you always have JA to come back to as your true home.”
Scott Penman ’08 Boston
Scott Penman was always drawn to more technical classes from a young age. However, his AP Art teacher, Susan Ingram, challenged him also to explore creative endeavors. “I can credit Mrs. Ingram for helping me understand that there was so much more to explore. The interest in creative inquiry is the reason I chose to study architecture instead of a more technological role.” Penman received the Distinguished Scholars prize to study
architecture at Mississippi State University. After graduating in 2013, he worked in architecture for two years before returning to school, this time at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He received graduate degrees in computer science and architectural studies for computational design there.
During an internship with a firm in Seattle, Penman discovered his niche — developing design software for architecture firms. Today, he works for a firm in Boston. Penman encourages other JA graduates who embark on a new chapter in their lives to let their interests be the driver in their work.
“There’s a lot of push to standardize work and to standardize roles and there’s value to that,” he said. “But what makes you successful in job interviews, what makes you successful at your career pursuits is sharpening your work and your message with your own voice and what you’re interested in.” TRUE BLUE 23
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PURPOSE and SIGNIFICANCE Long-Standing Traditions and Original Programs Create Unique Educational Setting From the time of its founding in 1959 as a primary school devoted to accelerated reading and self-paced learning, Jackson Academy has been at the forefront of innovative program development. Administrators and teachers have developed original curriculum that offers memorable experiences and initiates beloved traditions. These are a few of the programs that JA students enjoy and often reminisce about when it comes time for graduation.
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Alpha and Omega Friendships between kindergartners and seniors blossom through monthly Alpha and Omega events and other time spent together. Buddies read books together, learn more about one another through games and activities, exchange fun socks, and more. Alpha and Omega buddies often stay in touch after the school year ends.
Pumpkins with Pops Pumpkins with Pops invites dads, grandpas, uncles, brothers, and other remarkable father figures to join their kindergartners for a morning of decorating pumpkins and enjoying coffee and doughnuts.
Seventh Grade Rafting Trip At the end of seventh grade, JA students experience a father-son or father-daughter time in God’s creation in the form of a rafting trip. Started 50 years ago by retired coach and teacher Ray Higgins, the trip never becomes old. Students experience setting up a campsite, hiking, and rafting. Rafting excursions and many other outdoor activities continue to be part of JA’s signature program SOAR, led by Dean Arnold.
K3 Nursery Rhymes K3 students parade around campus dressed as their favorite nursery rhyme characters on Nursery Rhyme Day. Once classes complete a reading unit on nursery rhymes, they bring their favorite characters and stories to life. A cast of characters, including Humpty Dumpty, Little Bo Peep, and many others, participate in the parade with their teachers.
Football Buddies Football Buddies fosters friendships between first graders and varsity football players. These relationships begin with a trip to the varsity football locker room to see what it’s like to be a varsity football player at JA. Buddies create game day motivation cards, go to games, and support their buddies on and off the field.
Accelerated Reading Accelerated Reading encourages students to not only read but also to challenge themselves to reach personal goals. Students have been recognized for reaching one hundred points, a million words, and other accomplishments. This program encourages a love of reading in students to help them become lifelong readers. The AR program increases reading comprehension and vocabulary.
Physical Education Physical education has always been a core value at JA, incorporating movement and exercise with learning. JA recognizes the cognitive, social and emotional, and physical benefits of movement and outside play. For example, physical education during a student’s school day helps them refocus when it’s time to hit the classroom again. Through formal physical education classes, strength and conditioning guidance, and programs such as Little Dribblers and Running Club, JA encourages students to continue fitness for the rest of their lives.
Book Buddies Reinforcing JA’s strong focus on reading, first and sixth graders work in pairs to write and illustrate a story about the first grader. Books are published as a gift from the sixth grader to their first grade buddy at their last meeting of the year. Book Buddies improves creativity, reading comprehension, and connects students across grade levels.
Grandparents Day Grandparents and special friends get a taste of what a school day is like for their young Raider. These “grand” guests participate in coding in the STEM lab, agility in P.E., Spanish proficiency in language class, and rhythm in music. First graders love showing off the fun learning they experience at school daily. In Middle and Upper School, students invite grandparents and special friends to share a similar day with them that gives grandparents a glimpse of the educational experience of a contemporary teenager.
Little House Play When Laura Ingalls Wilder sat at a table in her Mansfield, Missouri, home in 1930 and wrote the very first line in her first autobiographical novel, could she have imagined how her stories would captivate generations of the future? The Little House play at JA is such a longstanding tradition, former students now find themselves watching their own third graders reenact Wilder’s beloved stories. The Little House play is a culmination of a multiple-week study of Wilder’s first book in the series, “Little House in the Big Woods.”
Beatrix Potter Tea Party Beatrix Potter Tea Parties have been a part of Jackson Academy traditions for more than 30 years. The Preschool Library is transformed into an English garden decorated with characters and objects directly from “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.” The exhilarated Raiders can’t believe their library has turned into the story as they gaze around them, enjoy tea and cookies, and recite lines from the story as the librarian reads it to them.
Little Dribblers Little Dribblers has been a JA tradition since 1984. Second grade students practice basketball-handling skills in P.E. in preparation for a basketball game’s halftime performance. While it may seem like a game in P.E., students are working on fine motor skills, sequencing skills, self-confidence, and teamwork.
Community Helper Week Community Helper Week is such a fun week in the Preschool. Jackson Fire and Police Departments, along with on-campus community helpers, visit the Preschool to share with students more about their jobs. To commence the week full of learning and showing appreciation to community helpers, Preschool students dress up as their favorite community helpers to parade around the school.
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New Middle School Building Opens for School Year For the 2023-2024 school year, Jackson Academy completed a new Middle School expansion that is part of a multi-phase facilities master plan. The new building was dedicated on October 5.
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The construction added six new Middle School classrooms to the north side of the current Middle School building. The expansion allowed for relocating current classes into new square footage and redesigning the original classrooms for lower grades and special subjects. It made space for JA’s new K2 program. The building for K2 was reconfigured this summer 32 TRUE BLUE
and includes an outdoor playground dedicated to this particular grade. Science labs in JA’s Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools underwent remodeling and upgrades this summer. The Lower School STEM lab relocated and expanded. Across campus, the realignment of divisional offices has provided better accessibility for the parent body. Upgrades included
multiple landscaped outdoor spaces and common areas for student activities and breaks. The Investing in Our Future capital campaign continues building funds to support the multi-phase facilities master plan. A new Upper School building and a student life facility are envisioned for future years as the master plan phases are implemented.
Capital Campaign Donor List Ashley and John Adcock Susannah and Cameron ’04 Albriton Angie and Brad Antici Catherine and Peter Arnold Cindy and Mike Bailey Ashley ’94 and Gabe Baldwin Dee Ball Marsha and Haley Barbour Annie Laurie and David ’05 Barrett Amy and Cliff Bates Stacy ’89 and Chris Bates Beth and Jonathan Blackwell Lana and Guy ’95 Boyll Kirsten and Rex Bradshaw Lauren and Maury ’98 Breazeale Janna and Brian Breland Debbie and Mike Brister Ashley and Joseph Bronzi Marie and Josh Brooks Bronwyn ’83 and Chris Burford Leah and Darin Busby Amy and Bill Bush Courtney ’95 and Jason Bush Frances and John ’06 Bussey Leigh ’89 and George Butler Ann and Rick Calhoon Ann Boswell Carlson ’03 Wanda Carmichael Catherine and Jon Carter Bonnie and Jim Chapman Nancy and William Cheney Katie and Jamie ’92 Chustz Lamar Chustz Mysti ’96 and Philip ’96 Chustz Cori and Jay Ciaccio Sarah Clark ’00 Amanda and Trey ’02 Clark Patty and Don Clark Holly and Webb Collums Claudia and Dennis Conklin Abbie and Sam Cox Amanda and Myles Cross Nan Dear Lindsay ’94 and Dodds ’92 Dehmer Melissa and Josh Denson Courtney and Walt Denton Ali and John ’84 Dinkins Dawn Duncombe Lea and Cal Easley Carrie Ann and Wilson Eatherly Janis and Richard Edmonson Jennifer and McKie ’94 Edmonson Lee Ann ’88 and Mike Elinski Susan Elliott Gail and John England
Harriett and Mark Eppes Cyndi ’92 and Bryan Eubank Ashlee and Ed Flechas Rebecca and Parker Fowler Patricia and Lane Frazier Mallory and Ryan Gnemi Stefanie and Alan Grant Lee Ann and Brad Griffin Katrice and Jeff Hadley Price and Robert Halford Jennifer and Rowland Hall Angie ’96 and Neil Haraway Carny and Mike Harkins Debra and Paul Hastings Mimi and Andrew ’07 Heard Amy and Robert ’90 Hederman Jane and Robert Hederman Avery Hederman ’19 Josh Hinkle ’15 Jane and Mark Hinkle Gloria and Stephen Hirn Neely Holland Susan Ingram Paula and Randy James Hillary ’00 and Chesley ’99 James Abby and Benjamin ’04 James Lindsey and Matt ’95 James Pat and Peter Jernberg Krysten ’06 and Jay Jernigan ’06 Lisa and Michael ’92 Johnson Michelle and Greg ’91 Johnston Colleen Jones Brandon and Foster ’98 Kennedy Robin and Ed Kennedy Karen and Palmer Kennedy Betsy King Lynn Ladner Janna and Will ’03 Lampton Lauren and Reid ’94 Lester Laurie and Donald Lewis Stancie Ley Sarah Love Jessica and Jeffrey ’96 Lohmeier Hayley and John Lundy Cynthia ’89 and Tim Mahaffey Stephanie ’00 and Collin Maley Kristin and Patrick Malouf Jennifer and Chris ’93 Mathison Rosanne and Joe Maxwell Evan McCarley Corinne and John McCormick Sandra and Mike McKay Beth and Tim McWilliams Liz ’93 and Kerk Mehrle April and Jimmy Messer
Jennifer and Robert Miller Joy Miller Lauren and Nick Miller Michelle and Bob Mills Jeanne and Paul Moak Mary Clay and Matt Morgan Lynda Morse Beth Murray Suzanne ’91 and John ’83 Murray Jan ’89 and Wen Nance Kristen ’95 and Lee ’93 Nations Erin and Max ’06 Neely Tanya Newkirk Wanda and Randy Pearcy Lulu and Scott ’90 Pedigo Sandy and Charlie Penick Genny ’05 and Logan ’98 Phillips Sydney and Christian Pinnen Spencer Jones Pittman Paula and Paul Pratt Linda and Gus Purviance Elizabeth ’99 and Percy Quinn Mandy and Brad ’97 Reeves Christy and Chris Richardson Colleen and Stan Roberts Mandy and Ray Robertson Bronwyn and Danny Robertson Castlen and Mitchell Rogers Ronnie Rogers Megan Aaron Samuels Kerri and Michael Sanders Jeanne ’93 and John ’92 Scarbrough Scarlet and Darrington Seward Tina Shaw Grace Simmons Caroline and Kirk ’02 Sims Geri Beth and Allen Smith Nancy and Jerry Smith Mary Elizabeth and J. George Smith
Lori Snider Jan Sojourner Sissy and Greg Spence Liz and Art Spratlin Mandi and Bob Stanley Cathy Strauss Brenda and Richard Sullivan Bebe and John Sumner Nancy and David Sykes Shay and Rob Tatum Charlotte ’06 and Jeremy Taylor Mamie and Zach Taylor Lee Ann and Calvin ’94 Thigpen Suzanne and Tate ’88 Thigpen Rachel and Walt Towery Meredith ’89 and Joel Travelstead Sandra ’09 and Rob Triplett Chris and Sharon Tucker Ana and Patrick Tucker Pam and Jon Turner Patti Wade Jennifer and Brandt Walker Meri Scott and Hank ’09 Waterer Lynn and Ben Watson Susan and Walter Weems Brittany and Eddie ’03 Wettach Eleanor Wettach Susan and Alan Whitfield LaDonna and Steve Whitney Bonnie and Gray Wiggers Beth and Greg Williamson Kelly ’02 and Louis Wilkinson Audrey and Jim Wilkirson Mary Carolyn ’95 and Brad Williams Ashley ’87 and Mark Willson Patrice and John Worley Jamie and Ellis Wright Campaign donors listed as of May 31, 2023
In the lobby of the new Middle School building are (from left, back) Clay Chustz and Middle School Counselor Erin Neely, and (front) Gia Jackson and Slates Veazey.
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News & Stories
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Apple Executives Observe Teaching and Learning at JA Worldwide Program Manager of Apple Distinguished Schools Dr. Bill Ziegler, and other Apple Inc. representatives, met Jackson Academy students, faculty, and staff on January 25 to observe how the school has successfully incorporated Apple technology into teaching and learning. JA’s Tech Team coordinated the visit after learning about Apple’s interest in seeing JA’s approach more in-depth. JA is in its tenth year as an Apple Distinguished School, a designation that requires extensive submission of evidence of exceptional teaching and learning using technology. Apple representatives heard directly from students about how they benefited from technology that provides new ways of learning and supports tried and true methods inherent at JA. Dev Sharma ’23 described his role as a student worker in the Tech Center, detailing how he helps students and teachers troubleshoot and solve any challenges with their devices. Jeffery Gao ’23 and student newspaper advisor Sara Bannerman detailed how a new digital format for the
by Samuel Long ’23 and Walker Lake ’23 about their active broadcast roles.
comfort zones and learn through adventures outside the classroom.
In the Learning Commons, representatives heard from Library Media Specialist Bronwyn Burford about efforts to teach students to be wise and responsible consumers of digital content. SOAR Director Dean Arnold described the school’s outdoor program that challenges students to step beyond their
Former Head of Lower School Sarah Love talked about the importance of gender-based math in fourth grade. Third graders demonstrated coding in a STEM lab. Lower School students used a Hoberman sphere to show how mindfulness breathing supports social and emotional health.
(Above) Taking part in the Jackson Academy tour during the Apple Distinguished School visit at Jackson Academy are, from left, JA Chief Technology and Strategy Officer Eddie Wettach, Worldwide Program Manager of Apple Distinguished Schools Dr. Bill Ziegler, Samuel Long ’23, JA Sports Information Director Bryan Eubank, JA Apple Systems Administrator Lori Snider, JA Head of School Palmer Kennedy, Apple Education Leadership Manager Jay Matheson, Ed.D., Apple K-12 Leadership Executive Robert Garrett, JA Technology and Creative Services Josh Hinkle, and JA Tech Center Administrator Elaine Low.
“JA Chronicle” newspaper benefits the environment and the school. Apple representatives visited classrooms, the Performing Arts Center, and the Raider Network truck, which is the central command post for students and staff who provide live coverage of JA athletic contests and school programs and events. There, they heard accounts TRUE BLUE 35
News & Stories
Divisions Realign and Offer Additional Grade For the 2023-2024 school year, Jackson Academy realigned its four academic divisions slightly. The most notable changes added a program for 2-year-olds and included fifth grade in the Lower School division. The construction of a new 8,000 square foot Middle School addition provided six additional classrooms, allowing for the reallocation and renovation of existing space to meet the growing needs of each area.
K3-K4 Sandra Triplett, B.A., M.Ed.
PRESCHOOL K2 Program Katrice Hadley, B.A., M.Ed. JA is offering a K2 program that is an extension of the current K3-K4 curriculum. True to JA’s mission statement of equipping every child to lead a life of purpose and significance, this early childhood experience will parallel all of JA’s current educational and spiritual programming to prepare students for their next step at JA. Alongside Preschool Director Sandra Triplett and Head of Lower School Marcy McDonald, former first grade teacher Katrice Hadley will aptly lead the K2 program. Hadley has long been involved in and a proponent of early childhood education. Although this program will be under the licensing guidelines of the State of Mississippi Department of Health, families with students enrolled in this program will have not only the best possible care but also the comfort of knowing their child will be prepared for the next steps in their educational journey. Led by qualified teachers and assistants, JA’s K2 program is for full time students. It is offered from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and has limited classroom enrollment. Balanced nutritional meals and snacks are included in the tuition. Holidays will follow school calendar guidelines. 36 TRUE BLUE
JA will continue to offer the soughtafter preschool program that has become a signature part of the school’s curriculum. Leading JA’s Preschool is Sandra England Triplett ’09, who joined JA in 2014 as a Lower School teacher. During the last two years, Triplett has served as assistant to the head of Lower School and now serves as Preschool director. JA’s Preschool gives young learners a superior start. The academic exploration and play in the JA Preschool years instill in children the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Through personal attention and a thoughtful academic curriculum, certified teachers stimulate the intellectual, creative, social, emotional, and physical growth of preschool students. In the end, children develop an excellent jump-start in reading, writing, listening, and speaking — all in an environment where children feel cared for and safe.
LOWER SCHOOL K5-5th Grades Marcy Rall, B.S., M.S., M.Ed. Marcy Rall comes to JA with experience in the classroom and curriculum development. As an elementary math curriculum specialist for Rankin County School District, she spent five years leading professional development and supporting teachers and administrators with kindergarten through sixth-grade math curriculum. In the Clinton Public Schools, she taught fourth grade for ten years and was active in school committees, spearheading fundraisers and events. She is filling the role previously held by Head of Lower School Sarah Love, who retired at the end of the academic year.
UPPER SCHOOL 9th-12th Grades Brandi Richardson, B.A., M.A.
JA’s excellent elementary-age instruction started 65 years ago to teach reading by phonics. Today’s Lower School builds on a strong reading core and immerses children in exploration with math manipulatives, STEM lab, digital presentations, and field trips. A lot of learning goes on in the Lower School, and that learning is enhanced by a significant focus on community. At the end of Lower School, children have the confidence and independence to take on the greater responsibilities of Middle School.
MIDDLE SCHOOL 6th-8th Grades Matt Morgan, B.A., M.B.A., M.Ed. Matt Morgan has a dual role, serving as head of Middle School while continuing as associate head of school and academic dean. Morgan also began as a teacher and has served in numerous roles at JA throughout the years, including working as an assistant to former Head of Lower School Sarah Love. His experience at JA spans all divisions, giving him perspective on the development of the entire student body. The Middle School years can be exciting and sometimes challenging for students and parents. It is a time of growth and uncertainty and learning to navigate new privileges, opportunities, and challenges as children leave Lower School and become more autonomous in their learning experience. Building upon the work of the Lower School, students discover and flourish in their environment. There is greater independence in the Middle School, but there are also greater expectations on behavior and commitment.
