SPRING 2012
A Publication For Jackson Academy Alumni, Families, and Friends
VOLUME XIII
JA’s Powerful Global & Technological Future
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from the president
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s a junior-high student, I received a slide rule and compass. At the time, these tools were the very best technology that schools had to offer. Now, our Jackson Academy students have apps that perform these two functions. Even a calculator—a 1970s educational necessity—is largely subsumed by laptop and smartphone technology. Today, the computer is a vital part of an excellent educational experience. We have come quite a long way! Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, all of JA’s children will start using Apple learning devices for a great many of their educational endeavors. JA is seeking to become a one-to-one Apple Distinguished School. There has never been a better time worldwide to be a student than today, and that is certainly the case at JA, as our academic community strategically integrates computer technology with day-to-day learning.
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from the headmaster
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was born and raised in South Alabama, and there I received my entire education. The term “global learning” at that time was mostly associated with the study of geography, a discipline that has always formed a vital link in Jackson Academy’s curriculum. Today, however, Global Learning is its own academic discipline at many major colleges and universities. We at JA affirm the strong necessity for our students to receive proper instruction that will broaden their horizons and further prepare them for college. This past year, JA President Peter Jernberg and I were asked to join a delegation of top independent school administrators as members of an American delegation to China, where the Ameson Foundation hosted an excellent set of opportunities for creative interaction between American and Chinese educators. The stories from this trip are fascinating and seemingly endless, especially our visit to a new sister Chinese school. We visited this school, speaking to teachers and observing
their work. A relationship has now begun between this school and JA that will lead to exciting cultural and educational exchanges. As this goes to print, three Chinese tenth-grade students are enjoying a six-week exchange visit to our school, enriching both them and our students. We believe this will prove to be the first fruits of many new global learning opportunities JA will offer. In another arena, we are making important advances in accordance with our new strategic plan’s directive that JA enhance our children’s opportunities to explore their spiritual interests. We now have added a chaplain and chapel services, which are discussed in a later article. Finally, JA students are already known in colleges and universities nationally for their passionate commitment to community service. An article in this issue of the JAAM explains this valuable, growing element of our school culture. These wonderful, board-affirmed educational opportunities continue to further distinguish JA as a leader in college preparatory education.
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from the director of alumni
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nergy and excellence abound at Jackson Academy. From the click of a computer mouse to a successful vision, you can see from the cover of JAAM how JA is changing for the future. We all have to be much more technically able. Some of us used to think we should get a raise just for knowing how to use a computer; now it’s a basic job skill. The excitement and the possibilities for our students are also an opportunity for so much fun. Faculty and staff are working hard to find ways to link courses and learning opportunities so as to create relevant, real-world educational experiences that will equip our students to be lifelong learners. I am so very excited that my family will reap the benefits of this careful planning. I also want to mention that my great friend, Mary Donnelly, has spent the last nine months writing the history of Jackson Academy for its first 50 years. Collaborating with long-time JA visionary Don Breazeale, Mary has interviewed more than 50 people and has spent countless hours researching JA’s Archives. Please see the information on the back cover to order your copy today. In this edition of JAAM you will read about individuals and their outstanding achievements, and you will get a sense of the wonderful things that continue to go on at Jackson Academy and make you as proud as I am to be a part of this school. May you enjoy many blessings in 2012.
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Come One Come All ... JA Performers Excel
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SCHOLARS
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JA ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS
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TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
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Becky Greer Director of Alumni Relations 601.364.5721 bgreer@jacksonacademy.org 4
In Memory of Stephen Scott Branning
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Valedictorian Davis Rogers
Senior Class 2011 College Choices
Salutatorian Connor Tierney
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Congratulations
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class of 2011
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technological learning
INTRODUCING ... iLearn By Eddie Wettach Director of Technology
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t’s hard to believe that Jackson Academy’s youngest Raiders will graduate in the year 2026. Their educational journey at JA will be filled with significant learning innovations as we ensure that they gain all the technological advantages required to succeed in the twentyfirst century world. What skills will a college-preparatory student need 10, 15, or even 20 years from now? That question is not fully possible to answer, but it is apparent that it will be much different than the education that many JA alumni received. To address this exciting reality, JA is creating a new school-wide program we call “iLearn,” the name that JA has chosen for its twenty-first century learning initiative. iLearn will create a digital learning environment on our entire campus. JA has partnered with Apple Inc. in creating these learning environments. Laptop and other technological learning are, and will be, vital to future JA students. Student devices are set to roll out the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year. A capital campaign is now underway to help offset a majority of the cost of the program. Starting next year all students from the full-day kindergarten classes to the twelfth grade will have appropriate learning devices selected based on the students’ grade levels. In Preschool, iPod touch carts—self-contained, rolling iPod touch stations holding 20 to 25 iPods—will be used. In grades first through fourth, each student will have an iPad to use at school; on some special assignments, they will be allowed to take them home. In fifth through twelfth grade,
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students will have their own MacBooks—loaned to students for the entire school year—for use at school and home. Last August a pilot program was begun to jump-start the use of technology in the classroom. Forty iPod touches have been a huge hit among our students with the smallest hands in the Preschool. Ninety iPads and 100 MacBooks have been spread across the Elementary, Junior High, and High School. Fifth- through twelfth-grade students have experienced the possibilities of studying up to 26 foreign languages by using Rosetta Stone in the language labs. For all of JA’s well-known, highly successful extracurricular offerings, academics is always the central aspect of Jackson Academy, and academics is at the forefront of the current strategic plan. JA has identified that students need to have the core foundation of knowledge that has always been taught at JA, plus enhanced skills that will make them prepared for twenty-first century citizenship. Some of these skills include creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration. While these skills are not new, technology has evolved into a tool for fostering these twenty-first century skills. The Jackson Academy Board of Trustees and Administration fully endorsed embarking on creating this
digital learning environment. This technological learning transformation will take several years to realize. Of course, the strength of JA always has been and will remain its faculty, who will oversee this student-centric learning environment. Teachers will mix traditional teaching methods with projectand inquiry-based learning. This will allow teachers to work more with students on an individual- or small-group basis, as well as to initiate classroom learning that may normally not be able to take place. Infrastructure upgrades as well as professional development have been in the works for some time.
Why i care
Teachers have had Apple MacBook Pros for more than three years and are currently involved in professional development to prepare them for the students receiving devices. JA’s wired and wireless network have been completely overhauled to replace the old network. The goal of the iLearn initiative is to support the mission statement of Jackson Academy to create students who are prepared for college and life-long learning. When JA’s Class of 2026 graduates enter college, not to mention those graduating in the near future, JA will have given them yet-more tools to succeed in college and the world beyond.
ben tribble, 10th grade
“We have so many options with this new technology. It’s a great step forward for us as we prepare for college. Apple is cleaner and more user-friendly than many other devices, and I imagine most JA students agree that learning off Apple devices will be very exciting.”
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technological learning Students Already Are Using Technology By Bobbie Downey, B.A., M.A. 21st Century Learning Specialist
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n all divisions of the school, many students are already using carts of iPod touches, iPads, and laptops for instructional purposes. In the Preschool, full-day students are using iPod touches for learning activities. All full-day classrooms are equipped with SMART Boards, and students as well as teachers use these to manipulate information. In the Elementary, students are using iPads for interactive applications on such topics as astronomy and biology. The fifth-grade physical education classes use heart-rate monitors to measure their heart rate during different levels of exertion. One sixth-grade class conducts interviews and creates a full news broadcast video on current events. Another is using laptops to study a language; each student can choose which language to study. Language study continues in the Junior High, where students are using laptops to study foreign languages that
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have not previously been offered at JA. The seventh grade studies Mandarin Chinese, and the eighth grade studies German. There is also an eighth-grade math competition class in which selected students use laptops to compete, in real time, in a national online competition. They get immediate feedback on their answers and on their speed compared to other competitors. Also beginning in eighth grade, some students create PowerPoint presentations for their research projects in history and science. In secondary elective classes, students in Film Analysis study film history and techniques. They then create videos of their own in which they tell a story using the techniques they have studied. To do this they use digital cameras, MacBooks, and Final Cut Pro X. A communications class– Interactive Media–uses Apple devices to make videos and podcasts of current school events that are featured with student bylines in the school’s new weekly e-newsletter, The Tuesday Raider.
Techie teachers preschool loves it!
sixth grade current affairs
Missy Tharp, B.S., M.Ed. Kindergarten Teacher
Chris Tucker, B.S., M.S. History Teacher
“The kids love using our SMART Board. We do all of our reading, phonics, and enrichment using it. We also use iPod touches to do enrichment activities, spelling, math, and phonics. I’m happy to know that our kids actually welcome using the new technology.”
more classroom writing Laura Kutcher, B.A., M.A. English Teacher “The availability of the laptops provides the opportunity for students to research and write simultaneously. This enables me to work with them in class, and because typing essays in class speeds up the overall writing process, students can spend more time revising and improving their ideas. This helps reinforce the idea that a first draft of an essay is never a final draft.”
“We now produce a complete TV news broadcast. We use new Apple computers to edit, and then to put in production values that make the experience memorable and enjoyable for the kids. Offering this technology-based experience helps my students learn how to be prepared, unafraid, and confident in what they are doing.”
laying down the language Judy McKeigney, B.A., M.Ed. Spanish, Latin
“Rosetta Stone is great for our students. It enhances their ability to learn a new language at their own pace. I’m actually using it myself to learn German while teaching it to my eighth-grade students!”
new media mania Michelle Mills, B.S. Interactive Media Director & Teacher “I love watching our students interact with faculty while writing, photographing, and videoing for our weekly e-newsletter, The Tuesday Raider. Students are learning valuable programs and skills. They have worked the sidelines of sports events, taking photos and assisting with JA radio broadcasts, plus they have helped live stream events via our website. I can tell they enjoy the challenge.” 11
preschool update STUDENTS GETTING “SMART” By Tara McDaniel, M.S., M.Ed. Preschool Dean
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MART Boards and iPod touches have been added to the prekindergarten and kindergarten full-day curriculums to make learning exciting and fun. This active engagement enhances a young child’s knowledge base by providing an opportunity to interact with their learning environment both physically and mentally. Students are able to physically touch and move objects on a screen large enough for everyone to see. This new technology not only fosters learning, but also facilitates a distinct method of assessment for teachers, as they are able to instantly evaluate a student’s progress.
elementary update TWENTY-SIX LANGUAGES AVAILABLE FOR STUDY By Sarah Love, B.A., M.Ed. Elementary Dean
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he ability for our students to communicate with others around the globe has become increasingly critical. In response, Jackson Academy has successfully implemented a new foreign language program based around technology and more specifically the Rosetta Stone software platform. Rosetta Stone uses dynamic immersion to teach students a foreign language much the same way they learned their native language. Students hear the spoken language and see in the screen images that give context. The dynamic immersion method promotes faster fluency and gives our students an opportunity to speak and communicate in their new language. Currently through Rosetta Stone, JA offers Spanish in fifth grade, a choice of romance languages in sixth grade, Mandarin Chinese in seventh grade, and German in eighth grade. In addition, JA has the ability to offer language instruction online 24 hours a day in 22 additional languages to every student, teacher, and staff member. We have even been able to offer language instruction to parents and alumni this year. The school also has the ability to customize the language curriculum within Rosetta Stone to emphasize skills like writing, reading, and grammar. Without a doubt, language instruction looks very different now at JA, and new technological advances will surely keep us on our toes for years to come.
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secondary update STUDENTS GOOGLING, MOODLING, AND MORE By Bobbie Downey, B.A., M.A. 21st Century Learning Specialist
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n the High School, English students at all levels make videos of scenes from the literature they are reading. Some have also made brief videos illustrating vocabulary words. In some English classes students have collaborated on essays and projects using Google Docs or Moodle. Math and physics students access professionally prepared tutorial videos on such websites as Khan Academy and BrightStorm. Some teachers are moving toward the use of these videos at home in order to work more closely with students in class in a technique called a “flipped classroom.” Some classes are using Haiku, our new Learning Management System, to get and turn in assignments, view videos, and do other interactive activities.
wellness update GIVING THE BRAIN AN AEROBIC BREAK By Sharon Clark, B.S., M.S. Elementary P.E. Director
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ased on recent findings, a cutting-edge educational resource company—HOPSports—has developed a series of twoto-three-minute videos called “Brain Break.” JA is honored to have been asked to help pilot this program, joining 16 other top schools nationwide. Recent brain research out of Harvard University and the University of Illinois confirms that exercise and guided kinesthetic movement cognition are key to fitness, movement, and learning. “Exercise doesn’t make you smarter, but it prepares the brain for learning and enables better focus,” says Harvard’s Dr. John Ratey. Children’s brains need to be “recharged” about every 15 minutes, the data shows. When this happens, children increase academic success, standardized test scores, and their ability to focus, while also decreasing negative behavior. Our elementary classroom teachers and P.E. department are exploring using these videos with marked success! Children simply pause during scheduled times throughout the day and engage in brief aerobic movements beside their desks. Teachers have made notes about which of the 90 Brain Break videos are producing the best results. The good news—our students are showing real success as they use this program, and JA once again stands out as a leader in educational innovations.
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A Spin Around the Globe By Joe Maxwell, B.A., M.A. Marketing and Communications Director
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oday’s student from preschool to college has been born into a shrinking world. The Internet, 24-hour TV, and texting have created a culture in which people an ocean apart interact as if in the same room. The global community has arrived, though strong distinctions remain among varying cultures and countries. As our world shifts towards a globally driven economy, our graduates inevitably face the reality of needing a functional understanding of other global realities. Indeed, young professionals today spin the world on their finger, and JA takes seriously the task of nurturing our students’ global awareness.
Why i care
dasha tsema, 12th grade
“My parents are from the former Soviet Union, and we have been part of the JA family for two years now. I’m glad that JA students will be exposed even more to other cultures such as my parents’. My friends and I can expand our knowledge of other countries and other ways of life.”
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Global learning
With this in mind, JA is launching a program to enhance students’ global awareness and vision through additional foreign language opportunities, cultural and geography studies, and real and virtual travel. As Dr. Taylor said on page three, JA has entered into a cultural exchange program as one of a select few top independent schools in America invited by the Ameson Foundation. JA has paired with a top Chinese school to interact via cultural exchanges and technological communication. Three Chinese students this Spring 2012 semester are living with JA families and attending JA for six weeks, experiencing our learning culture and larger society and presenting their culture to our students. JA students will soon have a chance to live and study in China. JA and Chinese students eventually will also Skype during class periods, interacting in a shared learning experience. This Chinese exchange opportunity is the beginning of many more opportunities that JA students will have to increase students’ ability to succeed in our modern world.
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Spiritual Nurture
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ohn Hugh Tate is pastor of Bellwether Church, which meets each Sunday in JA’s Performing Arts Center. Says John Hugh: “I am an Evangelical Christian, as I believe Jesus Christ is the author of our salvation, and that God desires all people to have a personal relationship with Him. It is my honor to serve as Chaplain of Jackson Academy, where I hope to help students and faculty know God in a greater way and to develop a deeper relationship with Him.”
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By John Hugh Tate, JA Chaplain
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he most obvious role I play is leading JA’s bi-weekly Secondary Chapel services, which begin at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesdays and last 20 to 30 minutes. After student-led worship, I offer an encouraging devotional message to the students, faculty, and any parents who wish to attend. Chapel is optional except for four mandatory chapels: the first chapel of a school year, the Christmas chapel, the first chapel of the new calendar year, and a graduation chapel. Last semester’s chapel theme was: “What Do You Want For Your Life?” We considered what Jesus said about the unhealthy pursuit of money, ill-advised relationships, and status, instead of making God the center point of our lives. I also attend the weekly
Why i care
administrative staff meetings. This is a way both to nurture the spiritual life at the school and chapel services, and to“have a seat at the table.” It promotes good communication about the spiritual pulse of the school, and it lets us all be in prayer about pertinent issues and challenges affecting the school. As Chaplain, I am also on call for pastoral needs among students and faculty. As relationships grow with students, teachers, and leaders at JA, there will be more opportunities for pastoral guidance. A strong spiritual life is essential for the future of our students, families, and nation. We will continue to grow this integral aspect of Jackson Academy’s Strategic Plan, and we look forward to seeing the fruit it will bring.
jordan cockayne, 12th grade
“Chapel is a way to unwind and forget about our daily struggles. The student involvement is great. I like to encourage students in the halls to go to Chapel so that they can see how much they will enjoy it. Once they go, they understand how wonderful it is to have this opportunity right here on our campus, in the middle of the day.” 17
Why i care
hannah watson, 11th grade
“Doing community service helps people’s attitudes around campus and in their whole lives. It’s great just to be around the people we’re helping and to be out in the community making a difference. It sure helps me.”
