JACKSON ACADEMY
2018 ISSUE | VOLUME XIX
A Publication for Jackson Academy Alumni, Families, and Friends
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N AC A D O EM KS C Y
JA
CON T E N T S
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Celebrating 60 Years at JA Jackson Academy's sixtieth year is an opportunity for families, alumni, and staff to celebrate our rich legacy as an institution of learning, achievement, and family. Founded in 1959 on the pedagogical approach to teaching reading through phonics that was in contrast to the educational theory of the day, Jackson Academy has much to celebrate – traditions, values, and excellence in education.
O N T H E COV E R : “Butterfly Effect” by Frances Fortner
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CONTENTS
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EDITOR'S LETTER
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A LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
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CLASS OF 2018
Memories of JA Throughout the Years
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One common thread weaves its way through the experiences of faculty and staff—JA is a caring community that has impacted their lives in a positive way.
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SCHOLARS
STUDENTS
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A Classroom Without Borders All semester, Middle School students worked on a special project – designing and building a solar-powered light using a 3D printer. Thousands of miles away, students in Sonora, Mexico and Zimbabwe, Africa worked on the same project.
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All for Honor
IN ACTION
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TECHNOLOGY
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AT H L E T I C S
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PHILANTHROPY
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ALUMNI NEWS
The new honor code is a statement about what our school community thinks about itself and the standards to which it believes we all should be held accountable.
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CLASS NOTES
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EDITOR'S LETTER
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hat is your predominant point of view—focusing on the present, anticipating the future, or appreciating the lessons of the past? During the upcoming year at Jackson Academy we will contemplate all three viewpoints.
The 2018-19 school year marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of JA’s founding in 1959. Families were pleased with their children’s progress under teacher Loyal Bearss, who was developing methods for teaching reading using his phonetic method. He and 10 families decided to organize a school based upon the phonetic method, small classes, adequate time for play, selfpaced learning, and a challenging curriculum. Students were reading at their own pace and well beyond their grade level. In fact, some JA first graders appeared on WLBT in the mid1960s to demonstrate reading aloud at the sixth grade level.1 Our founding families were certainly looking ahead at the time. Sight reading, rather than phonics, was the predominant method of teaching reading, and Bearss, in his own words, considered the school experimental. He planned to share the results of the educational theories he tested with the public schools.2 The foresight of 10 families and a teacher 60 years ago allows us to look back and reflect: How did the innovation and vision of a progressive educator impact the lives of students? How has Jackson Academy influenced individual students and the families served? How have the community, the state, and beyond been changed by the type of education, the caring faculty, and the character development offered at JA? In True Blue you will find such reflections as well as more Bearss-like forward thinking. For instance, after studying new developments in technology, JA is moving to what educators here have determined is the best device to enhance learning in the classroom, the recently-released 9.7 inch iPad with detachable keyboard (for grades first through twelfth) along with a writing instrument called a Logitech Crayon. It has been our staff 's pleasure to recount with numerous JA faculty, staff, students, parents, and alumni their memories of the past and their hopes for tomorrow. We hope you are as inspired by what you read in True Blue as we were in developing the material. All For One, Patti Wade
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JACKSON ACADEMY
2018 ISSUE | VOLUME XIX
EDITOR/WRITER
Patti Wade
Director of Marketing and Communications C R E AT I V E
Jonathan Blackwell Graphic Designer
PHOTOGRAPHER/WRITER
Rachel Eason
Interactive Media Coordinator CLASS NOTES
Frances Bussey
Alumni Coordinator ANNUAL REPORT OF GIFTS
Tim McWilliams
Director of Development
Ebony Welch
Annual Giving Coordinator CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS/WRITERS
Jonathan Blackwell, Lisa Bynum, Sharon Coker, Lucian Dixon, Rachel Eason, Sandra McKay, Jackie Meck, Richard Stafford, Melanie Thortis, Patti Wade, alumni, parents, JAA, Athletic Booster Club, and students — The True Blue magazine is published annually by the Office of Marketing and Communications and the Office of Development. Jackson Academy 4908 Ridgewood Road Jackson, Mississippi, 39211 If you have alumni news you would like to share, please send it to the above address or email it to Frances Bussey at fbussey@jacksonacademy. org. Photos submitted should be of professional quality.
1 Interview by Lisa Bynum with Michelle Mills, May 2018, Mills appeared on WLBT in 1965 to demonstrate reading by phonics learned at JA. 2 Larry Speakes, Staff Writer. (June 3, 1959). “Private School Set Here,” State Times (Jackson, Mississippi), pp. 1A, 4A.
A LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dear Jackson Academy Family, During my first year at Jackson Academy, I affirmed my long-standing beliefs in what are, or at least what should be, the roles and responsibilities of an educational institution, specifically the independent school. It is a given that schools holding themselves out as being college preparatory all understand their duty to sufficiently prepare their students academically for the future rigors of a college education and subsequent careers. The majority also recognize and promote the importance of the arts and athletics. Many also emphasize the development of character and moral courage as part of their preparation for college and life beyond. It is this last objective that is the most critically important, and remains closest to my heart. I draw a real distinction between those schools that claim to recognize the value of character development and those schools that are truly committed to it. The former is easy; the latter is challenging and rarer, though also much more rewarding. Jackson Academy is, in both word and deed, fully dedicated to the latter, and I would fervently argue that no school does it better than JA. Perhaps the best single evidence of this commitment that took place this past year was the creation, endorsement, and implementation by the students of a meaningful Honor Code and System at Jackson Academy. The Honor Code and Pledge were completely student drafted and, along with the procedural system, were presented to the entire Upper School student body for a vote, which was overwhelmingly carried. In the following weeks, 58 student leaders stepped forward to apply for positions on the new Honor Council, and after an extensive review and interview process, the first JA Honor Council was installed. Our students involved in that historic effort to make this firm character statement about our school would surely agree that this is a bold standard to which we will steadily endeavor to hold ourselves, now and in the future. Since coming to JA, Caroline and I have enjoyed experiencing some of the many unique traditions celebrated by the student body and families that nurture character and build community. The very special Alpha and Omega program, SOAR experiential learning, the Fall Carnival, Blue and White Night, student-led chapels, and the Little Dribblers immediately come to mind. JA is justifiably proud of its traditions, yet it has not been, and will not be, satisfied simply by something having “always been done this way.� We will continue to strive daily to be better, explore new and creative opportunities, accomplish more, and fulfill our mission of inspiring lives of purpose and significance. Thank you all for a wonderful welcome and first year for Caroline and me. Have a great year, and GO RAIDERS! Sincerely,
Jack Milne TRUE BLUE | 5
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lpha and Omega. Book Buddies. The Little House food prepared by alum chefs and restaurateurs are on play. Mr. Higgins’ canoe trips. Field Day. The the agenda for this memory-inspired event. “Save the Washington trip. Sports championships. Class Date” cards have already been mailed, and we hope Day—so many memories and traditions that many of our former students and teachers can attend. our JA family holds dear. Jackson Academy’s The classes of 1988, 1998, and 2008 will continue with sixtieth year is an opportunity for families, alumni, their planned activities as honored guests. and staff to celebrate our rich legacy as an institution of learning, achievement, and family. Founded on the Throughout the year, but culminating in February of pedagogical approach of teaching reading 2019, the students will remember our legacy N AC A D through phonics that was in contrast as a school founded on the love of reading O EM KS to the educational theory of the day, as they share in a community service C Jackson Academy has much to project. The students will collect celebrate—traditions, values, and donations to purchase new books excellence in education. To honor for a local school, as well as this achievement, we hope to collecting “gently used” books for include as many of our alumni, donation to a local cause. students, and staff as possible in our year-long celebration. To conclude our anniversary celebration, the spring event The JAA kicked off the festivities centered around our annual Color with A Blue and White Night on August Me Raider run and baseball game 11 at the Country Club of Jackson. All will focus on family-centered activities, alumni, as well as current parents and patrons, complete with birthday cake, balloons, and were invited to enjoy Southern food favorites, while other fun entertainment. dancing to the music of The Chill. A fabulous array of acution items was available. Sixty years of service is a milestone worth celebrating. Our goal is to appeal to all groups who remember the Homecoming on October 12 will be an opportunity for proud legacy of Jackson Academy and to celebrate our us to invite alums to share their memories as we host heritage as a values-based school founded on reading a reception for all Jackson Academy graduates before and learning. Please join us as we honor our rich history the football game. Family-friendly activities and great as the JA family. TRUE BLUE | 7
60 YEARS
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hen Laura Ingalls Wilder sat at a table in her Mansfield, Missouri home in 1930 and wrote the very first line in the first of her eight autobiographical novels, could she have imagined how many people she would captivate with her stories of life on the frontier? Did she have any idea that long after her first book was published in 1932, she would live on as one of the most accomplished authors in American literary history? Indeed, Wilder’s books have influenced many avid readers, both young and old, including generations of Jackson Academy third graders. The annual Little House play has been such a longstanding tradition, former students and early play participants now
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find themselves watching their own children reenact Wilder’s beloved stories. The Little House play is a culmination of a multipleweek study of Wilder’s first book in the series, Little House in the Big Woods. “We spend about a month reading the book in class together,” said third grade teacher April Foster. “We are able to incorporate map skills into the lesson by locating where the Ingalls family lived on a map. We make butter, which is an activity described in the book. We watch a video on where maple syrup comes from. We also compare and contrast how life is different now and how it is the same.”
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Like so many traditions that span decades, the Little House play has evolved over the years. Former teacher Ann Stacy Day, who taught at Jackson Academy from 1973–1987, recalls the earlier days when the production was much smaller. “I remember it being a classroom celebration,” Day recalled. “The children dressed in costumes, parents brought food and really made an effort to make the dishes mentioned in the book. Each classroom had their own celebration.” At some point during Day’s tenure, the play evolved into a small recital for the parents. “It was a lot of work, but the children loved it,” she said. “Everyone helped out. The PE teachers taught the square dances, which was a tremendous help. The music teachers helped with the songs.” Every student is given a speaking role in the production. However, Charlene Abraham Davis, also a former teacher who taught from 1981–1985, recalls the year there were more third grade students than available parts.
Explained Davis, “We were all wondering what we were going to do. I write poems. It’s something that comes easily to me. So, I said, ‘I’ll write a poem.’” Over 30 years later, Davis’ poem is still recited during the play. “I never thought when I wrote that poem that it would remain a part of the play,” she laughed. “It makes me happy that my little contribution is still a part of the school.” Jana Ragland taught third grade for over 20 years before becoming the Lower School’s librarian. She recalls how the completion of the Performing Arts Center in 2010 paved the way for the Little House play to become the production it is today. “Before the Performing Arts Center was built, we performed the play in the Activities Building. Some people called it the Old Gym,” said Ragland. “All the TRUE BLUE | 9
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“For the most part, the play has stayed the same. But it has been really special to watch my child perform in the same play all these years later.” – Elizabeth Warren Mehrle '93
parents sat on bleachers. The students sat on class quilts, and there was one central microphone. We didn’t have a lot of room back then, so there were more poems and narratives recited than acting scenes. We weren’t able to use a lot in the way of props and decorations either.” “When we moved to the Performing Arts Center, we were really able to upgrade and improve the play in every way. We had a sound system for the first time and an entire stage to work with. We used to have to roll the general store backdrop into the gym on rollers, but now we have the ability to raise and lower the backdrop from the top of the stage.” Elizabeth Warren Mehrle, who graduated from JA in 1993, recently had the opportunity to watch her son Anderson perform in the Little House play. “I remember being in the play was the first time I had ever worn a long dress,” she shared. “And I remember learning to square dance in the Old Gym. It was the first time any of us had to dance with a boy!” Rebecca Gough Ueltschey, class of 1998, points out how times and technology have changed the tradition. “When I was in the play, a lot of grandmothers or mothers could sew. My grandmother made my own dress,” she said. “Today, I think everyone either borrows a dress or buys it online.” 10 | TRUE BLUE
THE TRADITION CONTINUES JA parents who were in the Little House play as children now find themselves watching their own children reenacting Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved stories.
However, in a lot of ways, the play has stayed the same. “It was really fun to recognize some of the scenes from when I was in the play,” said Elizabeth Calhoon Quinn, a 1999 graduate of JA, after watching her daughter Chesley’s performance. “I have always loved this time period, and Chesley has gotten just as excited about this as I did. I can still remember churning butter and tasting some of the food.” Mehrle agreed, “For the most part, the play has stayed the same. But it has been really special to watch my child perform in the same play all these years later.” Added Ragland, “It has always been a wonderful experience to watch the children bring this story they love to life. It has always been a big hit, and every year the children leave their own little stamp on it.”
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2 TRADITIONS Seventh Grade Rafting Trip At the end of seventh grade, JA students experience father-son or father-daughter time in God’s creation in the form of a rafting trip. Started 42 years ago by retired coach and teacher Ray Higgins, the trip that has been led more than 100 times never becomes old. The original devotion given by Higgins is still offered each year, in addition to other faculty- and student-led devotions. Students experience setting up a campsite, hiking, rafting the Ocoee in Tennessee, and then later rafting the higher-octane Chattooga in South Carolina. For some it is their first outing of its kind. At Turtleback Falls in North Carolina, students hike roughly two miles to the falls, then enjoy jumping into the beautiful pool at the bottom of the falls. “Those who are most hesitant to jump into the falls end up jumping in the most,” said Coach Ronnie Rogers, who now coordinates the trip after Higgins’ retirement. “Most of the students are uncomfortable with certain activities during this trip. However, when we are finished, their confidence level with what was once uncomfortable and unfamiliar has really changed to self-confidence,” said Rogers. It’s all a part of experiential learning that builds confidence, trust, teamwork, and a love of God, His creation, and each other.
Grandparents' Day Each February, beaming grandparents from near and far travel to JA to experience an abbreviated version of their first grade grandchild's day. The day begins at the Performing Arts Center where first graders welcome grandparents with songs, the pledge of allegiance, and a prayer that includes being thankful for grandparents. Grandparents see a demonstration of Morning Meeting where students learn social skills and share a devotional. Next, teachers and first graders give grandparents a look at the hands-on, experiential learning prevalent in classrooms today. They demonstrate coding in STEM lab; reading skills in the library; coordination, speed, and the ability to follow directions in physical education class; their Spanish language proficiency; and their sweet singing voices, counting, and rhythm in music class. All along the way, grandparents participate in each activity. Delightful refreshments are provided and served by the JAA.
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Little Dribblers Second graders spend time in physical education class developing what appear to be basketball-handling skills, but what educators define as fine motor skills, sequencing skills, self-confidence, and teamwork. During basketball season Little Dribblers demonstrate what they have accomplished in routines set to music during halftime of the varsity girls basketball games. Basketballs are impressively handled with great precision and rhythm. Other than an occasional stray Class of 1996 – the first Little Dribblers ball and a corresponding grin, these 7 and 8 year olds are in command of a show that has delighted jampacked gymnasium audiences for more than 30 years. Students save their specially-sized Little Dribbler ball and T-shirt as keepsakes, and they remember the time spent together, their teamwork, and the special teachers, such as retired faculty members Deborah Friday, Sharon Clark, and current physical education teacher Aimee Plunkett. Little Dribblers started under Deborah Friday’s leadership in 1984, when she and Carol Branning taught elementary physical education together. A former basketball player at the University of Alabama, Friday had seen a group called the Bama Bouncers perform at her college games, and after coming to JA, she formed Little Dribblers. “After a couple years of teaching, I decided that second graders were the best grade to use as the performers for several reasons. One, they were young enough to make mistakes and not get upset about it, and two, they were working on sequencing skills in second grade, and that’s what we would be doing with our skills in Little Dribblers.” The program was further incorporated into the second grade curriculum under Sharon Clark, who led the program for 29 years until her retirement. Little Dribblers has made its mark, with other schools using the model, and among Little Dribblers themselves. “Students all remember the music from their Little Dribbler year,” says Clark. Today, Little Dribblers continues to be a highlight of second grade. Aimee Plunkett says second graders practice each day during P.E. with time for play incorporated. Little Dribblers perform at a Lower School assembly and three ballgames, and each performance is a different routine.
JAA Prayer Walk Let Go and Let God: Pray, Wait, Trust; Be Strong and Courageous; Seek First His Kingdom. Each year a different message is chosen for the JAA Prayer Walk held at the beginning of the academic year. Parents gather to pray over each room, office, and the entire campus, leaving cards of encouragement with a Bible verse. Students can spot these cards throughout campus as they go about their school day. Faculty and staff leave the cards up all year, and even save cards from previous years, as encouraging reminders that they are thought of and prayed for by the families of JA.