Brandi Richardson joined JA as head of Upper School beginning with the 2021-22 school year after serving as the upper school director at Cottage Hill Christian Academy for four years. From Grand Bay, Alabama, Richardson began her education career teaching AP History and Spanish at St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Mobile. She also served as department chair at St. Luke’s for three years. Additionally, she instructed courses in world and U.S. History at Coastal Alabama Community College. A strong core of English, math, history, and science provides the footing for Jackson Academy students as they explore opportunities and hone interests throughout Upper School. Electives encompassing everything from Latin to sports broadcasting, bolstered by honors, Advanced Placement, and dual enrollment options, give students ways to test the waters as they envision college and beyond. In addition to academics, JA clubs, activities, events, service opportunities, and fellowship options that are too numerous to list enrich the whirlwind four years of Upper School. Honors and Advanced Placement courses as well as Academic Resource Center (ARC) availability assist each student in reaching his or her individual potential in preparation for the college admission process and college years. The Upper School experience provides career exploration and self discovery through our unique and strategic partnership with NexTest Advantage. As students grow into their own, the supportive JA community keeps an eye on their futures, giving guidance as they explore their world and achieve their dreams.
Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students have the opportunity to explore new extracurricular activities and elective courses. This year, Middle School students and teachers have six new classrooms. Middle School offices, also in the new building, are more accessible to parents. TRUE BLUE 37
News & Stories
JA Named Best Private School Jackson Academy was named Best Private School 2022 and Best in four additional categories in the Clarion Ledger’s annual poll to discover Mississippians’ most admired businesses, organizations, people, and events.
Best Private School
Participants selected JA as the Best Private School three out of the past four years. Head of School Palmer Kennedy said he believes the school’s mission plays a large role in this recognition. “All facets of a JA experience – academics, athletics, the arts, or a variety of other co-curricular programs – are student-centered and mission-driven,” Kennedy said. “Our mission and culture are advanced by a superior and committed faculty and staff, parents, Board of Trustees, and of course, students. We remain deeply grateful for the efforts of all individuals who work to create an exceptional experience for students.”
Best Place to Work
JA has been named Best Place to Work for four out of the past five years. The 38-acre campus has been described as one of the finest school environments among the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools. While location and facilities are important, the heart of a school is made up of qualified teachers who know students individually and care about them personally. Southern Association of Independent School surveys say our faculty do just that. The 200 members of JA’s faculty and staff serve more than 1,250 students in K2 through twelfth grade.
Best Venue, Event, and Announcer
JA also has repeated the awards Best Live Performance Venue for the JA Performing Arts Center, Best Festival/Event for the JA Carnival, and Best TV/Radio Personality for Voice of the Raiders, Bryan Eubank. In the JA PAC, students gain an experience that mirrors a professional company, said Director of Performing Arts Kerri Sanders. The PAC also welcomes many outside events by community organizations. The JA Carnival is a tradition passed down from family to family. This community event offers carnival rides, an amazing costume contest, multiple food options, a pumpkin decorating contest, and much more. Chosen as Best TV/Radio Personality, Bryan Eubank has more than 2,000 JA games called and is a recognized voice at JA and beyond. He spends hours in preparation to bring entertaining, professional sports coverage to Raider fans.
clarionledger.com
WINNER Best Teacher Finalists
Kindergarten Teacher Bebe Sumner and Upper School Science Teacher Richard West were selected as finalists in the Best Teacher category. Sumner, who completed 11 years of service as a JA teacher and retired at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, said the high point of her day was circle time, where she and her students had a devotional and prayer. West has been teaching at JA for six years. A highlight of teaching for him is when he sees students push hard to understand a difficult concept and then finally get it.
Quiz Bowl Returns with Moxie Fast and exciting rounds of challenging academic questions typify a Quiz Bowl tournament. JA’s program resumed competition in 2022-2023, earning championship wins at multiple events and competing with public and independent schools. “I am thrilled that Quiz Bowl has returned to JA after a pause during the pandemic,” said Head of Upper School Brandi Richardson. “Participating in Quiz Bowl is a fun 38 TRUE BLUE
JA Retirements Acknowledged Each year, Jackson Academy celebrates those whose years of influence will remain part of the texture of the school. This spring was no different, as JA bid farewell to Head of Lower School Sarah Love and several teachers and staff concluding their careers in retirement. On Wednesday, April 5, many friends and family met in the Performing Arts Center to honor Sarah Love. Love’s three children traveled to the event to show their support for the dedication their mother demonstrated through her 21 years at Jackson Academy. Faculty and staff shared personal stories with Love about her influence at Jackson Academy over the years. Many retired and former faculty and staff members returned to wish Love the best. A photo collage book with images spanning the years of Love’s tenure sat at the reception table so attendees could write messages. Faculty from the Lower School presented gifts, including a collection of letters penned by members of the JA community.
Love recalled her years at Jackson Academy, noting the many teachers, administrators, and staff she has worked with who have played a part in the success of JA and the Lower School and Preschool. At the program’s close, current Head of School Palmer Kennedy offered a prayer for Love and made a request: He asked Love to finalize a school prayer she had started writing for JA. In addition to her influence on students and the school for the past 21 years,
Kennedy could think of no better way for her to leave a lasting mark on JA. Retiring teachers and staff were acknowledged at various events by their divisions. Ana Tucker, Bebe Sumner, Brenda Sullivan, and Susan Whitfield retired from Lower School. Retiring in Middle School was Rosanne Maxwell. Laurie Lewis retired from the business office. JA is grateful for the many years of dedicated service provided by retiring employees.
JA’s President Emeritus Peter Jernberg, Board of Trustees Chair Robert Hederman, current Head of School Palmer Kennedy, Head of Preschool Sandra Triplett, and Head of Middle School Matt Morgan presented various program elements.
way to showcase students’ expansive knowledge. Though Quiz Bowl certainly has strategy involved, it is basically a really fast version of trivia! Students compete in various tournaments, and occasionally the tournaments offer scholarships for individual high scorers. I am eager to watch our Quiz Bowl program develop and continue to compete in competitions.” Theresa Berman, JA’s Quiz Bowl sponsor, said students gain confidence in their knowledge of a wide range of topics as they represent their school. They also develop teamwork. “It has been a joy to see our team’s camaraderie and enthusiasm for engaging in friendly competition with teens from other schools,” she said. JA invites eleventh and twelfth-grade students with at least an 85 average to attend practice rounds from which four teammates and alternates are selected based on
participation and performance. JA’s 2022-2023 team consisted of senior Dev Sharma, senior Jeffrey Gao, senior Bailey Berry, junior Anna Payton Parker, junior Gautam Ray (captain), and senior Josh Watson. (not pictured: junior Blair Wilson) One of the tournaments, the Mississippi College Academic Competition, awarded scholarships to the four teams that reached the semi-finals. JA advanced to the semi-finals and won the competition. Still motivated after graduation, the Quiz Bowl team kicked off summer by participating in the National Academic Quiz Tournaments, LLC (NAQT) national championship in Atlanta. The Raiders competed in 10 rounds of competition in two days. The team qualified for the invitation-only tournament with its outstanding performance earlier this year in local and state tournaments. TRUE BLUE 39
News & Stories inaugural recipient was Phillip Bowman ’86, followed by Calvin Thigpen, M.D. ’94, and Meredith Travelstead, M.D. 1989. The recipient makes a presentation to the senior class at its annual awards night dinner. Willson spoke on April 24 at The South in Jackson. She and her husband, Mark, have three children, all JA graduates. Although her children have moved on to college and adult life, Willson is still very involved behind the scenes, ensuring JA’s continued success. She volunteers in various school areas regularly.
Ashley Willson pictured with Jim Wilkirson, Chief Advancement Officer for JA
Alumni Award Recipient Models Dedication to JA Jackson Academy presents the Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award to an individual who is leading a life of purpose and significance through professional achievement, service to the community, or loyalty to JA. Eligible nominees are JA graduates who have been an alumna or alumnus for at least 10 years before being nominated. JA awarded the 2022-2023 Distinguished Alumni Award to Ashley Edmonson Willson ’87. Willson is a Jackson-based partner with the national healthcare division of KPMG LLP. She serves as the Jackson office managing partner. She also represents the Jackson office as partner leader on the MidSouth Business Unit Operations Committee. She maintains active memberships 40 TRUE BLUE
in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Willson is the fourth recipient of the award, first given in 2020. JA’s
While juggling a very demanding career and motherhood, her service to JA remained exceptional and is one of the factors that influenced her nominator and the selection committee. “While her three children were students, Ashley Willson practically lived at Jackson Academy,” wrote her nominator. “She would volunteer wherever and whenever needed, whether it meant popping popcorn in the basketball concession stand or serving Dray’s, Turner’s, and Annalee’s graduating classes in senior class treasurer and grade chair roles, coordinating everything from senior trip details to treat days and Grad Night for each of them.” Willson is a past chairperson of the JA Board of Trustees and one of the school’s longest-serving board members. During 20062019, she held roles as chairperson, treasurer, and finance committee chair. “Perhaps her most significant investment in the JA community is found in her years of serving on the board of trustees, culminating with her willingness to serve as chair. Our trustees are charged with making big decisions on behalf of the school, and she served during a time that saw changes in leadership and other significant advancements,” her nominator noted.
BE SOMEONE TO LOOK UP TO At Jackson Academy, our students achieve beyond what they imagined was possible. Last year, you helped us reach 2,673 gifts totaling $557,624 for the JA Annual Fund. The JA Annual Fund helped us cover diverse discretionary costs to support a wide range of improvements in our athletic programming and training facilities, classroom upgrades throughout all school divisions, wayfinding signage throughout campus, and enhanced outdoor areas for classroom and school activities across campus. Not a day goes by that students and teachers are not impacted by gifts from our parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, and friends. SCAN TO GIVE through jacksonacademy.org or Venmo today!
Athletics
STRENGTH and CONDITIONING Coaches Work Toward Overall Performance Jackson Academy added two full-time strength and conditioning coaches to the staff in the 2022-2023 school year. A robust strength and conditioning program impacts athletes’ overall fitness, increases performance, and guards against injury. Participation in strength and conditioning also leads to healthier lifestyles and boosts confidence. Strength and conditioning coaches oversee JA’s program throughout the academic year and the summer without coaching any sport, giving their undivided attention to developing each athlete. They work with students from seventh grade up. Most of these students participate in a sports program, but many join as part of physical education classes. Head Strength and Conditioning Coach 42 TRUE BLUE
Michael Brinson is a Jackson native, having played high school football at University Christian. After high school, Brinson played football at the University of Southern Mississippi and later served as a graduate assistant strength coach and then a full-time coach at USM. A certified strength and conditioning specialist, he has also served on the strength staff at the University of Kansas, Liberty University, and most recently at the
University of Missouri. Time at those colleges was followed by a role at Fort Bragg, training the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. From an early age, Brinson wanted to focus his career on strength and conditioning. He pursued an undergraduate degree in exercise science and a master’s in sports management. He said the program he teaches at JA was formulated and refined throughout many
years as Brinson applied it to his training and the athletes he worked with in college settings. Working with Brinson is Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Case Cook. Originally from Georgia, Cook is a certified strength and conditioning specialist who was a four-year starter at the University of Missouri. He was SEC Player of the Week in 2020 and Preseason All-SEC in 2021. Cook was an SEC Leadership
Council representative. He completed a bachelor’s degree in agricultural and educational leadership. Before joining JA, he spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs and held internships with the athletic departments of the University of Missouri and the University of Wyoming. Brinson says there are four main objectives in the strength and conditioning program at JA: 1. Mastery of movement The program helps students hone fundamental movement patterns such as sprinting, jumping, multidirectional speed, and proper lifting technique. 2. Durability The program helps keep athletes healthy by enhancing their physical condition and working to reduce injuries. In this category, coaches seek to control the controllable factors that maintain health. The program looks to help reduce injuries by improving durability. This is accomplished by increasing overall work capacity and maximizing recovery.
3. Improved body composition Increasing lean muscle mass and reducing body fat will not only improve athletic performance but increase confidence in the student athlete. 4. Discipline Kids who love the training process see results of hard work and discipline. Working with boys and girls across multiple age groups requires attention to detail. Coach Brinson and Coach Cook offer a program that values consistency in its fundamental design but that takes into account the age-appropriate volume, maturity level, and personality of the student groups being trained. Since students are involved in athletics at JA and off campus, the strength coaches also consider the possibility of overuse. “Kids do so much,” Brinson said, noting that many are involved in multiple JA sports or activities and travel ball. On the other hand, he is particularly pleased with the accomplishments of students who do not play sports but make great strides in strength and
Michael Brinson and Case Cook
conditioning as part of the Middle School physical education program.
throughout the year and encourage an appropriate diet for training.
He also enjoys teaching students how nutrition, sleep, and hydration affect health and performance. In the summer, the coaches make special presentations that address these issues. They regularly discuss nutrition and hydration with students during the school year to remind the athletes of their importance. They require students to bring water to sessions
Brinson admits that students were a bit shellshocked initially with the discipline and structure required in strength and conditioning, but they have grown into it. “They have done a good job of buying into the program,” he said, noting that JA students are committed to getting results from their efforts. “I’ve learned as much from them as they’ve learned from me.”
WHAT PARENTS CAN EXPECT FROM STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING: Ķ Expect staff to be prepared and always have
Ķ Expect that staff will keep your student safe. We
Ķ Expect changes in your student: as they grow
Ķ Expect hard work. Students will say that
students’ best interests at heart.
faster, stronger, and bigger, an increased grocery bill may result. We want to see them succeed.
take it very seriously when they are in our care. strength and conditioning is hard, and it is. It may be more challenging than anything they have ever experienced.
TRUE BLUE 43
Athletics
Senior Wins Fifth State Title
Leads Tennis Team To Eighth Consecutive Championship Emily Buchanan was in the third grade when Jackson Academy last lost a MAIS Class 6A state championship. Let that sink in. Emily - who just graduated from JA after winning her fifth state title before heading to play college tennis at Dallas Baptist University - led the Lady Raiders to their eighth consecutive state crown this spring, not counting the pandemic year of 2020. She defeated Hartfield Academy’s Kylie Elliott 6-1, 6-1 to win the No. 1 singles title this spring. Ranked No. 1 in Mississippi, No. 44 44 TRUE BLUE
in the South, and No. 362 in the country in the girls 18s singles by the United States Tennis Association, Emily finished her high school career without losing a singles match. She started playing on the varsity as a sixth grader and made the starting lineup as a seventh grader, winning a state title every year except for 2020, due to COVID-19. Emily’s teammates helped win the team title.
Seventh-grader Gloria Helen Scott finished second in No. 2 singles, juniors Landry Lester and Mary Hampton Walker finished second in No. 2 doubles and seventh-grader Carolina Walker and freshman Cam Walker finished second in mixed doubles. Mary Rebecca Barry Jeffries ’01, a former six-time state singles champion at JA who played college tennis at the University of Missouri, just finished her second year as head coach at JA. She is also a teaching pro
at Parham Bridges Tennis Center in northeast Jackson. Colleen Roberts, now at Starkville Academy, coached the team to the first six state titles. Ronnie Rogers has been an assistant coach on all eight state title teams. Also coaching with Jeffries and Rogers are area tennis coach Chicho Chaves and Dean Arnold, director of JA’s SOAR outdoor program. “I think we really came together this year as a team, and I think that contributed to our success,”
“ Jeffries said. “I am also very lucky to have many talented athletes on my team. These kids work very hard and put in time on the court outside of team practice. I had five seniors this year, three on the varsity, and I think that also helps motivate the whole team for the win.”
e started winning matches W when we worked together and encouraged one another.
“I thought our team chemistry improved immensely from the beginning of the season to the end,” Emily said. “We started winning matches when we worked together and encouraged one another. Overall, I thought it was a very successful season, and I’m
sad to leave such a great program, my team, and my coaches.”
junior and was expected to be one of the top players in the MAIS her senior season.
The daughter of Niles and Nicole Buchanan, Emily was named the MVP this season and received the Raider Award twice and the Anthony Kalantzis Memorial Award once.
Emily decided to concentrate on her tennis game in her senior year and not play basketball.
She played basketball at JA until senior year. She was a member of the MAIS Class 6A state basketball championship team in 2021. Emily set a school record with six 3-pointers against Hernando as a
“At the beginning of the school year, Emily told me she wanted to focus on tennis in order to receive a college scholarship,” Jeffries said. “I am so proud of her for putting in the hard work and achieving her goal. I am excited to see what the future holds for her.” TRUE BLUE 45
Athletics
Raider Nation, A
s we advance into the fall sports season, we want to take a moment to celebrate and encourage the values that make us true Raiders: JA pride, leadership, and respect for our athletics. Our school, our teams, and our shared experiences unite us in a common purpose—to inspire and lead a life of purpose and significance. JA pride runs through our veins, fueling our commitment to being the best versions of ourselves both on and off the field. Leadership is a quality that defines a true Raider. It goes beyond captaining a team or holding a position of authority. Leadership is about setting an example, inspiring others, and pushing boundaries to achieve greatness. Each one of us has the capacity to be a leader, regardless of our age or role. Whether it’s supporting a teammate, lending a helping hand, or demonstrating unwavering dedication, our actions speak volumes. Let us embrace the responsibility that comes with being a leader and lead with integrity, humility, and compassion. Our athletic pursuits serve as a testament to our character. They teach us the importance of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. In competition, we learn how to navigate both victory and defeat with grace and sportsmanship. Our respect for the game, our opponents, and ourselves is paramount. Let us remember that true champions are not only measured by their wins but also by the respect they show to others along the journey.
To be a Raider means more than donning the school colors. It means embracing the values that define us and striving to leave our mark on the community. It means supporting one another, celebrating each other’s achievements, and standing together as one. As we step onto the fields, courts, tracks, stages, and into the classroom, let us remember that our actions ripple through the entire JA community. Our accomplishments inspire those who will follow in our footsteps, just as we are inspired by those who came before us. Together, we form an unbreakable chain of Raiders, united by our shared commitment to greatness. Go Raiders! Sincerely,
Aubrey Blackwell Athletic Director of Enrichment
46 TRUE BLUE
Brandt Walker Athletic Director of Operations
2022-2023 Athletic Signings Jackson Academy held college signing events for six Raiders and Lady Raiders who intend to continue their athletic careers. At signings, students are surrounded by teammates, coaches, family members, faculty, fellow students, and media members as they sign for college scholarships.