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Community service
Community Service the JA WAY By Bill Bunch, B.S., M.S. Dean of Academic Affairs / Associate Headmaster / Arts Administrator
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or years, Jackson Academy students have been volunteering in the community in many different ways and in many different places. However, community service is only one aspect of service learning. Community service must be tied to the curriculum and must include meaningful reflection in order to achieve true service learning. According to many research models, service learning increases student academic achievement as well as student social, civic, and intellectual development. The Jackson Academy Service and Learning Plan is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. The Service and Learning Plan is based upon the principles found in the school’s mission statement. By committing to help others in need, students are challenged to become responsible citizens, while growing spiritually, emotionally, socially, and physically. One goal for the service and learning program at JA is to launch an Alumni Service Day where alumni, students, and faculty join together for the greater good of the community. Working with JA alumni will give current students an opportunity to form new relationships while they positively impact those around them. Another goal for service and learning is to develop a “hands-on” mentality. Although there is certainly no harm simply in asking students to bring donations for charity, the greater benefit for the students comes when they are actually
engaged in some type of activity, whether it is tutoring, house building, serving food, etc. Jackson Academy graduate (2011) Elliott Thomas, said it best: “There are numerous opportunities for students to volunteer at JA, but there are also many opportunities outside of JA in the surrounding communities. For those who are currently in school, it is sometimes difficult to volunteer to serve others outside of our school/comfort zone. We find it easier to send money or donate items, rather than volunteering our time for work. But we need to realize that it is not about the amount of money we donate or the items we donate, it is about learning from those whom you serve.” The ultimate goal is to include service learning as a seamless part of the curriculum. In this process, students identify needs and work with teachers and community members to plan and implement the service activity. Finally, the students share publicly what they have learned. Throughout the entire service and learning process, teachers work with students to reflect upon what they have learned, assess the project, and see what they might do differently next time. Our students’ efforts of serving others and their desire to make a difference show not only to school leaders, but also to the greater Jackson community. Students themselves have initiated many service projects that have been completed in the last few years. Our students are becoming more aware of the needs in the world around them and more aware that they can be agents of change. It is our responsibility to continue to instill this lifelong skill of serving others.
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Visual Arts | preschool Painting the Classics By Kandy Sims, B.S. Preschool Art Instructor
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hildren love to paint and create. At Jackson Academy’s Preschool and Kindergarten, we believe that teaching them to create art is very important as a means of personal growth and expression. You can never duplicate what a child can actually paint. Some children are very right-brained, and a dedicated art class gives them a break from the rigors of reading and writing exercises. It can give them new confidence, which leads to advancement in their everyday work. For our left-brained youth, art helps stretch them to see the world in fresh ways. The children learn about line, shape, and form. They paint with primary and secondary colors, and they learn about negative space and “filling up their paper.” They
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also learn to repeat colors. We also expose the children to famous artists. The K students paint sunflowers as we discuss Vincent Van Gogh. The PK students paint circles as we discuss the famous Russian artist Kandinsky. With paint we also make leaf impressions that resemble a Matisse painting. We listen to Mozart on Pandora every day in art class. The children enjoy the classical music, and it helps them to be more creative! Mississippi has such a rich heritage in art with renowned local artists in our communities! Grace Buchanan, a local artist from Madison, has come to do an oil study. Wyatt Waters is scheduled to visit, as are others.
Visual Arts | elementary
elementary art teacher wows in belhaven exhibit Elementary Art Instructor Kateri Tolo’s recent senior art exhibition at Belhaven University was “amazing,” proclaims Elementary Dean Sarah Love! “We are blessed to have someone of Kateri’s talent and spirit as part of our JA elementary staff,” said Dean Love. Enjoy this sample of Elementary art work.
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Visual Arts | junior & senior high More Than Art Teachers
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A junior-high and senior-high students continue to produce art worthy of exhibition not only within our school, but also throughout the Jackson area. Perhaps that is because both grade divisions’ art instructors– Chelsea Sekanic (7th-8th grade art) and Susan Ingram (9th-12th grade art)—themselves are recognized public artists in the Jackson community. Ingram recently had a very successful art showing at one of the Metro-area’s top galleries, Southern Breeze, in Ridgeland. Sekanic’s first book of original art was released in December, and she already has signed a contract for a second book! Enjoy these samples of their students’ fantastic work. Congratulations to our art instructors for their excellence in teaching and beyond!
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Susan Ingram and Chelsea Sekanic
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band National Champions Again
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he JA Marching Band continues to gain national honors, astounding thousands with their musical excellence. During the 2011 marching season, in addition to contributing to the JA spirit at pep rallies and football games, the Marching Band won nine awards at the Southern Stars Invitational, including first place in their class and division, and second place overall, competing against much larger bands from public and independent schools around the region. At the Bands of America (BOA) St. Louis Super Regional Championship, the Raider Band was again the smallest group, yet were named Class A Champions and swept all caption awards—for music, visual, and general effect. As Class Champions, they performed during the finals at the Edward Jones Dome before 15,000 people, who gave JA’s performance a standing ovation. In addition to Marching Band, students also participate
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in Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Winter Guard. All of the groups have earned recognition over the years at festivals and competitions in such locations as Chicago, New Orleans, Nashville, and more. Since 1990, the JA Marching Band has been named Bands of America (BOA) Regional Class Champions 14 times. At the BOA Grand National Championships, held each year in Indianapolis, the JA Band has earned three second place National Class A titles and two BOA Grand National Class A Championships, in 1993 and 2004. The JA Band remains one of only two Class A bands to be named a Grand National Finalist (one of the top 12 bands regardless of class). Through a nurturing environment where each student is encouraged to reach his or her highest potential, the Jackson Academy Band Program maintains its goals of music education and life-skills development.
innovative electives
History of Rock’n’Roll
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and Director Bruce Carter has launched a new elective for secondary students. Drawing upon his deep understanding and love for the history of rock’n’roll, Carter is taking students on a journey from the beginnings of the genre through the various eras of music, not only exposing students to the music, but also to the cultures and history that influenced the greatest songs, bands, and music genres. Students also have benefited from visits by top area musicians including blues, jazz, and rock greats. Nationally known blues musician Jimmy Robinson visited Jackson Academy’s History of Rock’n’Roll class to provide insight into blues history in Mississippi. Robinson also performed several of his classics and answered questions from the class.
Interactive Media
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n JA’s Marketing and Communications Department, staffers have combined areas of expertise to create a new media class that adds to the secondary’s electives list. Kristen Ley (graphic design), Michelle Mills (photography and new media), Joe Maxwell (newspaper and magazine), and Bryan Eubank (whose SuperSport 930 radio station is located on campus) show students how to use and combine the various media forms in a real-life laboratory–the JA campus. Students cover scores of weekly events. Students helped launch JA’s new live-streaming service that lets JA supporters remotely watch football games and PAC events. Students’ photography and articles are also featured weekly in The Tuesday Raider, JA’s weekly e-newsletter to parents, grandparents, staff, and other patrons.
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Come One & All ... J A Performers Excel!
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A’s Performing Arts students brought the magical world of Dr. Seuss to the PAC in October, presenting Seussical the Musical in the school’s 812-seat performance hall. This was the first collaboration for the directing team of Stacey Overstreet (choreographer/drama/ speech) and Katie Easley (Director of Choral Music). Crowds swelled to near capacity over three consecutive nights! Besides showcasing JA’s stellar secondary music and drama students, the show also revealed just what makes JA so special, as a host of fifth and sixth graders joined the cast. In all, more than 70 students performed along with a 15-piece orchestra and crew of 10. Audience members received much more than the show they watched inside the theatre. The lobby was a show in itself, hosting a variety of Seuss-themed merchandise, autographs by the cast, and a slideshow of images from the production. 26 26
Performing arts
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n the spring, theatre-goers will enjoy the performance of 12 Angry Jurors, which will take place in the Flex Theatre. This play will be a dramatic change from the light-hearted feel of Seussical. On the other side of the Performing Arts, Jackson Academy’s Choral Program season is kicking off. Both the Encore secondary showchoir and Showtime junior high showchoir are the largest they have been in years. Finale, JA’s sixth grade ensemble, presented their Christmas musical, Camel Lot. Showtime, and Encore began their season with a classical Christmas concert at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Both groups sang at JA’s annual choral music fundraiser, A Little Night Music with a Broadway Twist, held at the Old Capitol Inn. “The smallest of the small, and the tallest of the tall! Come old and young! Come one and all!” This quote from Seussical the Musical perfectly summarizes the mantra of the Jackson Academy Performing Arts Department: Everyone is welcome to participate in every form and fashion of the arts at JA.
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Athletics at ja
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3 DIVISION I SIGNEES
n one calendar year, 2011, an independent high school of about 400 high-school students—Jackson Academy—had three students sign Division I sports scholarships. Tennis star Ellie Yates, baseball star Matt Denny, and basketball star Brett Ball signed scholarships with the University of Southern California, the University of Mississippi, and the University of South Carolina, respectively. Yates long ago declined invitations from an international tennis facility in Florida to come live and play. She stayed at JA to be a serious student, cheerleader, and track athlete, and to enjoy close friendships. Denny rewrote JA’s baseball record books under the coaching of JA Coach Jay Powell, a former pro pitcher, who found top summer leagues where Denny showcased his talents. Brett Ball’s mother had to move from Jackson before Brett’s senior year. Barry and Melody McNair, JA parents, invited Brett to live with them her final year. “I will never be able to thank them enough,” said a tearful Ball.
Ellie Yates University of Southern California
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Matt Denny The University of Mississippi
Brett Ball The University of South Carolina
Athletics at ja We Are The State Champions . . . Again! For the third year in a row, JA’s varsity football team won the MAIS AAA State Championship, finishing ranked #8 by MaxPreps among both public and independent schools in Mississippi and going an undefeated 13-0. Head Coach David Sykes won BankPlus/Blitz 16 Coach of the Year (public and independent) a second year in a row, after winning Clarion-Ledger Coach of the Year in his first season. MAIS coaches statewide chose five senior Raiders to the State All Star team, 14 to the First Team AAA All Conference, and five to the First Team MAIS Overall All State Team. In six games, referees had to invoke the “mercy rule” in the second half of games after JA took a lead of 35 points or more.
Team Rewrites JA’s Baseball Record Book! JA’s Spring 2011 baseball team blew the competition away, period. The Raiders (29-8) won their sixth state title, outscoring their playoff opponents 51-12 in two playoff series sweeps. The team also radically rewrote JA’s baseball record books, including runs scored, team batting average, and earned runs.
JA Starts Volleyball Twenty-four young ladies stepped up and formed the first Raider volleyball team during the sport’s inaugural MAIS season. Congratulations to this special group of Raiders!
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Not Your Typical Sports Story Raider Hall’s History of JA Sports is a Trip Through Time
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aider Hall, the JA campus’s newest addition, is a project funded totally by the JA Booster Club. It contains a stateof-the-art weight and fitness facility. It also features a woodfloored, high-ceiling hall devoted to telling in museum fashion the exciting story of the growth of sports at JA, from a tiny elementary fitness program begun in 1959 to today’s multi-sport, nationally respected athletic program. Glass display cases use historic memorabilia and massive photos from all eras, displaying pictures, trophies, balls, uniforms, buttons, plaques, and much more from scores of JA athletes who played not only for the Raiders, but also at the college level. One display case features JA’s numerous recent championship trophies. Current families, alumni, and friends of JA have toured with delight. As hundreds of JA children visit the hall, they regularly remark that they now understand the legacy that has been passed on to them. And, in fact, it is a legacy that they are continuing with excellence!
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ja scholars national merit semi-finalists, 2011-2012
JACOB BERRY & ANDREW WARD
cum laude society, 2010-2011
Cum Laude Society is the highest honorary possible for a high-school student. JA is one of only four secondary schools in Mississippi with a Cum Laude chapter. Recent inductees include: (back, from left) Betsy Kate Nicholas, Melissa McBride, Regan Arnold, Catie Criddle, Lauren Walker (middle, from left) Alex Ray, Bowen Thigpen, Jay Kucia, Jackson Baumann (front, from left) Davis Rogers, Matthew Kennedy, Connor Tierney.
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ja scholars 2011-2012 NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY The National Honor Society recognizes high school students that show achievement in scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
Junior class students recently inducted into the Jackson Academy chapter include (from back, left) Brent Ferguson, Graham Arinder, Daniel Ashford, Hunter Johns, Bryan Pittman, Sarah Wade, Bailey Pryor, Ashley Varner, Hannah Watson, Rebecca Parker, Laura Ramsey (front, from left) Anne Overton Waller, Annie Campbell, Sarah Criddle, Spencer Corrigan, Katie Ferguson, Sarah Katherine Mills, Mollie Blair, Julia Beacham, Caroline Gordy, Natalie Jones
Senior class students recently inducted into the Jackson Academy chapter include (from left) Dasha Tsema, Clara Beth Tucker, Sarah Kathryn Marley, Jacob Berry
JUNIOR NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY The Jackson Academy chapter of the National Junior Honor Society recognizes outstanding eighth and ninth grade students. NJHS honors those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.
The chapter recently inducted the following eighth grade students into the organization (front, from left) Davis Rippee, Jacob Fortenberry, Nathan Lucas, Clarke Wilkirson, Georgia Gibson, Sydney Hayes, Allie Brown, Amanda Ray, Elizabeth McDaniel, Caroline Nall, Abbey Lindsay, Robyn Hadden (middle, from left) Brennan Canton, Ben McDowell, Ford Williams, Kyle Kantor, Dalton Gibson, Jack Virden, Ford Gordon, Robert Crisler, David Crystal, Chris Howie (back, from left) Drew Thomas, Blaine Tierney, Reid Fracchia, Steven Winford, William Youngblood, Avery Smith, Alexis Ridgeway, Hayley Murphy, Bryn Noble, Hannah McCowan, Glennis McWilliams, Rebecca Nosef, Rose Maxwell, Sarah French, Jace Lacoste, Annalee Purdie, Mary Ousley Owen, Michael Morgan, Camryn Kestenbaum, J.C. Hughes, Parker Kennedy, Nick Beddingfield, Tyler McClellan, Hays Rogers
The chapter recently inducted the following ninth grade students into the organization (front, from left) Mary Kathryn O’Connor, Martha Rose Wright, Annie Edgecomb, Danielle Hodges, Hayley Hodges (back, from left) Curt Knight, Zach DePriest, Davis Guild
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jackson academy E ndowed Scholarships
Jackson Academy is blessed with families and friends who have established scholarships in honor or memory of a friend or loved one. These assist JA families in the form of tuition credit. Each of the scholarships is endowed and is awarded at the appropriate class day each spring to students who meet the specified criteria established by the donating family. Jackson Academy is grateful to these families for their desire to recognize excellence in achievement.
Harmon and Faye Bowman Memorial Scholarship Todd Brown 2012 Son of Suzanne and Tim Brown Natalie Jones 2013 Daughter of Robin and Juan Jones The scholarship was established by JA alumni Phillip Bowman ’86 and Amy Bowman ’89 in memory of their parents, Harmon and Faye Bowman. Amy and Phillip established the scholarship for Jackson Academy students with preference given to “a senior high boy or girl who has demonstrated the personal characteristics that indicate the promise of success in personal endeavors.”
The Herschel Brickell Family Endowed Scholarship Andrew Hanebuth 2014 Son of Denise and Eddie Hanebuth Established in 1997 by the family of Mr. Brickell, the scholarship is presented to a rising tenth grade student who “possesses the personal qualities exemplified or admired by Herschel Brickell including good character, integrity, self discipline, individual initiative, independence, a quest for knowledge, a desire to achieve.”
Julie Dyer Collins Leadership Award Dasha Tsema 2012 Daughter of Lubov and Alex Tsema The scholarship was established in 2007 by JA alumna Julie Dyer Collins ’86. The criteria states that the student be a rising senior, have a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5, be an active participant in at least one sport, and be of strong moral character and a class leader as determined by JA.