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Squanto Day Biography JA’s second graders enjoy a tradition where history and literature are enlivened with project-based learning, the study of geography, and food—all culminating in what is known as Squanto Day. Squanto of the Patuxet tribe became a friend to the pilgrims after a series of life-changing encounters with sea captains, Londoners, and Spaniards, during which he became fluent in English and served as an interpreter and guide. Students study Squanto’s biography over the course of several weeks and complete projects along the way. To culminate the study, teachers organize a progressive feast. Students dress as their favorite characters from the biography. Mirroring Squanto’s travels, each second grade classroom is transformed into a location from his life story: the Patuxet Village, Plymouth Village, London, and Spain. Food mentioned in Squanto’s biography is served, such as jelly tarts and scones in London, fruit and cheese in Spain, and breads and roasted meats, including venison, in Plymouth and the Patuxet Village. “Each location helps to bring the book to life as we conclude the book study and celebrate the difference Squanto made in the lives of those around him,” said Jennifer Hall, second grade teacher. The Squanto Day tradition had its early origins in the method the first headmaster, Loyal Bearss, used to teach reading comprehension through literature. Faculty member Laura Lohmeier, who worked at JA for 27 years, developed the curriculum study to include other subjects and worked with faculty to start the first Squanto Day. The curriculum expanded the original reading comprehension focus to include vocabulary, history, and geography, with map study of oceans and continents. “We did all these projects that helped them comprehend and have fun with the book,” said Lohmeier, “and we wrapped up the study with Squanto Day.”
Running Club For third through sixth graders, Running Club is a way to develop healthy lifestyle habits and set and reach personal goals. At the end of the school day, nearly 200 students converge on The Brickyard and make their way around the track—some running, some sprinting, and others talking while walking, enjoying the fellowship of classmates while they participate in a healthy activity. For many students, running provides a sense of accomplishment. Awards are given for mileage achieved, including the 100-Mile Club, which is reached by more than 60 percent of the participants. Deborah Friday, who taught P.E. in elementary from 1984 through 1990, started Running Club, says retired physical education teacher Sharon Clark. As it has grown over the years, schools throughout Mississippi have called to ask about the model. PE teacher Aimee Plunkett coordinates Running Club for JA, and parents are on hand to help students keep a tally of the miles they log. Plunkett says the program is designed to allow students to set and achieve personal goals, rather than competing with one another. They run or walk 100 days per year and can get up to six laps in a day. For those who are motivated by rewards, they can earn a T-shirt for 75 miles and the 100-Mile Club membership at 100 miles. However, Plunkett finds satisfaction when the program has long-term benefits. “My goal is that Running Club fuels the fire to continue fitness after the sixth grade,” she said.
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Memories of
THROUGHOUT the YEARS Walter Archie
CUSTODIAL SUPERVISOR Hired 2004 “My favorite part of working at JA is being around the kids and being able to play around with them. They are very interesting and friendly and really nice.�
Walter Archie, right, and colleague Bill Campbell
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You could call Walter Archie a jack-of-all-trades. His typical day as custodial supervisor involves everything from ensuring all the
buildings are clean and wellkept to maintaining the grounds and keeping the school in good running order. Before coming to JA, Archie drove a delivery truck. He was delivering beverages to the school when he inquired about a possible job opening. Fourteen years later, Archie is a well-loved and familiar face around campus. Archie gladly helped with the construction of the PAC that
60 YEARS
opened in 2010. Because much of the construction was done in-house, Archie helped lay some of the bricks used in the facility. “It has been really nice working here,” he says. “I appreciate being given the opportunity to work at the school.”
Hudson, with grandson Caleb Hernandez (now a JA sophomore) at a groundbreaking.
Calvin Hudson, B.S.
DIRECTOR OF PLANT SERVICES Hired 2002 “Working at Jackson Academy has given me the opportunity to build things, to take ideas and make them a reality. Taking this job was the best decision I ever made.” When Calvin Hudson started working at Jackson Academy, the main campus was only 12 acres. Once the school purchased the adjacent apartment complex, it expanded to 20 acres. Ultimately, including Raider Park, Hudson has had a total of 40 acres under his care. “The acquisition of that land has been the biggest change that has occurred during my
tenure,” he says. “It doubled the size of campus. It changed everything; it gave the campus a different feel and changed how things operated.” Hudson has been responsible for coordinating maintenance, managing custodial and security services, and overseeing grounds upkeep. He also helped with the design of the facilities that have been added within the last 10 years, including the Performing Arts Center, Learning Commons, practice football field, and additional parking. Hudson says the addition of the Performing Arts Center in 2010 played a significant role in making JA more a part of the community. The school frequently rents out the space to outside organizations. According to Hudson, it has become one of the busiest facilities on campus. After 16 years on the job, Hudson retired in May. However, he looks back on his time a JA fondly. “This has been a great job, and I work with great people,” he said. “I will miss it so much.”
Millie Higgins, B.S., M.Ed. PRESCHOOL Hired 2001
“Our students seem to go on to college with ease—due to their college preparedness. Also, our students seem to be so well-rounded.” Millie Higgins has had the vantage point of watching JA students progress from K3 through graduation, then on to college and
career. She’s been associated with JA since 1990, when she married JA teacher and coach Ray Higgins. After teaching elementary school for several years, then staying home during their children’s early years, she joined the JA staff in 2001 when Lynette Robinson, former preschool principal, approached her to come work as a kindergarten assistant. In the 17 years since, she’s assisted in kindergarten, taught kindergarten, taught K4, and for the last seven years, has served as preschool admission coordinator. Through all these roles as parent, teacher, admission professional, and spouse of a coach/teacher, one thing has stood out: the family atmosphere. Her husband spent his entire career at JA, and both sons attended from kindergarten through twelfth grades. “The ‘family feel’ atmosphere and atmosphere of kindness set JA apart; also, an outstanding campus with state of the art facilities and offerings,” said Higgins. “Our leaders are always looking ahead, planning, and making sure that we are ahead of the game in curriculum and facilities.” TRUE BLUE | 15
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This distinct nature of JA is not only obvious to those involved with the school, it stands out to others, Higgins has found. “In my role in Preschool admissions, I've had several young families tour JA and want to bring their young children to JA because of their friends that they made in college who graduated from JA,” she said. “They told me that their JA college friends were different and stood out—so much so that it prompted them to want to have their children attend JA based on what they saw in these friends. In my opinion, there's no greater compliment for JA than this.”
Sandra McKay, B.A., M.Ed.
from the school. The opportunity was a dream come true. “My family is very invested in this school,” she says. “Both of my children graduated from JA, and now all four of my grandchildren attend.”
“It has become my nickname,” says Sandra Dyess, who has taught French at JA for the last 10 years. “Even when I run into my students outside of school or in the hall, they call me Madame.”
This year, McKay is chairing the 60th anniversary celebration. Several events are planned, including a schoolwide book drive. Students from preschool through Upper School will collect donations to buy new books for a local school and collect used books for charity.
Dyess holds a degree in English from Millsaps College and speaks fluent French. Her daughter was already a student at JA when Dyess, a stay-at-home mom at the time, interviewed for a position as an English teacher in the Middle School. Dyess taught seventh grade English at JA for 20 years before transitioning to French.
“JA was founded on reading through phonics, which was not the education style of the day,” she explains. “The book drive really celebrates our school’s love and dedication to reading.”
She compares the atmosphere at JA to that of a small community. She has fond memories of eating lunch family-style everyday in the breakroom with the other Middle School teachers.
McKay says every aspect of the celebration will be geared towards including all groups of the JA family, from students and parents to patrons and alumni.
“Almost every major event that has happened in my life has happened while I was at JA,” Dyess says as she reflects on her last 30 years as a teacher. “Everything from having children to family sickness. It all happened while I was here. The people here have celebrated with me, rejoiced with me, and helped me.”
“We want every facet of the JA family to be able to participate,” she adds. “The 60th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate who we are – a family that cares about each other.
UPPER SCHOOL ENGLISH Hired 1993
“A lot of the people I started work with are still here. We are just as much a family now as we were then.” Sandra McKay was employed as an adjunct professor at a local community college when a position in the English department at Jackson Academy opened up. At the time, her son was a first grade student at JA and McKay lived right around the corner 16 | TRUE BLUE
Sandra Dyess, B.A., M.A. UPPER SCHOOL FRENCH Hired 1988
“JA is a school with heart. You will never meet kinder, more affirming people. They go the extra mile for anybody and everybody.” To her students, she’s known as Madame.
Dyess, who retired in 2018, joined JA in 1988 as a Middle School English teacher.
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Dyess retired at the end of the school year and will move to Mobile to be closer to family. But she says, “I will always have a connection to JA.”
transitioning to third grade in 2017. Eppes believes the growth JA has experienced has been instrumental in continuously moving the school forward, but ultimately it has never lost focus on what is most important – the strength of its programs. Eppes recalls when her daughter, a JA graduate, took her first college English class. Her professor was so impressed by her writing abilities, he made a point to inquire where she attended high school. He wasn’t surprised when she answered because “JA graduates are always prepared,” he said. Though academics are an important part of JA, Eppes also supports the school’s commitment to growing a student’s character.
Early years in Harriett Eppes' class.
Harriett Eppes, B.M., M.Ed. LOWER SCHOOL TEACHER Hired 1985
“We [teachers] are here to not only educate [students], but to love them and give them everything they need to lead a life with purpose and significance.” While the landscape of the JA campus has changed significantly in the 33 years Harriet Eppes has been teaching at JA, she says the family feeling of the school hasn’t. “The buildings have changed, but there is a feeling of camaraderie that has always been here,” she says. Eppes taught first grade and music in Florida before moving to Mississippi and joining the faculty at JA. Originally hired to teach music, she taught fourth grade for a number of years before
“It is so important for the students to look outside themselves,” she said. “We are here to not only educate them, but to love them and give them everything they need to lead a life with purpose and significance.”
Gloria Hirn, B.S.
UPPER SCHOOL MATHEMATICS Hired 1985 “I love that my job gives me the opportunity to have a place in the development of every one of my students.” Gloria Hirn has taught mathematics at Jackson Academy for over three decades, but has no plans of stopping anytime soon. “I love what I do,” she says. “I can say that about most of the people who work here.”
taking a year off to be home with her youngest child, she felt called back into the profession. One afternoon, while driving down Ridgewood Road, she spontaneously stopped by JA and put in an application. She received a call for an interview the next day. Hirn recalls that when she started, JA only had one headmaster and one secretary. While the school has grown, she says the family environment has remained constant. One of her favorite school traditions is the mentoring program between seniors and kindergarten students (Alpha and Omega) because it provides an opportunity to cultivate a bond between the older and younger kids. The family environment extends right into Hirn’s own family. All of her children attended JA, a fact that she loves and that makes her proud. Says Hirn, “I loved teaching when my children went here, and they loved going to school here. All of their best friends went to school here. It has been neat. JA is a small school with such a huge heart.”
Before coming to JA, Hirn taught for five years at another school. After TRUE BLUE | 17
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Debra Hastings, B.A., M.Ed. MIDDLE SCHOOL MATHEMATICS Hired 1984
“Education is important at JA. But after education, it’s all about the family atmosphere.” Debra Hastings worked in the public school system before coming to Jackson Academy. While enrolling her daughter for school, Hastings inquired about available job openings. She received a call for an interview to teach sixth grade science and social studies the next day. One of her favorite JA traditions is getting to see all the children dressed up for the Fall Carnival. Another favorite is pairing sixth grade students with a first grade buddy in a program called Book Buddies. Every year, the sixth graders write a book for their buddies. They take the time to discover their likes and dislikes and incorporate them into the book. “I still have my child’s book from first grade,” Hastings laughs. Hastings loves how JA offers so many opportunities—from athletic to academic and everything in
Debra Hastings and son, Clay, in 1991 during his first grade Thanksgiving feast at JA.
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between—for students to become involved. She also appreciates the small-town, family feel on campus. “I grew up in a small town where everyone knew everyone,” she says. “While teaching here, I always knew who my children were growing up with, and I always knew who was teaching my child. Even the administration makes a point to make you feel like you are special. JA is a small community within a big city.” Chris Tucker with Judy Kirkpatrick, former librarian.
Chris Tucker, B.S., M.S.
UPPER SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES Hired 1984 “I don’t think about coming to work. I think about coming to school. This is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. I bleed JA blue. This is my school.” Chris Tucker was a brand new college graduate when he was hired by Jackson Academy 34 years ago. “JA is the only place I’ve ever worked, and it’s the only place I will ever work. I won’t teach anywhere else.” Born in Kansas, Tucker grew up in West Jackson. After graduation, he applied to every school in the tricounty area. Jackson Academy was the first school to respond. He credits the people at JA as the reason he has never taught anywhere else. They’ve served as mentors and supported him through major life events such as when he got married, had children, and when his parents passed away. Some of Tucker’s fondest memories are from his days as JA’s soccer coach, a position he held for 15 years. He retired from the program so that he could be more available for his growing family, and ultimately took
a job working in the After School program. According to Tucker, working in the After School program was, “the best thing that happened to me.” It gives him an opportunity to be involved with students from every grade level, from Upper School down to preschool. When Tucker’s own children reached school age, JA was the obvious choice. Not only because Tucker worked at the school, but because of the school's attitude of success. “The assumption is that you will [succeed], it’s just a matter of how hard you are willing to work,” he says. “There is a culture of success that is bred here. They expect it from you, and the feeling is infectious.”
Tina Shaw, B.S., M.Ed.
LOWER SCHOOL TEACHER Hired 1981 “I love the friendship and security that JA has provided my children and myself. Jackson Academy is my home. These are my people.” For Tina Shaw, Jackson Academy is more than just a place to work.
60 YEARS
school expansion. Students were asked to decorate their own shovels to commemorate the ground breaking. On the day of the event, everyone was given their own hard hat, and the winner was announced during the ceremony.
Students attend Tina and Sherard Shaw's wedding.
Over the years, the school has celebrated with her, and supported her family when they needed it most. After graduating from Mississippi State with a master’s degree in education, Shaw decided she wanted to move to Jackson. She applied to several private schools in the area, but said Jackson Academy was the school where she felt the most comfortable. Shaw met her husband, former JA head varsity football coach Sherard Shaw, while working at JA. The JA family celebrated with the couple when they married and welcomed children into the world. They also supported the Shaws when Coach Shaw was diagnosed with and later passed away from stomach cancer. “Everyone rallied around us like a family when my husband got sick,” she recalls. “They loved us. They brought us a freezer to put up meals, they looked after children, they helped us during the hardships. Even the [football] boys became like our family because we all went through it together.” One of Shaw’s favorite memories took place during the elementary
Among her favorite traditions is the senior walk-through, when seniors trek through the halls in their cap and gown with their kindergarten buddies. She still has the Easter hats her children made in the first grade, and she has always enjoyed how all the students from the lower grades to the upper grades are included at pep rallies. “I love the friendship and security that JA has provided my children and myself,” she says. “Jackson Academy is my home. These are my people.”
morning before we started cleaning and then we pushed through.” Sumrall served as junior high dean for three years and also has the distinction of being JA’s first high school dean. He left the school in 1982, but came back in 2001 as a chemistry teacher. Today he teaches psychology part-time and heads up the JA Honor Council. “The Honor Council enforces the concept of the Honor Code,” he said. “It’s two-fold. We want the students to maintain integrity and grow up to become people we want them to be – to realize that lying, cheating and stealing are not something you want to do. But also, we want to create an environment where if they are faced with that kind of situation it’s okay to say no.”
Bruce Sumrall, B.S., M.Ed., Ed.S. UPPER SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY Hired 1977
Sumrall also heads up the school’s Outdoor Club, which offers rafting opportunities. Over the years, he has taken students on trips to Canada, Montana, Wyoming, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
“I love coming to school every day. The people here just get along. We may be larger that we used to be, but we still have that family vibe.”
“The trips are designed to get the students out of the environment they are used to and meet challenges they don’t meet everyday,” he said.