Kam Beverly Basketball | Pearl River Community College
Emily Buchanan Tennis | Dallas Baptist University
Addison Comer Soccer | Georgia Southern University
Mary Grace Foster Volleyball | Mississippi College
Lakin Laurendine Volleyball | Auburn University
Addi Roberts Soccer | Holmes Community College TRUE BLUE 47
Athletics
Archery 6A North State Champions The archery team had an active 2022-2023 season, winning the 6A North State Tournament in Oxford. The win qualified the JA team to head to the AIMS State Championship at the Kirk Fordice Center at the State Fairgrounds in Jackson in April. The team was formed in the 20142015 school year. Team members participate in the 6A division in a program called Archery in Mississippi Schools (AIMS) and had four meets with local schools. Students from 48 TRUE BLUE
sixth through twelfth grades participate in archery.
Archery team members include Gemma Andrews, Caitlyn Brown, Caden Callison, Morgan Cheatham, Reese Hill, Breck Hines, Michael Holly, Aaron Howard, Lewis Huff, Josie Huff,
Archery is considered one of the fastest growing sports nationally and in Mississippi according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks’ website. More than 5,000 student archers compete annually in the AIMS State Championships. Mississippi students also rank at the highest levels in both National and International Archery competitions every year, the site says.
Caden Jones, Amanda Lewis, Adi Mehta, Ella McLendon, Colton Ogden, Brandon Parker, Ann Marie Penick, Andrew Provias, Clayton Purcell, Logan Rohman, Wyatt Rohman, Cayden Shorter, Adonis Terry, Julia Thompson, Charlie Voyles, and Alexander Weems.
2022-2023 MAIS VARSITY ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS ACCENTS
Equestrian Team Continues to Advance Jackson Academy’s Equestrian Team has been successful throughout the school’s years of competition, winning champion and reserve champion titles on numerous occasions, as well as earning individual accomplishments. Following regular season shows this season, both Jackson Academy’s Upper and Middle School Equestrian Teams were qualified to compete in Regional competition in February at Reunion Farms in Madison. Seventh grader Ann Thomas Jacobs placed first in all three of her classes and earned highest points for her flat class in Regional competition,
a qualifying event to advance. She represented the Lady Raiders team at Zone finals in Atlanta. JA’s Middle School Team also qualified for Zone finals but didn’t have enough riders to participate as it was held over spring break. Patti Wright-Shoemaker coaches JA’s team and owns the barn, Winterview Farm, where the JA team rides and trains. JA started its equestrian team in the 2015-2016 school year. JA has 12 to 15 students each year who ride with the equestrian team. Students in grades five through twelve can participate.
Accents and Cheerleaders Perform in New York Huge audiences, watching from New York City streets or on network television, were able to see several JA Accents and varsity cheerleaders perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “It was definitely a little intimidating going into the performance because we were performing for such a large audience, but the crowd cheering us on really made me more excited than nervous,” said Accent Eliza Perkins ’23. In the days leading up to the performance, JA participants learned and practiced choreography with dancers and cheerleaders from across the nation.
State Champions (Kick Division)
BOYS TENNIS
State Runner Up
CHEER
State Champions (Tumbling Division) State Runner Up (Game Day Division)
GIRLS SOCCER
State Runner Up
GIRLS TENNIS
State Champions
GOLF
State Champions
MAIS SPIRIT COMPETITION
State Champions (Overall Winner)
MASCOT
State Champion
VOLLEYBALL
State Champions
TRUE BLUE 49
Athletics
Two-time Mississippi Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year Heads to Next Level Lakin Laurendine will be remembered as one of the most dominating athletes in Jackson Academy history. A talented volleyball player, Lakin was named the Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior and senior. The 6-foot-2 senior outside hitter and Auburn signee was a first-team AVCA All-American and named the National Volleyball Player of the Year by sblive.com. She led JA to its fourth straight MAIS state championship this past fall, a No. 1 ranking in Mississippi and No. 50 TRUE BLUE
26 in the nation by prepvolleyball.com, and No. 1 ranking in Mississippi and No. 9 in the South by USA Today. Lakin led the Lady Raiders to 51 consecutive wins against MAIS competition and 39 straight wins against Mississippi teams (MAIS and MHSAA). In the Class of 2023, Lakin was the No. 1 ranked recruit in Mississippi according to MaxPreps, rated as one of the Top 23 players in the country by volleyballrecruiter.com, and was ranked the No. 46 player in the country by
prepvolleyball.com. She had a Mississippi record 2,712 kills, 2,055 digs, 441 aces, 168 blocks, and 31 assists during her high school career. “Lakin has been successful over her whole career, and it was the best way to end her high school years (winning the Gatorade award),” JA coach Melissa Denson said. “She is very deserving of this award. Lakin is such a great athlete, teammate, and kid. Lakin wants the best for her team and school. She’s never made volleyball about herself
and truly loves to play and make others around her better. She’s been named All-American by every organization possible and has elevated the level of play in our state. Lakin loves working with children and teaching them about the game. It’s her way of giving back to the sport that’s given so much to her. This is a huge honor for my team. For Lakin to be considered for this award, her team also had to be successful. It’s a testimony to not only her, but all the hours and hard work our girls put in throughout the season. It’s also a
testimony to our school and our coaching staff. Without my assistants and our administrators who support and love on these girls, none of this would be possible.” Lakin’s mother, Shawna, is the volleyball coach at Mississippi College and her father, Tommy, is the running backs coach at the Naval Academy. “Winning the Gatorade Player of the Year has been such a huge honor,” Lakin said. “I am so beyond thankful I get to represent this state with such a special award. This past season with Jackson Academy volleyball has definitely been the most special. This team has pushed each other to be better on and off the court, which has helped me improve my game along with the ability to have fun
knowing my teammates always had my back.” “Lakin is such a force,” Denson said. “She’s a 6-rotation player that doesn’t make a ton of mistakes. Lakin wears teams down and finds a way to win. She improved her overall conditioning and strength this season. Lakin worked hard in the weight room with our strength coaches to make sure she was in top shape. She also worked on her mental game and played ‘free.’ She did not let the pressure get to her this year and enjoyed the ride.” Lakin chose Auburn over Mississippi State, Southern Miss, Missouri State, and Samford. “Going into my freshman year at Auburn, I am so excited to be a part of this awesome program
surrounded by an amazing and talented group of girls as well as coaches,” Lakin said. “I think Lakin will be a great contribution to Auburn,” Denson said. “There’s always a learning curve, but I know what she is capable of. I expect to see big things from her in the SEC and on the national level.” JA is one of two schools in the country to have the Mississippi Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year for the past four consecutive years. Parker Bracken, now playing beach volleyball at LSU, won the award two straight years before Lakin. “It is a testimony to the strength of our program and school,” Denson said. “I am so thankful for Jackson Academy and the standards they set for our student-athletes in the classroom and on the court. I can help these girls reach their goals on the court because of the dedication of our athletic department, administrators, teachers, and counselors. They not only show up to support them at games, but also push them to be their best on the court. JA is a true college prep school and holds our athletes accountable. I truly believe that we have had four consecutive players win it because of how invested our JA community is in our kids.” JA has won nine MAIS volleyball championships since starting its volleyball program in the 2011-12 school year.
Curt Knight
Conley Chinn
Parker Bracken
Emery Thigpen
Dakota Jordan
JA now has had nine Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year winners in the past 10 years. No school in Mississippi has had more in the past decade. In addition to Laurendine’s and Bracken’s two awards each, JA has won one more in volleyball (Conley Chinn 2015-2016), two in cross country (Curt Knight in 2013-2014 and 2014-2015) and one each in baseball (Dakota Jordan 2021-2022) and boys soccer (Emery Thigpen in 2020-2021). TRUE BLUE 51
Athletics
Coaches Foster Culture of Togetherness with New Intramural Programs Jackson Academy launched a pilot intramural athletic program for grades first through sixth in 2022-2023, beginning with soccer. Other sports are being added in 2023-2024. Student response to the first season was significant. “We had just over 140 students participating in the program and around 30 junior varsity and varsity soccer players coaching in the program,” said faculty member and Coach Brandon Richardson, who is assisted in intramural soccer by JA Coach Keelan Pajak. Coaches and athletic administrators are enthusiastic about the benefits of intramurals for students and the impact on school culture and spirit. Intramural programs focus on the fundamentals of each sport while building a solid foundation of understanding the game. Teamwork and sportsmanship receive emphasis. Coaches incorporate the pride of being a Raider at each practice and each scrimmage game. “In our community that places such a high regard for our valued family atmosphere, it drives a culture of togetherness when our athletic teams and coaches reach every age of our student 52 TRUE BLUE
population,” said Director of Athletic Enrichment Aubrey Blackwell. “For our coaches, it gives them the ability to know every age of students interested in their sport and allows them the ability to begin relationships and their belief systems. For our high school athletes, it gives them a chance to give back and help build a legacy throughout our program and school. For the student-athletes, an intramural program allows them to wear the school colors, start building a team, and start working on their individual skills.” This is Coach Richardson’s third school to start a youth development program and thirteenth year running one. “I have seen many benefits of the program, including building an athletic family from the Upper to the Lower School, strengthening of the program, and getting fans out to games. An intramural program allows those students who may not be able to participate outside of school to try a sport. It builds relationships among our younger and
older Raiders, allowing JV and varsity athletes to be mentors and role models to more youthful Raiders.” Coach Blackwell sees a strong tie between the new intramural programs and JA’s mission. “We will work hard to help our athletes find their purpose and to grow their God-given talents,” he said. “The importance of being a Raider is something that we all cherish, and we want to continue to find ways to raise the importance of our All For One creed. Beginning this program and the others moving forward will help start teaching our youth, allowing our coaches and athletes to invest in the lives of young Raiders and ensuring those Raiders get a
Brandon Richardson
chance to wear the school colors! We want our families to know and trust that as an athletic department we want to set the bar high and have an active role in the overall growth of our students to be the best version God intended them to be.”
Aubrey Blackwell
“
he importance of being a Raider is T something that we all cherish, and we want to continue to find ways to raise the importance of our All For One creed.”
TRUE BLUE 53
Athletics
Raider Network Student Gets SEC Network Experience Samuel Long ’23 answered an opportunity from SEC Network to serve as a crew member during his senior year at Jackson Academy. The JA Raider Network team member had just worked five MAIS Championship games the two previous nights. Mississippi State University had an 11 a.m. kickoff for the Saturday, November 19 football game, so Long started his day at 4:30 a.m. to make a 7 a.m. crew call in Starkville. Bennie Ashford, SEC Network’s senior associate athletic director/broadcast and live events, had contacted JA’s Josh Hinkle to discuss the Raider Network helping MSU broadcast an upcoming basketball game in Jackson for the SEC Network. During the discussion, the need for another replay operator for MSU’s Saturday football game came up, and thanks to that, Long was able to acquire the opportunity with SEC Network. He was up for the challenge when Hinkle gave him the call. “Samuel is an extremely hard worker and did a great job for us and MSU,” said Hinkle, who works in technology and creative services for JA and Raider Network. Long said the entire staff welcomed him upon his arrival. He met many of the MSU staff and the director and producer for the game, who were
“
J A has the best program for sports broadcasting that I have ever seen, and I am blessed to be a part of such an amazing group of people.”
flown in by ESPN. The replay machine he used for the game was brand new, and he was the first person to use it for a game. “The technical aspect of the broadcast was very similar to that of the Raider Network, as I was working on the same replay system I am used to every Friday night,” said Long. For Raider Network, Long typically put together highlight packages in 54 TRUE BLUE
addition to showing replays, but for the MSU football game, he was only responsible for three camera angles that were played back at the producer’s discretion. Because of the larger staff size, the stress level of the entire crew was lessened. “JA has the best program for sports broadcasting that I have ever seen, and I am blessed to be a part of such an amazing group of people,” Long said during his senior year.
Notable Moments from JA Athletes Sports writer Rick Cleveland has been covering the career of JA graduate Wilson Furr ’17. Cleveland’s column notes that Furr’s spot on the PGA’s Class AAA Korn Ferry Tour indicated that Furr “plays golf better than 99.99% of people who ever take up the sport. But it also means he is trying to perfect his game to an elite level where he can join that .01 percent that play for millions upon millions on the PGA Tour.” As of October 8, Furr joined that elite group. He will begin play on the PGA Tour in January at the Sony Open in Hawaii.
AJ Parker won the State Championship in the 100m dash his sophomore year with a time of 10.87 during the 20222023 MAIS Track and Field Championships. He is one of only a few in the state to run a Sub 11.
While Dakota Jordan ’22 was at Jackson Academy, he earned the Mississippi Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year. He broke JA baseball records with the highest batting average at .524, home runs at 16, RBI at 57, highest on-base percentage at .635, and slugging percentage at 1.181. Now the JA alumnus is shining at Mississippi State University. Jordan delivered a walk-off at an April MSUOle Miss baseball game. No. 42’s two-run single in the ninth inning, which clinched the 8-7 win for the Bulldogs, occurred on Jackie Robinson Day. The All-SEC Freshman team selection completed his first college season hitting second best on the team at .307. The USA Baseball Collegiate National Team chose Jordan for its summer 2023 training camp.
Selected Mississippi’s best high school volleyball player twice by earning Mississippi Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year honors, Parker Bracken ’21 plays beach volleyball at Louisiana State University. LSU notes that Bracken kicked off her college career with 14 wins in a row and went 23-20 in her freshman season. She was selected to the CCSE All-Freshman Team, earned CCSA Pair of the Week and AVCA National Pair of the Week with a teammate, and was named CCSA All-Tournament in her sophomore year.
JA freshman John Markow shot a 68 (-4) to win the individual state championship at The Country Club of Jackson. This is his third straight year to win the MAIS 6A individual title. The Raiders team won the MAIS golf championship for the second time in the last three years. Alumni news can be sent to Frances Bussey at fbussey@jacksonacademy.org. Student news can be sent to Patti Wade at pwade@jacksonacademy.org. TRUE BLUE 55
Arts
Arts Education Plays Essential Role Jackson Academy provides meaningful opportunities for K2 through twelfth grade students to discover and nurture their artistic potential, all within a vibrantly creative community.
Whether it is a first-class production in the 800-seat Performing Arts Center, a display of visual art in the PAC Gallery, or a rousing halftime performance, JA’s artistic student body finds ways to express their gifts. Talented and seasoned faculty members provide guidance and support. 56 TRUE BLUE
Encore Breaks Out JA show choirs have been claiming space in the show choir realm for years now, and this year, Encore added a new twist to its award-winning competition show. The theme called for performers to break out of a mansion in an escape room fashion. Thankfully, Encore members solved the puzzles and made it out just in time. Students prepared for months to develop this creative show format, working hard to master the music, choral techniques, and the challenging choreography required. With these experiences, students develop musical skills that last a lifetime.
Showtime Models Confidence While Upper School students in Encore focused on a figurative escape, Middle School Showtime performers were making themselves visible. JA’s awardwinning Showtime held a performance especially for Preschool and Lower School students, letting the younger Raiders see what confidence looks like on stage. Showtime is made up of sixth through eighth grade students, and Encore is open to ninth through twelfth grade. Students audition for both groups.
West Side Story Redux the PAC before the paint, wallpaper, and flooring were installed. The scripture is primarily in the choral music room, but it is also written throughout the building.
From the first steps of the mambo, cast members were challenged and thrilled with the 2022 production of “West Side Story.” The classic retelling of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” required vigorous choreography, dialect rehearsals, vocal training, educational sessions to introduce students to Puerto Rican culture, set building, and countless rehearsals. But as Director of Performing Arts Kerri Sanders pointed out, 2022 was not the first time that had been so.
In the fall of 2008, JA produced “West Side Story” in the Activities Building while the Performing Arts Center was under construction. To help celebrate this year’s production, 2008 participants returned to watch the 2022 show in a facility some of them had never performed in, but that they had helped support with hard work, fundraising, and prayer.
Current cast members were delighted to welcome the 2008 cast, hoping to meet the alumni who had played their characters. Zyon McDowell, the JA student who performed the role of Bernardo, met John Wright ’09, who portrayed Bernado in 2008.
The cast, crew, and parents of that era were permitted to write scripture on the concrete floors and studs of TRUE BLUE 57
Arts
Original Play Provides Unique Experience Viewing art can expand a person’s perspective, helping them think about something in a new way. JA’s competition play did just that. “We Shall By Morning,” written and directed by Director of Performing Arts Kerri Sanders, explored the life of Nellie Bly, an investigative journalist who, in 1887, exposed insufferable conditions for women in insane asylums by being admitted undercover as a patient. The play tells Nellie Bly’s story through the lens of two modern journalists and challenges audiences to search out ways to right the wrongs in the world around them. Students reenacted this story at Mississippi Theatre Association’s Dramafest and Statewide Festival where the play received Best Costume Design and Best Overall Theatrical Experience. Frannie Dean, Charlie Earl, Henley Nance, and Danielle Wallace were awarded All Star Cast honors, and Stella Allen was named Best Supporting Actress. Students repeated the performance at the International Thespian Society’s ThesCon. At Thescon, “We Shall By Morning” was named a Top 3 Chapter Select Outstanding Show. Bailey Berry and Henley Nance received All Star Cast honors. Bailey Berry ’23 commented earlier in the year about how history and theatre connect, allowing students to tell
compelling stories through performances. “It’s so nice to be able to learn about these different stories I otherwise wouldn’t learn about in the classroom,” she said. Recent JA plays and musicals, such as “West Side Story” and “We Shall by Morning,” allow students to translate stories with historical or cultural significance into performances to share with others. Professional filming of “We Shall By Morning” occurred March 3 in the JA PAC on campus. Thaxton Studios is producing an hour-long documentary on this original one-act play. The film will include the complete performance and interviews with Sanders and selected students about the origins and development of this thought-provoking production.
Kerri Sanders Named Director of Performing Arts Kerri Sanders has served JA for six years as the Director of Theatre Arts and has demonstrated her commitment to students and excellence in the classroom. Head of School Palmer Kennedy announced in the spring that Sanders has accepted the position of Director of Performing Arts. Kennedy said that in this role, she will work to enhance continuity in the arts programs across campus. Sanders will be engaged with our entire student body in developing talent and a love of music, dance, acting, singing, and all the backstage art it takes to make each of our performances possible, Kennedy said. Sanders is also pleased to announce new staff members in the arts area. 58 TRUE BLUE
Chris Lloyd joins the Performing Arts Center team this year as assistant technical director. Lloyd has worked for several years at Davaine Lighting and will lend his scenic design and construction skills to the choral music and theatre departments. Caroline Chris Lloyd Stewart is the
Miller Usry and Lucy Elfert
AC Lake, Caroline Johnston, Ann Cole Hammons, and Sophie McIntire
AP Art students paint Preschool Garden Wall
Using Hearts and Minds in Writing and Art JA writers and visual art students discover and nurture their artistic potential, expressing themselves through the opportunity to compete in the Scholastic Writing Competition and the Scholastic Visual Arts Competition. The statewide competitions receive hundreds of entries from across Mississippi.