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jackson academy Endowed Scholarships Andrew Yoste Defore Annual Scholarship Grace Golden 2014 Daughter of Kristal and Dr. Joe Golden The scholarship was established in 2005 by Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Defore, Sr. in memory of their grandson, Andrew Yoste Defore, a 2002 JA graduate. This scholarship is to be awarded annually to an outstanding student who demonstrates the desire to unselfishly serve others, is dedicated to high achievement in academics and other activities, and is committed to a godly and healthy lifestyle.
Mary Sprayberry Memorial Art Scholarship Melissa Ramsey 2012 Daughter of Stacy Ramsey and Dr. Randy Ramsey The Mary Sprayberry Memorial Art Scholarship was established in 2007 by the Jackson Academy elementary faculty in memory of elementary art teacher Mary Sprayberry. The recipient of the scholarship will be a rising senior who exhibits the following characteristics: loyalty to Jackson Academy, having been a JA student since seventh grade, a Christian spirit of encouragement and kindness as exemplified by Mary Sprayberry, and possesses creative and artistic talent.
The 20th Century Endowed Scholarship Jackson Baumann 2012 Son of Barb and Dr. Michael Baumann The scholarship is awarded each year to a student who possesses leadership skills, is well-rounded in his or her academic and extracurricular pursuits, and who comes from a Christian home.
Hallie Houston Keyes Memorial Scholarship Matt Denny 2012 Son of Debbie and Billy Denny This scholarship was established by the family of Hallie Houston Keyes. The boy or girl will be a rising senior and has made the best response to his or her environment and who has been the most helpful to their fellow students. Students who meet the criteria are chosen by a faculty committee and then the senior high student body votes for one.
The Leigh Anne Ward Memorial Scholarship Dalton Gibson 2016 Son of Maribeth and Teddy Gibson The recipient of the Leigh Anne Ward Memorial Scholarship shall be a rising eighth grade boy or girl with a grade point average in the upper half of the seventh grade class. The recipient shall be reenrolled at Jackson Academy for the coming school year, and exhibits the following characteristics: Demonstrate a love for children and a servant heart, demonstrate Christian love and caring for others and have a strong moral character.
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the most for your child
WHAT IS
“the most”?
J
ackson Academy is known as the school with a balanced, personal approach to educational excellence. It is the school that promises “The Most for Your Child.” Success comes when your child is immersed in this special culture. At JA, ensuring the most for your child means: 1. Providing opportunity 2. Nurturing community 3. Inspiring accomplishment. JA always has impressive yearly statistics reflecting top academics; visual and choral arts winners; band championships; and athletic championships. JA has bigger goals, however. Your child is more than a number at JA. Over five decades JA has educated thousands of students. Our staff knows most students’ personal victories are celebrated around the family dinner table, not before a cheering crowd. Whether in Kindergarten, Elementary, or our Secondary, every child has God-given ability, and every child is recognized as unique and significant at JA.
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the most for your child
PROVIDING opportunity
J
A seeks to give students the chance to choose from the diverse opportunities that only a large, highly prestigious school can offer. Moderate class sizes are designed so your child can try many things, whether in choral music, instrumental music, academic competitions, community service, or athletics. No other independent school in Mississippi offers opportunity like JA does, because no other school combines two key factors, being 1) big enough to compete, but, 2) small enough to care. Not only can your child be involved in many activities at JA, but also he or she often enjoys the thrill of achieving at the highest of levels. This approach builds well-rounded, highly-competent young people.
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the most for your child
J
A has long been known as the Jackson-area independent school that feels most like a family – it’s like a close community. Your child needs to be immersed in such a seasoned learning community that can draw out his or her best. One of JA’s greatest assets is that our learning family, K3-12, is on one beautiful campus, allowing for appropriate and positive interaction among the age groups. Younger students have role models; older students are role models. JA community also has a spiritual component. Every morning in the Preschool and Elementary, students open the day with The Pledge of Allegiance, prayer, and a class devotion. In Preschool, Elementary, and Secondary, Chapel becomes a time when students can escape their regular routine and hear a voice of encouragement from JA’s Chaplain or designated speaker, as well as singing worship songs. And, of course, community at JA is seen in the countless special events organized by parent clubs including Fall Carnival, Homecoming, Winter Festival, field days, and much more.
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the most for your child
Y
ou want the assurance that your child will experience personal accomplishment in school. Accomplishment means bringing out the best in your child now, and ultimately, in the future. If empirical data is the measure, JA’s record is stellar. JA graduating students gain total yearly scholarships ranging from $2 to $4 million. JA students have scored perfect ACTs of 36. Over a recent three-year period, ten percent of the medical students at the University of Mississippi Medical School were JA graduates. JA sports are stellar, having won six state football championships in the last ten years, plus baseball championships, track championships, and basketball championships. JA students yearly win top art contests and JA’s band routinely wins national Band of America and state MAIS competitions. JA graduates succeed as business leaders, as media personalities including one top ESPN personality, and a Hollywood film producer, among the many other professional fields. Since the early 1990s, nine JA alumni have served as a president or vice-president of a Mississippi college or university student body. What will your child accomplish? It may be defined in championships. It may be defined in personal pride and growth in confidence. Most importantly, your child can be ready for a successful college and life experience, whether he or she enters business, medicine, technology, legal, research, the ministry, or beyond. A JA junior recently noted: “JA has taught me that not everything is handed to you. I’ve learned to become a hard worker and to challenge myself. JA has taught me lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life.”
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teachers of the year
Preschool teacher of the year Millie Higgins, past JA primer teacher and now Director of Preschool Admissions, received the Preschool Teacher of the Year Award for 2011. The award is given each year in memory of Ashleigh Arnold Dehmer, JA Class of 1983, and a long-time preschool teacher. A monetary stipend is given to the recipient from an anonymous donor.
Elementary teacher of the year Fifth-grade elementary teacher Lori Barfield was given the Elementary Teacher of the Year Award for 2011. The recognition and monetary stipend is given by an anonymous donor in memory of Ashleigh Arnold Dehmer, JA Class of 1983, and a long-time preschool teacher. Mrs. Barfield has taught at Jackson Academy for seven years.
Secondary teacher of the year
The Secondary Teacher of the Year Award was presented to Sandra McKay. The award comes from a class gift made by the JA Class of 2001 given in honor of JA Dean of Student Affairs/Associate Headmaster/Arts Administrator, Bill Bunch. The JA Class of 2004 also donated a portion of their class gift to this special award.
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jackson academy celebrates giving 2010 - 2011
Gifts to the jackson academy annual fund 2010-2011
W
e are grateful for the opportunity to thank our generous Jackson Academy families and friends for making a great JA education even better. The donors listed showed their commitment to the school through gifts totaling more than $380,000 to the JA Annual Fund. Through their financial support, they have made an incredible difference for students and faculty today and in the future. We are deeply appreciative of their contributions. The JA Annual Fund continues to provide the many extras for students and faculty above what tuition dollars can provide. At any given moment across the JA campus students are utilizing equipment and programs purchased through annual giving. Most recently, Annual Fund gifts have purchased 90 Apple devices for the Preschool, Elementary, and Secondary.
Teachers are taking advantage of new styles of teaching and learning to enhance the JA experience. Throughout the school year the families and friends of Jackson Academy are extremely generous to so many areas of the school. Their support of JA is exhibited in both volunteerism and financial donations. The 2010-2011 JA Annual Fund list of donors is now available online. We are pleased to recognize so many of our patrons and friends who unselfishly give of their financial resources. We have, however, included in this issue of JAAM the list of donations made in memory or in honor of someone and our grandparent donors. Gifts listed were received between June 1, 2010, and May 31, 2011.
2011 gifts of ja membership In honor of their 2011 graduating senior, the following parents donated their Jackson Academy membership to the school. Each of the families received a rosewood desk clock with their family name and names of their JA graduates engraved on a silver nameplate. We wish to thank the following families: The Agre Family Jeffrey 2011 The Cannon Family Clara Frances 2011 The Kennedy Family Katie 2011 The Morrison Family Austin 2011
The Peeples Family Jonathan 2003 Emilee 2005 Jeff 2008 James 2011 The Shumaker Family Garret 2003 Carrie 2007 Keith 2011 The Ware Family Ken Stewart 2011
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ja alumni giving 2010-2011
S
o many Jackson Academy alumni have faithfully shown a deep commitment and affection for their school. In giving of their time and talents through volunteering across campus, our alumni share a great history of giving back. This same commitment is also showing in their financial support. We are indeed grateful for all our alumni who want to help ensure today’s students have the same great JA experience. For the second year, JA alumni class representatives have joined together each fall in the gallery of the Performing Arts Center for two nights of phonathons. They enjoy reconnecting with friends and encourage their classmates to participate with a gift to the JA Annual Fund. We are so appreciative at the positive response from our alumni in giving back to their school. The alumni listed made a gift to the JA Annual Fund between June 1, 2010, and May 31, 2011.
CLASS OF 1982 Keith Bradford Joel Brown Monty Clark Wendy Shaw Collins Ginger Dinkins Parham * Johnny Simpson CLASS OF 1983 Bronwyn Caves Burford* Ronnie Cockayne Josh Dehmer Reed Hubbard Ashley Odom Lane Melanie Howell Leonard Rob Porch * Dan Richart CLASS OF 1984 Wendell Catchings* Melody Anderson McNair Bill Sheffield Sharon Ratliff Simpson Drew Weissinger Tricia Hollis Weissinger Owen Williams CLASS OF 1985 David Adams JoBeth Crespino Avdoyan Sam Scott Trey Waltman* CLASS OF 1986 Mike Anderson Stacie Bailey Phillip Bowman Kelley Rogers Mucci Christy DePerro Winford* CLASS OF 1987 Bill Furr* Charlie Knighton Ashley Edmonson Willson CLASS OF 1988 Stephanie Hamilton Fortenberry Melissa McGriff Johnston* Alison Doty Rawson
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CLASS OF 1989 Stacey Bozarth Bates Frank Buchanan* Leigh Barnett Butler Deborah Potter Copeland* Denise Maness Furr Cynthia Burney Mahaffey Scott Overby Frances Ridgway Ray Wes Thomas Meredith Montgomery Travelstead CLASS OF 1990 Payton Lockey Scott Pedigo * CLASS OF 1991 Edward Copeland Greg Johnston Ann Marie Henry Lee* CLASS OF 1992 Ashley Belew* Niles Buchanan* Stephen Clay Dodds Dehmer Suzanne Greer Guild Cameron Guild Jenny Jernberg Hughley Bill Quinn John Scarbrough CLASS OF 1993 Lee Nations Jeanne Moak Scarbrough Ben Skipper* Locke Ward* John Zimmerman CLASS OF 1994 Thomas Barnette Scott Branning Lindsay Hines Dehmer McKie Edmonson* Ashley Tinnin Frazer John Lutken Lee Ann Royals Lutken Calvin Thigpen Jeffrey Upchurch Ginger VanSkiver Wallace
CLASS OF 1995 John Clay Ashford Stephen Greer Matt James * Bo McCollum Kristen Kennedy Nations* Amanda Bush Puckett Hastings Puckett CLASS OF 1996 Dale Decker Cook Emily Lambert Greer Jill Tinnin Grogan* Natalie Tinnin Lynch Amanda Bullock Rutherford CLASS OF 1997 Cerissa Pitts Ashford Holley Holbrook Cochran Peyton Hays Breck Hines Mary Arnold Kelly* Alice Matusiewicz McCollum Ann Ostenson Seale* Betsy Smith Walter Weems CLASS OF 1998 Cole Eaton Jeff Gamblin Lyn Edwards Hines Foster Kennedy* Chad Mars Logan B. Phillips, III London Luckett Simpson Courtney Cain Skelton Rebecca Gough Ueltschey Michael Ueltschey CLASS OF 1999 Matt Armstrong David Blanks Wilson Holifield Mark Hosemann* Chesley James John Lauderdale Elizabeth Calhoon Quinn
CLASS OF 2000 Elizabeth Carmichael Josh Evans Gray Fiser Ryan Henderson Hillary Taylor James Jonathan McCullough Ryan Revere Nathan Richardson Robert Ridgway Katy Vaughan David Weems * CLASS OF 2001 Shannon York Blanks David McKinnon* Lindsay Miller Scott Murray Timbo Taylor Will Walker Jeannie Waller Zieren CLASS OF 2002 Kirk Sims* Michael Wakefield CLASS OF 2003 Brittany Allen Claire Brabec Kristen Ley* Eddie Wettach CLASS OF 2004 Ke Ji Michael Raymond Jordan Sudduth* CLASS OF 2006 Joy Kate Waterer CLASS OF 2008 Catherine Gibson Hannah McWilliams CLASS OF 2009 Hank Waterer * denotes class agents
gifts from our grandparents 2010-2011 Mr. and Mrs. Billy Ray Adams Peyton Adams Makenna Adams Mr. and Mrs. Carl F. Allen Katie Carter Owen Carter Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Allgood Patrick Cole Parker Cole Mr. and Mrs. Frank S. Arnold Steele Dehmer Sydney Dehmer Dr. and Mrs. William Ashford Kaylee Ashford Jordan Ashford Mr. and Mrs. Hilton Ball Avery Anderson Reese Anderson Clyde and Peggy Ballard Kendall Kirk John Sharp Kirk Heather Horner Abby Horner Price Horner Mr. and Mrs. Clay Bartlett William Youngblood Katie Youngblood Mr. and Mrs. Bob Bertolet Anna Kate Bertolet Kye and Loraine Bethany Caroline Campbell Gordon Campbell Mrs. A.W. Bouchillon Anne Overton Waller Lucy Waller Don Waller Derwood and Regina Boyles Gray Boyles Connor Boyles Roger and Donna Bozarth Jonathan Hontzas William Hontzas Ana Kelly Hontzas Anna Catherine Bates Billie Ruth Brewer Madison Warman Drake Warman Dr. and Mrs. Jep Brock Emma Carroll Waller Dannie Waller
ja annual fund grandparent chairs Bob and Yvonne Bertolet served as JA Annual Fund grandparent chairs for 2010--2011. Pictured with the Bertolets is their grandaughter, Anna Kate ‘23. Mr. and Mrs. Tom Bruckner John Thomas Bruckner Mr. and Mrs. Dick Burney Olivia Mahaffey Mason Mahaffey Clayton Mahaffey Fuller Mahaffey Tack Mahaffey Mrs. Patsy Caraway Dave Crasto Taylor Crasto William Crasto Mrs. Ann Chinn Courtney Chinn Peters Casey Chinn Carly Chinn Conley Chinn Barbara Christmas Annie Campbell Mrs. Lamar Chustz Coleman Chustz Mrs. Julie Cockayne Alex Cockayne Jordan Cockayne Kendall Cockayne Reagan Rhodes Samantha Rhodes
David and Myrna Cook Emily Mangum Andrew Mangum Mr. and Mrs. Mike Cotten Caroline Childress Elizabeth Childress Mr. and Mrs. Blythe B. Cragon Robert Cragon Mr. and. Mrs. Frank Crosthwait Sandra England Virginia England Mrs. Polly Crosthwait Emma Lucas Anna Kate Lucas Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Currie Will Spence Mr. Harper Davis Morgan Davis Mr. and Mrs. Richard Edmonson Dray Willson Turner Willson Annalee Willson Malon Stratton Reeves Stratton Kendall Edmonson Aubrey Edmonson
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gifts from our grandparents 2010-2011
Mrs. Betty M. Edwards Elizabeth Edwards Smith Margaret Edwards Wadsworth Stephen Edwards
Mrs. Linda Lambert Brady Stringer Olivia Stringer Rett Stringer Maddox Greer Pearson Greer
Mrs. Earlene Estes Denver Wilson
Shirley and Ralph Hines Olivia Hines Kirkland Hines Lil Hines
Ruth R. Ferguson Katie Ferguson Brent Ferguson
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Hines Nash Dehmer Ridley Dehmer