Bruce Sumrall had been working at Jackson Academy for two years when the massive Easter Flood in April of 1979 left the majority of Jackson underwater. The school was forced to close for two weeks while faculty, staff, students, and teachers dug the campus out of massive amounts of mud and debris. While the situation seemed devastating at the time, Sumrall believes it served as a turning point. “I believe it’s what united us,” he said. “My favorite memory is when 500 patrons showed up to help clean – 400 of them had flood damage of their own. I led a devotion that TRUE BLUE | 19
60 YEARS
Where Are They Now Educators at JA remain highly invested in the success of alumni, often staying in touch with former students on a regular basis. We recently reached out to a few alumni to find out about their pursuits.
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Editor’s Note: Many thanks to those who suggested names for this story. We hope to continue this feature and include additional alumni in the future.
ALUMNI PURSUE CREATIVE EXPRESSION Brunson Green ‘06
Producer of The Help and other films While Brunson Green was in Jackson in October he invited JA students and faculty to a Crossroads Film Society screening of Walking Out, his feature film previously shown at the Sundance Film Festival. Based on an American short story written by David Quammen, "Walking Out" follows the experience of an urban teenager who visits his "off the grid" dad for a hunting trip. When both are injured during an encounter with grizzly bears, the plot shifts from father and son trying to connect to father and son struggling to survive. Green is currently preparing for a feature film chronicling Mary Seacole, who was a black nurse and contemporary to Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War. “Also,
we're adapting Karin Slaughter's fantastic novel, The Good Daughter as a television series and working on a series about the Carter family, who were the first American music superstars and Johnny Cash's in-laws.” When Green considers his time at JA, he finds that the well-roundedness of the school’s approach was beneficial. “JA's academics allowed me to absorb a broach range of subjects and that well-rounded knowledge has come in handy in all aspects of life. Mrs. Kirkpatrick, who ran the library, provided constant support and encouragement in everything I did, and would expose me to books, television, and film, which was integral to my career path in the arts,” he said.
Jimmy Cajoleas ‘03
Author and The Southern Book Prize: 2018 Finalist Jimmy Cajoleas was recently back in Jackson from Brooklyn, N.Y., to participate in a book signing for his novel Goldeline. The piece of fiction was published by HarperCollins for ages 10 and up, and has been described as “spellbinding.” The novel was recently named as a 2018 Finalist for The Southern Book Prize, alongside 32 other books, including John Grisham’s Camino Island. To be nominated for the Southern Book Prize, a book must be set in the South or be written by a Southern author. Booksellers nominate authors whose work has created a buzz in their bookstores or that they have
especially enjoyed selling, according to The Southern Book Prize website. With one novel having a successful beginning, Cajoleas’ has started his second. “My next book is a more of a Southern gothic horror story for young adults, though I hope it will appeal to adults as well,” he said. The generosity of one of his teachers comes to mind when Cajoleas reflects on his years at Jackson Academy. “One of my happiest memories of JA was Stephanie McGee's honors English class,” he said. “She would often loan me books and music from her own collection, challenging me to grow and learn and explore beyond what was required for the class.” TRUE BLUE | 21
THREE IN A ROW In The Birth Order Book, Dr. Kevin Leman indicates that younger siblings sometimes take opposite paths to differentiate from an older sibling. When it comes to the Hall of Fame at JA, that was not the case for the Graham brothers who were named to the Hall of Fame in 2003, 2004, and 2006. In careers, however, each brother is carving his own path.
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60 YEARS
Jacob Graham, M.D. ‘03 Medicine
Dr. Jacob Graham is medical director of palliative and supportive care at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg. He is enrolled in the Physician Executive MBA program at Auburn University and in the Bioethics MA program at The Ohio State University. Jacob and his wife, Elise, have three girls—Laurel, Lane, and Leigh. Things stay busy at their house!
at JA, I never had a teacher whose affection for students I in any way questioned,” he said. “Of course, my memory is sharpest for the high school years, when wonderful teachers prepared me and my friends for so many Advanced Placement tests that I ultimately had to pick and choose which credits I wanted to accept because Mississippi College set a limit at 30 hours."
Dr. Graham recalls fondly the care and expertise demonstrated by JA teachers. “In my 14 years
Aaron Graham ‘04 Education
Aaron Graham completed his master’s in philosophy at the University of Mississippi in 2017 and was an adjunct professor of philosophy there for the 2017–18 school year. In fall of 2018, he will begin work on his doctorate in philosophy at the University of Chicago. He is engaged to Allison Jones of Madison. “I've got too many fond memories of JA to begin to pick a favorite. It was
all such a wonderful experience, from pre-kindergarten through senior year,” he said. “I adored all of my teachers—truly, without exception. They prepared me so thoroughly for college and career; I am deeply indebted to them. The extracurricular activities I was involved in—student council, musicals, and band—kept me on campus more than most, and I was thrilled about that. And of course I have enduring friendships with many of my JA classmates.”
Caleb Graham, M.D. ‘06
Medicine, STEM, and Tissue Engineering Dr. Caleb Graham completed his internship in internal medicine and two years of a pathology residency before deciding to go back to graduate school to pursue a career in stem cell and tissue engineering. Dr. Graham says his
favorite JA memory is “getting to recognize my favorite teacher, Mrs. Polk, as my STAR teacher. And to me, Jackson Academy was where I made my best friends, and I can't think of anything more important than that.” TRUE BLUE | 23
COLLEGIATE SPORTS AND BEYOND Brett Ball ‘11
Communications with Emphasis in Mental Health of Athletes After graduation, Brett Ball headed to an SEC Division I basketball career at South Carolina. During her freshman year, Ball learned she had a career-ending heart condition. That crisis set her upon a new path to a career in sports communication, with an emphasis on mental health and how athletes cope with injury, illness, and career-changing circumstances. Ball is currently pursuing a doctor of philosophy degree from the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. “This is a career that kind of found me,” said Ball. “My injury really sparked this career.” Former WNBA player and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Ruthie Bolton, who visited the JA campus in July for an appearance at basketball team camps, sees her niece Brett Ball as an example. “I look up to her. She inspires me. She is the perfect example of turning pain to power,” said Bolton.
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Ball’s life has continued to be shaped by the foundation of discipline in academics and basketball that she learned at JA. “A disciplined person can do anything,” she recalls hearing from her coach. “You can take principles you learned at JA and apply them to life.” “JA really changed my life. I don’t know where I’d be today if I didn’t have JA in my life,” she said.
60 YEARS
Conner Beth Ball ‘17 Collegiate Golf at Ole Miss Since graduating from JA, Conner Beth Ball has won the USGA Women’s Amateur Sectional Qualifier and played in the U.S. Women’s Amateur, where she advanced to Match Play Round of 64 against some of the best amateur talent in the world. She finished T3rd at The Ocean Course in Kiawah, South Carolina, and racked up two Top 5, four Top 10 and five Top 20 finishes. As a result, she was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team.
Ole Miss Women’s Golf (and in the state of Mississippi) history to earn a berth to the NCAA Women’s Golf National Championship. “JA will always hold a special place in my heart because it gave me all the love and support I could ever need,” said Ball. “Everyone…treated me as if I were their own family. Family is what Jackson Academy means to me — always.”
Additionally, Ball was selected as the Women’s Golf representative for the Ole Miss Student Athlete Advisory Committee and was the first freshman in any sport at Ole Miss to be named to the SEC Community Service Team. Ole Miss finished third in the NCAA Regionals behind Stanford and UCLA. Ball finished T27 posting 73, 73, and 72 in three rounds. The team became the first team in
Wilson Furr ‘17
Collegiate Golf at Alabama Wilson Furr has had a great year playing for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, while also earning a spot on the university Dean’s List for academics. The team was ranked sixth in the country and stayed in the top five most of the year. Furr played in every event in the spring and cracked the lineup with four seniors and all five returners from last year's NCAAs. He tied for first in the Georgia Southern Individual Collegiate.
Furr placed seventh at the Mason Rudolph/Vanderbilt Invitational in Franklin, Tennessee, and tenth at the SEC Championship in Sea Island, Georgia. Alabama was runner up at the SEC Championship. Wilson traveled with the team to Stockton, California for the NCAA regionals. The Crimson Tide finished as runners-up in the 2018 NCAA Division I men's golf national championship at Karsten Creek
in Stillwater, Oklahoma, a definite highlight for Wilson who went 2-1 in match play. In June, Wilson earned the 2018 Mississippi State Amateur Championship at The Preserve Golf Club, winning by 11 strokes. He earned the sponsor’s exemption to play in October in the Sanderson Farms Championship, a PGA event — JA’s first alumnus playing on tour. TRUE BLUE | 25
F E AT U R E S
A CLASSROOM WITHOUT
BORDERS COMMUNICATION ON A GLOBAL LEVEL IS EASIER NOW THAN IT HAS EVER BEEN BEFORE. MORE BUSINESSES OPERATE INTERNATIONALLY. WE SEND AND RECEIVE INFORMATION ACROSS THE GLOBE QUICKLY AND WITH EASE. IT SHOULD COME AS NO SURPRISE THAT EDUCATION WOULD FOLLOW SUIT.
At first glance, the Global Inventors class at Jackson Academy looked like any other middle school science class. The 15 eighth grade students filed into their last class of the day. Conversations buzzed over homework assignments and upcoming exams. However, what made this class different wasn’t what you could see. It was what you could not see. All semester, these students worked on a special project — designing and building a solar-powered light using a 3D printer. Thousands of miles away, students at Colegio Sante Fe School in Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico, and Petra Primary School in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Africa worked on the same project. The three classrooms were able to collaborate through Level Up Village (LUV), a social impact company based in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, which facilitates teamwork through its global networking platform. Middle School science teacher Katie Chustz, who taught the semester-long class, was instrumental in bringing the pilot program to Jackson Academy. While the class launched in the fall, the process of implementing it began several months earlier. “I had just come from professional development about having more global interaction in the classroom. I wondered, ‘How do you do that?’” Chustz explained. 26 | TRUE BLUE
“Shortly after, I received an email from Level Up Village. As a teacher, I receive tons of email about products for the classroom. But this email jumped out at me because the subject was fresh on my mind.” Founded in 2012, LUV has worked with more than 300 schools and 90 global partner organizations in 20 countries. “The world is becoming more global. Not preparing students for a global world would be doing them a disservice,” explained Amy McCooe, CEO and cofounder of LUV. “Teachers always want to provide more opportunities for their students, but we don’t want to put more on their plate than they already have. That’s why we handle global education from soup to nuts. We’ve
“It really broadened my own horizons about other countries and the students as well. The schools had more similarities to JA than differences.” – Katie Chustz
working from the same curriculum, we were able to talk about the project.”
woven together the training, the curricula, the project and the platform, and we’re holding the teachers’ hands every step of the way.”
The students also discovered they had more in common than they expected. Both partner schools were Christian schools. The students also enjoyed many of the same sports such as basketball, swimming, and soccer.
Chustz had several courses to choose from, each one requiring critical thinking skills that address a global issue impacting a partner school. Chustz ultimately chose Global Inventors, which provides students the opportunity to learn about the power of 3D printing and Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to create and 3D print a solar-powered light source. Jackson Academy already had a 3D printer on hand. A grant through the JAA supplied the funds needed to purchase 3D printers for both partner schools at no cost to them. Before the students began designing their project, they were first required to spend some time getting to know the students at their partner schools. Through the LUV platforms, students are able to create a profile page, answer questions about themselves such as likes, dislikes, favorite hobbies or sports, send messages to students at the partner schools, and even record and upload video messages. Chustz herself was able to connect with the teachers. “The teachers are supposed to pair up, and at first I was nervous. I don’t know this person, and I was worried that I wouldn’t know what to say,” revealed Chustz. “But it turns out we are a lot more alike than I expected. We have similar tastes in music. Some of their favorite artists are American singers. And because we were
Student Molly McClure found a common bond with one student. “I like to ride horses, and one of the students shared with me that he has two horses – Lucky and Ginger – and that he likes to ride horses, too,” she said. The students also discovered a few differences. Sandon Guild was intrigued by a student in Mexico who kept a pet rooster. “I wasn’t expecting that,” he said. The project has also brought current events into the forefront of the classroom. During the semester, Zimbabwe’s longstanding prime minister was overthrown and replaced by a new regime. What may have originally been just another news story suddenly had real-world connections. The students were able to converse with the partner school in Zimbabwe and learn firsthand that everyone was safe and the fighting in the capital had not had a direct impact on them. Looking back, Chustz hopes she is able to bring the class back for another semester in the near future. “I would love to do it again,” she said. “The curriculum is good, the STEM is good, we had great correspondence. It really broadened my own horizons about other countries and the students as well. The schools had more similarities to JA than differences.” TRUE BLUE | 27
FEATURES
‘California Calling’ for Week-long Focus on History
In July Sarah Clark packed her bags for California, preparing for a return to intense study, dorm life, and cafeteria food. All for the love of history and her students. The Jackson Academy Middle School teacher attended the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History at Stanford University. She studied along with 25-30 other secondary school teachers who had been selected from across the country for a prestigious learning experience under David M. Kennedy, the Donald J. McLachlan Professor of History Emeritus at Stanford. Clark said the institute was an opportunity to challenge herself, learn from experts, and grow as a teacher who will use the knowledge and techniques learned to benefit her students. The application process began in January and included writing an essay describing why she wanted to participate. Clark wrote about the use of primary and secondary sources in class. At JA, she teaches her eighth grade U.S. history students to find reliable sources to better understand history and to substantiate their writing. "I've always had an interest in the Great Depression and WWII," said Clark, so she was excited about the course topic. Each day of the institute was a full day of study, and the week culminated with teachers completing a lesson plan on a topic area within the overall subject. "Teachers leave with potentially 30 lesson plans that can be used in their classrooms at their schools," Clark said. JA Head of School Jack Milne said attending a GilderLehrman Institute is an opportunity for a history faculty member to study alongside some of the most engaged teachers and preeminent scholars in a specific era in American history. Applicants compete for an acceptance, with as many as 400 or more applicants for 30 spaces. When Milne was teaching, he attended Gilder-Lehrman Institutes at Princeton University and the University of Virginia. Milne said, "We are very proud of her." In the fall Clark will begin her sixth year as a teacher at JA. She holds a bachelor's degree from Wheaton College 28 | TRUE BLUE
in Illinois and a master's degree from Mississippi College, and is a JA alumna. It was her former JA history teacher, Dee Ball, who teaches Upper School social studies, who encouraged Clark to apply for this opportunity for advanced study. A fellow teacher at a College Board workshop recommended Gilder Lehrman Institute as "the best history workshop she had attended." "After attending several National Council of Social Studies Conventions with Sarah I encouraged her to apply to this very competitive program because she uses primary sources in many ingenious ways in her classroom to inspire critical reasoning and writing skills while teaching history," said Ball. "She has successfully incorporated many innovative teaching strategies to make her classroom a student-centered learning experience."