Visual artists are also active in service, each year painting stems and leaves for the Preschool Garden Wall. K5 students then add their handprints to the stems to form the blooms, creating a lasting memory of their presence at JA. This is the fourth year that the garden has grown with the help of art students.
Lucy Elfert ’23 received Gold Key, multiple Silver Key, and Honorable Mention awards for five entries in poetry, personal essay and memoir, and dramatic script. Miller Usry’s short story received an honorable mention.
While a senior AP art student in JA Art Teacher Susan Ingram’s class, Ann Cole Hammons ’23 created a digital piece of artwork for the 4H organization. Ann Cole has been active in 4-H for many years, competing locally and nationally.
In visual arts, seven students claimed awards with Caroline Johnston and AC Lake earning Silver Keys, and Darbie Brewer, Sophie McIntire, Raygaen Hall, Ann Cole Hammons ’23, and Sam Roberts earning one or more honorable mentions.
new Lower School music teacher. Stewart recently graduated from Mississippi College with a bachelor’s degree in music education. Andrea Coleman is joining the faculty as Preschool music teacher. She earned a bachelor’s degree and Master of Music Education from Delta State University. Coleman has 17 years of teaching experience, most recently in Rankin County schools. She also served as the executive director of the Mississippi Music Educators Association from 1995 to 2019.
Caroline Stewart
Andrea Coleman
Students who are seeking to challenge themselves artistically may earn college credit while on JA’s campus by taking a college-level art appreciation course or an Advanced Placement Art course.
Emily Greene Joins Garrett Lindsey as Show Choir Leader In January, Emily Greene began her role as Middle School choral director. In addition to directing Showtime, the Middle School show choir, she assists with the Upper School show choir, Encore, Color Guard, and the school musical. Greene has served as a choreographer for middle school, high school, and college show choirs and an instructor of fifth and sixth-grade participants in Summer Show-Offs. While completing a Bachelor of Science in vocal music education from the University of Alabama, she performed with the university’s show choir, Resonance, and served as the group’s president in the 2019-2020 school year. “Emily Greene is a wonderful addition not only to the choral department but to the JA family,” said JA’s Director of Choral Music Garrett Lindsey. “Her energy, excitement, and passion, combined with her skill and expertise in music, make her stand out. I am very excited about the chance to work alongside her!” TRUE BLUE 59
Arts
Band Students Express Creative Sides Throughout the academic year, students develop their musical aptitudes and express themselves creatively through Jackson Academy’s band programs. Fifth and sixth graders join the Beginner Band, learning music and exploring which instrument fits them best. Seventh and eighth grade students participate in the Middle School Band, where they march with the JA Band in the fall, performing at football games and parades. Middle and Upper School Bands have both marching and concert seasons, with performances both semesters. Color Guard competes with the band and in competitions specifically for Color Guard. The groups also perform at events, such as pep rallies, morning carpool welcomes, and homecoming.
Color Guard Enjoys Winning Streak Costumes, movement, and flashes of color draw the audience’s attention to centerfield as the band sounds its first notes at halftime. The role of the Color Guard is central to a band’s overall impact, helping the musicians convey a story during each performance. Jackson Academy’s Color Guard has a long history of success, and recent years are no exception. Color Guard earned superior ratings and was the top Color Guard in its class each year during the last seven years, other than 2020 when no competitions were available due to COVID. JA Band Director Todd Taylor encourages students who are experienced or interested in dance to consider joining the Color Guard, which has a heavy dance influence within each routine. Students can combine Color Guard 60 TRUE BLUE
participation with other performing groups, such as Accents, or playing an instrument, such as the drumline, which is now under the instruction of Dominique Jones. “You can do multiple things and do Color Guard, too,” said former JA parent Nikki Williams, whose two daughters participated in Color Guard, with daughter Anna Claire being very active throughout her JA years. Williams said the Color Guard leaders make it work for students to be in Accents or other activities along with Color Guard.
From 2017-2022, Clare Grace Watts served as JA’s resident choreographer. Watts, a dance faculty member at Belhaven University who holds dance licensure in K-12, also wrote the choreography for the 2022 season’s field show. Victoria Lopez, a former student of Watts, directed the group that year, and Emily Greene is directing Color Guard this year. Before that time, the JA Color Guard enjoyed many accolades, competing as the JA Independent Winter Guard under the direction of Cammie Carter.
Jackson Academy Color Guard members have received college scholarships, traveled internationally with the Mississippi Lions AllState Band, and been a part of other state and national competitions, said former band parent and JA’s Director of After School Hope Burford. Burford said the experience was rewarding and enriching for her daughter, Caroline, who traveled to Germany/ Austria and Canada as part of the Lions Band Color Guard.
High Praise Earned Band members attended the MAIS State Band Clinic at Hinds Community College. Participants from all independent schools auditioned during the clinic, were placed in one of three bands, and performed a concert. Band Director Todd Taylor said the concert was by far the best that faculty members have heard at this event.
Spring Concert Showcases Talent
Danielle Wallace, Titus Taylor, and Lee Margaret Sykes with world-renowned composer Robert W. Smith
Parents Learn from Students
Jackson Academy’s bands and Color Guard members put together an end-of-the-year performance for JA, held May 2 in the Performing Arts Center. The program featured the Beginner Band, Middle School Band, Upper School Band, and Color Guard, as well as individual soloists.
Band Director Todd Taylor orchestrated a fun performance this past year where parents shadowed their students in a marching performance. Parents bravely picked up instruments and flags and quickly learned routines, keeping a close eye on their students for cues. One parent even tried the drummer’s gyroscope for a spin while attempting to play the drums. The gyroscope was introduced to audiences in the 2022-2023 marching band season. The parent shadowing activity thrilled band members and helped parents develop an even greater appreciation for the work their children put into the shows!
Orlando Performances Jackson Academy’s band and show choir performed in Orlando, Florida, during Spring Break. Encore performed at the Fame finals and won Most Original Selection and placed first runner-up. The JA band marched in the Universal Studios parade, playing great tunes, and receiving high praise.
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Students in Action
A Mission of Service
Each year, Jackson Academy students of all ages take part in service opportunities, not out of obligation or for school credit, but because serving others is at the core of the JA mission. During the 2022-2023 school year, student-led and school-initiated programs included fundraising and donation collection for local and national organizations, on-the-ground disaster recovery assistance, leadership for special observances, and multi-grade student collaborations focused on meeting direct needs in the community. 62 TRUE BLUE
Service Fair Prompts Students to Lead Lives of Purpose and Significance Part of JA’s mission statement is to inspire and equip each student to lead a life of purpose and significance. The Service Fair connects students with ways to volunteer and lend a hand to others. Students gathered in the PAC lobby in September to sign up for volunteer opportunities throughout the community.
Sixth Graders Promote Conservation through 4ocean Bracelets
Sixth graders supported the “4ocean movement” by selling bracelets made from recovered plastic from our oceans. 4ocean has recovered millions of plastic and harmful marine debris
since 2017. JA’s bracelets helped pull 67 pounds of garbage from the Pacific Ocean. 4ocean estimates that each person uses nine pounds of plastic per month.
Lower School Exceeds $10k for Heifer International Students raised $10,859.72 and purchased 85 animals in the Lower School’s sixteenth year of raising money to benefit Heifer International. Supporting Heifer International started in 2005. Lower School has missed only two years in the last 18 – when JA transitioned to a Lower School and again in 2020 when the school moved to distance learning to complete the school year. In all, the Lower School has raised a total of $76,634.58. Students look forward to the project each year, and collectively and individually, they find creative ways to raise money to buy animals rather than just asking their parents for money. Students pick up sticks, have lemonade stands, clean up the house, bake and sell cupcakes/ cookies, make jewelry to sell, and work in other ways to bring money to donate for the animals. Throughout the project, teachers show videos about Heifer, and each day the students learn about different animals. They also locate the countries that Heifer serves. Each grade had a display outside the classroom to chart the progress toward their goal. TRUE BLUE 63
Students in Action
Judge Martin Recognizes Inspired Contributions during Black History Month Members of the Black History Month committee planned a program that included prayer, inspiring readings, music, and a presentation by JA parent, Judge Crystal Wise Martin. “We celebrate Black History Month because there are so many people who have made contributions to our society who have not been recognized,” she said. During the years she served as a radio program host, she asked her four children to research and present stories of little-known African Americans who had significantly contributed to the world. These included Louis Latimer, who patented durable carbon filaments necessary to make the invention of the light bulb stay lit; Mark Dean,
co-creator of the 1981 personal computer with IBM and inventor of color monitors; Gladys Mae West, a mathematician known for her models that formed the basis for GPS; Lisa Giloter, the computer scientist who created the animation used in GIFs; Henry T. Sampson, originally from Jackson, whose invention and patent made portable cell phones possible; and Mississippian James Earl Jones, who voiced Darth Vader in “Star Wars” movies. Judge Martin noted that their accomplishments were for the
benefit of all. Like these individuals, JA students have the opportunity, background, and education to make a difference in the world, she said. The chapel service dedicated to Black History Month fell on Valentine’s Day, and Judge Martin incorporated God’s commandments to love into her presentation. “You have a decision to make,” she, noting the Biblical commandments to love God, love our neighbors, and love as Jesus loved. She challenged students to make their community the best it can be.
Students Submit Works for Black History Month Art Competition Jackson Academy’s annual art contest took on a new theme to coincide with Black History Month during February. Winners for 2023 were, from left to right, Grace Wicks (Middle School) and Caroline Bush (Upper School). The art contest entries are displayed in the PAC lobby each spring. 64 TRUE BLUE
Raiders Assist Families in Rolling Fork After devastating tornadoes in the Mississippi Delta, football coaches and players helped clean up and repair areas of Rolling Fork. They moved trees, fences, and metal buildings, repaired fences, bagged at least 30 trash bags, and moved debris to specific pick-up spots. Of the seven families assisted, three were disabled, three were elderly, and the other was
already working multiple jobs and had limited time. “Seeing houses, restaurants, and buildings completely flattened or any evidence of their existence being a concrete foundation or a 15-foot pile of bricks opens you to a new perspective that not many of us have had to face,” Jojo Turner ’23 said. “Just thinking about losing everything you own in a matter of minutes is unreal to think about, much less living in a situation as such. Thankfully, many other service groups and pop-up medical tents and vans were on standby to help the people. Because of the state of their infrastructure, they need any help they can get.”
Adams Kennedy ’23, who had previously spent time in Rolling Fork, was moved by the residents’ response. “The city was totally destroyed, and while people were in such desperate need, it was so neat to see their faith,” he
said. “There were signs everywhere saying, ‘God is with us’ and ‘Angels have helped us.’ To see such total loss but know they have kept their eyes on God was very encouraging and made it so meaningful to be able to help.” TRUE BLUE 65
Students in Action
DU Chapter Ranked No. 5 Nationally For the third consecutive year, the JA Ducks Unlimited (DU) Club earned the title of top high school chapter for Mississippi and claimed the coveted Duck Bowl trophy. Ducks Unlimited State Chairman Scott Forrest announced the results of the annual 2022-2023 DU Duck Bowl between Jackson Academy and Jackson Prep. Criteria for the competition are membership, fundraising, and community service. Breaking its previous record, JA increased the fundraising total by 20 percent to raise an impressive $48,935 to win the top prize. The hunting and conservation club is in its fifth year at JA and is ranked No. 5 nationally.
Christmas Provides Examples of a Life of Service
Jackson Academy seeks to foster a spirit of caring for others yearround. During the Christmas season, Preschool and Lower School students participated in a canned food drive for We Will Go Ministries 66 TRUE BLUE
and designed tray favors for UMMC hospital patients. Older students, teams, and student leadership groups supported the canned food drive by collecting and loading the canned foods.
Middle School students prepared gifts for Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child. The Middle School Student Council held a wrapping party to put the finishing touches on more than 60 Operation
Middle School Delivers Donations to ARF The Middle School Student Council led the collection of dog and cat foods and treats for the Animal Rescue Fund of Mississippi in October. The
eighth grade collected the most food, and the seventh-grade collection included a generous donation. Two MSSC members visited ARF to deliver
the food and take a tour with the ARF director, Elizabeth Jackson. They learned about the operations and contributions of ARF.
Christmas Child boxes, which had been filled by students in grades five through eight. Upper School students collected funds for Big House Books, filled 65 gift requests for four foster families in the Jackson area through a Giving Tree, and ninth graders put together 200 treat bags for students at Dawson Elementary. The school provides ample opportunities for students to participate in service. JA encourages but does not require service hours. The intent is that students will develop a desire to be of service to others for a lifetime.
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Scholars Cum Laude Society
Sixteen Jackson Academy students and two faculty members crossed the Performing Arts Center stage March 30 to receive the Cum Laude Society pin, indicating superior academic achievement. They joined previous inductees of JA’s chapter, one of only four Cum Laude charters granted in Mississippi. Members are (from back, left) Gautam Ray, Titus Taylor, Red Deaton, Ishmam Bhuiyan, Houston Hearn, Jeffrey Gao, Josh Watson, Noah Pressler, Parker Yarborough, Walker Lake, Dev Sharma, (front, left) Sarah Clay, Lucy Elfert, Mallory Brooks, Camille Towery, Bailey Berry, Elizabeth Copeland, Eliza Beckett, Avery Brooks, Eliza Perkins, Olivia Claire Williford, Molly Baldwin, and Emma Duncan Hogue. Not pictured are Upper School English Teacher Sarah Bannerman, B.A., M.A., and Upper School Mathematics Teacher Amanda Smithers, B.S., MAT. ...........................................................................................................................................................................................
National Merit Recognition
The status of National Merit Finalist is reached only by the top 0.5 percent of all high school juniors taking the PSAT test. Jackson Academy is proud to acknowledge Bailey Berry and Dev Sharma as National Merit Finalists. Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation also announced that Elizabeth Copeland and Josh Watson received commendations in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program for their outstanding performance on the PSAT. 68 TRUE BLUE
National Honor Society Sophomores inducted into the National Honor Society this spring at Jackson Academy were (from back, left) Law Stanley, John Travelstead, Kendell Davis, Parker Halford, Rob Penick, Stanton Cole, Ben Jones, McNeil Haraway, Richard Sumrall, Thomas Blanks, Miller Usry, Andrew Provias, (middle, left) Logan Burger, Ella Boykin, Julia Berman, Logan Rohman, Addison Jeffcoat, DeDe Miller, Caroline Flechas, Lily Beth Lee, Elizabeth Nichols, (front, left) Molly Marie Moody, Anna Adkins, Henley Nance, Kate Sims, Ellie Hogue, Brooke Dennis-Singleton, Brooke Emerson Ogden, and Abbie Cliburn. Not pictured: Aniya Bradley, Sherrod Cauthen, Weathersby Dinkins, Sarah Breyden Moulder, Joe King, Lee Margaret Sykes, Sophie Henderson, and Willis Thigpen Juniors inducted into the National Honor Society at Jackson Academy were (from back, left) Isabella Conn, Samuel Chustz, Trevor Bryson, Charles Baker, Newell Eatherly, Alyssa Martin, (front, left) Kendall Edmonson, Raygaen Hall, Harper Griffin, Madilyn Ray, Anna Payton Parker, Madelyn Griffith, and A’miracle Owens. Not pictured: Thomas Earl, Darbie Brewer, Abbi Mims, Julia Parker, Noah Pressler, and Vivien Stevens
SOPHOMORES
JUNIORS
Seniors inducted into the National Honor Society at Jackson Academy were (from back, left) Cruise Nance, Cade Breland, Andrew Harrison, Cole Powers, (front, left) Amelia Dare Bowman, Caroline Bennett, Mary Elise Lowe, Eliza Beckett, Mia Healy, and Josie Huff. Not pictured: Hayes Tharp, Hannah Towery, and Josh Watson
SENIORS
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Scholars 2022-2023
National Junior Honor Society
Jackson Academy seventh and eighth graders who were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society were (from back, left) Roman Anderson, Joey Dorman, Wyatt Mims, Herrin Goodman, Houston Warren, Drew Hederman, Peyton Smith, Wells Jeffcoat, Slates Veazey, Gus Summers, Ashton Polk, Reid Miller, Caden Callison, Charlie Voyles, Jed Rodden, Hampton Blanks, Wyatt Rohman, Stone Haraway, J. Michael Moody, Gray Fox, (front, left) Mary Laurel Boykin, Jana McBeath, Leighton Denley, Hart Hines, Avery Mae Malouf, Lila Easley, Claire Champagne, Anna Caroline Long, Carolina Walker, Ella Abide, Addie Hahn, Stella Cate McLemore, Arnaz Bhuiyan, Grace Wicks, Lucy Canton Hogue, and Wealth Ware. Not pictured: Bess Borne, Carlisle Cauthen, Elle Earl, and Sarah Yung ...........................................................................................................................................................................................
Hall of Fame Jackson Academy seniors (back, from left) Dev Sharma, Merritt Nations, Jeffrey Gao, Samuel Long, Adams Kennedy, and (front, from left) Bailey Berry, Olivia Claire Williford, Gracie Drew Pratt, and Avery Brooks were inducted into the school’s 2023 Hall of Fame for exemplifying the highest standards of integrity and engagement in all areas of school and community life.
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Bailey Berry Named Star Student
The Mississippi Economic Council M.B. Swayze Foundation sponsors the Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Program to encourage scholastic performance among high school students. The foundation selects STAR Students based on academic excellence, factoring in standardized test scores, such as the ACT, and scholastic averages. Bailey chose chemistry teacher Richard West as her STAR Teacher. STAR Teachers have significantly contributed to the student’s educational achievement. Richard West is a STAR veteran who has received STAR Teacher recognition for numerous years at JA, Clinton High School, and Bailey Magnet School. He was named an All-STAR teacher in honor of the number of times a student has selected him as their most influential teacher. ...........................................................................................................................................................................................
Valedictorian and Salutatorian Bailey Berry, daughter of Heidi and John Berry of Jackson, was the Class of 2023 Valedictorian. Dev Sharma, son of Kamini and Anil Sharma of Jackson, was the Class of 2023 Salutatorian.