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Lee Henry Lee Davis Lee Andrew Lee
Linda Finch John Thomas Bruckner
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Hollingsworth Will Thomas Wes Thomas
Mrs. Shirley Lewis Bradley Lewis Braden Lewis
Tommy and Ellen Hontzas Jonathan Hontzas William Hontzas Ana Kelly Hontzas
Trent and Tricia Lott Shields Armstrong Addison Armstrong
Mrs. Sarah D. Flanagan Josh Hinkle Adelaide and Les Fletcher Walker Fletcher Daniel Fletcher Blake Fletcher Bucky and Kay Gideon Jack Gideon Sara Scott Gideon Becky and Steve Greer Sandon Guild Alex Guild Maddox Greer Pearson Greer
Mrs. Rosanne Horn Ashley Williams Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Horner Heather Horner Abby Horner Price Horner Wesley Pinson Dr. and Mrs. L.W. Howerton Charles Moor Joshua Moor
Dr. and Mrs. Donald C. Guild Sandon Guild Alex Guild
Mrs. Grace Hull Quinn Bolls Hull Bolls
Mr. and Mrs. F.H. Harrell Nicholas Bryan
Mr. and Mrs. William F. Johnson Will Johnson Mary Blair Johnson Andrew Kennedy Matthew Kennedy Daniel Kennedy
Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Hays Hays Rogers Max Rogers Ellie Rogers Pete and Susan Hays Sydney Hays Sophie Hays Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hederman Avery Hederman Erin Hederman Michael Hederman Debbie Hendrick Avery Hendrick John David Hendrick Hunter Johns Mr. and Mrs. Richard Henley Camille Felder Reid Felder
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Mr. and Mrs. Carl Herrin Carly Herrin
Mr. and Mrs. Victor H. Jones, Jr. Samuel Long Sara Kate Long Shirley and Jim Justice Ansley Hill Ethan Hill Ed and Robin Kennedy Adams Kennedy Baird Kennedy Kennedy Nations Merritt Nations Mrs. Judy Klein Madison Klein
Mrs. JoAnn Maddox Mills Norris Jonathan Norris Mr. and Mrs. Steve Maness Wilson Furr Hartwell Furr Prentiss Furr Terry and Helen Manke Bradley Canton Chase Canton Brennan Canton Mr. Owen Mayfield Charlie Ott Mr. and Mrs. L. V. McClellan Tyler McClellan Meredith McClellan John and Corrine McCormick Avery Hederman Erin Hederman Michael Hederman John and Charlotte McCormick Hope Berry Mrs. Patricia S. McEwen Emily Plunkett Jackson Plunkett Mr. and Mrs. Howard L. McMillan, Jr. Katie Love Garraway Mary Hastings Garraway West Garraway Georgia Ann McPherson Georgia Gibson
gifts from our grandparents 2010-2011 Hugh and Reba McWilliams Hannah McWilliams Zack McWilliams Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mehrle Pryor Mehrle Matthew Mehrle Mr. and Mrs. Scott F. Miller Max Milam John Scott Milam Mrs. Ruth C. Mills Spencer Mills David Mills Sarah Katherine Mills Blake Mills Mr. and Mrs. Paul Moak John Moak Scarbrough Jacob Scarbrough Mrs. Mary Moorer Ray Edward Stevens Drury Stevens Mr. and Mrs. Duke Morgan Rob Hall Jane Anna Vickery Hallie Hastings Vickery Ford Williams Morgan Williams Larry and Aileen Morrison Lauren Henderson Ashlie Henderson Haley Henderson Mrs. Kathryn K. Murphey Will Parrish Mr. and Mrs. Perry Nations Reagan Rhodes Sam Rhodes Kennedy Nations Merritt Nations Wayne and Carolyn Nix John Parker Clark Mr. and Mrs. James W. O’Mara Bryn Noble Liv Noble Douglas Noble Mr. John Palmer Claire McClure Molly McClure Charlotte Palmer Mr. and Mrs. Billy Parham Michael Mordecai
Mr. Jim Payne Caroline Nall Marion B. Poirier Ashley Varner Will Varner Mr. and Mrs. Jack Porch Caroline Porch Avery Porch John Porch Mr. and Mrs. Richard Puckett Peyton Puckett Mary and Smiley Ratcliff Tyler Winford Ashley Winford Trenton Winford Steven Winford Stephanie Ratcliff Spencer Ratcliff Mr. and Mrs. Fred G. Ray Michael Wakefield Lauren Wakefield Sarah Courter Adam Ray Alex Ray Anna Katherine Ray Bob and Naomi Ridgway Anthony Ray Amanda Ray Mrs. Kitty Rushing Ellen Elliott Taylor Elliott Rob Elliott Midge and Howard Samsel Melissa Ramsey Laura Ramsey Mrs. Beverly Smith Mary Peyton Barnette Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Smith John Louis Black Madeleine Black Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Smith Ellen Elliott Taylor Elliott Rob Elliott Lynda L. Street Taylor Elizabeth Hawks
Dr. and Mrs. Tate Thigpen Emery Thigpen Willis Thigpen Jim and Linda Thomas Gracy Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Tucker Ann Robin Tucker Mary Grace Tucker Clara Beth Tucker Sarah Martin Tucker Margaret C. Wallender Margaret Wright Martha Rose Wright Herchelle and JoAnn Waltman Price Waltman Chance Waltman Lily Waltman Mr. and Mrs. Carl Welsh Victor Welsh Morgan Welsh Colin Welsh Ansley Brennan Blake Brennan Hadley Brennan Ed and Eleanor Wettach Hannah Collums Emma Collums Mr. and Mrs. J.L. White Jack White Reed White Kate White Mr. and Mrs. Walter R. Wilder Tara Thompson Laney Thompson Nathan Weissinger Connor Weissinger Mrs. Anita Womack Emily Sigler Payton Wood Bailey Wood Betty S. Wright Cole Phillips Reese Phillips Mr. and Mrs. Ben S. Yandell R. J. Nalty Ben Nalty Wilson Nalty
Kathy and Wendell Stringer Isabell Partain
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honorariums 2010-2011
Mrs. Suzie Adcock Pam and John Turner
Dr. and Mrs. Mike Robbins Dr. Pat Taylor
DeLeslie Porch Dr. Pat Taylor
Keith Branning Dr. Pat Taylor
Cliff Kling Dr. Pat Taylor
Rosemary and Don Seago Becky and Steve Greer
Bill Bunch Dr. Pat Taylor
Sarah Love Dr. Pat Taylor
David Sykes Dr. Pat Taylor
Mrs. Mary Donnelly Dr. Pat Taylor
Max Markle Phil and Beckie Moes
John Hugh Tate Dr. Pat Taylor
Gayle and Louis Guy Becky and Steve Greer
Joe Maxwell Dr. Pat Taylor
Bobby West Dr. Pat Taylor
Mr. Ray Higgins Monty Clark
Tara McDaniel Dr. Pat Taylor
Eddie Wettach Dr. Pat Taylor
Mr. Peter Jernberg Frank and Sandra Crosthwait
Tim McWilliams Dr. Pat Taylor
The Sarah, David, and Joy Howie Teacher Appreciation Award was established in 2001 to honor Jackson Academy’s outstanding faculty and annual valedictorian. A monetary award is given to the valedictorian, who is then asked to select three teachers who made an impact on his or her life while at Jackson Academy. The teachers are given a monetary stipend as well. Pictured from the left, back row, Bobbie Downey, Steven McCartney, and Barbara Neely. From the left, front, Homer Lee Howie, Diana Howie, and David Howie ’98, and Davis Rogers.
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memorial gifts 2010-2011
Craig Ainsworth (Jackson Academy Alumnus) Becky and Steve Greer Jan Arnold (Mother of Mary Arnold Kelly and Grandmother of Katherine and Bennett Kelly) Becky and Steve Greer Mr. Robert G. Barnett (Father of Missy Wyatt and Grandfather of Steven Wyatt) Maribeth and Teddy Gibson Michael Barranco (Brother of Pam Jew) Mrs. Sylvia Bowman Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Dana and David Traxler Missye Rhee Breazeale (Wife of Don Breazeale, Mother of Glen Breazeale, Maury Breazeale and Marianna Breazeale Shaw) Don Breazeale Linda and Buddy Bartling Mrs. Dollie Brown (Mother of Marsha Revere) Becky and Steve Greer Kicker Hull Pat and Peter Jernberg Marsha and Ken Revere Ann and Denny Zimmerman Mr. and Mrs. Tom Dean Brown (Grandparents of Georgia Brown) Georgia Brown Martin Bryant (Husband of Wendy Edwards Bryant) Becky and Steve Greer Peter and Pat Jernberg Frank Buchanan, Jr. (Father of Frank Buchanan, III, David Buchanan, and Laura Buchanan Owen) Judy and Bubba Arnold Becky and Steve Greer The Pete Hays Family – Pete, Susan, Pete, Suzy, Sydney, & Sophie JA Class of 1989 Peter and Pat Jernberg
Elaine and Frank Buchanan, Jr. (Parents of Frank Buchanan, III, David Buchanan, and Laura Buchanan Owen) Marsha and Ken Revere Mr. Dorian A. Bunch (Father of Bill Bunch) Bill and Michele Bunch Mrs. Shirley Jackson Coincon (Mother of Michele Bunch) Bill and Michele Bunch Mr. and Mrs. Bennie Crockett (Parents of Carol Branning) Mr. and Mrs. David E. Dyess Mrs. Margaret Crockett (Mother of Carol Branning) Michelle and Bob Mills Barbara Neely Jan Sojourner Mr. Keith Davis, Sr. (Father of Keith Davis, Jr., Grandfather of Kathleen and Lucy Davis) The Bertaut Family – Tom, Joan, and Katherine Mrs. Natie Caraway Scott and Leslie Corey Salena Edwards Leigh and Jim Eley The Gibson Family - Maribeth, Teddy, Catherine, Mary Paxton, and Dalton Kathy and Nelson Gibson Bobbye and Bill Henley Pat and Peter Jernberg Mr. and Mrs. Whit Johnson Bobby and Gerre Moak Vivian Watson Mary DeFraites (Mother of Sharon Clark) Mr. and Mrs. Randy Randall Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Sojourner Jan Sojourner Mr. and Mrs. Charles Easterling, Sr. (Grandparents of Georgia Brown) Georgia Brown
Doris Essary (Sister of Pat Jernberg) Jan Sojourner Amy Kruckeberg Frazee (Jackson Academy Alumna) JA Class of 1989 Mrs. Jane Gibbons (Jackson Academy Teacher, Mother of Amanda Glover and Elizabeth Thompson) Eleanor and Kevin Anthony Thomas Payne and Cheryl Johnson Bruce, Helene, and Tommy Payne Mr. and Mrs. Randy Randall Jan Sojourner Alan Goldner (Father of Beth Murray-Wilson) Pat and Peter Jernberg DeLeslie and Rob Porch Mrs. Edna Greer (Mother of Steve Greer) Michelle and Bob Mills Jared Hall (Jackson Academy Alumnus) Becky and Steve Greer Pat and Peter Jernberg Casey Hamilton (Former JA teacher) Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Marsha and Ken Revere John J. Healy, Jr. (Father of Shawn Ward, Grandfather of Rod, Andrew, and Emma Ward) Stacy and Mike Anderson Maribeth and Teddy Gibson Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg DeLeslie and Rob Porch The Worley Family - Patrice, John, Stephen, and Patrick Mrs. Rexine Henry (Wife of Chan Henry, Mother of Ann Marie Lee and Julie Till, Grandmother of Henry, Davis, and Andrew Lee) Dr. and Mrs. David Crasto Becky and Steve Greer Susan and Pete Hays Pat and Peter Jernberg
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memorial gifts 2010-2011
Norris E. Hill (Grandfather of Brandon Kennedy, Great Grandfather of Adams and Baird Kennedy) Maribeth and Teddy Gibson Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg The Mark Marley Family Mr. Joseph Iupe, Sr. (Father of Joe Iupe, Grandfather of Andrew Iupe) Pat and Peter Jernberg Mrs. LeFrance Jernberg (Mother of Peter Jernberg) Judy and Bubba Arnold Chris and Stacy Bates Family Roger and Donna Bozarth Carol and Keith Branning Frank and Jennifer Buchanan Bill and Michele Bunch Lamar Chustz Matt and Kelly Clinger Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Diket Bob and Mary Donnelly Bobbie Downey Mr. and Mrs. David Dyess Janis and Richard Edmonson John, Gail, Sandra and Virginia England Susan Ferrell Kathy and Nelson Gibson The Gibson Family - Maribeth, Teddy, Catherine, Mary Paxton, and Dalton Sammie Glorioso Becky and Steve Greer Kicker Hull Paula and Randy James Cliff and Heather Kling Kathy and Steve Kowalski Stancie Ley Susan Lindsay Sarah Love Patricia and Justin McClure Mrs. Sue McKnight Dr. and Mrs. Mike McMullan Mrs. Georgia Ann McPherson Tim and Beth McWilliams Michelle and Bob Mills Jane and Duke Morgan Barbara Neely Mr. John Palmer DeLeslie and Rob Porch Mary and Richard Puckett
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Linda and Gus Purviance Mr. and Mrs. Russ Russell Nick and Patty Scully Barbara and Ed Sentell Dr. Audrey Sidney Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Sojourner Jan Sojourner John and Owen Stratton, Malon and Reeves The David Sykes Family Sherrye and Pat Taylor Dr. and Mrs. Curt Tribble Michelle and Jody Varner Dr. and Mrs. Frazier Ward Susan and Walter Weems Patrice and John Worley Mr. and Mrs. Ben Yandell Ann and Denny Zimmerman
Mrs. Hallie Keyes (Wife of Earl Keyes, Mother of Ricky Keyes, Peter Keyes, and Susan Keyes Ward) Bruce, Helene, and Tommy Payne Mr. Dick Kilby (Brother of Sandra McKay) The Gibson Family - Maribeth, Teddy, Catherine, Mary Paxton, and Dalton Pat and Peter Jernberg Judy and Norton McKeigney Mr. Carroll “Buck” King (Father of Bob King, Grandfather of Kellie King) Butler, Snow, O’Mara, Stevens, & Cannada, P.L.L.C. Cress Development Mr. and Mrs. Lucian A. Harvey, Jr. Mr. Robert King Mr. and Mrs. Hollis Shoemaker John and Owen Stratton, Malon and Reeves Mary and Wirt Yerger Stacey Turcotte Michael (Jackson Academy Alumna) Becky and Steve Greer JA Class of 1989 Mrs. Loyce Miles (Former Jackson Academy Teacher) Pat and Peter Jernberg
Margaret Faye Moore (Mother of Lisa Davidson, Grandmother of Forest Davidson) Pat and Peter Jernberg Mark and Libby Marley Wynn McAllister (Jackson Academy Alumnus) Becky and Steve Greer Pat and Peter Jernberg Mrs. Louise McInnis (Mother of Linda Lambert, Grandmother of Katie Stringer, Emily Greer and Jake Lambert) Becky and Steve Greer Pat and Peter Jernberg Mr. Bill Rush Mosby (Father of Dee White, Grandfather of Sarah Ellen and Susanna Southern) Jan Sojourner Dana and David Traxler Sam Neely (In Honor of Sam’s Graduating Class 2010) Mary Anne and Dave Alford Gay and Mickey Crosby Marion Culver Donna and Raleigh Cutrer Ken and Dawn McCarley Jane and Raymond Nalty Diane and Johnny Neely Vivian Rejebian Beth and Jay Wilson Mrs. Marion Newquist (Mother of Jimmy Newquist, Grandmother of Drew Newquist) Pat and Peter Jernberg Mrs. Evelyn George Nosef (Mother of Joe Nosef) Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg John O’Connell (Father of Donna Knight, Grandfather of Connell, Lucy Tucker, and Curt Knight) Janet and Kenny Ellis Mrs. Tine Palmer (Mother of Patricia McClure, Grandmother of Justin, Claire, and Molly McClure and Charlotte Palmer) Pat and Peter Jernberg
memorial gifts 2010-2011
Mrs. Marion “Bill” Smith Parker (Mother of Dr. George Smith) Pat and Peter Jernberg Mrs. Ann Peacock (Mother of Robbie Carmichael) George and Whit Johnson Marsha and Ken Revere Frances and Billy Ware Chris Pittinger (Jackson Academy Alumnus) JA Class of 1989 Mrs. Elizabeth Pruet (Mother of Paula James and Ann Calhoon) Bob and Mary Donnelly Maribeth and Teddy Gibson Becky and Steve Greer Pat and Peter Jernberg Beth and Tim McWilliams Mr. and Mrs. Logan Phillips DeLeslie and Rob Porch Mary and Richard Puckett Scottie and Burdette Russ Mr. and Mrs. Nick Scully Pat and Sherrye Taylor Dana and David Traxler Betty and Erskine Wells Patrice and John Worley Ann and Denny Zimmerman Mrs. Elaine Randall (Step-Mother of Robin Kennedy) Pat and Peter Jernberg Mr. William Bryant Ridgway (Father of Bill Ridgway and Ruth West) Pat and Peter Jernberg Tim and Beth McWilliams Rafel Rieves (Father of Becky Waterer) The Kenny Ellis Family Maribeth and Teddy Gibson Becky and Steve Greer Pat and Peter Jernberg Ricky, Sheila, Krysten, and Adam Keyes Beth and Tim McWilliams The Porch Family - Rob, DeLeslie, Caroline, Avery, and John The Worley Family - Patrice, John, Stephen, and Patrick
Mrs. Wilma Clarke Sanders (Mother of Jean King) Bobbie Downey Pat and Peter Jernberg Stancie Ley Bernice M. Scully (Mother of Nick Scully) Maribeth and Teddy Gibson Pat and Peter Jernberg Beth and Tim McWilliams Jeb Stewart (Father of Ken Stewart) Elizabeth Carmichael Robbie Carmichael Mr. Luther Street (Husband of Gay Street and Former Jackson Academy Teacher) Judy and Bubba Arnold Carol and Keith Branning Bobbie Downey Richard Downey Pat and Peter Jernberg Katherine D. Mondanaro Linda and Gus Purviance Martha Thompson (Former Jackson Academy Teacher) Bettye Jefferson Mrs. Catherine Wallace (Former Jackson Academy Elementary Dean) Mr. and Mrs. David B. Allen Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Leigh Ann Ward (Jackson Academy Alumna) Judy and Bubba Arnold Lamar Chustz The Gibson Family - Maribeth, Teddy, Catherine, Mary Paxton, and Dalton Becky and Steve Greer Renee Guest JA Class of 1993 Pat and Peter Jernberg
Mrs. Virginia Webb (Mother of Audra Bowman and Matt Armstrong, Grandmother of Blaine, Wesley, and Amelia Bowman and Sheilds and Addison Armstrong) Amelia’s Cowboy Class Fran and Bob Fioretti Maribeth and Teddy Gibson Becky and Steve Greer Pat and Peter Jernberg Sheila and Ricky Keyes Heather and Cliff Kling Beth and Tim McWilliams DeLeslie, Rob, Caroline, Avery, and John Porch Sherrye and Pat Taylor The Tharp Family Patrice and John Worley Dr. Bill Youngblood (Father of Bill Youngblood, Grandfather of William and Katie Youngblood) Maribeth and Teddy Gibson Pat and Peter Jernberg
ja faculty giving
reaches 100 percent! The Jackson Academy Development Office is truly appreciative for the many parents, alumni, grandparents, parents of alumni, and friends who give so generously. The various campaigns and projects funded through charitable giving would not be possible without the excellence our outstanding faculty provides in the classroom every day. Development is not simply fundraising; it is creating an environment that inspires giving. This begins with our teachers. The strength of any Development program begins with them. Given this, it is so exciting to share that every one of our teachers made a financial contribution to the JA Annual Fund in 2010-2011. We are thankful for all that they provide our students and their faithful commitment to Jackson Academy. To see a complete list of our faculty members, please visit our website.