FEATURES
Black History Month
In Living Color
Jazz tunes performed by Kimble Funchess, father of JA student Caitlin Johnson, welcomed a full auditorium of students to the Black History month program In Living Color, which was presented on February 23 in the Performing Arts Center. After an opening prayer made by junior Kelsey Ford, the concert choir sang the black national anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing. Freshmen Caitlin Johnson and Maysa Vivians performed Latorial Faison's poem The Sounds of Blackness before Alkebulan Music Philosophy drum ensemble took the stage. "All right, all right, I'm gonna need some energy from you guys," declared the group's leader. Pulsing rhythms reverberated through the PAC auditorium for several minutes as the corps performed, having the audience participate by clapping their hands in a call-and-response piece. The next group, Making A Difference Doing Responsible And Meaningful Art, or M.A.D.R.A.M.A., performed an African American tribute to Broadway. Selections from Dreamgirls, The Wiz, and The Color Purple delighted the crowd before a
Ray Charles impersonator entered and exited the stage to the tune of Hit the Road Jack. The program ended with a slideshow featuring African Americans who have deeply impacted our culture and society in ways that strongly influence modern life. Senior Kennedy Neal led the planning and implementation of the event with fellow leadership committee members Eeshaan Bajaj, Heather Molden, and Maysa Vivians. Annual Giving Coordinator Ebony Welch acted as advisor. TRUE BLUE | 29
AGarden Tea Party in the Library
A line of preschool students quietly tip-toes into the music room. Librarian Ali Dinkins is seated at the apex of an oval of chairs, waiting. Beside her a classic edition of Tales of Peter Rabbit and His Friends sits on an easel with a felt board resting behind it. A large bookshelf obscures the rest of the room from the children’s eyes. On the other side of the shelf a beautiful garden is blooming, and fish are swirling playfully in a pond. The music room has been transformed into a scene from the Lake District of Beatrix Potter’s England. The transformational power of reading has been an integral part of Jackson Academy’s story since educator Loyal Bearss and a group of parents founded the school to teach reading by phonics in 1959. JA continues to open the world of reading for its youngest learners, with daily reading exercises and storytime held for students starting in K3. Themed reading days in the library bring characters to life, but each spring a special event brings the entire world of the beloved children’s story The Tale of Peter Rabbit right into the classroom for K4 and K students. Beatrix Potter tea parties are a cherished tradition that began 20 years ago. Staff and parents collaborate 30 | TRUE BLUE
to prepare for the parties. Together they turn a corner of the school inside out, making the indoors into the outdoors. Soil, trees, flowers, and even a small pond appear indoors, where two larger-than-life Beatrix Potter books stand open. Back at story time, Dinkins reads with such animation that the students become utterly engrossed. Her use of accents and expressions immerses the children in the story. While the story holds the students captive, it also expands their vocabulary. “Peter gave himself up for lost, and shed big tears,” she reads, “but his sobs were overheard by some friendly sparrows, who flew to him in great excitement, and implored him to exert himself.” Dinkins pauses throughout the book to clarify the meaning of unfamiliar words. “I implore you to listen during library time,” explains Dinkins, giving the students context to help them comprehend the latest new word. They listen carefully. Their eyes widen and they squirm in their seats as the farmer searches his greenhouse for Peter. One student cannot bear the suspense any longer and cries out a
FEATURES
Ali Dinkins’
READ ALOUD LIST for Preschoolers:
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken
Chester’s Way by Kevin Henkes
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor
How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night by Jane Yolen
If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff
comforting message: “It’s okay! Peter Rabbit doesn’t die. I know that because I saw the movie!” Once Peter Rabbit is safely tucked into bed, a student is selected to lead the line of their friends to the other side of the bookshelf. Wonder and amusement show on the students’ faces as they examine Mr. McGregor’s garden. With exclamations and giggles, they point to the goldfish and the white cat staring hungrily at them. After touring the garden, students sit down to tea and “biscuits” — cookies shaped like Peter Rabbit in his blue jacket with brass buttons. Parents and teachers refill tea cups as the students’ eyes continue to roam the garden. Lost in wonder, they are immersed in the excitement of the story. They don’t know how powerful the experience will prove to have been in years to come. Reading aloud to children improves literacy, and cultivates imagination and attention. While the tradition of Beatrix Potter tea parties lives on in JA’s K4 and K classes, the tradition of inspiring students to be lifelong learners also continues. Sixty years after JA’s founding, Loyal Bearss’ belief in reading by phonics and the importance of play coalesce in the nurturing environment of the library and the world of Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
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FEATURES
ONE CAMPUS on His Path to Purpose While Randolph “Dolph” H. Maxwell studied at Jackson Academy, he took advantage of opportunities across campus to explore and excel. Dolph earned many academic accolades, but his talent also shined in the lights of the football field and on the Performing Arts Center’s stage. With its campus centrally located in the metro area, JA's community-centered approach and campus made his goals achievable. In travelling the school’s halls he found his feet planting themselves firmly on his path to purpose. Ten years ago Dolph arrived at JA to enter the third grade. His mother, seventh grade English teacher Roseanne Maxwell, had previously homeschooled him. The prospect of attending school was full of mystery. “My only impressions of school prior to coming to JA had been from watching Disney Channel and seeing schools on TV,” he recalled with a laugh, “So I thought ‘Man, I hope I don’t die or have to crawl through the air vents and stuff!’” Despite his concerns, he transitioned seamlessly into the classroom. “He was instantly embraced by his peers due to his kindness, sense of humor, and humbleness,” his third grade teacher, Jana Ragland, remembered. “He was a dream to teach because he always had an insatiable desire to learn.” Dolph’s family taught him to value learning at an early age. The youngest of five, his siblings inspired him to work hard and his parents, Joe and Roseanne Maxwell, encouraged him every step of the way. 32 | TRUE BLUE
FEATURES
“As a vocation, it’s a calling by God to use the gifts that we’ve been given to help people.” “I remember picking out science books and reading about planets and electricity. I would read that stuff and be like ‘wow, that’s so cool’ and go home and tell my dad,” he said, thinking of time he spent in the Lower School library. Although the solar system would have been familiar to Dolph’s father, he listened as though he was hearing the information for the first time. “I credit that a lot with giving me a healthy curiosity and desire to learn.”
At the beginning of his senior year Dolph was introduced to Paxton Orr through the Alpha and Omega program. Special programs like the yearlong mentorship between seniors and kindergarten students are made possible by having grades K3-12 studying on the same campus. Paxton admired Dolph’s kindness, athleticism, and intelligence. As their year together came to an end they both prepared to begin a new adventure, Paxton in first grade and Dolph in college.
Devouring books in the library was followed by growing pains and the lanky, awkward years of Middle School. Participating in JA’s Middle School show choir, Showtime, and playing on the football team filled his schedule and kept him criss-crossing campus from the PAC to the field. During breaks in the school day Dolph and his friends enjoyed hanging out in the space between the Middle School building and football field “just messing around, telling jokes, being stupid middle school boys.”
This fall, Dolph will begin studies in the natural sciences in Lexington, Virginia. At Washington and Lee University, Dolph found a vibrantly spiritual community with a longstanding honor code and a body of passionate professors. The school’s location near many hiking and camping opportunities meant that it synthesized four things Dolph cares about: faith in God, excellence of character, challenging academics, and the wonder of the natural world. Washington and Lee’s campus even echoes the size and friendly atmosphere of JA’s.
Dolph stepped next door to the Upper School building and hit the accelerator, expanding his education and experience. Whether he carried a lead role in a musical, or knelt on the starting line in football, he participated fully. He sang and danced with the Upper School show choir, played with the chapel band, volunteered with youth after school, and achieved Eagle Scout rank. He also helped fashion JA’s student-led honor code.
At JA, Dolph excelled in his endeavors, and discovered a passion that will guide his future pursuits. During his senior year he noted that “at a school any bigger than JA I would have to focus on just one thing, and that would be a shame because I wouldn’t get to do all of the things that I like to do, and a school much smaller wouldn’t have excellent programs in all of the things that I like to participate in, so JA is just perfect for me.”
Throughout the years of high school, Dolph’s fascination with the sciences persisted. AP classes in biology and physics challenged and intrigued him, and his interest in a career as a medical doctor took more definite shape. The field would blend his passion for learning and his desire to serve others. For Dolph the role would be more than a job. “... As a vocation, it’s a calling by God to use the gifts that we’ve been given to help people,” he commented. JA’s use of one centrally located campus initially allowed Dolph to continue interacting with, and being inspired by, his older siblings as they progressed through the Middle and Upper Schools. The campus’ design allowed him to access opportunities to develop all of his aptitudes. A quick walk took him from football to theatre, and as his time in the Upper School came to a close it was his turn to inspire a younger learner. TRUE BLUE | 33
JACKSON
3
ACADEMY
Class of 2018
Sara Brooks Adams
Avery Elizabeth Anderson
Charles Phillip Arnold
Michael Henley Barber
Bryan Dyer Barksdale
Charles Rand Beneke
Walker Reed Benner
Janise Amaria Bennett
Blaine Elise Bowman
De'ja Rai Bradford
Hadley Grace Brennan
John Arthur Brown
Chase Allen Canton
John Thomas Carney
William Garner Cheney III
Caroline Cotten Childress
Samuel Edward Ciaccio
William Garrett Clarke
Kellan Elise Clower
Kennedy Jae` Collins
Hannah Claire Collums
Sophia Hansen Katherine Creath
Ilana Robin Dallaire
Jameson Lee Dear
Frances Anne Fortner
Jackson Henderson Funderburg
Henry Mayo Glaze III
John Wilson Gnam
Cailynn KristineJena Gregory
Parker Louis Guy
Holland Cassidy Hearn
Joseph Conner Hipps
Katherine Joy Hudson
Lacey Frances Irby
John Morgan Johnson IV
Kaitlyn Nicole Johnson
Erin Gabrielle Jones
Trussell Graham Jones
Baker Carr Kirkland
William Eldridge Laird
Jeffrey Kyle LeDuff Jr.
Braden Wyatt Lewis
34 | TRUE BLUE
Robert Leon Lewis III
Emma Pierce Lucas
Joshua McKinnon Lucas
Randolph Henderson Maxwell
Meredith Grace McClellan
John Leverett McClintock Jr.
Elizabeth Ashley McCubbins
James Swayze McLemore
Grace Elizabeth Meck
Blakely Anderson Mills
Mary Elliott Mitchell
Heather Christian Molden
Robert Gage Morgan
Kennedy Lynn Neal
Elizabeth Lindsey Nosef
Walker Nelson Pedigo
Alexa Claire Perkins
Barron Lucas Pitts
John Grady Raines Jr.
Christophor Baley Reed
David Middleton Robertson
Maxwell Rhodes Rogers
Claire Estell Ross
Duncan Myers Scanlon
Mary Sydney Simmons
Alexander Luke Sirven
Don Edwin Smith III
Maggie Nicole Smith
Tarlys Tierell Smith Jr.
Madison Michelle Stanton
Niya Danielle Stapleton
Toryn Kenyon Steed
Hunter Reed Stevens
Olivia Grace Stringer
Isabel Rachel Temple
Bryant Curtis Thaxton
Noah Daniel Thigpen
Trenton Gerrit Tyre
Bryant Charles Van Loon
Lillian Margaret Walker
Sarah Grea Walker
Emma Kathryn Ward
Samuel Drake Warman Jr.
Cameron Sean Welch
James Yeager Whitehead
Margaret Brehan Whitehead
Pendleton Rogers Whitehead
Anna Claire Williams
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COL L E GE C HOIC E S Sara Brooks Adams University of Mississippi
Holland Cassidy Hearn Mississippi State University
John Grady Raines Jr. University of Mississippi
Avery Elizabeth Anderson Tulane University
Joseph Conner Hipps University of Southern Mississippi
Christophor Baley Reed University of Mississippi
Charles Phillip Arnold University of Southern Mississippi
Katherine Joy Hudson University of Mississippi
David Middleton Robertson Mississippi State University
Michael Henley Barber Howard University
Lacey Frances Irby University of Alabama
Maxwell Rhodes Rogers University of Mississippi
Bryan Dyer Barksdale University of Mississippi
John Morgan Johnson IV University of Mississippi
Claire Estell Ross Mississippi College
Charles Rand Beneke University of Mississippi
Kaitlyn Nicole Johnson Mississippi State University
Duncan Myers Scanlon University of Mississippi
Walker Reed Benner University of Mississippi
Erin Gabrielle Jones Mississippi College
Mary Sydney Simmons University of Mississippi
Janise Amaria Bennett Mississippi State University
Trussell Graham Jones Mississippi State University
Alexander Luke Sirven Mississippi State University
Blaine Elise Bowman Southern Methodist University
Baker Carr Kirkland University of Mississippi
Don Edwin Smith III Meridian Community College
De'ja Rai Bradford North Carolina A&T State University
William Eldridge Laird Mississippi State University
Maggie Nicole Smith University of Mississippi
Hadley Grace Brennan Mississippi State University
Jeffrey Kyle LeDuff Jr. University of Southern Mississippi
Tarlys Tierell Smith Jr. Hinds Community College
John Arthur Brown University of Mississippi
Braden Wyatt Lewis Mississippi State University
Madison Michelle Stanton Mississippi College
Chase Allen Canton University of Mississippi
Robert Leon Lewis III University of Mississippi
Niya Danielle Stapleton Jones County Junior College
John Thomas Carney East Central Community College
Emma Pierce Lucas University of Mississippi
Toryn Kenyon Steed University of Mississippi
William Garner Cheney III University of Mississippi
Joshua McKinnon Lucas University of Southern Mississippi
Hunter Reed Stevens University of Mississippi
Caroline Cotten Childress University of Mississippi
Randolph Henderson Maxwell Washington and Lee University
Olivia Grace Stringer Birmingham Southern College
Samuel Edward Ciaccio Mississippi College
Meredith Grace McClellan Mississippi State University
Isabel Rachel Temple Mississippi State University
William Garrett Clarke University of Mississippi
John Leverett McClintock Jr. University of Mississippi
Bryant Curtis Thaxton Mississippi College
Kellan Elise Clower Mississippi State University
Elizabeth Ashley McCubbins University of Mississippi
Noah Daniel Thigpen University of Tennessee at Martin
Kennedy Jae` Collins Xavier University of Louisiana
James Swayze McLemore University of Mississippi
Trenton Gerrit Tyre Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Hannah Claire Collums Mississippi College
Grace Elizabeth Meck Baylor University
Bryant Charles Van Loon University of Southern Mississippi
Sophia Hansen Katherine Creath Baylor University
Blakely Anderson Mills University of Mississippi
Lillian Margaret Walker University of Mississippi
Ilana Robin Dallaire University of Mississippi
Mary Elliott Mitchell University of Mississippi
Sarah Grea Walker University of Mississippi
Jameson Lee Dear Mississippi State University
Heather Christian Molden Tuskegee University
Emma Kathryn Ward University of Georgia
Frances Anne Fortner University of Missouri
Robert Gage Morgan Mississippi State University
Samuel Drake Warman Jr. University of Southern Mississippi
Jackson Henderson Funderburg University of Mississippi
Kennedy Lynn Neal Jackson State University
Cameron Sean Welch University of Mississippi
Henry Mayo Glaze III Texas Tech University
Elizabeth Lindsey Nosef University of Mississippi
James Yeager Whitehead University of Mississippi
John Wilson Gnam University of Mississippi
Walker Nelson Pedigo University of Mississippi
Margaret Brehan Whitehead Mississippi State University
Cailynn Kristine-Jena Gregory Hampton University
Alexa Claire Perkins University of Mississippi
Pendleton Rogers Whitehead University of Mississippi
Parker Louis Guy University of Mississippi
Barron Lucas Pitts University of Mississippi
Anna Claire Williams University of Mississippi
36 | TRUE BLUE
I N LOV I NG M EMORY OF
Frances Anne Fortner “For all the pain in the world, there is so much more beauty.” - From Frances Anne Fortner’s junior AP English video essay
J
“Butterfly Effect” by Frances Fortner
ackson Academy alumna Frances Anne Fortner (Franny) was known as a devoted and inspiring friend, who brightened her surroundings with abundant talent, generosity, and wit. An impressive artist, a notable scholar, and a gifted principal dancer with Ballet Mississippi, Franny valued deeply her relationships at JA and in the community. We together remember the life of Frances Anne Fortner, a life that was well lived, full of beauty, and never to be forgotten.
Photo by Sharon Coker
The Fortner family has established a scholarship at Jackson Academy in memory of Franny. Contributions may be sent to the Frances Anne Fortner Memorial Scholarship, Jackson Academy Development Office, 4908 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211.
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ALL FOR HONOR “An honor code is a statement about what this school community thinks about itself, and the standards to which it believes we all should be held accountable.” – JACK MILNE 38 | TRUE BLUE
Jackson Academy’s senior students signed the newly adopted honor code and pledge at a formal ceremony this past February in the Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center. Dr. Mark Keenum, president of Mississippi State University, attended the signing and spoke about the importance of an honor code to the culture of a school and to the future of each student. The student-governed honor code at JA expresses the values of the school community and helps students and adults strive toward personal honor and integrity in all dimensions of school life. Senior students led the way as the first students to sign the newly adopted pledge, affixing their names to an Honor Code Charter following Dr. Keenum’s remarks.
HONOR CODE
“How you live your life is going to dictate the kind of person you are going to be in this world, and how successful you are going to be, and how impactful you are going to be,” Keenum said. “That’s why honor codes are important, to reinforce and instill values that you’re going to need to help you in this world. If you live your life with integrity, you always try to make the most of your God-given talents, be respectful and kind to other people, (and) armed with a good education from JA and college, you’re equipped.” A committee made up of students, faculty, parents and administrators met during the fall 2017 semester to envision and develop the implementation of a formalized honor code. Three student members of the committee introduced the concept to students in eighth through twelfth grades at a convocation on January 23, where a vote was taken to adopt the proposal. Honor code committee member and Student Body President Emma Ward recalled her experiences at Camp Greystone in North Carolina as an example of how an honor code had already influenced her perspective. “An honor code produces people whom younger people can look up to,” Ward explained. “It is something to strive toward and results in truly great people with integrity.” Ward led the assembly through the ratification process to approve the proposal, which the student body and faculty solidly voted to adopt.
are at the heart of the code, to which Upper School students pledge as members of the JA community. “An honor code is a statement about what this school community thinks about itself, and the standards to which it believes we all should be held accountable,” said JA Head of School Jack Milne, who helped spearhead the honor code at JA and at his previous educational institution, The Bolles School in Florida. “That is something a truly great school does, and what we will do if we believe in our mission of helping create lives of purpose and significance.” The code and pledge with students’ signatures from grades nine through twelve will hang in a prominent location of the school, said Avery Hederman, a student committee member who was instrumental in drafting the code. The signed document will be a daily reminder of the values sought in the classroom and in activities throughout the school community.