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Scholars 2022-2023
29+ ACT In the 2022-2023 academic school year, 73 Jackson Academy Upper School students achieved a score of 29 or above on the ACT. As a college preparatory school, JA proudly celebrates students’ pursuit of academic excellence and congratulates each of the following students on their accomplishments.
Stella Allen
Thomas Antici
Molly Baldwin
Eliza Beckett
Bailey Berry
Ishmam Bhuiyan
Nathan Biggs
Thomas Blanks
Aniya Bradley
Cade Breland
Avery Brooks
Mallory Brooks
Virginia Browning
Trevor Bryson
Emily Buchanan
Caroline Champagne
James Chapman
Coleman Chustz
Sarah Clay
Elizabeth Copeland
Alex Davis
Red Deaton
Newell Eatherly
Lucy Elfert
Lila Eubank
Mary Manning Farese
Mary Grace Foster
Jeffery Gao
Lilly Gebhart
Alex Guild
Parker Halford
Andrew Harrison
Houston Hearn
Sydney Grace Hewitt
Emma Duncan Hogue
Boston Hollingsworth
Anna Margaret Hooker
Win Hooker
Ella Jefferis
Ben Jones
Blake Jones
Adams Kennedy
Ava Ladner
Walker Lake
Samuel Long
Mary Elise Lowe
Zyon Mcdowell
Sarah Moulder
Anna Payton Parker
Eliza Perkins
Noah Pressler
Gautam Ray
Brooke Rogers
Dev Sharma
Kate Simms
Henry Smith
Dane Stevens
Vivian Stevens
Louis Summerford
Titus Taylor
Hayes Tharp
Sydney Thaxton
Kathleen Thigpen
Camille Towery
John Travelstead
Miller Usry
Danielle Wallace
Benjamin Watson
Josh Watson
Bennett Weir
Olivia Claire Williford
Blair Wilson
Parker Yarborough
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Teachers of the Year Jackson Academy recognized the 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year award recipients at the JAA’s annual Spring Faculty Appreciation Luncheon. Each year, one teacher from each division is selected by their peers to receive this distinction.
Taylor Beard Preschool Teacher of the Year Taylor Beard is from Batesville, Mississippi, and she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education from the University of Mississippi. She and her husband, Justin, are parents to three girls who attend JA. She is entering her eighth year teaching K3 at JA. She enjoys watching the students blossom, learn, and change. She says, “In ‘our’ classroom, we have fun, learn, and love!” She loves JA and is thankful to be a part of the JA family.
Brenda Sullivan Lower School Teacher of the Year Brenda Sullivan received her bachelor’s degree in music education from Mississippi College. Her favorite parts of teaching include seeing and hearing students learn the language of music and receiving greetings, hugs, and sweet notes from students. The most rewarding part of being a music teacher, in her opinion, is seeing and hearing students meet personal and musical goals. Each day, she strives to love and serve God with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength. Sullivan retired from JA at the end of the 2022-2023 school year after completing 23 years teaching Lower School music.
Rosanne Maxwell Middle School Teacher of the Year Rosanne Maxwell graduated from the University of Mississippi with a major in psychology and a minor in Southern Studies. She then earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Wheaton College. Her children all graduated from JA, and she feels like JA has a wonderful balance of strong academics and plenty of extracurricular activities to create well-rounded students. Maxwell’s favorite part of teaching is helping students understand the mechanics of English grammar and how words fit together in a sentence. She said, “When we are actually writing, I love watching students expand their vocabulary and figure out different ways of structuring their sentences to make them more enjoyable to read.” Maxwell also retired at the end of the 2022-2023 school year after 15 years of service to JA.
Sara Bannerman Upper School Teacher of the Year Sara Bannerman has a bachelor’s degree in English from Belhaven University and master’s degree in English from Mississippi College. She says she was invited to join JA seven years ago, and it has been one of the best decisions of her life. Bannerman enjoys stories, and she loves watching students as they’re impacted by those stories and draw meaning from a book. Her favorite thing about teaching is hearing from a past student of hers and how they’re thriving in the real world. Her classroom mantra is “Read so that you can write. Write so you can think. Think so that you can live.” TRUE BLUE 73
Class of 2023
‘ Your Road to Success Is Your Road’ Facing change and making change were themes of the 2022-2023 graduation. Valedictorian Bailey Berry offered a motivating
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presentation about the Class of 2023’s approach to bringing about change. The National Merit Finalist and STAR Student
encouraged graduates to avoid comparing themselves to others. “Your road to success will always be under construction, so it may not be smooth,” Bailey said. “You may show up to our class reunion in 15 years and see a lawyer on your left and an orthopedic surgeon on your right, yet that does not diminish your capacity or capability,
as your road might be longer than theirs. Your road to success is your road, and you cannot define that success on a metric that does not apply to you.” She urged graduates to focus on their particular gifts, saying they could impact THE world by changing THEIR world. “Being satisfied on the road you are on is not
the same as staying still at a green light, staying stagnant with your life,” Bailey said. “Do not settle. Do not settle for mediocrity because you deserve better–and you can do better.” She emphasized that each graduate has the opportunity and choice to put in the work.
in what has become a favored location, which JA introduced during the pandemic and is now in its fourth year. The seating of seniors and faculty members on the field offers family and friends in the stands an unobstructed view of their graduate and the ceremony.
The 85 graduates marched into The Brickyard
Salutatorian Dev Sharma, also a National Merit
Finalist, encouraged graduates to embrace new people and create new support systems yet maintain the character they learned during their JA years. “While it is true that change will be critical to the college experience, it is important to note that college is a change in surroundings and not a change to your character,” he emphasized.
Student Body President Olivia Claire Williford led the closing prayer, tassel turn, cap toss, and recession. Before the closing prayer, a recording of JA choral music students offered the blessing, “May the Road Rise Up to Meet You,” with words that echoed across the field: “Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”
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JACKSON ACADEMY
R CLASS of 2023
Addison Paige Comer
William Lee Adams
Stella Margaret Allen
Thomas Parker Antici
Ishmam Yasar Bhuiyan
Nathan Graham Biggs
Amelia Dare Bowman
Sophie Elizabeth Copeland
Kylee Grace Cutrer
Mary Frances Dean
John Caleb Diket
Campbell Lea Duease
Charles Truman Earl
Grayce Elizabeth Geary
Lilly Kate Gebhart
William Paul Graven
Ann Cole Hammons
Andrew Robert Harrison
Mia Nicole Healy
Josephine Elizabeth Huff
Blake Edward Jones
Adams Drake Kennedy
Ava Sullivan Ladner
Walker Patton Lake
Lakin Lee Laurendine
Samuel Drake Lester
Anna Lauren Parker
Elizabeth Grace Perkins
Charles Colton Powers
Grace Drew Pratt
Sophie Nicole Rhoden
Addison May Roberts
Clara Brooke Rogers
Mary William Sykes
Sarah Hayes Tharp
Kathleen Kessler Thigpen
Hannah Loren Towery
Kelly Camille Towery
Joseph Reed Turner
Molly Caroline Baldwin
Mary Peyton Barnette
Elizabeth Jane Beckett
Caroline Farris Bennett
Bailey Marie Berry
Kameron James Beverly
Cade Ruston Breland
Avery Anne Brooks
Emily Elizabeth Buchanan
Thomas Robert Carpenter
Jon Owen Carter
Philip Coleman Chustz
Sarah Danielle Clay
Lucy Brooks Elfert
Lila Kennedy Eubank
Mary Manning Farese
Benjamin Cooper Flechas
Mary Grace Foster
Jeffrey Gao
Samuel Lawrence Gaylor
Houston Nicholas Carey Hearn
Sydney Grace Hewitt
Emma Duncan Hogue
Hayden Clifton Holloway
Edwin Wilburn Hooker IV
Olivia Neal Hosey
Robert Samuel Long
Mary Elise Lowe
Rosemary West McClintock
William Grayson McCrory
Erin Parker Murray
William Cruise Nance
Merritt Lee Nations
Kendall Avery Ross
Mary Elizabeth Seward
Dev Anil Sharma
Mason Brady Shoemaker
Henry Dotger Smith
Dane Andrew Stevens
Michael Louis Summerford
Jaylon Dreshun Walker
Josh Burton Watson
John Clayton White
Bennett Alexander Wier
Olivia Claire Williford
Parker Richard Yarborough
Class of 2023
College Choices William Lee Adams Mississippi State University Stella Margaret Allen University of Mississippi Thomas Parker Antici Mississippi State University Molly Caroline Baldwin Samford University Mary Peyton Barnette Holmes Community College Elizabeth Jane Beckett Wofford College Caroline Farris Bennett University of Mississippi Bailey Marie Berry University of Alabama Kameron James Beverly Pearl River Community College Ishmam Yasar Bhuiyan University of Mississippi Nathan Graham Biggs Mississippi State University Amelia Dare Bowman University of Mississippi Cade Ruston Breland University of Mississippi Avery Anne Brooks Mississippi State University Emily Elizabeth Buchanan Dallas Baptist University Thomas Robert Carpenter University of Mississippi Jon Owen Carter University of Mississippi Philip Coleman Chustz University of Mississippi Sarah Danielle Clay University of Kentucky Addison Paige Comer Georgia Southern University Sophie Elizabeth Copeland Mississippi State University Kylee Grace Cutrer Holmes Community College Mary Frances Dean Mississippi College John Caleb Diket University of Mississippi Campbell Lea Duease University of Southern Mississippi Charles Truman Earl University of Mississippi Lucy Brooks Elfert University of Mississippi Lila Kennedy Eubank Mississippi College Mary Manning Farese Texas Christian University 78 TRUE BLUE
Benjamin Cooper Flechas University of Mississippi Mary Grace Foster Mississippi College Jeffrey Gao Pennsylvania State University Samuel Lawrence Gaylor Louisiana State University Grayce Elizabeth Geary University of Mississippi Lilly Kate Gebhart University of Mississippi William Paul Graven University of Mississippi Ann Cole Hammons Hinds Community College Andrew Robert Harrison University of Mississippi Mia Nicole Healy Mississippi State University Houston Nicholas Carey Hearn Furman University Sydney Grace Hewitt University of Mississippi Emma Duncan Hogue Louisiana State University Hayden Clifton Holloway University of Mississippi Edwin Wilburn Hooker IV University of Mississippi Olivia Neal Hosey University of Mississippi Josephine Elizabeth Huff University of Southern Mississippi Blake Edward Jones University of Mississippi Adams Drake Kennedy Mississippi State University Ava Sullivan Ladner University of Alabama Walker Patton Lake Mississippi State University Lakin Lee Laurendine Auburn University Samuel Drake Lester Mississippi State University Robert Samuel Long University of Mississippi Mary Elise Lowe University of Mississippi Rosemary West McClintock University of Mississippi William Grayson McCrory Delta State University Erin Parker Murray University of Mississippi William Cruise Nance Mississippi State University
Merritt Lee Nations Mississippi State University Anna Lauren Parker Mississippi State University Elizabeth Grace Perkins University of Alabama Charles Colton Powers Hinds Community College Grace Drew Pratt Mississippi State University Sophie Nicole Rhoden University of Mississippi Addison May Roberts Holmes Community College Clara Brooke Rogers University of Southern Mississippi Kendall Avery Ross University of Mississippi Mary Elizabeth Seward University of Mississippi Dev Anil Sharma University of Alabama Mason Brady Shoemaker University of Mississippi Henry Dotger Smith Mississippi State University Dane Andrew Stevens Mississippi State University Michael Louis Summerford University of Mississippi Mary William Sykes Mississippi State University Sarah Hayes Tharp University of Mississippi Kathleen Kessler Thigpen University of Mississippi Hannah Loren Towery Mississippi State University Kelly Camille Towery Mississippi State University Joseph Reed Turner University of Mississippi Jaylon Dreshun Walker Mississippi State University Josh Burton Watson University of Mississippi John Clayton White University of Mississippi Bennett Alexander Wier University of Mississippi Olivia Claire Williford University of Mississippi Parker Richard Yarborough University of Alabama
Academic Signing Days Jackson Academy proudly hosts Academic Signing Days in recognition of seniors who have earned scholarships to colleges and universities near and far. During the spring semester, Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi hosted individual signing events, and students attending other Mississippi schools or studying out-of-state were recognized at a third event.
Mississippi State University JA was honored to welcome Mississippi State University President Dr. Mark Keenum and Admissions Counselor Brooks Hill Thursday, April 20. Dr. Keenum spoke about the importance of values and faith as students move forward in life. There are 21 JA Raiders attending Mississippi State. Total scholarships offered to the Class of 2022 was $586,670.
The University of Mississippi JA was honored to welcome The University of Mississippi Chancellor Dr. Glenn Boyce Thursday, April 6. Dr. Boyce spoke to students about becoming decision makers. UM Associate Director of Admissions Meagan Thomas noted that the 32 Raiders will receive in excess of $1 million in scholarships at UM. Louis Summerford is the first recipient of the Walker Allen Fielder Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship, presented by Walker’s parents and sister Abby, is a memorial to this beloved 2020 JA alum who attended Ole Miss.
Other Mississippi and Out-of-State Schools Of the 22 students Academic Signing Day seniors who are attending colleges and universities throughout the United States, six students also signed athletic scholarships. Former U.S. Representative Gregg Harper, who served Mississippi’s 3rd Congressional District from 2009-2019, spoke to Upper School students, sharing life advice with seniors before they begin the next chapter of life. Congressman Harper reminded the soon-to-be college students that God directs their paths, and with great opportunity comes great responsibility.
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Lifers Students who graduate from JA after attending the school from kindergarten through twelfth grade experience the benefits of belonging to the same community throughout their primary and secondary education. Called “Lifers,” these students return to the familiar campus and community year after year during the most significant social, psychological, and educational development of their lives, enjoying a sense of continuity and security even as they change and grow into young men and women.
STELLA MARGARET ALLEN
JOHN CALEB DIKET
MARY ELISE LOWE
THOMAS PARKER ANTICI
LILA KENNEDY EUBANK
MERRITT LEE NATIONS
MARY PEYTON BARNETTE
MARY GRACE FOSTER
GRACE DREW PRATT
CAROLINE FARRIS BENNETT
JEFFREY GAO
SOPHIE NICOLE RHODEN
BAILEY MARIE BERRY
WILLIAM PAUL GRAVEN
ADDISON MAY ROBERTS
AMELIA DARE BOWMAN
ANN COLE HAMMONS
KENDALL AVERY ROSS
EMILY ELIZABETH BUCHANAN
ANDREW ROBERT HARRISON
DEV ANIL SHARMA
JON OWEN CARTER
MIA NICOLE HEALY
MICHAEL LOUIS SUMMERFORD
PHILIP COLEMAN CHUSTZ
OLIVIA NEAL HOSEY
SARAH HAYES THARP
SARAH DANIELLE CLAY
BLAKE EDWARD JONES
KELLY CAMILLE TOWERY
ADDISON PAIGE COMER
ADAMS DRAKE KENNEDY
BENNETT ALEXANDER WIER
SOPHIE ELIZABETH COPELAND
AVA SULLIVAN LADNER
OLIVIA CLAIRE WILLIFORD
ROBERT SAMUEL LONG 80 TRUE BLUE
Scholarships Endowed scholarships are awarded to current JA students who meet the criteria set by the donor. Criteria may include citizenship, scholarship, extracurricular activities, or other characteristics. Students use the scholarship for the following school year at JA or in college, depending upon the scholarship type. Recipients attend a luncheon where they meet the donors who funded their scholarship. JA is grateful to all the donors who have made endowed scholarships possible.
The 20th Century Endowed Scholarship Landry Lester
The Harmon and Faye Bowman Memorial Scholarship Caleb Gaitor and Sydney Thaxton
The Scott Branning Scholarship Kate Frost
The Herschel Brickell Family Endowed Scholarship Crystal Gao
The Glenn Cain Scholarship Natalie Roberson, Gautam Ray, and Julia Berman
The Julie Dyer Collins Leadership Award Newell Eatherly
The Andrew Yoste Defore Scholarship Mary Lamar Chustz
The Hallie Houston Keyes Scholarship Danielle Wallace
The Frances Anne Fortner Memorial Scholarship Madelyn Griffith
The Mary Sprayberry Memorial Art Scholarship Mya Coins
The Jane Gibbons Scholarship Frances Watson
The Higgins Family Scholarship Clay Chustz
The Leigh Anne Ward Scholarship Ella Grace McLendon and Wyatt Mims TRUE BLUE 81
Legacy Loyal Twenty-one members of the Class of 2022 and 22 members of the Class of 2023 followed in the footsteps of parents who went before them to graduate from Jackson Academy. Thank you to these families for their legacy of loyalty to JA. We are thankful for the opportunity to continue serving your families throughout generations of growth, change, and cherished traditions.