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NION U E R S S A L 10TH C
1 0 0 2 f Class o
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20TH CLASS R
EUNION
Class of 1991
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news of alumni 2010-2011 News items have been compiled from e-mail, newspaper articles, and class notes posted on the website prior to November 15, 2011.
class of 1982
class of 1986
Chuck and Natalie Smith live in Jackson with Avery (JA 8th grader) and Denton (JA 3rd grader.) Chuck has Smith Brothers Body Shop, downtown Jackson.
Brunson Green was the producer of The Help, a movie based on relationships between African-American maids who worked during the 1950’s and 1960’s. The Help was written by a good friend he grew up with in Jackson, Kathryn Stockett. Brunson is also co-founder of Harbinger Pictures.
class of 1983 Dan Richart is an elementary teacher/ ESL teacher at Agape Christian Montessori School. He lives in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
class of 1984 Don Barnes is a risk management specialist and lives in Brandon.
class of 1985 David Adams is an account executive with the Mohawk Group and owner of David Adams Art & Photography. His wife Cindy works in JA’s preschool. Their children are JA students: Makenna (8th grade) and Peyton (10th grade). Debbie Keyes Butler teaches AP psychology and psychology/sociology at Pelham High School in Pelham, Alabama. She received her masters in education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a MSSW degree in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington, and her MACCM in Church and Community Ministries from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
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class of 1989 Stacy Bozarth Hontzas married Chris Bates on November 19, 2011. Stacy is JA’s Performing Arts Center Events Director and Chris has a marketing company, Agora Company.
Paul and Jacque Purnell live in Madison. Paul is in government relations with the Electric Power Association of MS. His degree from Ole Miss was in public administration, and then he graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Law. Tony and Cindy Shell live in Canton with their two children. Tony is a pharmaceutical rep with GlaxoSmithKline.
class of 1988 Marietta Lee Flood is with Novartis Animal Health US, Inc. and lives in Smyrna, GA, with her husband and daughter, Margaret. Bryan Hopping lives in Avon, Colorado, where he is the chef at The Club at Cordillera. He has an AOS degree in Culinary Arts. Bryan has been a chef from NY to Hawaii but is now loving the mountains. Melissa Leal is a senior guest services coordinator in the Tampa/Orlando area.
Dennis Miller studied at The California Culinary Academy. He lives in Ridgeland.
Karl Mann has moved to Chicago from Los Angeles. He is in the interior design/architecture business.
Alan Wilkinson lives in Madison and works at the Bailey Oil Company.
Win and Alison Doty Rawson and sons, Edwin and Doty, welcomed Mary Alice on September 1, 2010. They live in Memphis.
Leigh Barnett Butler and Claire Jacobs Bush recently enjoyed an afternoon at Raider Park as their daughters squared off on the soft ball diamond. The girls, both seventh-graders and friends since they were little girls, enjoyed a bit of friendly competition. Kathryn represented JA at shortstop/left field while Amanda represented Pillow Academy on the pitcher’s mound. Lisa Shotts Butler, husband, Craig, and children, Reed and Mary Huntley, live in Murfreesboro, TN. Lisa is owner of Faithful Strokes Art Studio. She graduated from MC in art education in 1993. Brad Edwards is a top ESPN football analyst, known for his expertise on the NCAA Division 1 Bowl Championship Series. He also hosts ESPN’s radio version of Game Day.
news of alumni 2010-2011 Michael and Elizabeth Rowland Hackney live in Cleveland, MS, with daughters, Taylor and Anna Pierce. Elizabeth is an accountant with Jackson & Braswell, CPA.
Lesley Smith Jones is a stay-at-home mom to Spencer (8) and Addison (3 1/2) in Round Rock, Texas. Her husband, Will, is a regional territory manager with Barton Medical.
Patrick and Michelle Howard Herring live in Maryland with their children: Emily (12) and Ethan (5), and new addition, Lolli, a BichonPoo. Patrick is a navy captain.
Michelle Barlow Mims is an advisor/ distributor at Advo Care. She and Jon have three children. Abbi is in JA’s kindergarten program, and Kara is in JA’s K-3 program. They live in Brandon. Brad Tannehill was promoted to Colonel in the United States Air Force on August 31, 2011. As a Lt. Colonel, Brad was the Commander of the 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group (AFMC), at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. As the Commander, he lead a 3700-person team responsible for depot repair, modification, and overhaul of the C/KC-135, E-3 (AWACS), B-1B, and B-52 aircraft. His team also performed depot level work on the B-2A, C-130J, and the Navy E-6B aircraft. Wade and Jennifer Williams live in Jackson . Wade is a landman (oil and gas title work) for T.S. Dudley Land Company. Their son, Ethan, is in JA’s preschool program.
class of 1990 Chad and Claire Chamblin Holley live in Los Angeles with their sons, Jack and Nate. Claire is a songwriter, musician, and performer. After college in Chicago, Claire relocated to North Carolina and recorded 1999’s Sanctuary, a collection of gospel standards that garnered her deserved attention. Soon Claire signed to prominent indie label Yep Roc Records, which issued a self-titled 2001 album, as well as, 2003’s Dandelion. Since then, she’s released 2005’s Live at St. Andrew’s, a duet with fellow Mississippi native Caroline Herring. She has also composed scores for the indie films See Rock City and Looking for Lurch. Claire’s latest album is 2008’s Hush. Claire performed on JA’s campus for the Secondary on April 26, 2011.
Robert Harris is a chef and owner of a new trend in restaurants called “pop up dining”. His restaurant is Season to Taste in Cambridge, MA. Robert has decided to use his own storefront during off hours to offer a kind of “pop-up dinner and cooking class” that is as much entertainment as dining. Aspiring attendees must monitor Twitter and Facebook to grab a seat when each event is announced. At a fancy $100-a-plate menu, braising is often the technique of the evening. For more information: www. the tableatseasontotaste.blogspot.com; on twitter at STT catering. Dawn Graham Jones is a Pre-K teacher for Jackson Public Schools. She is married to Stan Jones. She and Stan have one son, Trussell, who is a sixth grade student at JA.
Mac and Christy Hunter Maxwell live in Collierville, TN, with their children, Clayton and Emily. Mac is a veterinary surgeon with Memphis Veterinary Specialists.
class of 1991 Stacey Stockwell Adcock is on the faculty at Hinds Community College. She has a M.S. in marriage and family therapy from MC. Her three boys are Hunter, Harrison and Hayes. They live in Madison. Cindy Stubblefield Bigham is the assistant principal at the Oxford Elementay School. She and Tommy have two children, Brock and Ann Hunter. Jonathan Breazeale received a bachelors from the US Military Academy at West Point, an M.B.A. at Millsaps, and a Ph.D. from Texas A & M. He is assistant professor of finance at Sam Houston State University. He and Jennifer live in The Woodlands, TX, with their three children, Paul, Thomas, and Lydia. Doyle Bryan lives in Meridian and is vice presdient of sales for SAS. Roger Bulloch has a B.S. from Brigham Young and an M.B.A. from Emory University. He is managing partner for SPB Capital Partners, LP (Private Equity). He and his wife Megan have four children: McKenna, Hayden, Quinn, and Grey. They live in Las Vegas. Seth and Rochelle Bullock live in Bellaire, Texas with their four children, Merritt, Sam, Mary Evelyn, and Elizabeth. Seth graduated from Loyola in finance. He is in investments with Kenmont Solutions Capital. Nathan and Melissa Johnson Conlee live in Madison with their son Nate. Melissa has a B.S. in biology from Belhaven, and is currently at UMMC as a surgical tech/ clinical supervisor in opthalmology.
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news of alumni 2010-2011 Clark Converse is the owner and CEO of Clayton Companies (Addiction/ Mental Health). He and Mamie have four children: Clayton, Katie, Camille and CJ. For more information: www. abridgetorecovery.com Mike and Adrienne Frascogna live in Madison, where Mike is an attorney with Frascogna Courtney, LLC. They have twins. . Matt Futvoye is currently in an orthopedic/ joints fellowship in Nashville. He and Ginny have three children: Ben, Ford, and Virginia. Matt is a graduate of UMMC. Dooley and Grieta Gilchrist live in Albuquerque, NM, where he is the attorney/owner for Davis & Gilchrist law firm. His undergraduate degree is from the University of New Mexico, and he earned his Juris Doctor from the Boston University School of Law. Pettey Hardin has a bachelors in business from the University of Mississippi. He owns and operates four car washes in the Jackson area (Venture Car Washes). His daughter, Haisten, is sixteen. Brad and Amy Ethridge Hatchett (`93) welcomed a daughter, Ely, on December 30, 2010. Ely has a three- year- old brother, Matthew. Brad is a CPA and they live in Jackson. Lisa Hendrick Johns and her husband Todd have a son, Hunter, a JA junior. Lisa has a chemistry degree from Belhaven University, and currently is a retired high school chemistry teacher. Greg Johnston has a B.A. in communication from MSU and a Juris Doctor from Ole Miss. He has his own law firm and is a commercial contractor with Old Town Construction of Madison. He and Michelle have two sons at JA, Gregory and Harrison. Tasho Katsaboulas and Courtney have two children, Nichols and Claire. Tasho
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studied anthropology at Ole Miss and is the owner of Kats Wine and Spirits. They live in Jackson. Tarik and Beth Keenan Lalwani welcomed a son, Kiran, on August 31, 2011. Tarik is a nephrologist in Atlanta. Lauren and John Laws have two sons, Jack and Hamp, and they live in Madison. John has a bachelors in engineering from Vanderbilt and works with his dad in Laws Construction/ Commercial Construction. Stephen and Ann Marie Henry Lee are both physicians in Jackson. Ann Marie is with the Rankin Childrens Group, and Stephen is with MS Ear Nose and Throat Surgical Associates. Their three sons, Henry, Davis and Andrew, are at JA. Julia Potter Lucius received her B.S. from MSU. She is a dietition and certified diabetes educator with the North Mississippi Medical Center. She and Jeff have two children, Hannah and Wade. They live in Mooreville, MS. Clark Mackey has a bachelors and a J.D. from Ole Miss. He owns his own business, Sparkday, which is marketing, SEO, and web traffic. Clark helps expand businesses and reach more customers online. Go to www.betterfindability.com. He and Nanci live in Asheville, NC. Hank and Joanne Mathison live in Madison, where Hank is a specialty lines underwriter for CNA Insurance. Their daughter, Kate, is eight. Mac and Christy Hunter Maxwell live in Collierville, TN, with their two children, Clayton, and Emily. Mac received his DVM at MSU. He is with Memphis Veterinary Specialists as a veterinary surgeon. Ashley White Pittman is an attorney with Stubblefield & Yelverton, PLLC. She has expanded her law practice to include legal issues related to embryo adoption and donation, assisted reproduction law
and surrogacy law, and has been named as Mississippi’s of Counsel Attorney by the National Fertility Law Center, Inc., Los Angeles, CA. She and Crymes live in Jackson with their children, Abigail and George. Dan Quinn has a bachelors in banking and finance from MSU. He is the CEO of the Treasury Employees Federal Credit Union and lives in Madison. Chris Reed has a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. He is assistant professor at Grand Valley State University in Grandville, MI. He and Angela have three children, Ella, Nora, and Mac. Ward and Lee Ann Hamilton Robinson live in Brandon, where she is the Director of Administrative Services for the Mississippi Insurance Department. Lee Ann has a bachelors in political science from Millsaps and a masters in public policy and administration from MSU. They have two children, Mary Gerett and James. Russell and Lele Rogers Rooks live in Jackson with their four children, Haley, Zoe, Phoebe, and James. Russell is a general surgeon, and LeLe is an RN First Assistant for Dr. Howard Holaday. Amy and Trey Sebrell live in Ridgeland. Trey has a B.B.A. from the University of Mississippi. He is the funeral director/ owner of Sebrell Funeral Home. Allen Sheely is a graduate of MSU and UMMC. He is a physicain at Baptist Hospital. Allen and Rebecca have two children: Robert and Tye Gardner. Stacy and John David Smith live in Brandon with son, John Wilder. May Smythe has a B.A. in English from the University of the South. She is a legal search consultant and lives in Madison. Jessica Roberts Thomas has a degree in psychology from MC. She is a realtor with ERA Real Estate Professionals. She and Daniel have two children, Anna Kaden and Sara Reeves. They live in Ridgeland.
news of alumni 2010-2011 Brian Warren has a bachelors in architecture from MSU. He is self-employed and is a carpenter. He and Jessica live in Jackson with their son, Skylar.
class of 1992 Russell Bennett has been named one of “Mississippi’s Brightest Stars -Top 40 Under 40” for 2011 by the MS Business Journal. He serves as vice president for government relations and is a lobbyist for the Mississippi Bankers Association. He and his wife Heather have two daughters: Caroline (in JA’s first grade program), and Anna Catherine (in JA’s PK program). Malcolm and Leah Roland live in Oxford with their son, Eli. Malcolm is a physician. Wendy Staton has been a nurse for ten years and a surgical nurse for the last three years. She lives in Brandon. Brian and Stacy Brown Sykes live in Madison with daughters Kayleigh (3) and Taylor (18 months). Christopher Young is finishing a residency in neuropsychology and lives in Cordova, TN.
class of 1993 Brad and Mandy Ball live in Denver with their two daughters: Carter (4) and Claire (1). Brad is a pediatric hematologist/ oncologist at the Rocky Mountian Hospital for Children. Ken and Mary Ball live in Jackson with their four children. Ken is a hospitalist at UMC.