Senior Class President and honor code committee member Dolph Maxwell told the assembly of students that rather than being merely a set of rules for students to follow, the honor code holds up a set of ideals to which each person in the community aspires, resulting in students who choose to do “what is right when nobody’s looking.” The ideals of integrity, respect, and excellence
JA'S OFFICIAL HONOR CODE As members of the Jackson Academy community, we will maintain the highest standards of integrity and respect while striving to achieve excellence in and out of the classroom. As such, on my honor, I will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.
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S C HOL A R S
Jernberg Scholar Announced for 2018-19 In April Jackson Academy was pleased to announce that Abby Arnett, daughter of Jason and Pamela Arnett of Brandon, had been selected as the 2018-19 recipient of the Jernberg Scholarship. Abby is a rising ninth grade student entering her second year at JA. The scholarship begins in the fall. Applicants for the Jernberg Scholarship are student scholars who submit transcripts and complete testing, essays, recommendations, and school and financial applications to be considered for the scholarship. After becoming a finalist, a student completes an on-campus interview. The scholarship is designed to recognize exceptional academic merit and citizenship and will cover tuition, fees, and other costs of attending JA. Abby enjoyed her first year at Jackson Academy. She particularly appreciated the learning environment, the inviting atmosphere, and the ease of doing homework on her school-issued Macbook Air. Her favorite classes were 40 | TRUE BLUE
in math and science. She participated in eighth grade basketball and Silver Steppers, the eighth grade dance team, last year. She has two siblings who are also at JA, a brother, who is a rising sixth grader, and a sister, who is a rising fifth grader. In 2014, the Jackson Academy Board of Trustees established the scholarship to recognize and award academic excellence and named it in honor of President Emeritus James Peter Jernberg Jr. who faithfully led the school for 26 years. The scholarship celebrates Peter Jernberg’s significant impact on the world of independent education with the hope that each recipient will, in turn, become an individual who makes an impact on his or her school and community through their academic pursuits and character. Abby said it has been life changing to come to JA, and she is grateful for the opportunity. “It has made me realize how much I can really do,” she said. “I’ve loved it here.”
SCHOLARS
Seventh Graders Chosen for Duke TIP Program The Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) identifies seventh graders in 16 states in the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest who have scored in the 95th percentile or above on a grade-level achievement test. These students are invited to participate in the Duke TIP Seventh Grade Talent Search and take either the SAT or the ACT. This year, 37 Jackson Academy students qualified for the program including (from back, left) Ava Ladner, Sydney Grace Hewitt, Hayes Tharp, Bailey Berry, Parker Yarborough, Adams Kennedy, Win Hooker, Elizabeth Copeland, Jeffrey Gao, Thomas Antici; (second row) Josie Huff, Anna Lauren Parker, Lucy Brooks Elfert, Brooke Rogers, Dev Sharma, Gray Glaze, Cade Breland, Tyler Smith, Josh Watson, Samuel Long; (front) Houston Hearn, Sarah Clay, Eliza Perkins, Mary Manning Farese, Emily Buchanan, Emma Duncan Hogue, Olivia Claire Williford, Merritt Nations, Drake Lester, Hudson Edwards, and Jake McConnell. Not pictured: Will Adams, Mia Healy, Walker Lake, Louis Summerford, Camille Towery, Bennett Wier.
Cum Laude Inducts New Members The Cum Laude Society was established to recognize scholastic achievement in secondary schools and has granted charters to only four schools in Mississippi. Jackson Academy’s chapter welcomed (from back, left) Lucy Clement, Camille Couey, Avery Hederman, Sam Ciaccio, Burkette Moulder III, Columbia Holeman, Kit McCormack, Hadley Brennan; (front) Blaine Bowman, Hannah Collums, Anna Claire Williams, Allie Perkins, and Erin Hederman to membership in the national honor society in the spring. TRUE BLUE | 41
SCHOLARS
ACT Test Scores The 52 Jackson Academy Upper School students who earned a score of 29 or above on the ACT are eligible to receive the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant. This grant is awarded to in-state residents pursuing their first degree at one of Mississippi’s approved postsecondary institutions. In order to qualify, students must also maintain a high school cumulative grade point average of 3.50 on a 4.0 scale. Pictured are (from back, left) Luke Pitts, Preston McWilliams, Gage Morgan, Bryant Thaxton, Braden Lewis, Charlie Gautier, Brandon Miller; (third row) Baley Reed, Tre Lewis, Will Spence, Garner Cheney, Carter Elliott, Will Thomas, Sean Lackey, Webb Strickland, Blake Mills; (second row) Blaine Bowman, Emma Lucas, De'ja Bradford, Reese Anderson, Avery Anderson, Meredith McClellan, Lacey Irby,
McKinna Powell, Mary Lindley Tharp, Maggie Smith; (front) Avery Hederman, Camille Couey, Erin Hederman, Ashton Berry, Megan Lacey, Skylar Alexander, Gabrielle Morris, and Kit McCormack. Not pictured: Ashlyn Adair, Eeshaan Bajaj, Sam Ciaccio, Lucy Clement, Sophie Creath, Owen Fracchia, Columbia Holeman, Katie Johnson, Miles Johnson, Will Laird, Randolph H. Maxwell, Elizabeth McCubbins, Gracie Meck, Burkette Moulder, Allie Perkins, Max Rogers, Emma Ward, and Cameron Welch.
National Junior Honor Society The National Junior Honor Society recognizes students in eighth and ninth grade who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship. The Jackson Academy chapter recently inducted the following students into the organization (from left, back) Harrison Johnston, Hayden Parr, Kendrick Davis, Clayton Mahaffey, Tray Holeman III, Sandon Guild, Davis Cress, Connor Gee, Reed Travelstead, Drew Barrentine; (third row) Ashton Tate, John Moak Scarbrough, Tye Gardner, Samuel Hadley, Davis Lee, Charlie Nutter, Gibson Cheney, Banks Whittington, Garrett Smith, Drew Williams, Cannon Bosarge; (second row) John Wicks III, 42 | TRUE BLUE
Kennedy McKee, Abby Arnett, Elizabeth Castle, Annalee Willson, Caroline Courtney, Anna Claire Bush, Abigail Addison, Anne Barret Roberson, Annalee LeDuff; (front) Olivia Quin, Morgan Dilworth, Jalia Coins, Reid Hewitt, Sarah Beth Usey, Anna Carlisle Nichols, Regan Felder, Ferriday Rose Green, Rachel Beth Deaton, and Maggie Koury. Not Pictured: Parker Lowe.
SCHOLARS
National Honor Society Selects Honorees
SOPHOMORES
The National Honor Society was established in 1921 to recognize students in ninth through twelfth grade who demonstrate excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship. In the spring of 2018, Jackson Academy inducted 66 Upper School students into membership in the NHS. SOPHOMORES (from back, left) Carter Elliott, Miles Johnson, Nelson Thomas, Steven Chustz, Harris McLemore, Kelsey Burke; (second row) Caroline Hill, Virginia Parry, Anna Roberson, Nora Pickering, Logan Hatten; (front) Reese Anderson, Simeon Gates, Kennedy Nations, Azaria McDowell, Lily Grace Thigpen, and Courtney Francois were inducted to Jackson Academy's National Honor Society chapter. Not pictured: Anna Katherine Ray and Mary Gray White.
JUNIORS
JUNIORS (from back, left) Thomas Iupe, Elliott Butler, Tafarri Pleas, Preston McWilliams, Will Spence, Webb Strickland, Charlie Gautier; (fourth row) Carneilus Powers, Logan Thomas, Columbia Holeman, Ashton Berry, Brandon Miller, Pier Thompson; (third row) Kit McCormack, Anne Marie Lundy, Mary Parker Williams, Mary Beth Dyess, Megan Lacey, Camille Felder, Samantha Brown; (second row) Charlotte Palmer, Camille Couey, Avery Hederman, Mary Lindley Tharp, Skylar Alexander, Ashlyn Adair, Gabrielle Morris; (front) McKinna Powell, Ellie Brent Cartwright, Ansley Hill, Lucy Clement, Erin Hederman, Reese Overstreet, Kaylan Sanders, and Addison Avdoyan were inducted to Jackson Academy's National Honor Society chapter. Not pictured: Eeshaan Bajaj, Francie LeDuff, Ashley Manning, and Burkette Moulder. SENIORS (from back, left) Luke Pitts, Baley Reed, Blake Mills, Gage Morgan; (front) Mary Mitchell, Lillie Walker, Sarah Grea Walker, and De'ja Bradford were inducted to Jackson Academy's National Honor Society chapter.
SENIORS
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SCHOLARS
National Merit Scholars Emma Ward, a Jackson Academy senior, received official commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation commended just 34,000 students from a nationwide pool of more than 1.6 million. Jackson Academy senior Randolph H. Maxwell was named a National Merit Finalist by the National Merit Scholarship Program. Only 15,000 students nationwide achieve Finalist status.
Hall of Fame Named Each year Jackson Academy selects seniors to be included in the Hall of Fame based on their qualities of leadership and citizenship, versatility in activities, service to the school, scholastic achievement, and exemplification of honorable standards in all areas of school and community life. Chosen for 2018 are (from left, back) Braden Lewis, Randolph H. Maxwell, Walker Pedigo, Sam Ciaccio, Will Laird; (front) De'ja Bradford, Hannah Collums, Avery Anderson, Lacey Irby, Maggie Smith, and Emma Ward.
STAR Student and Teacher Recognized The Mississippi Economic Council sponsors the StudentTeacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Program in an effort to encourage scholastic achievement among high school students. STAR students are selected based on ACT scores and scholastic averages, and designate a STAR teacher for significant contribution to their academic success. Jackson Academy’s STAR student and STAR teacher for 2018 are (from left) Randolph H. Maxwell and Andrew S. Dickson.
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TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
Teachers of the Year Jackson Academy is proud to recognize our Teacher of the Year award recipients who were honored at the JAA’s annual Teacher Appreciation Luncheon. Teachers from each division are selected by their peers to receive this distinction.
Preschool
Lower School
The Preschool Teacher of the Year Award was presented to Laura Dyess. The annual award is given in memory of Ashleigh Arnold Dehmer, JA Class of 1983 and beloved preschool teacher. An anonymous donor also grants the recipient a monetary stipend. Dyess has taught at JA for nine years. This is her seventh year of teaching full-day Kindergarten.
Nancy Kilpatrick was awarded the Lower School Teacher of the Year Award. An anonymous donor, in memory of long-time preschool teacher Ashleigh Arnold Dehmer, JA Class of 1983, provides the monetary stipend that accompanies this honor. Kilpatrick has taught first grade at JA for four years, guiding students through core subjects and daily devotionals.
Middle School
Upper School
Mary Wesson Sullivan, JA Class of 2007, was awarded the Middle School Teacher of the Year Award for 2018. The JA Annual Fund provides the monetary stipend that accompanies this award. Sullivan teaches mathematics and coding. She has taught at JA for three years and studied at the school from first grade through twelfth.
Choral Music Director Katie Shores received the 2018 Upper School Teacher of the Year Award. The award comes from a class gift made by the JA Class of 2001 and given in honor of Bill Bunch. The JA Class of 2004 also donated a portion of its class gift to this award. Directing the award-winning Encore show choir, Upper School Voices, and the a cappella group Unaccompanied Minors, Shores has taught in JA’s Upper School for seven years. TRUE BLUE | 45
S T U DE N T S I N AC T ION
LEAD BY SERVING RS RAINIDE THE COMMUNITY In September the Upper School gymnasium bleachers spilled over with gold. Wearing bright yellow and glittering gold shirts, the JA family raised nearly $4,000 for pediatric cancer research at the Go Gold pep rally. The Go Gold program invites communities to support the brave boys and girls who fight pediatric cancer. JA’s enthusiastic participation in the initiative exemplified the school’s “ALL FOR ONE” spirit.
The Lady Raider Volleyball team fought for a cause as they took on Jackson Preparatory school last September. The team and fans wore pink in recognition of Upper School teachers Georgia Brown, Stancie Ley, and Jamie Pace who were fighting breast cancer at that time. Funds were raised to donate to the Side Out Foundation, which works specifically with volleyball teams to raise support for breast cancer research. The team won that night, and gave a generous gift to help women win the fight against breast cancer.
The Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce and the Madison County Youth Leadership Class selected JA students to participate in training and volunteer opportunities through their organizations. Juniors Logan Thomas, Gabrielle Morris, Charlie Gautier, Lacey Irby, and Preston McWilliams participated as volunteers in their towns’ community events.
The annual Thanksgivin g food drive benefited Madison Countians Allied Against Poverty, MadCAAP, in November. Whole Foods donated paper sacks that were sent home with all K3-eighth grade students and brought back to school brimming with canned and boxed foods. JA’s involvement helped the organization provide 750 families with food for Thanksgiving.
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STUDENTS IN ACTION
After Thanksgiving, families were invited to participate in “Giving Tuesday” by donating toys and books to children and families whose Christmas would be marked by a stay at Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. Families throughout the JA community joined the elves in Santa’s workshop and filled seven large boxes with gifts for Batson.
In early December, the Jackson Academy band marched in the Hudspeth Christmas parade, decked out in holiday cheer and tacky Christmas sweaters. The parade is a tradition at Hudspeth Regional Center, where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive care throughout the year. The band gladly shared their gifts to bring holiday cheer to the community.
The Middle School Student Council and Interact Club organized JA’s annual Operation Christmas Child shoebox drive. For the first time in the program’s history, students were able to track the packages they created and discover in which country the child who received their box lived.
Jackson Academy students Ashton Berry, Kyle LeDuff, and Webb Strickland were nominated for Nissan’s I AM SPORT award. Each student was selected based on their volunteer work with youth in their communities. At the Clarion Ledger Sports Awards, Webb Strickland received the overall I AM SPORT award.
In the spring, students in the Lower School worked to raise money for Heifer International. The students completed chores at home, created items to sell, and some even contributed part of their allowance to the fund. JA’s gift to Heifer amounted to $6,623.16 and will enable the organization to purchase livestock for families in need around the world. An anonymous donor matched all funds raised for Heifer before June 1, doubling the Lower School’s gift!
Three Jackson Academy students received recognition from the Mississippi Children’s Museum for outstanding volunteer work. Krislyn Gibson, Zharia Hill, and Megan Lacey served at the museum by helping visitors enjoy a meaningful, safe, and fun time at the museum. These students took advantage of a wonderful opportunity to serve in their community while making memories to last a lifetime.
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T E C H NOL O G Y
Apple Device Change Announced “What is the best learning device for students that will enhance the learning that takes place in the classroom?" Students at Jackson Academy will carry a new Apple device with them into the 2018-2019 school year. In May, Head of Technology Eddie Wettach announced the school’s plans to replace the MacBook Air used in fifth through twelfth grade with the new Apple iPad accessorized by a Logitech Crayon and case. The new device will be used in grades first through twelfth. Fifth through twelfth grade students have used the MacBook Air since JA became an Apple 1:1 school in 2012, but every three years Tech Center staff have the opportunity to reevaluate which current Apple device best serves JA’s students. “What is the best learning device for students that will enhance the learning that takes place in the classroom?” Wettach said this question drives his staff ’s assessment of the school’s devices. This year, the answer to that question changed for the first time.
100 percent of teachers were certified as Apple Teachers in 2017.
JA has entered its third season as an Apple Distinguished School through 2019, a distinction reserved for schools recognized for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence.