FOWLER BOYLL ’22 and BARTON BOYLL ’22 and father Guy Boyll ’95
ANNA CLAIRE BUSH ’22 and mother Courtney Allison Bush ’94
ELIZABETH CASTLE ’22 and mother Ashley Crawford Brantley ’95
RIDLEY DEHMER ’22 and parents Lindsay Hines Dehmer ’94 and Dodds Dehmer ’92
MATTHEW FROST ’22 and parents Candace Croswell Frost ’94 and Cable Frost ’93
TYE GARDNER ’22 and stepfather Robert Sheely ’91
SANDON GUILD ’22 and parents Suzanne Greer Guild ’92 and Cameron Guild ’92
PORTER HARRELL ’22 and mother Madison Massey Harrell ’99
MICHAEL HEDERMAN ’22 and father Robert Hederman ’90
LOGAN HUFF ’22 and mother Cameron Hatchett Huff ’94
HARRISON JOHNSTON ’22 and father Greg Johnston ’91
DAVIS LEE ’22 and parents Ann Marie Henry Lee ’91 and Stephen Lee ’91
LIBBY LOHMEIER ’22 and father Jeffery Lohmeier ’96
CLAYTON MAHAFFEY ’22 and mother Cynthia Burney Mahaffey ’89
ANNA CARLISLE NICHOLS ’22 and mother Ashley Belew Nichols ’92
JOHN MOAK SCARBROUGH ’22 and parents Jeanne Moak Scarbrough ’93 and John Scarbrough ’92
ANNA CLAIRE SHEFFIELD ’22 and mother Kathy Cockayne Sheffield ’82
SCOTT SWALLEY ’22 and mother Alyson Roussel Swalley ’89
REED TRAVELSTEAD ’22 and mother Meredith Montgomery Travelstead ’89
ANNALEE WILLSON ’22 and mother Ashley Edmonson Willson ’87
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MOLLY BALDWIN ’23 and mother Ashley Jones Baldwin ’94
MARY PEYTON BARNETTE ’23 and father Tommy Barnette ’94
CAROLINE BENNETT ’23 and father Russell Bennett ’92
AMELIA DARE BOWMAN ’23 and father Phillip Bowman ’86
EMILY BUCHANAN ’23 and father Niles Buchanan ’92
COLEMAN CHUSTZ ’23 and parents Mysti Futral Chustz ’96 and Philip Chustz ’96
SARAH CLAY ’23 and father Stephen Clay ’92
ELIZABETH COPLAND ’23 and parents Debbie Potter Copeland ’89 and George Copeland ’91
KYLEE GRACE CUTRER ’23 and father Kyle Cutrer ’88
LILA EUBANK ’23 and mother Cyndi Tomlinson Eubank ’92
BLAKE JONES ’23 and father Alan Jones ’90
ADAMS KENNEDY ’23 and father Foster Kennedy ’98
DRAKE LESTER ’23 and father Reid Lester ’94
MARY ELISE LOWE ’23 and mother Jennifer Lee Lowe ’93
ERIN MURRAY ’23 and father Park Murray ’91
CRUISE NANCE ’23 and mother Jan Laws Nance ’89
MERRITT NATIONS ’23 and parents Kristen Kennedy Nations ’95 and Lee Nations ’93
SOPHIE RHODEN ’23 and parents Nicole Smith Rhoden ’90 and Thomas Rhoden ’92
MASON SHOEMAKER ’23 and father Scott Shoemaker ’92
HENRY SMITH ’23 and father Lee Smith ’88
LOUIS SUMMERFORD ’23 and father Clay Summerford ’94
KATHLEEN THIGPEN ’23 and father Tate Thigpen ’88
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JAA JA’s Parent Organization Touches Each Part of the School The Jackson Academy Association (JAA) parent organization works closely with the school to enact many levels of support, including fundraising, event planning and management, and community building. The parent organization’s overall mission is to promote the unity of spirit among parents, faculty, and students concerning the school’s goals and achievements; to encourage the involvement of all parents in associationsponsored activities, and to provide enrichment, parent support, and financial assistance where needed to enhance the overall educational experience of all students. Members of the parent body are active throughout the school year and
summer, with two of the group’s most recognized programs being A Blue & White Night in August and the JA Fall Carnival in October. Each family connected to JA is automatically a part of the JAA membership. Funds raised from A Blue & White Night and the Fall Carnival enable the JAA to provide enrichments and scholarships throughout the school, including teacher grants for innovations in the classroom, classroom resources, athletic facility improvements, teacher work-week meals, student receptions, faculty and staff appreciation luncheons, outreach through JA Cares for families in need, The Jernberg Scholarship support, and much more.
The parent organization provides JAA C.A.R.E Grants every other year. This past year was a banner year for these grants that are used for innovations in the classroom, classroom resources, and continuing education. At the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon this spring, the JAA awarded 32 grants from applications across all divisions. Both teachers and staff submitted grants. “The JAA is delighted to award approximately $30,000 in grants to our hard-working teachers and staff who continue to create an innovative and enriching environment for learning. The JAA C.A.R.E. Grants fund a variety of initiatives that directly enhance the quality of education our students receive at Jackson Academy,” said Maley. In addition to the 32 CARE Grants being awarded, the JAA (this past year alone) has also been able to provide more than $80,000 in funds to directly improve classrooms and campus life including enhancements to security and concession areas, outfitting the new K2 playground, and resurfacing the Preschool/ Multipurpose gym floor - just to name a few.
JAA Board 2022-2023 (back, left) Mary Ellen Stancill, Leslie Hosemann, Angie Haraway, Christie Ogden, Morgan Samuels, (front, left) Lyndsay Summers, Neeli Graham, Stephanie Maley, Lauren Caraway, Hilda Margaret Gill, and Mary Kathryn Allen (Not Pictured: Mae Luke)
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Overseeing the operations of the parent organization for the 2023-24 school year will be incoming JAA President Neeli Graham.
Booster Club
With Booster Club Support, Everyone Wins Our JA Raiders are poised for another great year on and off the field, and the Jackson Academy Athletic Booster Club (JAABC) can’t wait to see what the future holds for our community and our student athletes. The JAABC is organized and operated to support and enhance the athletic-centered and extracurricular experience of all JA students. Many of our school’s facility enhancements throughout the past several years from The Brickyard (football turf replacement, Jumbotron renovation, new run-through tunnel, stadium wraps) to the Raider Dome (installation of Sojourner Court and facility branding) and all the way down to Raider Park (track resurfacing, dugout renovations, batting cage refurbishment) have been accomplished through the Booster Club’s support. The Booster Club also has made athletic equipment upgrades possible: e Overhaul and renovation e Replacement golf bags of JA’s weight room, for boys’ and girls’ teams including the purchase of new weights and e New targets, bows, and kettlebells for all athletes arrows for archery team to use in training e Replenishment of volleyballs and purchase e Football shoulder pad of new net system and helmet replacement e Purchase of portable soccer nets
e New pole vault pad for track & field athletes
These contributions just scratch the surface of what the Booster Club has contributed and will continue to do to
optimize the athletic and extracurricular experience for every Raider. For this new school year, the Booster Club already has committed to significant campus improvements, and we are exploring avenues to ensure our efforts benefit every student athlete who steps onto the field, the court, the track, or the course this year. In fact, in an effort to show our appreciation for the sacrifices of our student athletes and the families who support them, we are excited to announce that the JAABC is purchasing the senior banners that will be displayed around campus and given to the athletes at the end of the year. We love our Raiders— and we want them to see our support!
The Booster Club thanks our families for joining in the fundraising fun each year through: Î Annual Booster Club membership Î Participation in the Color Me Raider 5K and Fun Run Î Our annual Trivia Night Î Our new football tailgating experience Î And of course, enjoying plenty of popcorn and nachos through the Booster Club concession stands JAABC Chairs Lorraine and Smith Boykin invite you to join the Booster Club and be a part of the effort to provide a championship experience at Jackson Academy.
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2022-2023 STATISTICS JA Annual Fund Children’s Promise Act*
$557,624 $338,500
Grand Total Giving
$896,124
Board of Trustees
(100%)
Faculty and Staff
(97%)
Parents
(23%)
Alumni
(3%)
Grandparents
(6%)
*Children’s Promise Act Notice: In 2019, the Mississippi Legislature passed the Children’s Promise Act, which authorized a tax credit for businesses when they donate to an Eligible Charitable Organization. To receive the tax credits, applications must be completed and filed with the MS Department of Revenue on January 1 and time stamped prior to the maximum annual cap being reached. For more information, please contact Jackson Academy’s Office of Development at (601) 364-5754. 86 TRUE BLUE
JA Annual Fund
Donors 2022-2023 Cornerstone Circle 25,000+ Anonymous** Ergon Foundation, Inc. Lisa and Michael ’92 Johnson++ Millbrook Cricket Farm** Robert Hederman ’90 Steven Hederman ’92 PPI, Inc.** The Calhoon Family The James Family Geri Beth and Allen Smith Lyn ’98 and Breck ’97 Hines**
Benefactor Circle $10,000+ Sharon Martin and Bobby Graham Jane and Robert Hederman Holley and Don Noblitt TC’s Uniforms* Bridgette and Thomas Iupe Trinity Apparel* Jan ’89 and Wen Nance Ashley ’87 and Mark Willson
Honor Circle $5,000+ Linda and Gene Barrett Leigh ’89 and George Butler++ Josie and Mel Burgess Patty and Don Clark Jennifer and McKie ’94 Edmonson FreshCut Catering and Floral * Gulf Guaranty Life Insurance Company** Price and Robert Halford Amy and Robert ’90 Hederman Amy and Barton ’97 Lampton Mrs. Jack Laws** Kinkade’s Fine Clothing* Morgan and Aaron Samuels
Sustainer Circle $2,500+ Laura and Derek Dyess Jie Zheng and Pei Jian Gao Lee Ann and Brad Griffin Paula and Randy James Kathy and Steve Kowalski Deborah and Leslie Lampton Jessica and Jeffrey ’96 Lohmeier Mahaffeys’ Quality Printing, Inc.* Cynthia ’89 and Tim Mahaffey Cherry and Patrick Mullen
Leigh and Scott ’92 Shoemaker London ’98 and Joseph Simpson Epsilon XI Chapter of Sigma Nu Eleanor H. Wettach
Visionary Circle $1,000+ Albriton’s Jewelry* Susannah and Cameron ’04 Albriton Kristin and Sidney Allen Sharon and Jim Armstrong Rosemary and Les Aultman Marsha and Haley Barbour Deidre and Austin Barbour Ashley ’95 and Jeff Brantley Wanda Carmichael Helen and York Craig Dean Architecture Lindsay ’94 and Dodds ’92 Dehmer Billie and Bill Grogan Suzanne ’92 and Cameron ’92 Guild Frank Hadden Bobbi and Matthew Harrison Amy and Mike Hill Jackson Academy Booster Club Abby and Ben ’04 James Reagan and Alan ’90 Jones Pat and Peter Jernberg George and Whit Johnson Kim and Richard Johnson Robin and Ed Kennedy Jay Lake Jennifer ’93 and Mike Lowe Stephanie ’00 and Collin Maley Jonathan McCullough ’00 Newk’s* Susan and JoJo Payne Lulu and Scott ’90 Pedigo Sandy and Charlie Penick Vera and Flip Phillips Elizabeth ’99 and Percy Quinn Connie and Leonard Roberts Stacy and James Roberts* Kristie and Chris Rohman Jeanne ’93 and John ’92 Scarbrough Scarlett and Darrington Seward Helen and Clay ’94 Summerford Martha and Mike Summerford Kari and Eddie Taylor Anthony Thaxton* Charlie Tindall Meredith ’89 and Joel Travelstead Robin and Marty Tucker
Wesley A. Caldwell Foundation Angela and Morgan White* Mary Carolyn ’90 and Brad Williams Charlotte and John ’90 York Myra and Woody York
Loyalty Club $500+ Jackson Academy Class of 2023 Kathy and Larry Accardi Nancy and Whit Adams Lynn and John Albriton Deborah Allen Lynn and Leigh Allen Lisa and Craig Bailey Mona Bostwick Lorriane and Smith Boykin Lind and John Bussey Mr. and Mrs. William Carter Amy Champagne Mysti ’96 and Philip ’96 Chustz Tiffany and Alwin Dockins Linda Eakes Lydia Cox and Roger Fish Kathy and Nelson Gibson Debbie and Lee Harris Carrie and Nic Henderson Jean and Scott Hines Lauren and Reid ’94 Lester Liz ’93 and Kerk Mehrle Jeanine and Steve Pickering Naomi and Bob Ridgway Sharon and Tom Rhoden Sharon and Glen Silverman Alicia and Michael Tate Melanie and Warner Wadlington Theodore Waechter Susan and Walter Weems Sarah and Les White Melissa Scholes and Brian Williams Linda Young
Scholar Club $250+ Suzie and Jeff Adcock Natalie and Todd Adkins Aplos* Beckie and Stewart Barry Aqfa Sultana and Azad Bhuiyan Claurice and Eric Buckley Allie and Marcus Burger Rita Butler Kay and John Chapman Susan and Ken Chapman
Mona and Chris Couey John B. Denley III Sarah and A.G. Easom Aaron Graham ’04 Marty and Leland Gebhart Cindy and Donnie Hampton Ellen and David Haraway Carley and Cable ’97 Hawkins Teresa and Greg Hill Horne Construction Amanda and Kyle Huynh Erica and Jerry Jackson* Misti and Jared Kobs Quinn and Bradley ’99 Kellum Rhoshunda and Mike Kelly Lucy and Seth Knight Laura and Tom Lohmeier Christy and Billy Quin Jenny and Pete Markow Sandra and Ken Meacham Kimberly McNeer Melinda and Steve Ray Blue and Bill Reeves Betsy and Joe Samuels Jennifer and Frederick ’94 Salvo Julie and Cole Smith Sandra and Lester Smith Bean and Floyd Sulser Celina and Rick Sumrall Starks Contracting Co., Inc. Barbara Stinson Shay and Rob Tatum Louisa and Tate Thigpen Rebecca ’98 and Michael ’98 Ueltschey Kay and Joe Usry Ginger and Bob Williford
Century Club $100+ Vickie Lynn Adams Pam and David Allen Suzanne and Jim Almas Judy Arnold Tripp Arnold ’87 and Family Associated General Contractors of Mississippi, Inc. Julie and Bobby Banks Claire and Rees Barksdale Michelle and Kevin Barnett Suzanne and Tommy ’94 Barnette Annie Laurie and David ’05 Barrett Ann and Pons Bautista Mr. and Mrs. Craig Brown Richard Brown TRUE BLUE 87
Giving JA Annual Fund
Donors 2022-2023 (continued) Kate and David Bowman Janet and Richard Burnette Debbie and Bill Campbell Margaret and Fred Carl Lamar Chustz Marietta Coins Marimae Coleman Ann and Larry Collins Marlene Cook Fletcher Construction Co., Inc. Craft Croswell Laurie and Kyle ’88 Cutrer Patrina and Glen Dace Judy and John Decker Harriett and John Eppes Gail and John England Sandra Eubank Carol and George Evans Alex Falb Danelle and Kendall Garraway Christopher Garvey Susan and Edwin Gault Hilda and Bobby Gill Mary Ann and Billy Griesbeck Allen Griffin Shannon ’98 and Kevin Hahn Ann Harper Karen and Greg Harris Mary Lene and Newt Harrison Millie and Ray Higgins Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hollingsworth Ellen and Tommy Hontzas Nickolas Horton and Monifa Beal Terri Hudson Erica and Jerry Jackson JESCO, Inc. Ashley and Brian Johnson Erin and Trey Johnston Maggie and Scott Jones Carol and Vic Jones Beth Keeler Frances F. Knight Kathy and Vic Laurent Jane and Larry Lee Mary Deaton Lucas Mae and Clark Luke Ann ’01 and Chris Lutken Natalie ’96 and Josh Lynch Sybil Lynch Margaret L. McEwan Beth and Tim McWilliams Martha Helen Meacham Mimi and Robert Mehrle Mid-State Construction 88 TRUE BLUE