Ely, on December 30, 2010. Brad is a CPA and they live in Jackson. Graham and Kimberly Nelson Hill welcomed a son, Hayden, on March 2, 2010. They live in Arlington, VA. Jennifer Lee Lowe lives in Madison with her husband, Mike, who is Director of Rehabilitation Services at UMC in Lexington, MS. Their two children are at JA. Michael is a third grader, and Mary Elise is in first grade. Jennifer works part time as an occupational therapist. Lee and Kristen Kennedy Nations (‘95) live in Madison, MS with their two children. Their daughter Kennedy is in the fourth grade at JA, and their son Merritt is in first grade at JA. Lee is the Director of Business Development at Johnson Construction. Ben and Jennifer Skipper and sons, Will and Jack, welcomed another son, Stone on September 1, 2011. Jennifer and Ben are both attorneys in Jackson. Will is in JA’s first grade. Nan Frascogna married Jason Spellings, and they live in Jackson. Nan is a physician and was a resident fellow at UAB. Her specialty is pediatric emergency medicine.
class of 1994 Mark and Mandy Yarborough Booker welcomed their fourth child, Claire Harkins on December 13, 2010. Other children are Chloe (8), Savannah (4), and Jameson (2). Mandy and Mark are planting a church in the heart of Boston, MA.
Stephanie Clark is an art teacher in Nashville.
Bill and Brennan Branch Burkard live in Brandon, with son, Will, born April 22, 2010. Brennan is the deputy director of the MS Professional Educators. She received her bachelors and masters in accounting from Millsaps College.
Brad (‘91) and Amy Ethridge Hatchett and son Matthew welcomed daughter,
O’Hara Owen married Dustin Cain on April 30, 2011. They live in Brandon.
Elizabeth Berbette is a chief nuclear medicine therapist at the RAD Group. She studied at UMMC.
McKie and Jennifer Edmonson have three children: Kendall (JA – K program) and, Aubrey (JA- PK program), and Coleman (JA 2012). McKie is Director of Finance for Park Development, LLC. Walker and Beth Jones live in Maryland with their three children, a daughter, Lilly (5) a son, William (4) and another son, born in late September 2011. Walker joined the Under Armour Sports Marketing team in March, 2008. He oversees the High School and Collegiate divisions of Sports Marketing and manages a $65 million dollar annual budget. Under Walker’s leadership, Under Armour was named the Official Apparel and Student-Athlete Gift Provider of the Southeastern Conference, The Big Ten Conference, and the Atlantic Coast Conference. Richard Lee is a securities analyst/ portfolio manager at Trustmark Bank. Dave and Elisa Perry Mosal live in Jackson with their two sons Tripp (4) and Barron (2). Elisa has just opened a new floral design and gift business, Bloom. Dave is with Jeff Speed Commercial Real Estate. Virgil Payne is a geotechnical engineer at the Mississippi Department of Transportation. He received his mechanical engineering degree in 1999 from MSU and his civil engineering degree at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 2010. He and his wife, Ella, live in Madison. The family of JA was saddened by the loss of Chris Sekul on June 11, 2011. He graduated from Montana State University earning a B.A. degree in Japanese Studies/History and Literature. Chris loved music and also enjoyed martial arts, golf, and scuba diving. He enjoyed working with and touring as road manager for the band Galactica from New Orleans.
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news of alumni 2010-2011 Gray Stubblefield married Jennifer Massey on March 26, 2011. Gray works in the commercial real estate industry where he is a partner at Cherry and Associates in Nashville. Jennifer is a pediatric nurse practitioner. Melissa Ward married Richard Caldwell on October 17, 2010. Melissa earned a bachelors in communication from MSU, a masters in public relations from the University of Southern Mississippi School of Communication, and works independently as an oil and gas abstractor. Richard is an independent real estate professional with Coldwell Banker Brokerage firm.
class of 1995 Conor and Casey Crosthwait Crimmins live in Washington, DC with son, Fionn. Casey is a mental health counselor in private practice in DC. Alison Duncan is a counselor at Rush Health Systems. She studied professional counseling at Georgia State University. Andy Ethridge is a branch manager for Ferguson. He and his wife, Ashley, live in Paducah, KY. Jennifer Gaddis is a mental health court advocate for Jefferson County Circuit Court in Alabama. She lives in Alabaster, AL. Stuart Hederman married Ashlee Ellis on June 5, 2010. They live in Jackson where his partnership, HC Construction LLC, develops and builds residential properties. Louis LaRose is the executive chef at Local 463 Urban Kitchen, Madison’s newest restaurant. He previously worked at Bravo’s and enjoys many hobbies: fixing up sports cars, fishing , and rock crawling. He and his wife, Victoria, live in Madison. Eric McDonald is a writer, photographer, musician, and offers public relations and marketing services, primarily to non-profit and faith-based organizations. He lives in Clinton.
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Jack Norris, executive director of the Office of Recovery and Renewal in Governor Haley Barbour’s office, was named the new president of the Gulf Coast Business Council. This council has more than 260 business and industry members from Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties. In his current job, Norris is responsible for coordinating Hurricane Katrina recovery. Norris is the governor’s principal adviser on recovery policy development and funding decisions. He is also the governor’s liaison and coordinator for federal and state agencies and the state’s congressional delegation. He and Stephanie have twin daughters, Maddie and Lily. Jenny Gilbert Whitlock was promoted September 2010 to the role of Director, Global Marketing Strategy & Communications at Walt Disney Studios. Jenny now oversees strategy and communications planning for all Disney Live Action and Marvel theatrical titles. Prior to that, she spent three years at ABC television leading strategy development and planning for all prime time series, specials, and late night programming. Jenny and her husband live in Los Angeles.
class of 1996 An attorney with the Jackson law firm Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, Matt Allen specializes in general litigation matters. Matt is a graduate of MSU and earned his law degree from the University of Texas law school in 2004. He was recently named one of “Mississippi’s Brightest Stars“ --Top 40 under 40 for 2011. Matt married Megan West on December 11, 2010. Valerie Duckworth Allison is a chemical engineer and serves as a Market Development Manager for Parker Hannifin’s Purification, Dehydration, and Filtration Division. She lives with her husband, Dustin, in Ventura, California, where he is the Supply Chain Manager for Parker Hannifin’s dH Process Filtration North American Division. Valerie and Dustin welcomed their first child, Savannah Hope, on November 30, 2010.
David and Page Buchanan welcomed a son, Connor James, on August 16, 2011. They live in Mobile with another son, Aidan. Philip and Mysti Futral Chustz live in Madison with their three children: Coleman (JA’s first grade), Mary Lamar, and Clay. Philip completed fellowships in cardiology and interventional cardiology at UMC. Philip joined the Jackson Heart group in July and is working both at St. Dominic and Baptist as an interventional cardiologist. Joey DuMontier is vice president of investments at Parks, DuMontier & Mansour of Merrill Lynch in Birmingham. He and Carla have two sons, 3 1/2 years and 19 months. Taylor Ferrell is a lawyer and part-time musician in Washington, D.C. He is currently serving in the Pentagon as Special Counsel for the U.S. Department of Navy and is working on his debut album. Jill Tinnin married Forbes Grogan on February 19, 2011. He is a senior vicepresident at BancorpSouth, and Jill is an assistant clinic administrator for MEA Medical Clinic in Vicksburg. Adam and Allison Jones live in Madison with their three children. Adam is a sales rep and office manager for the Merrill Corp, a legal support system. Jeffrey Lohmeier has been promoted to first vice president in the bank’s wealth management group of Bank Plus. Jeffrey has more than ten years of investment experience and has been with the bank for eight years. He and Jessica have two daughters at JA, Ellie and Libby. Stephen Lytton is a graduate of Belhaven University and works at Delta Sanitation in New Orleans. Amanda and Rob Marble live in Harrisonburg, VA, with their two children, Mary Parker and Wade. Rob is an emergency room physician. Matt Reinhardt owns USA Pawn shops in Jackson.
news of alumni 2010-2011 Marc Sanders lives in Madison with his wife of ten years, Suzanne, and his threeyear-old daughter, Suzanne. Marc works for ADT in commercial sales (cameras, access control systems.) He has recently joined the Army Reserves and is not sure of his deployment schedule. Lindley and Wes Slay, and son Wyatt, welcomed a daughter, Abigial Rose, on November 8, 2010. Wes promotes professional fighters. BJ Flores is his top fighter,currently #4 in the world. They live in Tyler, TX. Walker and Claire Dossett Wright live in Oxford, where Claire is the manager of Amy Head Cosmetics.
class of 1997 Brad Bryan married Mary Brooke Pennington on January 9, 2010. Brad graduated from MC with a B.S. in biology. He received his degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine from UMMC. Dr. Bryan is with Kool Smiles as a Mississippi area doctor. Brian Emory studied sports marketing at Hinds and sports administration at the United States Sports Academy. He lives in Clinton with his wife, Heather. David and Leslie Layer Jordan live in Madison. Leslie works in human resources at G & K Services. She is a graduate of Florida State University.
Amy and Barton Lampton’s son, Barton (JA’s PK program), wore his dad’s Homecoming shirt from 1988 on the football playoff day. We think it brought the team good luck!
Michael Mosley and Amy McCullough married in November 2010. They live in Jackson, where Amy is a staff writer for the Mississippi Business Journal. Sara Woodrell Papa graduated from the Mississippi University for Women in 2001 and received her law degree from the University of Mississippi in 2005. She and Chris live in Windsor Locks, CT. Taylor Polk has a bachelors and a masters in English from MSU and a law degree from Mississippi College. He works at the Heilman Law Group. Davis and Meg Powell live in Shreveport, where Davis is an oil and gas attorney. Brad Reeves is an attorney in Jackson with Balch and Bingham,LLC, a real estate broker and is the owner of Brent Drugs in Fondren. He was recently selected to the inaugural class of the Mississippi Bar’s Leadership Forum and recognized as one of the “Mississippi Business Journal’s Top 40” under 40. He married Mandy Armstrong on June 4, 2011. Mandy finished her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at UMMC and is working at Jackson Healthcare for Women. Fran Russell married Ben Havard on April 30, 2011. Fran earned her bachelors in health information management and then her nursing degree, both from UMMC. She is a registered nurse with Field Memorial Hospital in Centreville. Ben is associated with Rollins-Wells Pulpwood and Timber in Woodville. Betsy Smith married Jason Bailey on January 14, 2012. Betsy received her bachelors in human development and family studies from Samford University in 2001. She received her masters in social work from the University of Alabama in 2003. Betsy lives in Birmingham where she is a medical device representative with Boston Scientific Neuromodulation. Jason is an attorney with Watkins, Ludlam, Winter and Stennis P.A. Matthew Ward is with Sears in merchandising in Gulfport.
Lance Welch is a dentist and recently moved back to the Jackson area.
class of 1998 Maury and Lauren Breazeale have moved back to Jackson, where Maury has joined his dad in business, Kientz, Tipton & Breazeale, LLC. Lanny and Stacie Clark Mize live in Nashville. Stacie is a pharmacist. Kyle and Leslie Webb Cunningham live in Jackson with their two sons: Jack and Sam. Kyle is a medical illustrator at UMMC. Kevin Essary is the Director of Tennis for the City of Germantown. David and Wendy Williams Hanes live in Pensacola with their sons. Tune in to CBS on Sunday, February 12th. Paul Moak is a nominee for 54th Annual Grammy Award for “Leeland” which he produced. The JA family was saddened Friday, October 14, 2011, when Craig Noone died in a two-car crash in downtown Jackson. Craig had opened the Parlor Market Restaurant a year ago on W. Capitol Street. Logan Phillips was promoted to vice president at Morgan Keegan in May 2011. He is a financial adviser in the Jackson office and has been with the company for six years. He holds bachelors in business administration from the University of Mississippi. Anna Powers is an attorney and lives in Madison. Jennifer Cricenti Rheder and her husband live in the Seattle area, Bellevue, and both work for Microsoft. Jennifer is a project manager, and he is a sales manager. Daniel Scarbrough and his wife Shea have a four- year- old son and a two- year- old
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news of alumni 2010-2011 daughter. Daniel is a CPA with BKD, LLP, working primarily in the banking industry, and Shea is a stay-at-home mom. Daniel and Shea reside in Madison. Justin and Robbie Fiser Stroud live in Hattiesburg with their son, Payne. Michael and Rebecca Gough Ueltschey and daughters (Anderson and Taylor) welcomed a son, Tanner Farrell, on December 10, 2010. Ben Walker married Brittany Smith (`05) on December 10, 2011. Ben graduated from MSU with a bachelors in wildlife and fisheries and a masters in business administration. He is a senior mortgage banker with the Home Lending Source in Nashville. Brittany is a CPA with DeLoitte and Touche LLP in Nashville. Brooks West is a district sales manager for the Yamaha Golf-Car Company in Nashville, TN.
class of 1999 Matt Armstrong married Lindsey Smith on June 4, 2011. Matt is a 2004 graduate of MSU with a bachelors in banking and finance, as well as, real estate and mortgage financing. In 2005 he earned a masters in business administration. He is a commercial insurance and bonds producer with Fisher Brown Bottrell Insurance. Brynnen Baker and Adam Quick married on September 14, 2011. They both work in Oxford. David and Shannon York (`01) Blanks live in Jackson with their son. David is district sales manager with Sysco Jackson, LLC. Brian and Elizabeth Knight Byars,and daughter Taylor, welcomed another daughter, Emily Katelyn on June 24, 2011. They live in Oxford. Seth Christian works at Tulane University.
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Justin Courson is the culinary manager at Bonefish Grill. He studied Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics at MSU and lives in Canton.
Lane and Jenna Grace Oswalt and daughter Ava Grace welcomed Anna Leigh on October 27, 2011. They live in Clinton.
Julie Shetler Crawford is the activity director at the Home Place. She and Jim live in Burlington, WA.
Lee Owen works at Synthes in medical device sales in Destin. He married Kate Wilson on June 18, 2011.
Destin Dell married Kristen DeMoney on March 12, 2011. Destin is finishing his degree in business administration from Belhaven University, and she is a second grade teacher at Richland Elementary School.
Layden Owen lives in Memphis and is with Synthes, in ortho trauma implant sales.
Daniel and Christina Karajman Grantham live in Baton Rouge, LA, where Christina works in the Office of Governor Bobby Jindal.
Drew Snyder is an attorney with Hollingsworth, LLP, in Washington D.C. He married Camille Allen (`03) on October 29, 2011.
Michael Harkins married Suzette Almon on June 5, 2010. They live in Madison.
Matt and Ashley Cordua Stafford live in Smyrna, GA, where Ashley is currently working at Pace Academy in Atlanta as the Assistant Director of Summer Programming.
Lauren Hastings married William Grayson Mashburn on December 3, 2011. Lauren graduated cum laude with a bachelors in fine arts from MSU. She is associated with the Mississippi Department of Transportation as a graphic designer. William is with Snap Fitness as a gym rep and trainer. Bradley Kellum married Quinn Mounger on August 20, 2011. Quinn holds a masters in administration and library science from Middle Tennesse State University and has worked as the school librarian at Kirkpatrick Elementary School in Nashville. Bradley holds a doctor of medicine from the University of Mississippi, where he is a resident in orthopaedic surgery. Kelly and George Koerber live in Maben, MS. He is with Innovative Broadcast Services. Majure Markow married Amanda Manning on January 15, 2011. They live in Jackson. Jonathan Moak is a platoon leader in the U. S. Army. He lives in Birmingham with wife, Frannie.
Olivia Marble married Jeremy Schifeling on October 3, 2009. They live in Chicago.