II Grades first through twelfth will receive the 2018 iPad with a Logitech Crayon and Rugged Case. 48 | TRUE BLUE
Designed with a focus on education, the new Apple iPad offers a flexible user experience. As a tablet, the device can be used for on-screen writing, reading, or using applications for content creation and study. With an attached keyboard, which will be included in the spillresistant case, the iPad functions like a laptop. These possibilities offer students a device with agility equal to their minds’ ability. “We feel that this is the best tool out there for content creation, classroom management, and ultimately a device that removes obstacles to learning and expands on the already strong learning environment we have,” said Wettach. This exciting change continues JA’s legacy of forward-thinking and innovation, preparing today’s students to be tomorrow’s leaders.
ûû
K4 and K5 will continue to use the iPad mini in their studies.
ǍǍ JA is completing the roll-out of fourth generation Apple TVs, placing one in every classroom and providing a wireless way for faculty and students to share their screen as they collaborate on projects or display lesson materials through AirPlay. Other learning spaces and language labs will also have the TVs.
TECHNOLOGY
ALL NEW APPLE IPAD ACCESSORIZED BY A LOGITECH CRAYON AND CASE.
ɆɆ The fourth generation TVs have their own App Store where teachers can download applications for use in the classroom.
ÚÚ
Charging stations are being added in the Learning Commons and across campus.
Testing is being done on new, powerful applications that can be used on the latest iPad.
ùù iMacs are being added to the Learning Commons, with the media room turned into a ProLab where students can use professional applications for the Mac in groups, such as the newspaper staff, annual staff, or broadcasting class.
ŔŔ Brief video tutorials will be available on the iLearn site with tips and tricks for students and teachers as they learn about the new iPads. TRUE BLUE | 49
AT H L ET IC S
Hadley Brennan:
TRIPLE CHAMPION A
hefty mix of academics and athletics never gave Jackson Academy student Hadley Brennan the run-around. The athlete took her senior year in stride, competing with three Lady Raider championship teams and earning early acceptance to Mississippi State University’s college of veterinary medicine. Years of practice on the field and the dance floor taught her to tenaciously chase down deadlines and meet new challenges head-on. 50 | TRUE BLUE
“The big thing,” she said, “is not putting something off.” Quick footwork drilled on the soccer field, Accents dance team, and on the volleyball court carried her through days full of classes and back-to-back practices. She used a large calendar in her bedroom to keep track of it all. Each sport she played required Hadley to hone a particular skill set — footwork in soccer, body control in dance, and hand-eye coordination in volleyball. All
ATHLETICS
“In life, you can’t just wait around for things to happen. You have to go get them.” of them sharpened her confidence and focus. “For all three, you go out there and do the best that you can,” she noted, “and you can’t be afraid to step up.” Cross-discipline skills contributed to her success in academics and sports. Every detail counted in AP English Literature, just like it did in dance. “That translates, too, on the court. It comes down to a science,” she said. “When you pay attention to the small things, it can make a big difference.” Much of her social life at school was wrapped up in the sports she played. Many of her best friends were also her teammates, and the teammates shared sisterly bonds. “It’s honestly like a family, like I have three separate families — my soccer, my volleyball, my dance.” “Usually you don’t see girls, whatever sport they’re playing, constantly encouraging each other… In volleyball, you have to be so vocal with your teammates, and so connected. Even if there’s a mess-up, you turn to your girl and you say, ‘Hey, that’s OK, you’ll get the next one.’” Hadley loved the intensity of her sports. Whether battling an opponent for control of the ball or yelling encouragement on the court, she put her best effort into the game. It paid off. Her passion led her to earn MAIS
All Star Player and Game MVP honors while playing soccer for the Lady Raiders. Alongside her teammates, Hadley contributed to three MAIS state championship titles in her senior year at JA. The volleyball team continued a streak of championships won in Hadley’s high school years, taking home their fourth championship title during the fall of 2017, just days before her soccer team earned their second consecutive championship title. Her collection of titles quickly rose to three, as JA’s dance and cheer teams swept the MAIS Spirit Competition. With all three sports’ seasons behind her, in the spring Hadley focused on her after-school job at Northeast Animal Hospital and finishing out her senior year at JA. Her early acceptance to MSU’s college of veterinary medicine settled her plans for the upcoming fall. Sports taught Hadley key lessons in teamwork, time management, communication, leadership, and determination. No matter how the results came out at the end of a competition or game, the teams worked hard to support one another and give their best. Hadley carried that same spirit of determination into all of her endeavors. “I think the main thing that drives me is all of the possibilities of the future,” she said. “In life, you can’t just wait around for things to happen. You have to go get them.” TRUE BLUE | 51
ATHLETICS
JA Signees to Play College Sports On National Signing Day, and during additional individual signing events, JA athletes put pen to paper and officially committed to play college sports. Friends, coaches, family, and even some Alpha and Omega buddies were in attendance to celebrate with the student athletes.
Noah Thigpen, Olivia Stringer, Edwin Smith, and Jack Gnam indicated their intent to play college sports at a signing ceremony November 8 in the Learning Commons. Thigpen will join the baseball team at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Stringer signed to play volleyball at Birmingham Southern. Smith will play baseball at Meridian Community College. Gnam earned a spot on the University of Mississippi’s golf team.
Trent Tyre, John Raines Jr., and Sam Ciaccio indicated their intent to play college sports at a signing ceremony held on February 7 in the Learning Commons. Tyre committed to join the football team at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Raines will join the University of Mississippi’s football team as a preferred walk-on this fall. Ciaccio committed to play baseball at Mississippi College.
JT Carney indicated his intent to play baseball at East Central Community College Wednesday, May 2 at 10 a.m. in the Jackson Academy Learning Commons. The senior pitcher was surrounded by family, friends, and teammates, sharing light refreshments with them after the ceremony.
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ATHLETICS
2017-2018 MAIS Athletic HIGHLIGHTS
Varsity Baseball AAAA-D1 Runner Up
Girls Soccer AAAA-D1 Champions
Dance Team (Accents) Champions Overall Spirit Competition Champions
Boys Basketball AAAA-D1 & Overall Runner Up
Girls Volleyball Overall State Champions
Varsity Football AAAA-D1 Semifinalist
Girls Basketball AAAA-D1 Champions
Varsity Cheer Champions Overall Spirit Competition Champions
Boys Cross Country AAAA-D1 Runner Up
Swim Team Overall Swim Champions
Varsity Golf AAAA-D1 Runner Up
Boys Tennis AAAA-D1 Runner Up
Boys Soccer AAAA-D1 Runner Up
Girls Tennis AAAA-D1 Champions
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ARTS
Performing Arts Guild Established The new Jackson Academy Performing Arts Guild, JAAG, is a parent-led booster club for the visual and performing arts that seeks to support, assist, and improve the arts programs at JA. The group was chartered in 2017 with 52 parents. The group can be found on Facebook at Jackson Academy Arts Guild and on Instagram at JA_ArtsGuild.
New Director of Choral Music Named Finalist for Best New Director The Aspire Awards, presented during the Show Choir National Finals, are the show choir industry's top awards for professionals working in, and contributing to, the advancement of show choir. Continuing in the tradition of excellence and success across our campus, Showtime director and JA alumna Amy Whittenton was one of the top three finalists for Best New Director, and the Jackson Academy Showchoir Invitational (JASI) was one of the top three nominees for Best Regional Competition. This 54 | TRUE BLUE
is the second year in a row for both Whittenton and JASI to receive this national recognition. For the 2018–19 school year, Whittenton will take the lead as the director of choral music for JA, as Katie Shores passes the baton after serving seven years as director. Whittenton will lead Middle and Upper School showchoirs as well as the Middle and Upper School choral groups.
ARTS
Mark Your Calendars for Fiddler on the Roof The Jackson Academy Theatre will present Fiddler on the Roof in the fall of 2018, bringing the incredible story of family unity and the clash between tradition and change to life. The student cast will present this Broadway hit musical on the JA stage October 20 through 22. Mark your calendars now, and prepare to travel to Anatevka for a visit with Tevye and his daughters.
JA Establishes International Thespian Society Chapter The JA chapter of the International Thespian Society welcomed its first members Thursday, May 3, in a ceremony held in the PAC.
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ARTS
Choral Music Grows Opportunities for students to learn and enjoy choral music continue to grow at JA. Middle School Voices, Upper School Voices, and the Unaccompanied Minors performed their final concert for the spring Thursday evening, May 3.
Encore and Showtime Compete Singing and choreography are essential skills for students who participate in Middle School Showtime and Upper School Encore. The two groups travel and compete with other show choirs across the region. Participants look forward to the Upper School trip each year to compete at a national event, in cities such as New York, Branson, Orlando, and Chicago. JA also hosts the Jackson Academy Showchoir Invitational ( JASI) each year, bringing numerous showchoirs and audiences to the JA campus.
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ARTS
Mary Poppins Delights Audiences The classic story of familial love and conflict, adventure and imagination came to life as a cast of 88 students presented Mary Poppins October 28-30 and November 4-5. And true to the original, Mary Poppins did actually float across the stage, safely tethered, of course. After the October 29 performance, JA hosted ‘A Jolly Holiday Tea Party’ where characters spent time taking pictures and snacking on sugary snacks with guests.
JA Band JA’s marching band completed the season with 20 awards and top color guard honors at each of the band’s four competitions. The band hosted the MAIS Marching Band Championships at JA. In the group’s trip to Florida, the band faced rigorous competition at the Emerald Coast Marching Band Classic and was awarded second place overall, earning all superior ratings and Best In Class for band, color guard, percussion, and drum major.
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JAA
Always in Season Celebrates a Year in the Life of Our JA Family…Through Food! The Jackson Academy Association (JAA) is our school’s parent volunteer organization, and every family is automatically a member. In 2017, the process began to bring alumni, families, and friends of JA a cookbook that commemorates our school through delicious recipes. Always in Season journeys through the school year— from “Easier-Than-Homework Dinners” in August to the “Prom Breakfast” and an “End-of-School Pool Party” in May and June. When the request for recipes was made, the response was tremendous. The cookbook committee purchased ingredients, prepared, and tasted every single recipe submitted. When there was a gap or need for a recipe in a certain section, committee members graciously shared family favorites to complete the menu.
In April 2018, the JAA completed its commitment of $300,000 to the Learning Commons. The JAA conducted two other parent-driven fundraising events during the school year: A Blue & White Night and JA Fall Carnival, which encompassed the Disney Raider Raffle. Thanks to the generous support of our corporate
Always in Season cookbook committee: (from back, left) Brooke Akins; Mandi Stanley; Jeanne Scarbrough; Amanda Puckett; Elizabeth Upchurch; Barbara Craft. (front) Mary Carolyn Williams; Courtney Brien; Melanie Ward, co-chair; Lisa Jeffcoat, chair; Christie Ogden; Elizabeth Mehrle. Not pictured: Jessica Lohmeier.
sponsors, True Blue Raiders, and JA families, the JAA was able to complete the pledge of giving $300,000 to the Learning Commons in April. The JAA supports more than 25 other campus-wide academic projects from hosting welcome receptions for new families to contributing $3,600 to the performing arts and Images, from organizing and supporting preschool open houses to providing for the Upper School Awards Day and the graduation receptions. The JAA even pledged to support replacing the turf on the football field this summer. As a result of fundraising efforts, at the Teacher Appreciation Spring Luncheon in March, the JAA was able to surprise each division with funding for specific needs: UPPER SCHOOL Renovation of the chemistry lab’s storage area and safe removal of old chemicals
LOWER SCHOOL A buddy bench and breathing bench for the playground
MIDDLE SCHOOL Global Builders Level Up Digital Platform
PRESCHOOL Donation for new seating in the music room
Purchase your copy of Always in Season at jacksonacademy.org/cookbook
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ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB
Booster Club Raises Extracurricular Experience The Jackson Academy Athletic Booster Club (JAABC) is proud of the success achieved in 2017–18. This year provided JAABC with new opportunities to support our athletic and extracurricular programs and to help our students compete at the highest levels. Some highlights from the JAABC efforts in 2017-18 include new track and field equipment, uniform upgrades, new spirit items as well as the replacement of the turf on Raider Field. These are great examples of how the Booster Club and Jackson Academy continue to work together to improve facilities and experiences for our student body. The JAABC is managed by a board of directors that oversee operations including membership, concessions, event parking, chair back seating, and general fund raising. The annual Sports Information Guide (SIG) is a valuable information resource that also provides an early opportunity to introduce our seniors, our student athletes, our student support programs, and our advertisers. There were several on-campus events hosted by the JAABC this year. The year started with the annual All Sports Night where JA athletes and coaches for the 20172018 season were recognized. Two other events included the pairing of first graders with varsity football players and second graders with varsity basketball players. These events allowed for some special time of fellowship with the Lower School students getting a tour of
the respective team locker rooms. In support of our JA varsity basketball teams making it to the Final Four of the Overall Tournament, the Booster Club organized a “Raider Walk” in which students, faculty, and parents lined up across campus to cheer on the teams as they walked through the crowd led by the JA drum line and varsity cheerleaders. The fourth annual “Color Me Raider” was once again a huge success. It was a fun family night filled with a 5K and one-mile fun run, kidzone, crawfish boil, and baseball. Funds raised by this event and the other activities managed by the JAABC are used to supplement, support, and promote the extracurricular experience at Jackson Academy. By working closely with the Athletic Department and school Administration, the JAABC is able to participate in facility improvements and contribute to the success of our students. The JAABC Board of Directors extends our sincere thanks to our members and contributors who make our accomplishments possible. The JAABC can only reach our goals with the support of the JA family. Membership in the Booster Club and support of the JAABC is the best way to ensure the continued success for our programs and our students. Be on the lookout for emails coming soon on how you can become a member and support the JA Athletic Booster Club.
GO RAIDERS!
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Together is Always Better: JA Annual Fund has another record year!
The Jackson Academy Annual Fund continues to grow thanks to the collective generosity of our JA families, alumni, faculty, grandparents, and friends. The JA Annual Fund ended the fiscal year with $431,000 in cash. All gifts go directly to support our mission of educating students.
The Development Office is grateful for the leadership of JA trustee and development chair, Scott Pedigo, and his wife, Lulu. Grandparent chairs are Myra and Woody York, grandparents of Hampton Blanks ’28. Alumni chair is Will Mosby ’03.
“Gifts to the Annual Fund make a tremendous difference in our academic and program offerings in and out of the classroom,” said JA Head of School Jack Milne. “We are grateful to everyone who supports this vital effort. Each and every student benefits from the generosity of our JA families to the Annual Fund.”
The Development Committee members are: Scott Pedigo, chair; Renee Rice, Scot Thigpen, and Mandi Stanley. Lay members: Percy Quinn, Ray Robertson, and Darrington Seward.
The 2017-18 Annual Fund will help provide Lower School STEM lab experiments, ARC support, performing arts programs, Middle School engineering class, and classroom enhancements. The JA Annual Fund is under the direction of Ebony Welch, who began her new role as Annual Giving Coordinator last year.
The Annual Fund is the only school-operated voluntary fundraiser of the year. All donations – unless designated by the donor – are used by the JA Board of Trustees, administration, and teachers to strengthen the classroom experience for students. Trustees depend on these gifts to help pay for academic programs and renovations in each division.
"The JA community is truly a philanthropic community, and I'm so grateful for that. Fundraising can sound intimidating, but at JA it's just not the case. We have generous people, and I'm thankful for every dollar that our donors are willing to give." - Ebony Welch, Annual Giving Coordinator
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GIVING
A LUMNI continue to give back J
ackson Academy alumni continue to eagerly give back to their school through volunteerism, their talents, and financial resources. We are proud of the many and varied accomplishments of all our alumni. They serve as JA representatives and ambassadors in our community, state, and all over the world. Once a year, all alumni are asked to participate in our JA Annual Fund with a gift that may be designated for any area or program on campus. For 2017-18, Will Mosby, JA Class of 2003, chaired the February Faceoff challenge. Mosby, along with other class representatives, reached out to members of their class encouraging their participation with a gift of any amount. Since June 2017, 147 alumni have made monetary gifts to JA reaching $69,000 in total gifts. Because of alumni giving, JA students and faculty enjoy even greater opportunities for teaching and learning inside the classroom and out. Thank you to all our alumni for your service and commitment to Jackson Academy!
F E B R U A RY FA C E O F F C l a s s Wi n n e r s : CLASS of 1983 – 20.6% CLASS of 2004 – 11.3% CLASS of 1998 – 10.2%
Introducing... FRANCES BUSSEY, wife of JA alumnus John Bussey ’06, began her role as alumni coordinator June 1, replacing Haleigh Ritter who is now working in the admission office. Bussey taught in the preschool for five years at JA. The goal of the alumni coordinator position is to build positive relations with Jackson Academy alumni, help them see their importance to the institution, and keep them informed and involved in JA news and events. The role also helps alumni stay connected with each other through reunions and social and professional networking.