T and Bill Miley Mississippi Association of Self Insurers Judy and Norton McKeigney Gloria and Tommy Moore Julie H. Murray Kristen ’95 and Lee ’93 Nations Maureen and Harold Oriol Ken O’Keefe R.M. and W.L. Painter Becky and Guy Parker Julia and Guy Parker Martha Perkins Paul Perry Sheena and Antwain Phillips Shirlene Priest Linda and Gus Purviance Leigh and Todd Reeves Mandy and Brad ’97 Reeves Carolyn and William Reeves Pamela and Jim Robbins Patty and Michael Robbins Fran Robinson Sherry and Richard Rula Lisa and Bill Schroeder Gina and Lee ’90 Seago Barbara and Ed Sentell Mary and Chris Shapley Dale Simon Audra and Phillip ’87 Bowman Mandi and Bob Stanley Nancy Stevens Elizabeth and Seth Stewart Mary Neff and John Stewart Tauzin Wealth Management Emily ’12 and Landon ’08 Thompson Thrash Commercial Contractors, Inc. Stephanie Toler Claire Turner Marsha and Tommy Tyson United Piping, Inc. Clare and Gilbert Van Loon Shanda and Jason Walenta Ben and Ginger ’94 Wallace Frances and William Ware Rose Washington Stacy and Belk Weems Julia and David Whit Felice and John Wicks Annalee Willson ’22 Dray Willson ’17 Turner Willson ’19 Charlene and Allen Wood Isabel and John Woods
Anniversary Club $50+ ReKettsia and Van Alexander Barbara Acy Donna and Gary Archer Carol and Keith Branning Nancy and Bob Bryson Bulldog Construction Co., Inc. Celia and Cecil Burnham Lacy and Preston Carpenter Mindy Cliburn Pat and Jim Coggin Cassandra Brown and Randy Cooper Cathy and Sam Fonda Bill and Denise ’89 Furr Phyllis and Pete Gaston Kysia and Jim Geary Grace Gebhart ’17 Land Gebhart ’20 Wanda and Charles Hart Terri ’93 and Steven ’92 Hederman JA Jr. High and Varsity Football Teams Pamela and Roger Johnson Allison and Bradley Kelly Brandon and Foster ’98 Kennedy Suzanne and Gregory Laird Jodie ’98 and Jeffrey Lockhart Judy and Larry Marett Sherry and Quentin McColgin Mary Eliza and Howard McMillan Elizabeth and Floyd Melton Janie and Spencer Mooney Nancy and Sells Newman Maureen and Harold Oriol Britton and Bryan Owen Kim and Stephen Pillow Shelle and James Pinkard Hilda and Kirkham Povall Hank Reichle Rosie and Jack Rhodes Carrie and Eddie Shelton Peggy and Bernie Smith Emily Warner Spring ’12 Nancy Stevens Aqfa Sultana and Azad Bhuiyan Marilyn Wade Mr. and Mrs. John Ronald Walters Wesley Worsham
Scholar’s Club $25+ Ruby and N.Z. Bryant Katie and Jamie ’92 Chustz Phyllis and Don Collins
Polly Crosthwaite Laurie and Josh Fleming Gage and Webb Franklin Ann C. Gaskins Alice Hallford Kerri ’89 and Rusty ’89 Hawkins Cille and Jerry Horner Cindy Jordan John R. Junkin II Catherine and William Kidd Portia and Steve Lary Tara and Brian Pazzaglia Barbara Gragson Petty Robyn and Greg Pollack Nan and Randy Randall Patricia Rogers Barbara and Ed Sentell Shirley Shirey Jerry F. Smith
$1 - $24 Mallie and Mark Earl Beverly Fatheree Grayce Geary ’23 Laurie McClintock Dorothy Poindexter Alex ’06 and Perry ’06 Taylor Donors from June 1, 2022- May 31, 2023 * Gift In Kind ** Children’s Promise Act + Combination of in-kind donation and financial contribution ++ Combination of Children’s Promise Act and financial contribution
JA Annual Fund
Faculty & Staff Donors 2022-2023 Honor Circle $5,000+ Mary Clay and Matt Morgan
Sustainer Circle $2,500+ Angie and Brad Antici Amanda and Myles Cross
Visionary Circle $1,000+ Karen and Palmer Kennedy April and Jimmy Messer Leanna and Mike Shay Audrey and Jim Wilkirson
Loyalty Club $500+ Alexis and Josh Dorman Sarah Love Kathryn and Tyler Parvin Patti Wade Jennifer and Brandt Walker Lynn and Ben Watson
Scholar Club $250+ Theresa and Adam Berman Brandi and Aubrey Blackwell Carol and Trey Brister Courtney ’94 and Jason Bush Jamie and Richard Byrd Dawn Duncombe Gloria and Stephen Hirn Susan Ingram Sandra and Mike McKay Brandi and Brandon Richardson Mandy and Ray Robertson Jacob Sullivan Brittany and Eddie ’03 Wettach
Century Club $100+ Beth and Jonathan Blackwell Taylor and Justin Beard Michael Brinson Lauren and Phillip Buffington Hope and Bob Burford Amy and Bill Bush Frances and John ’06 Bussey Ann Boswell ’03 and Chris Carlson Cori and Jay Ciacco Becky and BoBo Clark Bethany and Chad Cooley
Lea Cross Courtney and Walt Denton Andrea and Aaron Edwards Amanda and Tommy Ferrill Rebecca and Parker Fowler Sarah French ’16 Patricia and Lane Frazier Matthew Gabriel Mallory and Daniel Gnemi Katrice and Jeff Hadley Laura and Parker Harris Jane and Mark Hinkle Sarah and Josh Hinkle ’15 Shay Hodge Tammy Keyes Hodgins Mary Rebecca ’01 and Matt Jeffries Krysten ’06 and Jay ’06 Jernigan Colleen Jones Laurie and Don Lewis Lisa and Steve Lofton Elaine Low and Ed Retumban Blair ’06 and Harley Matthews Evan McCarley Melodi and Tim McNair Emily and Scott Melichar Austin and Martin ’05 Miller Jennifer and Robert Miller Clancy and Leland Mitchell Sheri and Clint Moody Lynda Morse Gloria Morris Kayla and Seth ’00 Mosal Beth Murray Vickie and Robert Neal Erin and Max ’06 Neely Wanda and Randy Pearcy Paula and Paul Pratt Madi ’14 and Austin Scott Annie and Jake Shirey Kerri and James Smith Cathy Strauss Bebe and John Sumner Zoubir Tabout Candice and Todd Taylor Suzanne and Tate ’88 Thigpen Avery and Matt Truitt Cheryl Griffin and Richard West Beth Williamson
Anniversary Club $50+ Elizabeth Adams Brooke and Scot Akins Dee Ball
Sara Bannerman Jackye Barbour Brittany ’09 and Chris Brown Bronwyn ’83 and Chris Burford Leah and Darin Busby Claudia and Dennis Conklin Jennifer and John Conway Jennifer Funderburg Jennifer and Rowland Hall Carny and Mike Harkins Mimi and Andrew ’07 Heard Roxie and David Hood Chloe Hudson Erica Jones Beckie and Josh Lee Stancie Ley Garrett Lindsey Roseanne Maxwell Joy Miller Aimee and Justin Odom Mary-Danielle and Andy Prince Shelle and James Pinkard Taylor ’11 and Tyler Reeves Bronwyn and Danny Robertson Castlen King-Rogers and Mitch Rogers Ronnie Rogers Kerri and Michael Sanders Melanie and Justin Schade Kathy ’82 and Richard Sheffield Kayla and Jackie Smith Amanda Smithers Lori Snider Brenda and Richard Sullivan Tammy Thompson Sandra ’09 and Robert Triplett Susan and Alan Whitfield Patrice and John Worley Jeanette ’93 and Ken Yung
Lisa Kimbriel Lynn Ladner Linda Lambert Chad Lessard Shelie and Ben Lucas Thomas Martin Suzanne ’91 and John ’83 Murray Christy and Chris Richardson W.T. Taylor Hilary ’07 and Zack Vosen Gracie Weatherly Bonnie and Gray Wiggers
$1 - $25 Ashley and John Adcock Courtney and Caleb Canterbury Anna and Shawn Chatham Sarah Clark ’00 Abbie and Sam Cox Nan and Glen Dear Neely Holland Anelyse and Robert Jacobs Betsy and Carl King Michele and Mark Markow Michelle and Robert Mills Shota Papava Jennifer and Cliff Powers Mamie and Zach Taylor Katharine Todd LaDonna and Steve Whitney
Scholar’s Club $25+ Cindy Bailey Kirsten and Rex Bradshaw Catherine and Jon Carter Nancy and Bill Cheney Allie Coats Holly and Webb Collums Trey Downes Carrie Ann and Wilson Eatherly Susan Elliott Ashley and Matthew Elmore Cyndi ’92 and Bryan Eubank Ashlee and Ed Flechas TRUE BLUE 89
Giving JA Annual Fund
Alumni Giving 2022-2023 Class of 1982 Kathy Cockayne Sheffield
Class of 1991 Suzanne Kinard Murray
Class of 1983 Bronwyn Caves Burford John Murray
Class of 1992 Jamie Chustz Dodds Dehmer Cyndi Tomlinson Eubank Cameron Guild Suzanne Greer Guild Steven Hederman Michael E. Johnson John Scarbrough Scott Shoemaker
Class of 1986 Phillip Bowman Class of 1987 Tripp Arnold Ashley Edmonson Willson Class of 1988 Kyle Cutrer Tate Thigpen Class of 1989 Leigh Barnett Butler Denise Maness Furr Kerri Quayle Hawkins Rusty Hawkins Cynthia Burney Mahaffey Jan Laws Nance Meredith Montgomery Travelstead Class of 1990 Robert Hederman Alan Jones Scott Pedigo Lee Seago Mary Carolyn Ikerd Williams John York
Class of 1993 Terri Smith Hederman Jennifer Lee Lowe Liz Warren Mehrle Lee Nations Jeanne Moak Scarbrough Jeanette Burke Yung Class of 1994 Tommy Barnette Courtney Allison Bush Lindsay Hines Dehmer McKie Edmonson Reid Lester Frederick Salvo Clay Summerford Ginger Van Skiver Wallace
Class of 1995 Ashley Crawford Brantley Matt James Kristen Kennedy Nations Class of 1996 Mysti Futral Chustz Philip Chustz Jeffrey Lohmeier Natalie Tinnin Lynch Class of 1997 Cable Hawkins Breck Hines Barton Lampton Brad Reeves Class of 1998 Shannon Spencer Hahn Lyn Edwards Hines Foster Kennedy Jodie Low Lockhart London Luckett Simpson Michael Ueltschey Rebecca Gough Ueltschey
Class of 2007 Andrew Heard Hillary Rawson Vosen Class of 2008 Landon Thompson Class of 2009 Brittany Tate Brown Sandra England Triplett Class of 2011 Taylor Elliott Reeves Class of 2012 Emily Warner Spring Emily Turbeville Thompson
Class of 1999 Chesley James Bradley Kellum Elizabeth Calhoon Quinn
Class of 2014 Madi McNair Scott
Class of 2000 Sarah Clark Hillary Taylor James Stephanie Baker Maley Jonathan McCullough Seth Mosal
Class of 2016 Sarah French Simmons
Class of 2001 Ann Fowler Lutken Mary Rebecca Jefferies Class of 2003 Ann Boswell Carlson Eddie Wettach Class of 2004 Cameron Albriton Aaron Graham Ben James Class of 2005 David Barrett Martin Miller 90 TRUE BLUE
Class of 2006 John Bussey Jay Jernigan Krysten Keyes Jernigan Blair Shaw Matthews Max Neely Alex Barraza Taylor Perry Taylor
Class of 2015 Josh Hinkle
Class of 2017 Grace Gebhart Dray Willson Class of 2019 Turner Willson Class of 2020 Land Gebhart Class of 2022 Annalee Willson Class of 2023 Grayce Geary
JA Annual Fund
Grandparent Society 2022-2023 Kathy and Larry Accardi Barbara Acy Nancy and Whit Adams Vickie Lynn Adams Suzie and Jeff Adcock Lynn and John Albriton Deborah Allen Lynn and Leigh Allen Jim and Sharon Armstrong Rosemary and Les Aultman Julie and Bobby Banks Marsha and Haley Barbour Linda and Gene Barrett Beckie and Stewart Barry Mona Bostwick Ruby and N.Z. Bryant Nancy and Bob Bryson Janet and Richard Burnette Lind and John Bussey Debbie and Bill Campbell Kay and John Chapman Susan and Ken Chapman Lamar Chustz Patty and Don Clark Ann and Larry Collins Phyllis and Don Collins Marlene Cook
Helen and York Craig Polly Crosthwait Judy and John Decker John B. Denley III Sarah and A.G. Easom Gail and John England Sandra Eubank Carol and George Evans Lydia Cox and Roger Fish Phyllis and Pete Gaston Mary Ann and Billy Griesbeck Allen Griffin Billie and Bill Grogan Cindy and Donnie Hampton Ellen and David Haraway Ann Harper Debbie and Lee Harris Karen and Greg Harris Jane and Robert Hederman Jean and Scott Hines Ellen and Tommy Hontzas Paula and Randy James George and Whit Johnson Pamela and Roger Johnson Carol and Vic Jones Robin and Ed Kennedy Betsy and Carl King
Frances F. Knight Lucy and Seth Knight Linda Lambert Deborah and Leslie Lampton Janice Laws Jane and Larry Lee Laura and Tom Lohmeier Sybil Lynch Judy and Larry Marett Jenny and Pete Markow Lynn and Jim McArthur Sherry and Quentin McColgin Sandra and Ken Meacham Mimi and Robert Mehrle T and Bill Miley Gloria and Tommy Moore Julie H. Murray Holley and Don Noblitt Maureen and Harold Oriol Julia and Guy Parker Martha Perkins Vera and Flip Phillips Shirlene Priest Blue and Bill Reeves Sharon and Tom Rhoden Connie and Leonard Roberts Fran Robinson
Sherry and Richard Rula Betsy and Joe Samuels Lisa and Bill Schroeder Kathy ’82 and Richard Sheffield Shirley Shirey Dale Simon Sandy and Lester Smith Barbara Stinson Bean and Floyd Sulser Martha and Mike Summerford Kari and Eddie Taylor Louisa and Tate Thigpen Charlie Tindall Stephanie Toler Claire Turner Martha and Tommy Tyson Kay and Joe Usry Melanie and Warner Wadlington Rose Washington Susan and Walter Weems Eleanor Wettach Ginger and Bob Williford Isabel and John Woods Myra and Woody York Linda Young
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Giving JAA
True Blue Raiders 2022-2023 Jessica and Mohit Ahuja Valorie and Thomas Albright Kristin and Sidney Allen Mary Kathryn ’04 and Bo ’99 Allen Angie and Brad Antici Lindsey and Matt ’99 Armstrong Pam and Jason Arnett Lindzey and Jeremy Arnold Valerie and Andy Asbell Anna and Fred Asher Ashley ’94 and Gabe Baldwin Elizabeth and Al Banks Michelle and James Baquie Michelle and Kevin Barnett Suzanne and Tommy ’94 Barnette Monifa Beal, Plexus Taylor and Justin Beard Sara Katherine and Ryan Beckett Theresa and Adam Berman Shannon ’01 and David ’99 Blanks Arlevia and Warren Bowen Lorraine and Smith Boykin Ashley and Joey Bronzi Malinda and Reagan Brown Fran’Cee Brown-McClure Ashley and Norman Cannady Lauren and Ricky Caraway Chris Champion Bonnie and Jim Chapman Mysti ’96 and Philip ’96 Chustz Amanda and Trey ’02 Clark Alex and Chase Cooper Suzanne and Charley Crell Dabbs Curley Lindsay ’94 and Dodds ’92 Dehmer Ali and John ’84 Dinkins Jamie and Alex Eat Renee and Conrad Ebner Jennifer and McKie ’94 Edmonson Melanie and Robert Eiland Kimbrell ’05 and Erick Evans Suzanna and Jeff Evans Suzy and Todd Everett Kelli and Matt ’02 Ferrell Mary Margaret and Kevin Gay Kysia and Jim Geary Hilda Margaret and Bobby Gill Katie and Marcus Ginn
Mallory and Ryan Gnemi Tatum ’00 and Gray Goodman Bethany and Preston ’03 Gough Neeli and John Graham Rebekah and Josh Gregory Lindsey and John ’03 Gresham Lee Ann and Brad Griffin Kelly ’99 and Josh Guyton Shannon ’98 and Kevin Hahn Anna ’00 and Jacob ’99 Haralson Angie ’96 and Neil Haraway Brandee and Joseph Harrington Bobbi and Matt Harrison Kristen and Bo Harwell Camille and Barry Hassell Amy and Robert ’90 Hederman Terri and Steve ’92 Hederman Missy and Mack Heidelberg Carrie and Nicholas Henderson Leslie ’99 and Matt Henson Katie and Rhett Hobgood Courtney and Chad ’96 Hosemann Fowler Buick GMC Inc. Abby and Ben ’04 James Leisel ’05 and Nicholas ’04 Jew Ashley and Brian Johnson Lisa Marie Johnson Erin and Troy Johnston Sarah Beth and Brandon Jones Quinn and Bradley ’99 Kellum Rhoshunda and Mike Kelly Brandon and Foster ’98 Kennedy Carley and Chris Laney Jessica and Nick Laura Lauren and Reid ’94 Lester Jessica and Jeffrey ’96 Lohmeier Jana and Craig Long Ramsey ’02 and Brian Long Jennifer ’93 and Mike Lowe Mae and Clark Luke Ann ’01 and Chris Lutken Stephanie ’00 and Collin Maley Ruthie and Will Massey Whitney and Graves Maxwell Laurie McGee McClintock Tara and Tyson McCoy Elizabeth ’93 and Kerk Mehrle Viking Investments
Katie and Matt Monsour Mary Clay and Matt Morgan Miles and David Munn Kim and Jared Nelson Allison ’97 and Jess ’98 New Caroline and Jack Nowell Christy and Shannon Orr Erica and Jeremy Ory Sandy and Charlie Penick Ceejaye and Mitch ’98 Peters Jeanine and Steve Pickering Keleshia and Marcus Polk Mandy and Brad ’97 Reeves Mary-Crosby ’06 and Walker Roberts Dana and Bill Robertson Jocelyn and T.C. Rollins Keira and Daniel Rushing Susan and John Ryan Morgan and Aaron Samuels Vanessa ’95 and John Pettey Sandifer Scarlet and Darrington Seward Leanna and Mike Shay Natale and JJ Sheehan Annie and Jake Shirey Shorter Productions Caroline and Kirk ’02 Sims Natalie and Frank Smith Anne McCaslin ’09 and Parker ’09 Snow Keyla and Chris Spankovich
Liz and Art Spratlin Mary Ellen ’99 and Jeff Stancill Mandi and Bob Stanley Brandi and George Stinson Helen and Clay ’94 Summerford Lyndsay and Matt Summers Latoya Taylor-Cooper Amy and Anthony Thaxton Lee Ann and Calvin ’94 Thigpen Rebecca ’98 and Michael ’98 Ueltschey Elizabeth and Jeff ’94 Upchurch Catherine and Stephen Usry Whitney and Slates Veazey Holly and Matt Vollor Christine and Jason Waldrop Jennifer and Brandt Walker Meri Scott and Hank ’09 Waterer Kyla and David ’00 Weems Brittany and Eddie ’03 Wettach Julia and David Whitt Alexa and Steven Wier Kelly ’02 and Louis Wilkinson Jane Claire and Nason Williams Mary Carolyn ’90 and Brad Williams Ashley ’87 and Mark Willson Miranda and Ben Wilson Katherine and JR Woodall Meredith ’00 and Harrison ’97 Young Catie Carlyle and Bo Zimmerman
Special thanks to the Jackson Academy Association, Inc. (JAA) and the Athletic Booster Club for supporting multiple initiatives across campus during the 2022-2023 academic year.