Anna Walker married John Sullivan on June 19, 2010, in New York City. Ginger Frazier Tate and her husband welcomed a son, William Knox IV, on May 10, 2011. She previously worked at the Carolinas Healthcare System. They live in Charlotte, N.C. Andrew Taylor recently completed his residency in Emergency Medicine and is currently working as a fellow in Emergency Ultrasound at Yale University. He and his wife, Mary Elizabeth, live in Connecticut with their three daughters. Laurin Revere married Wade Wheaton on August 27, 2011. Laurin received a bachelors in nursing from Ole Miss and a masters in nursing from Vanderbilt in 2008. She is associated with Inspiris Health group as a nurse practitioner. Wade is an agent with Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee.
class of 2000 Kevin and Valerie Childress Bailey live in Madison. Valerie works at the Jackson Heart Clinic.
news of alumni 2010-2011 Sarah Clark is head of the history department and an AP teacher at Ridgeland High School. Brandon Black married Gabrielle Currie (`02) on March 17, 2011. Gabrielle is a licensed cosmetologist and makeup artist with the family business of Maison Weiss. Brandon is in sales and project management at Capitol Hardware in Ridgeland. Natalie Smith and Patton Borland married on April 2, 2011. Natalie has her masters in elementary education from Delta State University. She is a third grade teacher at Chalkville Elementary School and lives in Birmingham. For the past four years, she has been on summer mission trips to Budapest, Hungary. Leighton and Melissa Bush Liles live in Nashville. Melissa is a broker with Cushman & Wakefield, and Leighton is Vice President at Iroquois Capital Group. They are both graduates of the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. Leighton is a graduate of the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University. Seth Mosal is a dentist with his dad at Mosal Dental Care. He obtained his B.S. from MSU and his D.D.S from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He married Kayla Vaughn on June 4, 2011. Leighton Batte Mosteller is employed by PMT Publishing as web editor for Birmingham Home & Garden and Mobile Bay Magazines. She lives in Birmingham with her husband, Clifton, who is an attorney with Burr & Forman LLP. Christian Ross is a licensed real estate agent at City Connections Realty in NYC. He leases apartments in Manhattan, primarily in the UWS, Morningside Heights, Harlem, and Washington Heights. He has a B.S. in computer science form Ole Miss, has lived in China, and has studied in New Zealand. He knows Mandaran Chinese and some Japanese.
Robert Rushton is engaged to Lauren Coffield. He is chef de cuisine at Walker’s. Jason Spell and his dad have a real estate business together, and they specialize in farm and ranch lands. Allen Thigpen married Sara Marie Park from Huntsville, Alabama, on June 18, 2011. Allen has degrees in computer science from Ole Miss. Bradford Walker is the CFO of Cunningham Farms in Sneedville, TN. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 2004.
class of 2001 Samuel Belknap married Kathleen Glazer on June 6, 2009. They both graduated from Washington and Lee University. Kathleen is a fundraising officer with Pitt Memorial Hospital Foundation, and Samuel is a student at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. Ley Black is the guest coordinator at Ho’olei at Grand Wailea in Kihei, Hawaii. She married Steve Smith on January 2, 2012, in Maui at Sugarman Estate. David (`99) and Shannon York Blanks welcomed Hampton on February 10, 2010. They live in Jackson. After working six years for Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Lenwood Brooks recently accepted a job as Policy Director for Public Notice. Public Notice is a non-profit communications company dedicated to providing Americans with clear, unbiased, and useful information about key economic and fiscal issues. Public Notice is involved in national TV and billboard advertising efforts. John Burns graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in May 2011, and is currently a urology resident at UMMC.
Jessica Busching works at Easely Amused. She has a bachelors in education from Ole Miss. Katie Calhoon is a location manager for the motion picture industry. She lives in Baton Rouge. Katherine Blevins married DeWitt Jackson in Maui on January 5, 2011. Katherine is a 2005 graduate of Columbia College, Columbia, MO. She has a degree in nursing, but is currently a guest relations coordinator at the Grand Wailea Resort in Maui. DeWitt is an executive chef in Maui, Hawaii. Beth Ann McIntyre married Ches Fedric on May 14, 2011. Beth Ann majored in fashion merchandising at MSU and is currently an administrative assistant at New Summit School. Ches earned a bachelors in management and construction of land development at MSU and is assistant project manager for M.J. Harris Inc. A.J. Harris is district sales manager at Medical. He and his wife, Allie, live in Birmingham. Kathryn Jones is a first grade teacher at Kahului Elementary School in Los Angeles. She has a bachelors in elementary education from the University of Alabama. She is engaged to Justin Michael Banek. Ashley Jew married Clay Markham on January 22, 2011. Ashley graduated cum laude from the University of Mississippi in psychology and earned her juris doctorate degree from the Mississippi College School of Law in 2010. She is associated with the Rutherford County Chancery Court in Murfreesboro, TN. Clay has a bachelors in marketing from the University of Mississippi and is with Allstate Insurance in Nashville. Sara and David Marsh live in Pelham, GA. David graduated from MSU and has a graduate degree in construction management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
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news of alumni 2010-2011 Natalie Pitts married Cy Parks on May 14, 2011. Natalie attended the University of Mississippi and is with Kitchens Outside and Broadhead Builders of Jackson. Cy served four years of active duty in the U.S. military and is pursuing a bachelors in business at Belhaven University.
transferred to the University of Mississippi, where she majored in psychology. She has joined the family business of Maison Weiss as a licenced cosmetologist and makeup artist. Brandon attended MSU and is in sales and project management at Capitol Hardware in Ridgeland.
Clay and Ann Elizabeth Fowler Purcell live in Madison with their son Clayton. Ann Elizabeth is a nurse practitioner at Mississippi Oncology Associates at St. Dominic Hospital. She received her masters in nursing from Delta State. Clay is vice-president and branch manager at Merchants and Planters Bank in Raymond, MS.
Devin Darnall received his masters in accounting in the fall of 2008 from Ole Miss. Since graduation he has been an auditor for Buckeye Technologies Inc., traveling to Brazil, Germany,Canada, and across the USA each year. Devin continues to train for and run in track meets in his spare time. He lives in downtown Memphis.
Joseph Shayeb is attending NYU to pursue his LLM in Tax.
Mark Charles Escude’ married Jilly Lang (`04) on June 4, 2011. Mark Charles is a graduate of Northwood University, and Jilly received a masters in English from Clemson University. They will live in Greenville, S.C.
David and Emmi Sprayberry live in Jackson, where David is on staff at Belhaven University. Jeannie Waller is the Director of Communications at Mississippi Main Street. She married Jon Zieren, assistant vice president at the Oxford University Bank on December 17, 2011. John Benjamin and Carla Ward live in Pasadena, CA, where J.B. is a law firm associate with Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale & Dorr. Their son, Owen, was born in July 2011. Candy Witt works in development for the Wesley Community Center in Houston,TX.
class of 2002 Sarah Bynum is the community affairs coordinator for LATA Environmental Services of Kentucky (remediation contractor for the US Department of Energy). She lives in Paducah, KY. Gabrielle Currie married Brandon Black (`00) on March 17, 2011, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Gabrielle attended Mars Hill College in Asheville, NC, and
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Stephen Kruger received his culinary art degree from the Art Institute of Denver. He is the assistant chef at Babalou Restaurant in Jackson. Miles Lane married Heather Moore on October 8, 2011. Joseph McCaskill married Jennifer Todd on September 17, 2011. He is an insurance agent with Wellington & Associates. Ashley Phillips lives in New York City, where she is the assistant editor of Clarkson Pottery, which is a division of Random House Cookbooks. Her first book as editor came out in September 2011, Casserole Queens, and was on the New York Times Best Seller’s list for over six weeks. You can purchase a copy online, at Barnes & Noble or Books-a- Million. Ben and Marianna Breazeale Shaw welcomed a son, Benjamin Nash, in August, 2011. They live in Hattiesburg where Ben is the RUF director at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Kirk Sims has been named Chief of Staff for Governor Phil Bryant. He and Caroline live in Jackson. Meredith Smith is the executive chef at Revolution, a small independent restaurant in the NoDa district of Charlotte, NC, with Mediteranean and Italian fusion. Robbie Watson married Stayce Westmoreland in October 2011. Robbie has a degree in computer science/graphic design from Mississippi College. Lindsey Smith Wiseman received her Juris Doctorate cum laude in May 2009 from the University of Mississippi. She is with the Brunini Law Firm in the Columbus office. Her husband, Parker, is the Mayor of the City of Starkville. Allison Lauderdale married John Young on June 5, 2010. Allison earned a masters in business administration from MSU and is associated with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi. John is a physical therapist with Performance Rehab.
class of 2003 Haley Nethery married David Walter Aldridge on November 7, 2009, at Rosemary Beach, FL. They live in Beverly Hills, CA. Before moving to California, she lived in Charleston, SC and worked as a business development representative for On-Site Fuel Service. She is currently an admissions coordinator at The Aveda Institute of Los Angeles and David is an actor. She also recently started her own company, Another Level sm2, which provides social media marketing and consulting serivces. Camille Allen married Drew Snyder (`99) on October 29, 2011. Camille graduated from Washington and Lee University magna cum laude. Camille was recognized as the University’s Greek Woman of the Year and is currently associated with the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America as a disability
news of alumni 2010-2011 specialist in Washington, D.C. Drew graduated summa cum laude from the University of Mississippi , where he served as president of the Associated Student Body. He was a Taylor Medalist and inducted into the Hall of Fame. Drew received a juris doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he was the managing editor of the Virginia Law Weekly. He is associated with Hollingsworth, LLP in Washington, D.C.
Brian Gray married Jennifer Lyles on October 1, 2011. Jennifer is in field publications at Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company in Jackson. Brian received a bachelors in accounting and a M.B.A. at MSU. He is a staff accountant at Harper, Raines, Knight and Company, P.A. in Ridgeland.
Jenny Lind Bussey married Wilson Boone on May 22, 2010. Jenny Lind earned a bachelors in hospitality management from Ole Miss and is a sales assistant with Morgan Keegan and Company. Wilson is completing a residency in radiology. They live in Birmingham.
Kristen Ley has been named the graphic designer for Jackson Academy. She is responsible for marketing and promotional materials for JA. Kristen has a B.F.A. with an emphasis in graphic design and a minor in marketing. She also operates her own design and consulting studio www. kristenley.com, and is working on starting Thimblepress, a design + letterpress studio (www.thimblepress.com) that will sell her designed and illustrated stationary, prints, fabric, and products.
Dr. Claire Brabec graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in May, and is now in an internal medicine residency at UMMC. Ryan Bridley graduated with his bachelors and commission as an Active Duty Army officer from the US Military Academy at West Point, NY, and currently holds the rank of First Lieutenant. He deployed to Iraq for a year as a rifle infantry platoon leader in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 09-10. He has completed four marathons including the JFK 50 Mile Ultra Marathon and is currently living with his wife, Alexis, in Arlington, Virginia. Preston Gough and his wife welcomed a son, Preston Hampton IV, on July 11, 2011. They live in Flora. Jacob Graham married Elise Lorraine Burton on March 12, 2011. Jacob earned a B.S. in premedical sciences from Mississippi College, a medical degree from UMMC, and is currently an internal medicine resident at the University of Mississppi School of Medicine. Elise is in her fourth year of dental school at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry.
Matt and Martha Grace Holifield Gray joyfully announce the arrival of Robert Wilson Gray (pictured above), on August 16, 2011. Martha Grace recently completed her Masters of Fine Arts degree at Mississippi College and is currently a wedding photographer and teaching at Tulane University’s Madison campus. They live in Jackson.Visit her website at www.marthagracegray.com. The JA famiy was saddened to learn that Jared Hall passed away Wednesday, December 29, 2010. He was a property manager in Denver, CO. David and Christi Coleman Kelly live in Brandon where Christi is an elemenatry school teacher in the Madison County School District. Her husband attends the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Andrew Kruger is the Director of Marketing and Communication at Central Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
Adam and Carlin Williams Milner live in Brandon with sons Sam (July 20, 2009), pictured above in his JA Raider shirt, and Jack (November 7, 2011). Carlin is a stayat-home mom and also works part-time for Capital Resources, LLC, in Jackson. Dr. Lois Montague is an otolaryngology resident at the University of Chicago. She is a graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. Katie Finnegan married Josh Neely on May 21, 2011. She received her bachelors in accounting from Ole Miss, and a masters in taxation from the University of Colorado. Katie is a federal tax accountant at KPMG in Denver. Josh received his bachelors in history and political science from Ole Miss, and his juris doctor from the University of Colorado. He is a landman at Alfson Energy Land Services in Denver.
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news of alumni 2010-2011 Matt Owens is in law school at Santa Clara University. He is a graduate of the University of Mississippi. Kristen Privett is in Charlotte, NC, where she is an RN at the Levine Children’s Hospital on the pediatric observation unit. Lindsey Phyfer and Patrick Roberson married on July 11, 2009. Lindsey graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelors in elementary education. She is currently employed with the Madison County school district as a first grade teacher at Ann Smith Elementary. Patrick also graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelors in marketing and management. He is currently employed with Depuy Orthopedics as a sales representative. Aggie Sikora is the International Sales Coordinator for Trilogy Communications in Jackson. She received minors in political science, French, and Art and a B.A. in philosophy from Millsaps in 2007. In 2009 she received her M.B.A. in international business/marketing and advertising from Millsaps. Will Smith and Laura Skelton ‘03 married on May 28, 2011. Will is a 2008 graduate of the University of Miississippi where he earned a bachelors in accountancy and a masters in taxation in 2010. He is with Tann, Brown, and Russ Co., PLLC. Laura is completing her second year as a medical student at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. Adam Thrash married Carmen Hayden on July 9, 2011. Adam graduated from Ole Miss with a B.A. in business administration and real estate in 2007. He is attending the Charleston School of Law in Charleston. Dr. Adam Wright graduated from the University of Tennessee and is in a dermatology residency. Mary York married Cameron Woodward on August 27, 2011. Mary graduated
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from the University of Mississippi with a bachelors in family and consumer science. She was also a varsity cheerleader. Mary is a sales manager at the Westin Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta. Cameron is a partner with the law firm of Cossio, Lebowski and Woodward. Rho Zhu is studying medicine at Stanford University and lives in Palo Alto, CA.
class of 2004 Daniel Benefield is a 2008 graduate of the University of Mississippi with a bachelors in human resource management. He received his masters from Ole Miss in 2010. He is associated with Caterpillar Finance in Nashville. He married Lindsey Renee White on August 27, 2011. Jay Fowler married Fran Hudson. Jay is a graduate of MSU with a bachelors in business administration and a M.B.A. from MC. He is a credit analyst with Community Bank in Brandon. Fran is a nurse at Baptist Hospital. Aaron Graham is a law clerk to a federal appellate judge. He lives in Jackson. Ben James married Abby Andrews on February 5, 2011. They live in Memphis.
(`02) on June 4, 2011. Jilly received a bachelors from Ole Miss, and a masters in English from Clemson University. Mark Charles is a graduate of Northwood University. They live in Greenville, S.C. Stephen Marsh married Taylor Ballard on May 21, 2011. They live in Conroe, Texas, where Taylor is an optometrist and Stephen is attending Texas A&M. Nick and Libby Newton Nabors live in Knoxville, TN. Libby is a family therapist at Cornerstone Recovery, and Nick is an account executive with Stryker Medical. Will Ridgway works with an accounting firm in Dallas. Diana Smith received a B.A. in English from the University of Southern Mississippi and the M.F.A. in creative writing from the University of Florida. She teaches writing and literature at Southwest Texas Junior College in Del Rio, TX. Her poems have been published in 32 Poems, The Jackson Hole Review, Anderbo, Elimae, and SALit, among others. Mason and Joseane Stacy live in Ridgeland where Mason is with Capitol Hardware and Joseane is in physical therapy.
Katherine Jones works for the Computer Sciences Corporation in Washington D.C. She also volunteers as the assistant golf coach at Georgetown University. Courtney Kowalski is the staff assistant to Congressman Geoff Davis of the Fourth District, Kentucky. She lives in Washington, D.C. Courtney was recently promoted to Davis’ personal scheduler. Peter Kruger is a concierge banker at Avenue Bank in Nashville. Ashley Anderson Lancaster, Kurt, and their daughter, Evy Kate, adopted a son Liam, from South Korea in the fall of 2011. They live in Cape Girardeau, MO. Jilly Lang married Mark Charles Escudé
Jordan Sudduth’s new business, Lunar Entertainment Group, LLC, is helping to facilitate the emergence of a Mississippi film industry. He worked on two campaigns in the summer and fall. He is pictured above with actresses from The Help, which was filmed in Mississippi.
news of alumni 2010-2011 class of 2005 Carley Baker is an account executive with the Northside Sun. She has a bachelors in business law, business administration, and marketing from MSU. Blake Barnes received a bachelors in management and marketing from the University of Southern Mississippi. He and Kristen live in Flowood, where he is the associate clinical specialist at Bioness.