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PH I L A N T H ROP Y
Grandparent Chairs Serving as grandparent chairs this year are Woody and Myra York, parents of JA alumnae, Shannon York Blanks and Mary York Woodward (of Madison, Georgia) and JA grandchildren Hampton Blanks (rising third grader) and Maclure Blanks (rising kindergartener).
Teacher Appreciation Award The Jackson Academy Teacher Appreciation Award is a tradition at JA with the purpose of recognizing the school’s valedictorian and teachers. Each year the valedictorian selects three teachers who have influenced them the most at JA. The valedictorian and teachers each receive a $1,000 stipend from the JA Annual Fund. This year's recipients are: Bruce Sumrall, Avery Anderson (valedictorian), Dee Ball, and Schuyler Dickson.
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PHILANTHROPY
Endowed Scholarship Recipients Harmon & Faye Bowman Memorial Scholarship Ashton Berry 2019 Daughter of Heidi and John Berry Carneilus Powers 2019 Son of Emanuel and Sophia Harmon and Tracy Powers Jane Gibbons Memorial Scholarship Addie Elliott 2024 Daughter of Katie and Daniel Elliott
Carneilus Powers and Ashton Berry
Addie Elliott
The Herschel Brickell Family Endowed Scholarship Drew Antici 2021 Son of Angie and Brad Antici Julie Dyer Collins Leadership Award Webb Strickland 2019 Son of Ashley Nichols Andrew Yoste Defore Annual Scholarship Caleb Hernandez 2021 Son of Allie Hudson
Drew Antici
Webb Strickland
Mary Lindley Tharp
Johnny Carpenter
Caleb Hernandez
Mary Sprayberry Memorial Art Scholarship Mary Lindley Tharp 2019 Daughter of Sammye and Claude Tharp The 20th Century Endowed Scholarship Johnny Carpenter 2019 Son of Leslie and Greg Carpenter
Hallie Houston Keyes Memorial Scholarship Gabrielle Morris 2019 Daughter of Elizabeth and Barry Crain Scott Branning Scholarship Kit McCormack 2019 Daughter of Kim and Mark McCormack Gabrielle Morris
Kit McCormack
Higgins Family Scholarship Rett Stringer 2024 Son of Katie and Brad ’90 Stringer The Leigh Anne Ward Memorial Scholarship Jeffrey Gao 2023 Son of Pei Jian and Jie Zheng Gwen Bishop 2023 Daughter of Delphia and Shawn Bishop
Rett Stringer
Jeffrey Gao and Gwen Bishop
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PHILANTHROPY
JA ANNUAL FUND DONORS Cornerstone Circle $25,000+ Ergon Foundation, Inc. Seward and Son Planting Co. Benefactor Circle $10,000 + Phillip and Audra Bowman Maury and Lauren Breazeale Allen and Geri Beth Smith Jason and Carolyn Voyles The Wesley A. Caldwell Foundation Robert and Rebecca Watson Mark and Ashley Willson Honor Circle $5,000 + Mel and Josie Burgess Nelson and Katy Creath Dr. Bobby Graham and Dr. Sharon Martin Tom and Linda Hudson Reid and Lauren Lester Emily and Chris McNeil Morningside Foundation, Inc. Holley and Don Noblitt Trevor and Cris Pickering Patrick Ridgeway Mr. and Mrs. Kent Ritchey Joel and Meredith Travelstead Sustainer Circle $2,500 + Guy and Lana Boyll Rick and Ann Calhoon Class of 2017 McKie and Jennifer Edmonson Bill and Kimberly Felder Jimmy Gathings The Honorable Alexander Good Randy and Paula James Lisa and Michael Johnson Greg and Michelle Johnston Bruce and Amanda Kirkland Mrs. Jack Laws Mr. Randy McKee and Dr. Lisa Gibson-McKee Jack and Caroline Milne Cherry and Patrick Mullen Pruet Foundation Visionary Circle $1,000 + Larry and Kathy Accardi Sidney and Kristin Allen Brad and Angie Antici 64 | TRUE BLUE
Tyler Armstrong Gabe and Ashley Baldwin Austin and Deidre Barbour Haley and Marsha Barbour Mr. and Mrs. Robert Barker Gene and Linda Barrett Brian and Tina Brown George and Leigh Butler Canizaro Cawthon Davis Benny and Tammy Childress Community Foundation of Greater Jackson Drs. Jason and Barbara Craft Dodds and Lindsay Dehmer David and Sandra Dyess Larry and Pam Edwards Thomas and Brooks Elfert Chuck and Pat Elinski Anonymous Steve and Deanna Funderburg Jim and Kysia Geary Guion and Staci Gee Michelle Gibson-Thompson Girl Scout Troop 5648 Mr. Brad and Dr. Lee Ann Griffin Mr. Stephen and Dr. Claire Griner Mr. Robert and Dr. Price Halford Robert and Amy Hederman Nancy Herrin Chesley and Hillary James Peter and Pat Jernberg Mr. and Mrs. William F. Johnson Ed and Robin Kennedy Mr. Terry Kirk and Mrs. Christine Ramsey-Kirk Cliff and Heather Kling Jared and Misti Kobs Deborah and Leslie Lampton John and Hayley Lundy Tim and Cynthia Mahaffey Patrick and Kristin Malouf Allen and Tara McDaniel David and Mary Margaret McKinnon Tim and Beth McWilliams Matt and Mary Clay Morgan David and Gina Mulholland Jess and Allison New Kenneth O’Keefe Hal and Linda Parker Dr. and Mrs. Joel Payne Scott and Lulu Pedigo
Charlie and Sandy Penick Barry and Kim Pitts Rob and DeLeslie Porch Percy and Elizabeth Quinn William F. and Martha M. Ray Michael and Patty Robbins Anonymous Stan and Colleen Roberts Ray and Mandy Robertson Anonymous Scot and Kimberly Thigpen Winston J. Thompson III Zach and Crystal Thompson Anonymous Will and Desi Van Skiver Frank and Patti Wade George and Christie Walker Ben and Lynn Watson Eleanor Wettach John and Charlotte York Ann and Denny Zimmerman Loyalty Club $500 + Mr. and Mrs. Leigh B. Allen, III Association of American Medical Colleges John and Wendy Beard Gail and John England Mark and Harriett Eppes Pei Jian Gao and Jie Zhang Aaron Graham Billie S. Grogan Dr. and Mrs. Neil Haraway Amy and John Hill Breck and Lyn Hines Liz Hubbard Steve and Kathy Kowalski Jackie and Shani Meck Renee Rice Stephen and Suzanna Rula John and Susan Ryan Aaron and Morgan Samuels John and Jeanne Scarbrough Art and Liz Spratlin Bob and Mandi Stanley Judy and Crawley Stubblefield Calvin and Lee Ann Thigpen Jody and Michelle Varner Joe Ann Ward Mr. and Mrs. Guy White Woody and Myra York Anonymous
PHILANTHROPY
JA ANNUAL FUND DONORS (CONTINUED) Scholar Club $250 + Murphy Adkins Deborah and Sidney Allen Matt and Lindsey Armstrong Peter and Catherine Arnold Mr. Bill and Dr. Kameron Ball Arden and Heidi Barnett Chris and Stacy Bates Marshall Bennett Barry and Jane Burks Ronald and Rita Butler Elmer and Kelly Cameron Wanda Lawrence Carmichael Jim and Bonnie Chapman Anonymous Mrs. Lamar Chustz Patty and Don Clark Rod and Alice Clement Cameron and Jenna Diket Anonymous Derek and Laura Dyess Ricky and Sherri Eiland Thomas B. Flynn, MD Rita Gaines Percy E. and Ethel Gibson Kristal and Joe Golden Gray and Tatum Goodman Preston and Barbara Gough Jacob and Elise Graham Mr. and Mrs. William Griesbeck Jacob and Anna Haralson Lee and Debbie Harris Pete and Susan Hays Matt and Leslie Henson Stephen and Gloria Hirn Marge and Ed Wilburn Hooker Ellen and Tommy Hontzas JA Preschool Teachers Tony and Dawn Jasinski Judi and Jack Johnson Stephen and Melissa Johnston Ms. Kathleen Keeton Mechelle Keeton Mark and Jenna Lassiter Jana and Craig Long Sarah Love Mike and Jennifer Lowe Collin and Stephanie Maley Jenny and Pete Markow Mark and Michelle Markow Mike and Olivia Martin
John and Corinne McCormick Jonathan McCullough David and Terri McNeil Hugh McWilliams Chris and Kathryn Nutter John N. Palmer Wilson and Lauren Parry Dr. Tom Payne and Dr. Cheryl Johnson Mr. and Mrs. George Provias Smiley and Mary Ratcliff Tom and Sharon Rhoden Mildred Ridgway Will Ridgway Lloyd and Rowland Roberts Betsy and Joe Samuels Ed and Barbara Sentell Bubba and Jamie Shaw Dr. and Mrs. Adrian Smith Danny and Linda Smith Keith and Julia Studdard Floyd and Bean Sulser Chris and Sharon Tucker Claire Turner Jon and Pam Turner Melanie and Warner Wadlington Mr. Theodore Waechter Richard and Virginia Warren Walter and Susan Weems Eddie and Brittany Wettach Brad and Mary Carolyn Williams Stacy and Michael Williams Benjamin and Miranda Wilson Century Club $100 + A Plus Signs and Creative, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Clayton Allen Jim and Suzanne Almas Jeff and Ariel Anderton Judy and Bubba Arnold Rick and Carolyn Atkinson Jerry and Karen Banks Dr. and Mrs. Henry Barber Pons and Ann Bautista Justin and Taylor Beard Royetta Bennett Brian and Janna Breland Mr. and Mrs. N.Z. Bryant, Jr. William and Debbie Campbell Ken and Susan Chapman Mark and Cathy Chinn Jamie and Katie Chustz
Philip and Mysti Chustz Stephen and Tabitha Clay Ronnie and Ginger Cockayne Marlene Cook Chris and Mona Couey Bobby and Jennifer Croswell Sean and Marybeth Culhane Thomas and Rashunda Davis Jesse and Mary Evelyn Dees Mike and Pam Drake Ade and Linda Fleming Parker and Rebecca Fowler Mark and Elizabeth Franklin Jeff and Mary Shelton Gamblin Nick and Beebe Garrard Kevin and Mary Margaret Gay Dr. and Mrs. Charles Gaymes Bobby and Hilda Margaret Gill Daniel and Mallory Gnemi Mary Jane and Bobby Greenlee John and Lindsey Gresham Allen R. Griffin Cameron and Suzanne Guild Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Harmon Parker and Laura Harris John and Louise Hartlein Hayes Dent Public Strategies Anonymous Glyn and Elizabeth Hilbun Darin Hildoer and Suyapa Moncada Brian and Cami Hill Ken and Joan Hollingsworth Cliff and Sherry Holmes Chad and Courtney Hosemann Andy and Paige Hunt Susan Ingram Thomas and Bridgette Iupe Jim Jacobs Jake and Rip’s LLC Jefferies Socks LLC Chip and Cindy Johnson Will and Kellie Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Brent Johnston Jean Jones Beth Keeler Brandon and Foster Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. Denny King Mark and Andrea Lackey Cecilia and Bryan Lagg John and Melanie Lauderdale Jane and Larry Lee TRUE BLUE | 65
PHILANTHROPY
JA ANNUAL FUND DONORS (CONTINUED) Drs. Michael Lehman and Lique Coolen Joy Lester Don and Laurie Lewis Mike and Deb Lightsey Drs. Sudhakar and Kimberly Madakasira Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Maley Bill and Charlotte Manning Dr. David and Misti May Steve and Julie McCartney Jesse and Glenda McConnell Norton and Judy McKeigney Scott McLeod Missy and Mike McMullan Ken and Sandra Meacham Mimi and Robert Mehrle Perry and Tanya Miller Rodney and Sharolyn Miller Kiven Miner and Brenda McNair-Miner Mississippi Periodontics Specialists Group Will and Betsey Mosby Beth Murray Jan and Wen Nance Ashley and Christie Ogden Brian and Britton Owen Jonathan and Jamie Pace Randy and Wanda Pearcy Ryan and Lisa Perkins Sandra and Quinton Perry Steve and Jeanine Pickering Jimmy and Shelle Pinkard Paul and Paula Pratt Precious Martin & Associates, PLLC Jamie Priest Shirlene Priest Thierry Ramsey Brad and Amanda Reeves Andrew and Haleigh Ritter George and Betsy Ritter Patrick and Lindsey Roberson James and Stacy Roberts Chris and Kristie Rohman Richard and Sherry Rula Charlie and Ashley Russell Brian Rutledge Frederick and Jennifer Salvo Julie Cockayne Scoville Paige and Craig Sessums Anil Sharma and Kamini Bhavsar Tina Shaw 66 | TRUE BLUE
Dr. and Mrs. John Sheehan Eddie and Carrie Shelton Richard and Kathy Sheffield Aaron and Katie Shores George and Mary Elizabeth Smith Ruth W. Smith Drew and Camille Snyder Speed Commercial Real Estate The Sports Center Vicksburg, LLC DBA 601 Sports Richard and Mallory Stafford Cathy Strauss Scott and Michelle Stringer Mr. and Mrs. A. Wendell Stringer David and Nancy Sykes Stella Gray and Phillip Sykes Charlie and Becky Tindall Anthony and Amy Thaxton Landon Thompson Dr. and Mrs. Walt Towery John and Marguerite Travis Mr. and Mrs. William Trudell Robert Turner Sr. Brent and Staci Tyler Toby and Mary Tyler Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Tyson, Jr. Michael and Rebecca Ueltschey Gilbert and Clare Van Loon Thad and Kate Varner Sgt. and Mrs. Timothy Vivians Brandt and Jennifer Walker Wyatt and Susan Waltman Locke and Melanie Ward Larry Weems Carl V. Welsh, Jr. Richard West Mr. and Mrs. John A. Wicks, Jr. Jim and Audrey Wilkirson Anonymous Michael and Carol Winniford Taylor and Max Wondries John and Isabel Woods John and Patrice Worley Ellis and Jamie Wright Anniversary Club $50 + John and Ashley Adcock Jennifer Allen Amy Arinder Hilton and Dee Ball Robert and Nancy Ball
David and Annie Laurie Barrett Charles and Claire Belknap Jonathan and Beth Blackwell Caroline Blevins Phillip Blevins Mr. and Mrs. Steven Blevins Darin and Leah Busby Bill and Amy Bush Chris and Ann Carlson Wendell and Mary Kay Catchings Bobo and Becky Clarke Dennis and Claudia Conklin Margaret and Charles Craft Elizabeth Blevins Crenshaw Myles and Amanda Cross Glen and Nan Dear Walt and Courtney Denton Ed and Ashlee Flechas Adelaide and Les Fletcher Katherine Blevins Dixon Marion and Andrew Gowdey Alan and Stefanie Grant Rocky and Cynthia Gresham Josh and Kelly Guyton Jeff and Katrice Hadley Rusty and Kerri Hawkins David and April Hendrick Ray and Millie Higgins David and Roxie Hood JAA Mr. and Mrs. Victor H. Jones, Jr. Peter and Bess Kruger Luke Laney Henry and Angela Lawrence Stancie Ley Jeffrey Lockhart Mr. and Mrs. L.V. McClellan Rob McElhaney Mike and Sandra McKay Tim and Melodi McNair Mitch and Jeanne Monsour Kirk and Dayna Morgan Dr. and Mrs. Seth Mosal Hunter and Kelsey Murray Kenneth and Vickie Neal Sarah Nelson and Rachel Gressett Mack and Anne Norwood Pediatric Dentistry of Brandon George and Judy Potter Bill and Dana Robertson Ronnie Rogers
PHILANTHROPY
JA ANNUAL FUND DONORS (CONTINUED) Kurt and Christina Rushing Betsy Sager Jon and Martha Scott Anthony and Sarah Shaw Grace Simmons Scott and Sheila Smith Lori Snider Richard and Brenda Sullivan John and Bebe Sumner Chevis Taylor Claude and Sammye Tharp David Traxler, III Rob and Sandra Triplett Avery Truitt Jon and Pam Turner University Nursing Associates, PLLC Ben and Ginger Wallace Don and Yonnie Waller Yan and Miao Jin Wang Tricia Weissinger Ebony Welch Dr. Edward M. Welch, Jr. Mr. Karl Woodard and Mrs. Deidra Lang-Woodard Scholar’s Club $25 + David and Anna Adcock