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Athletics
Booster Club 2022-2023 Brandi and Kalil Abide Nancy and Whit Adams Natalie and Todd Adkins Rekettsia and Van Alexander Kristin and Sidney Allen, Jr. Angie and Brad Antici Valerie and Andy Asbell Anna and Fred Asher Lisa and Craig Bailey Brian ’87 Baker Karen and Jerry Banks Deidre and Austin Barbour Suzanne and Tommy ’94 Barnette Annie Laurie and David ’05 Barrett Allison and Austin ’99 Barrett Shonda Bashir Monifa and Nick Beal-Horton Marlinda Beck-Lee Sara Katherine and Ryan Beckett Elisha and Chris Benton Caroline ’95 and Brad ’95 Blanks Ashley and Michael Borne Audra and Phillip ’86 Bowman Lorraine and Smith Boykin Janna and Brian Breland Courtney and Andy Brien Ashley and Joseph Bronzi Anika and Dexter Brown Tiffany and David Bryson Nicole and Niles ’92 Buchanan Kristine Hilton Bui ’83 Allie and Marcus Burger Courtney ’94 and Jason Bush Brandi and Alan Callison Lauren and Ricky Caraway Susan and Dorsey Carson, Jr. Allison and Russell Cauthen Amy Champagne Bonnie and Jim Chapman Katie and Jamie ’92 Chustz Mysti ’96 and Philip ’96 Chustz Tabitha and Stephen ’92 Clay Jill Stevens Clayton Karen and Jep Cole Nicole and Dock Cooper Debbie ’89 and Edward ’91 Copeland Allison and Trey Cox Barbara and Jason Craft Amanda and Myles Cross Henrene and Ken Davis Jenny and John Davis Alwin Dockins Alexis and Josh Dorman Janelle and Heath Douglas
IE3 Photo Jennifer and McKie ’94 Edmonson Brooks and Thomas Elfert Tara Ellis Cyndi and Bryan ’92 Eubank Suzy and Todd Everett April and Mark Foster Lucy and Bill Gault Mary Margaret and Kevin Gay Kysia and James Geary Marty and Leland Gebhart Genny and Derek Ginn Erika and Marcus Goodloe Tatum ’00 and Gray Goodman Neeli and John Graham Stefanie and Alan Grant Jenni and Brett Graven Brooke and Charles Greenlee Mary Jane Greenlee Claire and Stephen Griner Price and Robert Halford Gabrielle ’02 and Tripp Hammett Angie ’96 and Neil Haraway Bridget and Brent Harris Camille and Barry Hassell Susan and Pete Hays Terri ’93 and Steve ’92 Hederman. Carrie and Nic Henderson Teresa and Greg Hill Laura Hillman Lyn ’98 and Breck ’97 Hines Kimberly Hooker Trisha Horn Linda Carol and Tom ’93 Hudson Cathy and Gene Huff Anne Maxwell and Bill Hussey Hillary ’00 and Chesley ’99 James Lisa and Ben Jeffcoat Kim and Richard Johnson Erin and Troy Johnston Reagan and Alan ’90 Jones Maggie and Scott Jones Brandon and Foster ’98 Kennedy Hope Ladner Marcie and Gregg Levy Jana and Craig Long Ramsey ’02 and Brian Long Jennifer ’93 and Mike Lowe Kimberly Luckett Kindal Lutken ’98 Celina and Rick Sumrall Cynthia ’89 and Tim Mahaffey Kristin and Patrick Malouf Jennifer and Chris ’93 Mathison
Bo and Kellen Maurer Laurie McGee McClintock Stephanie McCrory Nicole McMichael Lauren and Brandon Meeks Elizabeth ’93 and Kerk Mehrle April and Jimmy Messer Jessica and Brent Miley Lauren and Nick Miller Sheri and Clint Moody Elisa and Dave ’95 Mosal Jan ’89 and Wen Nance Kristen ’95 and Lee ’93 Nations Allison ’97 and Jess ’98 New Christie ’95 and Ashley Ogden Christy and Shannon Orr Katie and Tim Parker Tara Pazzaglia Sandy and Charlie Penick Leanne and Brian Pettway Jeanine and Steve Pickering Keleshia and Marcus Polk Robyn and Greg Pollack Paula and Paul Pratt Christi and Richard Price Farrah and Kimani Purifoy Christy and Billy Quin Elizabeth ’99 and Percy Quinn Kecia and Corey Ray Craig Ray Mandy and Brad ’97 Reeves Shirlene Richardson Dana and Bill Robertson Bronwyn and Danny Robertson Audrey and Jeremy Rodden Kristie and Chris Rohman Gene and David Ross Susan and John Ryan Jennifer and Frederick ’94 Salvo Jeanne ’93 and John ’92 Scarbrough Scarlet and Darrington Seward Leigh ’92 and Scott Shoemaker Sharon and Glen Silverman London ’98 and Joseph Simpson Misti and Clint Sims Jennifer and Ben ’93 Skipper Natalie and Frank Smith Geri Beth and Allen Smith Kelly and Jose Sosa Keyla and Chris Spankovich Liz and Art Spratlin Mandi and Bob Stanley Gabby and Lynn Stapleton Heather and Derek Stevens
Bernice Stimley-Brown Pernila Stimley-Brown Lyndsay and Matthew Summers Celina and Rick Sumrall Emily and Justin Sumrall Stella-Gray and Phillip Sykes Candace and Walker Tann Shay and Rob Tatum Mamie and Zach Taylor Lee Ann and Calvin ’94 Thigpen Sarah and Britt Thomas Lori and Gary Towery Rachel and Walt Towery Meredith ’89 and Joel Travelstead Jennifer and Lon Tripoli John Turner Rebecca ’98 and Michael ’98 Ueltschey Elizabeth and Jeff ’94 Upchurch Whitney and Slates Veazey Christine and Jason Waldrop Rivers ’97 and Shaun Walker Sarah and Tim Walker Story ’94 and Todd ’90 Warren Rose Washington Ben and Lynn Watson Julia and David Whitt Alexa and Steven Wier Mary Carolyn ’90 and Brad Williams Melissa and Brian Williams Courtney and Paul Williams Beth and Greg Williamson Ashley ’87 and Mark Willson Miranda and Ben Wilson Alison and Steve Yarrow Meredith ’00 and Harrison ’97 Young Catie Carlyle and Bo Zimmerman
Athletic Corporate Community Partners ANCHOR LEVEL Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center Trustmark Bank Watkins Construction and Roofing
FOUNDING LEVEL BankPlus Brown Bottling Group C Spire Fowler Buick GMC
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Class Notes
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1983
1995
LEIGH PURVIANCE lives in Henderson, Nevada. She is a retired registered nurse.
CAROLINE and BRAD BLANKS live in Madison with their two children, Abby and Thomas. Abby is a junior at Mississippi State and Thomas is a junior at JA. Caroline is the Regional Business Development Representative at Navis Clinical. Brad is Regional Vice President at Compassus.
1990 1 LEWIS LIPSCOMB JR., MD lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He serves as the System Physician Executive of the Novant Health Women’s & Children’s Institute. He most recently served as the physician market leader of the greater WinstonSalem market, medical director of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and medical director of midwifery services. Lewis and his wife Leslie have three children, Webb (21), Mary Grace (18) and Ava (15).
1992 ELIZABETH ROSS HADLEY, a shareholder in global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP’s Government Law & Policy and Litigation Practices, was recognized as Board Certified in legislative and campaign law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Hadley joins a select group of 13 Board Certified legislative and campaign law lawyers in Texas. Board certification is the highest level of recognition for a specialization by the State Bar of Texas. She is the only JA and Ole Miss graduate with this certification. 94 TRUE BLUE
1998 FOSTER KENNEDY lives in Ridgeland with his wife, Brandon, and two children, Adams and Baird. Foster is Senior Vice President, Corporate Banking Manager at Trustmark National Bank.
2004 2 Jamie and STEPHANIE HENSON MCNAB along with big brother James and big sister Riley, welcomed John on October 4, 2022. They reside in Greenwich, Connecticut, where Stephanie remains active supporting their son’s all boys prep school, Brunswick School, and their daughter’s nursery school, First Presbyterian Church.
2005 ELLIE DURHAM REYNOLDS was recently named the inaugural Head
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of Communications and Brand Engagement for the new Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum in Washington, D.C. She lives in Bethesda, Maryland.
2007 3 Mimi and ANDREW HEARD, along with big brother Carson, welcomed baby brother Shields Lovett Heard on April 12, 2023. Mimi is the JA Preschool Librarian, and Andrew is a Project Manager at Hemphill Construction.
2008 Gregory Sandifer and JULIA MORGAN STONE SANDIFER, along with big sister Liz Harper, welcomed baby girl Sarah Grace on August 26, 2023. They reside in Jackson.
2009 DREW MOAK lives in Corinth with his wife Taylor. Drew and Taylor welcomed a daughter Martha Eloise Moak on September 19, 2022.
2010 TRENTON WINFORD lives in Madison. He is an attorney with Currie Johnson & Myers.
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2011 CAMERON MANNING lives in The Colony, Texas. Cameron is an Export Analyst with UPS Supply Chain Solutions.
2012 4 KELSEY PETTUS and husband Jack Berry live in Charlottesville, Virginia. Kelsey is Chief Resident for Pediatrics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Jack is a CPA with Berry and Associates. MATT DENNY and KATIE KENNEDY DENNY ’11 live in Memphis, Tennessee. Matt is Senior Vice President for Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). He provides a full scope of real estate services in the industrial and office sector and holds a real estate license in both Mississippi and Tennessee. He recently served on the JLL Atlanta Digital Excellence Board, and throughout his career he has earned the JLL Gold Baton Award, JLL Rising Star Award, Memphis Area Association of REALTORS (MAAR) Pinnacle Awards Newcomer of the Year and the MAAR Pinnacle Producers Club.
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reside in Charlottesville, Virginia, where Ben is Senior Commercial Strategy & Operations Manager at WillowTree and Grace is a Business Manager at Capital One.
2015 Emma and MATT WHITFIELD live in Harvest, Alabama. They are expecting their first child in July. Matt is a mechanical engineer with Dynetics and Emma is an event planner.
2016 6 SARAH FRENCH and DAVIS SIMMONS were married on May 20, 2023 in Jackson. Sarah is a Kindergarten teacher at JA and Davis is a recent graduate of Ole Miss Law School and is a Legal Clerk at Markow Walker.
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7 SYDNEY HAYS married BEN McDOWELL ’16 at Fondren Church on March 25, 2023 in Jackson, where they reside. (below) Bridesmaids from the class of 2016 included Abby Lindsay, Mary Chosen Caples, Georgia Gibson, Clarke Wilkirson, Hannah Wooten Mitchell, Delaney Wallace. 8 SAMANTHA RHODES married DREW THOMAS on April 22, 2023 on the Rhodes Family Farm in Benton. They reside in Freeport, Florida.
2019 9 RAMEY HOGUE married JOHNNY CARPENTER on June 3, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. Johnny is attending The Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Class Notes printed here were submitted since JA’s Summer/Fall 2022 issue.
2014 5 GRACE GOLDEN married BEN TRIBBLE on March 25, 2023. They TRUE BLUE 95
Memorials Ray Bailey Lisa and Craig Bailey Frances Barbour Jackson Academy Booster Club JA Football Family
Jackson Academy Association (JAA) Jackson Academy Booster Club Judine McDonald Gloria and Stephen Hirn
John Bolls Stancie Ley Millie and Ray Higgins Pat and Peter Jernberg
Sue McKnight Judy Arnold Tripp ’87 Arnold and Family Pat and Peter Jernberg Barbara and Ed Sentell
Johnny Bryan Pat and Peter Jernberg
Raymond McMullen Mille and Ray Higgins
Rita Curry Judy Arnold Tripp Arnold ’87 and Family Susan Ingram Pat and Peter Jernberg George and Whit Johnson Julie H. Murray
Jay Foster Meacham, Sr. Donna and Gary Archer Claire and Rees Barksdale Kate and David Bowman Mr. and Mrs. L. Craig Brown Richard Brown Celia and Cecil Burnham Leigh ’89 and George Butler Margaret and Fred Carl Lacy and Preston Carpenter Mr. and Mrs. William Carter Katie and Jamie ’92 Chustz Pat and Jim Coggin Helen and York Craig Linda Eakes Cathy and Sam Fonda Gage and Webb Franklin Danelle and Kendall Garraway Ann C. Gaskins Susan and Edwin Gault Kysia and Jim Geary Lee Ann and Brad Griffin Shannon ’98 and Kevin Hahn Wanda and Charles Hart Carley and Cable ’97 Hawkins Amy and Mike Hill Daird Hollingsworth Mr. and Mrs. Mark L. Hollingsworth Terri Hudson Jackson Academy Booster Club Jackson Academy Association (JAA) JAA Middle School Cares Paula and Randy James JA Varsity Football Family Erin and Trey Johnston Ashley and Bradley Kelly Catherine and William Kidd Suzanne and Gregory Laird Portia and Steve Lary Kathy and Vic Laurent Sarah Love
Sammy Dantone Jackson Academy Booster Club Judy Arnold Tripp Arnold ’87 and Family Mary Lene and Newt Harrison Darrell Driskell Susan Ingram Virginia Hughes England Suzanne ’91 and John ’83 Murray Walker Fielder ’20 Kate and David Bowman Leigh ’89 and George Butler Susan Ingram Jackson Academy Association (JAA) Jackson Academy Booster Club Sarah Love Katie Johnson ’18 Lee Ann and Brad Griffin Gloria and Stephen Hirn Jackson Academy Association (JAA) Jackson Academy Booster Club Julie H. Murray Victor Vadrian Mavar, Sr. Jackson Academy Booster Club JA Football Family Brandon and Foster ’98 Kennedy Latitia McDade 96 TRUE BLUE
Mary Deaton Lucas Clark and Mae Luke Alex Falb Denise ’89 and Bill Furr and Family Margaret L. McEwan Mary Eliza and Howard McMillan Martha Helen Meacham Liz ’93 and Kerk Mehrle Elizabeth and Floyd Melton Janie and Spencer Mooney Nancy and Sells Newman Ken O’Keefe Britton and Bryan Owen Susan and JoJo Payne Paul Perry Barbara Gragson Petty Kim and Stephen Pillow Dorothy Poindexter Hilda and Kirkham Povall Leigh and Todd Reeves Hank Reichle Pamela and Jim Robbins Peggy and Bernie Smith Mary and Chris Shapley Elizabeth and Seth Stewart Mary Neff and John Stewart Shay and Rob Tatum Marilyn Wade and Family Mr. and Mrs. John Ronald Walters Ashley ’87 and Mark Willson Charlene and Allen Wood Wesley Worsham Chuck Miner Pat and Peter Jernberg Joe Harold Morgan Susan Ingram Perry Nations Pam and David Allen Associated General Contractors of Mississippi, Inc. Carol and Keith Branning Bulldog Construction Co., Inc. Leigh and George Butler ’89 Craft Croswell Lamar Chustz Susan Elliott Fletcher Construction Co., Inc. Christopher Garvey Gloria and Stephen Hirn Horne Construction Cille and Jerry Horner Susan Ingram Jackson Academy Booster Club JA Varsity Football Family
Pat and Peter Jernberg JESCO, Inc. John R. Junkin II Kimberly McNeer Mid-State Construction Mississippi Association of Self Insurers Julie H. Murray R.M. and W.L. Painter Becky and Guy Parker Susan and JoJo Payne Nan and Randy Randall Rosie and Jack Rhodes Jeanne ’93 and John ’92 Scarbrough Gina and Lee ’90 Seago Barbara and Ed Sentell Kathy ’82 and Richard Sheffield Specialty Metals Supply, Inc. Starks Contracting Co., Inc. Thrash Commercial Contractors, Inc. Tauzin Wealth Management United Piping, Inc. Frances and William Ware Stacy and Belk Weems Ashley ’87 and Mark Willson Patrice and John Worley Mitchel Nicholas Jackson Academy Booster Club JA Football Family
Heather Slay Powers ’92 Pat and Peter Jernberg Lisa and Michael ’92 Johnson Julie H. Murray Susan and JoJo Payne
O. J. Turner III Pat and Peter Jernberg
Charles Scoggins Gloria and Stephen Hirn
Mary Grace Yarborough Judy Arnold Tripp Arnold ’87 and Family Susan and JoJo Payne
Susan “Bunny” Shelton Judy Arnold Barbara and Ed Sentell Emily L. Smith Judy Arnold Tripp Arnold ’87 and Family Millie and Ray Higgins George and Whit Johnson Clay Steen ’87 Judy Arnold Tripp Arnold ’87 and Family Raymond R. Stevens, Jr. Nancy Stevens Ray Edward Stevens II ’15 Drury Stevens Mary Laverne Terry Pat and Peter Jernberg
Patricia L. Worley Pat and Peter Jernberg
Mary Lou Young Millie and Ray Higgins
Memorial Scholarships Ashleigh Arnold Dehmer Memorial Bronwyn ’83 and Chris Burford Beth Keeler Suzanne ’91 and John ’83 Murray Susan and JoJo Payne Scott Branning Memorial Scholarship Susan and JoJo Payne Judy and Norton McKeigney Memorials from June 1, 2022- May 31, 2023
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Honorariums Suzie Adcock Patti Wade
Kylee Grace Cutrer ’23 Susan Ingram
JA Class of 2023- K3 Fish Class Katrice and Jeff Hadley
Anna Lauren Parker ’23 Lucy Boykin ’35
Perry ’29 and William ’33 Allen Kristin and Sidney Allen
Melissa Denson Cindy and Donnie Hampton
JA Class of 2023 Rowdies Jim Wilkirson
Eliza ’23 and Preston ’26 Perkins Martha Perkins
Dee Ball ’23 Mysti ’96 and Philip ’96 Chustz
Charlie Earl ’23 Mallie and Mark Earl
JA Class of 2023 Volleyball Seniors Cindy and Donnie Hampton
Cole Powers’ 23 Susan Ingram
Mary Peyton Barnette ’23 Susan Ingram Suzanne Barnette
Lila Eubank ’23 Cyndi ’92 and Bryan Eubank
JA Middle School Faculty and Staff Becky and BoBo Clarke
Grace Drew Pratt ’23 Wyc Bussey ’35 and Banks Bussey ’37
Tommy Barnette ’94 Suzanne Barnette
Lilly Gebhart ’23 Grace Gebhart ’17 Land Gebhart ’20
Adams Kennedy ’23 Vickie Lynn Adams
Addi Roberts ’23 Susan Ingram
Elizabeth Beckett ’23 Susan Ingram
The Honorable Alexander Good Theodore Waechter
Ava Ladner ’23 Alex’ 06 and Perry ’06 Taylor
Mary Elizabeth Seward ’23 Scarlett and Darrington Seward
Caroline Bennett ’23 Beverly Fatherree
Ann Cole Hammons ’23 Susan Ingram
Jan Sojourner Patrina and Glen Dace
Nathan Biggs ’23 Susan Ingram
Gloria Hirn Grayce Geary ’23
Walker Lake ’23 Susan Ingram Jay Lake Julia and David Whitt
Emily Buchanan ’23 Susan Ingram
Win Hooker ’23 Wyc Bussey ’35
Owen Carter ’23 Susan Ingram
Josie Huff Susan Ingram
Coleman Chustz Katie and Jamie ’92 Chustz
Pat and Peter Jernberg Susan and JoJo Payne
Sarah Clay ’23 Dawn Duncombe
JA Class of 2023 Amy and Bill Bush Krysten ’06 and Jay ’06 Jernigan Brandon and Foster Kennedy Aqfa Sultana and Azad Bhuiyan Julia and David Whitt
Mya Coins ’23 Marietta Coins
Samuel ’23, Sara Kate ’26, Anna Caroline ’28, and Ainslie Long ’30 Carol and Vic Jones
Kathleen Thigpen ’23 Suzanne and Tate ’88 Thigpen Jojo Turner ’23 Brandon Richardson
Sarah Love Alice Hallford
Clayton White ’23 Wyc Bussey ’35
Rosemary McClintock Laurie McClintock
Alan Whitfield Sandra Eubank
Anderson Mehrle ’27 Mimi and Robert Mehrle
Olivia Claire Williford ’23 Shelle Pinkard Robyn and Greg Pollack
Merritt Nations ’23 Shelle Pinkard
Honorariums from June 1, 2022- May 31, 2023
Jackson Academy acknowledges gifts made in memory of faculty, staff, and JA family members each year in the True Blue magazine. To submit a memorial, contact Frances Bussey at fbussey@jacksonacademy.org or mail your memorial to Frances Bussey, Jackson Academy, 4908 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, Mississippi 39211.
98 TRUE BLUE
TRUE BLUE | SUMMER/FALL 2023 | VOLUME XXVII
JACKSON ACADEMY 4908 Ridgewood Road Jackson, Mississippi 39211
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JA's one campus provides opportunities such as our signature Football Buddies program that pairs first graders with varsity football players for a number of interactive events throughout the season.