JA Alumni Cole Hawkins and David Traxler work in the fast-paced world of social media and mobile technology and have developed a “friendly” new app. Both graduated from Ole Miss and moved to LA in the summer of 2009, working at two superstar talent agencies. They were quickly immersed in the exciting, emerging world of social media. Mobile apps were more than leisure games, they were an integral part of people’s lives and Cole and David wanted to join the fun. They have developed an app that allows people to exchange favors and called it “friendcard.” Here’s how it works: If you need a ride somewhere, something picked up, or want help moving, just ask. The favor exchanges of friendcard creates camaraderie and friendly competition. Friendcard was launched on Monday, October 31, 2011.
Check out www.friendcard.co (it is .co not .com) Josh and Mary Kate Sims Whelan welcomed Josh Patrick (Jack) on July 1, 2011. They live in Oxford. Mary Kate is a speech therapist at the VA. Tyler Winford married Mary Clair Mills on March 26, 2011. Tyler is in medical school at UMMC. Morgan Wiggers has been studying business in Australia for the last year on a Rotary Scholarship and will be returning to finish his M.B.A. at Belhaven University.
Jane Gray Wiggers Bledsoe completed a B.S. in food science, nutrition, and health promotion. She currently works as an outpatient registered dietitian and provides medical nutrition therapy for pre-transplant and post-transplant patients (pancreas, liver, and kidney). Jane Gray also works inpatient as a clinical registered dietitian in various settings - oncology, heart care, intensive care, organ and cell transplantation, and bariatric surgery. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, exercise, and traveling southern California with her husband Allan. Phillip Blevins is a board operator, disc jockey, and vocals for commercials at wcjufm radio station in Hattiesburg. Steven Blevins is in law school at the University of Kentucky. He received a bachelors in political science and history from the University of Mississippi. David Calhoun graduated from the University of Alabama in art studio, advertising, and public relations. He is a developer at Centre Source (develops websites on Drupal and Work Press.) Sean Connolly has a degree in finance from Ole Miss and finished his culinary arts program in Le Cordon Bleu. Rob Derivaux was one of ten students chosen for the 2009 Hall of Fame at the University of Mississippi. Rob majored in Spanish and accounting, was a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors
College, and a Taylor Medalist. He was also one of six JA graduates selected for Who’s Who. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he is in Harvard Law School. Kimbrell Spencer graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2009. She married Erick Evans of Gulfport, MS, on December 11, 2010. Kimbrell graduated from Ole Miss with a masters degree in communication science and disorders in May 2011. She was inducted into the 2010-2011 University of Mississippi’s Hall of Fame on February 5, 2011. Genny Frascogna has a B.S. from the University of Mississippi in family and consumer science. Kimberly Griffin has a bachelors in kinesiology from MSU and is pursuing a doctor of physical therapy degree at UMMC. Audrey Hardin is a work sales and display/design consultant at Stacks Furniture Outlet in Birmingham, AL. Justin Harkins is a EDI Project Manager for ABEO. He received a bachelors in management information systems at Baylor University. Jack Harris is with State Farm Insurance. Lizzy Hyde has a bachelors in marketing, communications, and public relations from Ole Miss. Currently, she is in law school at the University of Mississippi. Jason Keary earned a bachelors in business administration from Ole Miss. He lives in Nashville. Amy Keuter recently received a masters of education of the deaf from Smith College. She also received a bachelors in illlustration and a masters in teaching art from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Caroline Harkins and Corey Mays married on October 22, 2011. Caroline graduated from MSU in 2009 with a
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news of alumni 2010-2011 bachelors in marketing and is with First Heritage Credit’s corporate office in Ridgeland. Corey graduated cum laude with a bachelors in insurance, risk management and financial planning, and a masters of business administration from MSU. He is with Travelers Insurance. The JA family was saddened by Wynn McAllister’s death on December 27, 2010. He graduated in May 2010, from the Culinard School of Culinary Arts in Birmingham. He was employed by Aramark at MSU. Wynn was in a car wreck in Starkville. Dendy Hogan married Jason McDavid on December 12, 2009. Jason is an accountant with KPMG, and they live in Memphis. Patrick McDavid is a CPA and works with KPMG in Memphis. Rachel McDuffie is an esthetician at Aqua the Day Spa. She has a bachelors in business administraion from Belhaven University. Jessica Bunting married Glenn McGehee on May 16, 2009. She graduated with a bachelors in elementary education from MC and is a fourth grade teacher at Madison Station. Glenn is associated with MC in the computer services department. Emilee Peeples married Matthew Milling on June 25, 2011. She is a 2009 cum laude graduate of Mississippi College with a B.S. in biology. Emilee is a second year student at the UMMC School of Dentistry. Matthew holds a bachelors in nursing from UMMC. Megan Mitcham is the business developer for Williams Title Guaranty Escrow Agency in Denver. Emily Mitchell is a fourth grade teacher at Booker T. Washington Elementary School in Clarksdale. She graduated from Belhaven University in education and from MSU in environmental geoscience.
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Jack Murray graduated from Ole Miss in mechanical engineering, pre-med. He attends medical school at UMMC. Reid Neely is a commercial underwriter for State Auto Insurance. Emily Ragland majored in English and political science at the University of Mississippi. She teaches at Firstline Schools in New Orleans. Jeremy Smith is project manager for Messinger and Associates in Monroe, LA. His degree is in biological engineering from MSU. Brittany Smith married Ben Walker (`98) on December 10, 2011. She has a bachelors summa cum laude from MSU in accounting and a masters in professional accountancy. Brittany is a CPA with DeLoitte and Touche LLP in Nashville. Ben has a B.S. in wildlife and fisheries and a M.B.A. in business administration. He is a senior mortgage banker with the Home Lending Source in Nashville. Jennifer Smith graduated from MSU in May 2009 with a B.A. in psychology. She lives in West Point, MS, and works at the Ritz Theater and Conference Center/ Cafe Ritz. Laura Skelton married Will Smith (‘03) on May 28, 2011. Laura earned B.S. in biochemistry and biology at Ole Miss and is completing her second year as a medical student at UMMC. Will is a 2008 graduate of Ole Miss where he earned a bachelors in accountancy and a masters in taxation in 2010. Will is with Tann, Brown, and Russ Co., PLLC. Ana Taylor is a psychiatric nurse at Jackson Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, TN. Lauren Wakefield has a B.A. in theater arts and French. Last year she taught in France and currently teaches theater and French at the new Germanton High School in Madison.
Elizabeth Walker married Joel Michael Wilkins on July 23, 2011. Elizabeth is a 2009 graduate of Baylor University with a bachelors in history and a minor in German. She is a teacher in Houston, Texas. Joel is a 2004 graduate of China Spring High School in China Spring, after which he entered the Army. He was a specialist assigned to the 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Division in Iraq. In 2008 he received a Purple Heart and Honorable Medical Discharge from the Army. Wilkins attends Baylor University in Waco, majoring in accounting and will continue his studies at the University of Houston. Joshua Watson finished at MSU in architecture and photography and is starting a new business. He is a photographer, graphic designer, and website designer. He also works on computers in his spare time. Katy Wharton has a bachelors in journalism from Ole Miss. She is the ticketing and promotions coordinator for Center Stage-The Loft-Vinyl in Atlanta. Courtney Whittington is a marketing/ business coordinator with Precise Research, and she lives in Ridgeland.
class of 2006 Alex Barraza is in nursing school at UAB. Elizabeth Thomas married Chris Bowers on June 25, 2011. They live in Memphis, where she is in assurance services with Ernst & Young. Patrick Brawner has a bachelors in marketing from MSU and is employed by Cutco Cutlery. Bailey Browne is in law school at Mississippi College; her degrees were in political science and English from the University of Mississippi. Wesley Caldwell finished graduate school at the Savannah College of Art
news of alumni 2010-2011 and Design. He graduated from MC in English, Writing/Studio Art and has a degree in film and TV production. He lives in Charleston. Erin Collins has a bachelors in graphic design/ English from the University of Mississippi. She lives in New Orleans. Patty Commarato has a masters in taxation from MSU and works for Ernst & Young in Memphis. Haley Crosby is in law school at the University of Mississippi. Evan Curry graduated from MSU in December, 2010, with a major in communications-broadcasting and journalism. Evan and Emily Donald married on May 7, 2011. Travis Donald has a degree in sports communications from MSU. Kenny Ellis has his bachelors from the University of Mississippi in psychology and biology. He was the deputy transition chairman for Lt. Governor Tate Reeves and is currently Tate’s legislative liaison. William Foreman has a bachelors in international studies and French from the University of Mississippi. He is the tennis instructor at the Oxford Park Commission. Caleb Graham is a second-year medical student at UMMC. Joe Greenlee is a graduate student in biological sciences at MSU. Robert Grenfell graduated from Ole Miss with a degree in graphic design. He lives in Washington, D.C. Olivia Hines has a bachelors in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Mississippi. Holly Hosford is in law school at the University of Mississippi.
Jessica Imboden is a nursing assistant at Blair Batson Hospital for Children. Collins Johnson has a bachelors in public relations from the University of Georgia. She finished an internship with the Atlanta Braves and is currently working for Chicago Sky, a WNBA team in Chicago. Stephanie Ratcliff Johnson received her B.S. in animal science from MSU. Michelle Mailly is pursuing a masters in criminal justice at St. John’s University in Queens, NY. She has a double major in criminal justice and forensic science from the University of Southern Mississippi. In August 2011, Honors College alum Kaley McCluskey (Physics 2010 at Georgia Tech) successfully defended her Master of Science thesis entitled, “Development of single-molecule encapsulation methods for realtime non-equilibrium studies of nucleic acid hybridization.” Her research was conducted at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where she will remain to pursue a Ph.D. in bio-physics. Mark McRee works for State Farm and lives in Madison. Amanda Keeling Minshew has a nursing degree from Mississippi College. Ben Moore is a personal trainer at Drake’s Fitness (Altadena Square). He obtained a bachelors in commercial guitar and music at Belmont University. Chelsea Moore has joined Liquid Creative as an account executive. She holds a bachelors in business administration from Ole Miss.
Elizabeth Phyfer works at the River Hills Club as a lifeguard and in the indoor center. She studied education for the deaf and hard of hearing at Hinds Community College and painting at MSU. Ben Pickering is an ADT sales techinician at Defender Direct. He has a marketing degree from Ole Miss. Rob Puckett has a bachelors from MSU in finance. He works in his family’s business, Puckett Machinery. Hallie Reed is pursuing a nursing degree at UMMC. Davis Roberts is the assistant general manager at Five Guys restaurant. He received a business management degree from Ole Miss. Graeme Ross works at Sotheby’s in New York City. He received a B.A. in art history and advertising. Sarah Margaret Branning married Jeremy Rowan on June 4, 2011. She teaches preschool at Flowood Elementary School. Sarah Margaret graduated from MC with a bachelors in elementary education. Jeremy also graduated from MC in 2010 with a bachelors in business administration. He is associated with McGuire’s Taxidermy in Clinton. They live in Brandon. Anna Salvo received her bachelors in English & Writing and Spanish from MC in 2010, and a master’s in English from Belmont University in 2011. She lives in Nashville. Blair Shaw is the inventory manager at Annelle Primos & Associates. She received a marketing degree from MSU.
R.J. Nalty has a chemical engineering degree from Ole Miss. He is with the US Water Services Application Engineers in Elk River, Minnesota.
Courtney Simon received a bachelors in dance in 2010 from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is in graduate school at Columbia College in Chicago.
Jenny Naylor has a bachelors in psychology and French from Ole Miss. She is at UMMC studying neuroscience.
Charlotte Skelton married Jeremy Taylor on July 23, 2011. She is a medical student at UMMC.
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news of alumni 2010-2011 Perry Taylor is in law school at Samford. Ann Robin Tucker received her bachelors in international studies and Spanish at the University of Mississippi. She is now in medical school at UMMC.
Jonathan Josey married Wesley Warriner on August 6, 2011. Jonathan graduated summa cum laude from MSU in 2011. Wesley is a teacher at Brandon High School, and Jonathan will continue physical therapy school at UMMC.
Mary -Crosby Turner received a masters in the education program at Vanderbilt’s Peabody School of Education. She is a third grade teacher at Kingston Springs Elementary in Nashville.
Jennifer Ley graduated from Mississippi State University with an International Business dual major focusing on marketing and Spanish.
Joy Kate Waterer is in nursing school at UMMC.
John McGowan is studying civil engineering at MSU. This past summer he worked for McGowan Working Partners.
Matt Watson graduated from Mississippi College in French and history in 2010. He is now pursuing a masters of arts and history at MC. Ashley Winford was selected to the Mississippi College 2010 Hall of Fame. She has a B.S. in biology/ medical sciences. Ashley is a medical student at UMMC.
class of 2007
Carly Stegall married Bryce Yelverton on October 22, 2011. She attended MC, and has a degree in biology, and is associated with Mississippi Retina Associates as an ophthalmic tech. David is a geometry teacher at Clinton High School. Stephen Worley received a double major in international studies and Spanish in May 2011 from the University of Mississippi. He works as an outreach associate for the Mercatus Center at George Mason University in Washington, DC. He was one of the ten seniors to be inducted into the University of Mississippi’s Hall of Fame for 2010-2011.
class of 2009 Quinn Bolls spent last summer as a whitewater rafting guide for Mt. Waters Rafting in Durango, CO. He is currently back at Ole Miss. Rebekah Clark is at LSU studying petroleum engineering. Samantha Pettus was chosen a top ten beauty at Ole Miss for 2010-2011.
class of 2010 Lauren Hotard is studying pre-med at the University of Alabama.
class of 2011 Chloe Barnett and X-Caliburr won the Arabian Horse Association’s 2011 U. S. Youth national championship in Albuquerque, N.M. Chloe is a freshman at LSU and plans to become an equine veterinarian. Carter Clark is in business at Ole Miss. Bryan Pace is studying international business/German at MSU.
class of 2008
Beth Derivaux and Mary Grace Tucker (`08) (pictured above) were inducted into Phi Beta Kappa at Ole Miss in April 2011. Samantha Egger, Paige Gordy, Hallie Mosby, Kristen Vise, and Stephen Worley were selected for the University of Mississippi’s Who’s Who for 2010-2011.
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Casey Chinn has been awarded the Mattingly Premed Scholarship at Ole Miss for 2011-2112. She recently was inducted into Alpha Epsilon Delta and Phi Kappa Phi, which is awarded to the top 7% of the junior class.
Make sure your news
Ryan Jones has a bachelors in electrical engineering from Ole Miss, and is currently with Fed Ex as a aircraft engineer intern in Memphis.
or update your info under the alumni section of our website.
Emily Monsour lives and works in Washington, D.C. Mary Grace Tucker was recently inducted into Phi Beta Kappa at Ole Miss for 2011.
is in next year’s JAAM!
E-MAIL BECKY GREER bgreer@jacksonacademy.org
WWW.JACKSONACADEMY.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/JAAlumni
STEPHEN SCOTT BRANNING MARCH 25, 1976 - JANUARY 24, 2012
As this issue of the JAAM was heading to the printer, we experienced the passing of Scott Branning, 35, after his courageous battle with cancer. A dear JA teacher and friend, Scott was a beloved part of the JA family for most of his life, first as a JA student and graduate in the Class of 1994 and then as a teacher and coach since 1998. He was a wonderful Christian educator and gentleman who touched many lives in such a meaningful, thoughtful, and kind manner. Scott will be greatly missed by all of us in the Jackson Academy family. We all will continue in prayer for God’s peace and comfort for Scott’s family, especially his mother and father, Carol and Keith Branning, and his brother and sister, Jason and Sarah Margaret. This issue of the JAAM is dedicated to Scott’s memory.
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Alumni & Parents: Jackson Academy events, as well as invitations to networking events and other activities, can’t reach you if we don’t have your correct e-mail address, which is kept confidential. And if you move and don’t let us know, your JAAM magazine won’t reach you either. Please update our database by e-mailing bgreer@jacksonacademy.org. Thanks!
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