Cameron and Susannah Albriton Sheldon and Cassie Alston Sara Bannerman David and Lorraine Blount Thad and Amanda Burke Dick and Susan Burney John and Frances Bussey Jennifer Clarke Ted and Fay Conn Justin Courson Mrs. Polly Crosthwait Susan Elliott Bryan and Cyndi Eubank David and Sydney Fields Spence and Ruth Fletcher Mary Ann Garrison Kateri Gill Kathy Ingram Rowland and Jennifer Hall Paul and Debra Hastings Jimmy and Lynda Hays Mark and Jane Hinkle Matt Hinkle Neely Holland Joshua and Beverly Mann Joe and Rosanne Maxwell Mary Kathryn McKell
Lindsay and Colby Miller Bart and Shelley Morris John and Suzanne Murray Scott and Carolyn Noblitt Steve and Carol Pittman Laura Pressler Lee and Jana Ragland Danny and Bronwyn Robertson Jacob and Meagan Rowan Kirk and Maggie Russ Kerri Sanders David and Margaret Scott Ed and Barbara Sentell Mary Wesson Sullivan Bruce and Celia Sumrall Todd and Candice Taylor Patrick and Ana Tucker Jennifer Wahl Don and Yonnie Waller David and Erin White Alan and Susan Whitfield LaDonna Whitney Morgan Wiggers Don and Sara Williams
ALUMNI GIVING Class of 1982 Kathy Cockayne Sheffield Class of 1983 Bronwyn Caves Burford Mary Kay Hollis Catchings Ronnie Cockayne John Murray Rob Porch Margaret Doty Scott Class of 1984 Wendell Catchings John Dinkins Tricia Hollis Weissinger Class of 1986 Phillip Bowman Lynne Welsh Brennan
Class of 1987 Brian Brown Will Van Skiver Wyatt Waltman Ashley Edmonson Willson Class of 1988 Melissa McGriff Johnston Class of 1989 Stacy Bozarth Bates Leigh Barnett Butler Kerri Quayle Hawkins Rusty Hawkins Tim Mahaffey Mary Kathryn McKell Jan Laws Nance Owen Edmondson Stratton Meredith Montgomery Travelstead
Class of 1990 Robert Hederman IV Scott Pedigo Mary Carolyn Ikerd Williams John York Class of 1991 Suzanne Kinard Murray Class of 1992 Jamie Chustz Stephen Clay Dodds Dehmer Cyndi Tomlinson Eubank Cameron Guild Suzanne Greer Guild Michael Johnson John Scarbrough
Class of 1993 Cable Frost Tom Hudson Jennifer Lee Lowe Liz Warren Mehrle Jeanne Moak Scarbrough Bubba Shaw Locke Ward Class of 1994 Ashley Jones Baldwin Lindsay Hines Dehmer McKie Edmonson David Hendrick Reid Lester Frederick Salvo Calvin Thigpen Jason Voyles Ginger Van Skiver Wallace
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PHILANTHROPY
ALUMNI GIVING (CONTINUED) Class of 1995 Guy Boyll Christie Evans Ogden Class of 1996 Mysti Futral Chustz Philip Chustz Angie Stubblefield Haraway Chad Hosemann Paige Herring Hunt Class of 1997 Claire Smith Belknap Breck Hines Mark Markow Allison Cook New Brad Reeves Class of 1998 Clayton Allen Henry Barber Mandy Crawford Barber Maury Breazeale Jeff Gamblin Lyn Edwards Hines Foster Kennedy Jodie Low Lockhart Jess New
Michael Ueltschey Rebecca Gough Ueltschey Class of 1999 Matt Armstrong Justin Courson Bobby Croswell Beebe Safford Garrard Kelly McLennan Guyton Jacob Haralson Jim Jacobs Chesley James Bradley Kellum John Lauderdale Elizabeth Calhoon Quinn Drew Snyder Class of 2000 Sarah Clark Tatum Noblitt Goodman Hillary Taylor James Stephanie Baker Maley Jonathan McCullough Seth Mosal Keith Studdard Class of 2001 Katherine Blevins Dixon Anna Smith Haralson
David McKinnon Lindsay Miller Carolyn Hartlein Noblitt Class of 2002 David Adcock Class of 2003 Ann Boswell Johnson Carlson Jacob Graham John Gresham Matt Hinkle Will Mosby Scott Noblitt Lindsey Phyfer Roberson Camille Allen Snyder Eddie Wettach Class of 2004 Mark Adcock Cameron Albriton Thad Burke Aaron Graham Will Johnson Peter Kruger Luke Laney Will Ridgway Kirk Russ
David Traxler, III Morgan Wiggers Class of 2005 David Barrett Caroline Blevins Steven Blevins Elizabeth Blevins Crenshaw Marion Keyes Gowdey Class of 2006 John Bussey Class of 2007 Hunter Murray Mary Wesson Sullivan Class of 2008 Landon Thompson Class of 2009 Andrew Ritter Sandra England Triplett Class of 2010 Sydney Dehmer Fields Class of 2012 Amy Arinder
GIFTS FROM OUR GRANDPARENTS Larry and Kathy Accardi Hallie Hillman Conner Hillman
Haley and Marsha Barbour Haley Barbour III Ava Barbour
Richard and Janet Burnette Lucy Elfert Yates Elfert
Murphy Adkins Will Adkins
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Barker James Chapman Audrey Chapman
Dick and Susan Burney Clayton Mahaffey Tack Mahaffey Fuller Mahaffey
Deborah and Sidney Allen Perry Allen Mr. and Mrs. Leigh B. Allen III Walker Fielder Abby Fielder Stella Allen Lucy Allen Bennett Allen
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Marshall Bennett Henry Bennett Anna Catherine Bennett Caroline Bennett
Rick and Ann Calhoon Chesley Quinn Anderson Quinn
Royetta Bennett Demi Williamson
Wanda Lawrence Carmichael Slates Veazey
Mr. and Mrs. N.Z. Bryant, Jr. Brandon Miller
Charles and Della Cathcart Blake Bartlam
PHILANTHROPY
GIFTS FROM OUR GRANDPARENTS
(CONTINUED)
Ken and Susan Chapman James Chapman Audrey Chapman
Tanner Ueltschey Preston Gough Ann Roark Gough
Ken and Joan Hollingsworth Wes Thomas Will Thomas
Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Cheney Garner Cheney Gibson Cheney
Mary Jane and Bobby Greenlee Ross Greenlee Michael Greenlee
Ellen and Tommy Hontzas Ana Kelly Hontzas
Mrs. Lamar Chustz Mary Lamar Chustz Samuel Chustz Steven Chustz Coleman Chustz Clay Chustz Marlene Cook Luke New Joseph New Margaret and Charles Craft Clayton Mahaffey Tack Mahaffey Fuller Mahaffey Polly Crosthwait Emma Lucas Anna Kate Lucas Mike and Pam Drake Drake Lester Landry Lester Carson Lester Adelaide and Les Fletcher Blake Fletcher Ade and Linda Fleming Chloe Fleming
Mr. and Mrs. William Griesbeck Benjamin Watson Frances Watson Allen R. Griffin Cooper Griffin Harper Griffin Mr. and Mrs. Bill Grogan Will Skipper Jack Skipper Stone Skipper Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Harmon Bryant Seago Mary Grace Seago Ellie Seago Lee and Debbie Harris Lofton Harris John and Louise Hartlein Hart Noblitt Jimmy and Lynda Hays Max Rogers Pete and Susan Hays Sophie Parker Hays
Thomas B. Flynn, MD Hayden Allen
Robert and Jane Hederman Avery Hederman Erin Hederman Michael Hederman
Percy E. and Ethel Gibson Matthew E. McKee Kennedy S. McKee Julia R. Thompson Winston James Thompson IV
Nancy Herrin Herrin Goodman Wade Goodman
Preston and Barbara Gough Anderson Ueltschey Taylor Ueltschey
Glyn and Elizabeth Hilbun Anne Marie Lundy Mary Gibson Lundy
Marge and Ed Wilburn Hooker Alexis Ridgeway Eli Ridgeway Owen Hooker Ridgeway Win Hooker Anna Margaret Hooker Randy and Paula James Perry James Pruet James Taylor James Judi and Jack Johnson Katherine Johnson John Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Brent Johnston Gregory Johnston Harrison Johnston Mr. and Mrs. Victor H. Jones, Jr. Samuel Long Sara Kate Long Anna Caroline Long Ainslie Long Ms. Kathleen Keeton Hannah Hoover Ed and Robin Kennedy Adams Kennedy Baird Kennedy Kennedy Nations Meritt Nations Mr. and Mrs. Terry Kirk Jack Gnam Deborah and Leslie Lampton Barton Lampton, IV Taylor Lampton Emily Lampton
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PHILANTHROPY
GIFTS FROM OUR GRANDPARENTS Mark and Jenna Lassiter Evie Moremen Mrs. Jack Laws Latham Nance Thomas Nance Cruise Nance Henley Nance Jane and Larry Lee Henry Lee Andrew Lee Davis Lee Joy Lester Drake Lester Landry Lester Carson Lester Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Maley Brennan Maley Clayton Maley Bill and Charlotte Manning John Porch Jenny and Pete Markow Elizabeth Markow John Marklow
(CONTINUED)
Mimi and Robert Mehrle Pryor Mehrle Matthew Mehrle Anderson Mehrle Chuck and Pat Miner Mikey Elinski Zachary Elinski Eli Elinksi Grace Ann Elinski Holley and Don Noblitt Herrin Goodman Wade Goodman Hart Noblitt John N. Palmer Charlotte Palmer Molly McClure Hal and Linda Parker Anna Payton Parker Brandon Parker Sandra and Quinton Perry Catherine Perry George and Judy Potter Julianna Copeland Elizabeth Copeland
Mike and Olivia Martin Katherine Fowler Carter Fowler
Shirlene Priest Seamus Priest
Mr. and Mrs. L. V. McClellan Meredith McClellan
Mr. and Mrs. George Provias Andrew Provias
John and Corinne McCormick Erin Hederman Avery Hederman Michael Hederman
Smiley and Mary Ratcliff Stephanie Ratcliff Johnson Spencer Ratcliff Ashley Winford McGlawn Tyler Winford Trenton Winford Steven Winford
David and Terri McNeil Austin McNeil Griffin McNeil Ken and Sandra Meacham Foster Meacham McNeil Meacham
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Tom and Sharon Rhoden Lily Rhoden Sophie Rhoden Lola Rhoden
Kent and Janice Ritchey Hollis Wondries Max Wondries Lloyd and Rowland Roberts Alizabeth Martin Richard and Sherry Rula Kate Rula Nicholas Rula Betsy and Joe Samuels Kate Samuels Caroline Samuels Julie Cockayne Scoville Anna Claire Sheffield Dr. and Mrs. John Sheehan Tate Averett Danny and Linda Smith Noah Pressler Sela Pressler Lila Pressler Scott and Sheila Smith Thomas Iupe Mr. and Mrs. A. Wendell Stringer Isabelle Partain Judy and Crawley Stubblefield Graves Haraway McNeil Haraway Stone Haraway Floyd and Bean Sulser Walker Benner Liza Benner Holden Benner Phoebe Guinn Claire Turner Jane Parkes Denton Turner Burns Denton Robert Turner, Sr. J.J. Banks C.J. Banks
PHILANTHROPY
GIFTS FROM OUR GRANDPARENTS Toby and Mary Tyler Henson Tyler Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Tyson, Jr. Virginia Browning Phillip Browning Melanie and Warner Wadlington Ellie Morgan
(CONTINUED)
Matthew Mehrle Anderson Mehrle Houston Warren Hayden Warren
Walter and Susan Weems Alexander Weems Dr. Edward M. Welch, Jr. Cameron Welch
Joe Ann Ward Brennan Maley Clayton Maley
Carl V. Welsh, Jr. Hadley Brennan
Richard and Virginia Warren Hudson Bridges Pryor Mehrle
Eleanor Wettach Hannah Collums Emma Collums
John and Isabel Woods Leighton Denley Woody and Myra York Hampton Blanks Linda Young Caroline Hosey Olivia Hosey Elizabeth Hosey
GIFTS IN KIND Cable and Candace Frost T-shirts for the engineering teams Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Iupe Numerous items toward the production of Mary Poppins
Jan and Wen Nance Numerous items toward the production of Mary Poppins and Showchoir Ashley and Christie Ogden Mary Poppins' tea party
Joyce Pulley Rudolph Wurlitzer upright piano John and Laurie Raines Cases of Nestlé Nesquik for football program
Caroline and Jack Milne Plants for receptions
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M E MOR I A L S 2017–2018 MEMORIALS BOB ALLEN Great-grandfather of JA students Caroline Hosey ’20, Olivia Hosey ’23, and Elizabeth Hosey ‘26 Bob and Becky Clarke SONJA BARNES Mother of JA student, Walker Barnes ’20 Gina and David Mulholland Patti and Frank Wade Bobby Burford Father-in-law of Hope Burford, After school program Assistant Director, grandfather of JA alumni Chris Burford ’16 and Caroline Burford ‘15 Ray and Millie Higgins Jackson Academy Preschool Staff Tara and Allen McDaniel Ebony and Cameron Welch Rev. Reynolds Cheney II Great uncle of JA students Garner Cheney ’18 and Gibson Cheney ‘22 Stacy Bates Ann Chinn Mother of Cathy Chinn, JA yearbook sponsor, grandmother of JA alumni Carley Chinn ’13, Casey Hawes ’08, Courtney Peters '01, and Conley Chinn ‘17 Peter and Pat Jernberg WILLIAM (BILL) CONNER Father-in-law of Bill Ball, JA basketball coach, grandfather of Conner Beth Ball, JA alumna ‘17 Mr. and Mrs. Rick Atkinson Robert and Nancy Ball Ted and Faye Conn Mary Garrison JAA Jefferies Socks LLC Robert and Frances McKay David and Nancy Sykes ASHLEIGH ARNOLD DEHMER JA alumna and former Preschool teacher Bronwyn Burford John and Suzanne Murray 72 | TRUE BLUE
ASHLEIGH PARK Bronwyn Burford Wendell and Mary Kay Catchings Courtney Denton Kathy Ingram Beth Keeler DIANE DINKINS Mother of JA alumnus John Dinkins ’84, Mother-in-law of Preschool librarian, Ali Dinkins, grandmother of JA students Bonner ’20, McNeill, ’21, Coleman ’21, and Weathersby Dinkins ‘25 Chris and Stacy Bates Laura and Derek Dyess Jackson Academy Preschool Staff Tara and Allen McDaniel Patti and Frank Wade VIRGINIA ENGLAND Mother of Betsy Crawley, grandmother of JA teacher Sandra Triplett and JA alumna Virginia England ‘09 Betsy Crawley John and Suzanne Murray FRANCES ANNE FORTNER JA alumna Class of 2018 Peter and Catherine Arnold Association of American Medical Colleges Chris and Stacy Bates Class of 2013 Moms Jesse and Mary Evelyn Dees Harriet and Mark Eppes Mark and Elizabeth Franklin Rocky and Cynthia Gresham Jake and Rip’s LLC Peter and Pat Jernberg Michael and Lisa Johnson Kathleen Keeton Mechelle Keeton and Hannah Hoover Susan Ingram Mr. and Mrs. Denny King Mike and Deb Lightsey Sarah Love Joshua and Beverly Mann Rob McElhaney Mary Kathryn McKell Jean and Jeff Miller
Sarah Nelson and Rachel Gressett Connie Neofotis Brian and Britton Owen Steve and Carol Pittman Rob and DeLeslie Porch Anonymous Ray and Mandy Robertson Brian Rutledge Betsy Sager Jon and Martha Scott Jon and Jeanee Shell Roy and Amy Smith Scott and Michelle Stringer Charlie and Becky Tindall University Nursing Associates, PLLC Frank and Patti Wade Don and Sara Williams Michael and Carol Winniford John and Patrice Worley SAMMIE GLORIOSO Former JA Driver’s Education teacher Ray and Millie Higgins DONA GRIDER Grandmother of JA alumnus, Davis Magee ’17 and JA student, Lizzy Magee ‘20 Stacy and Chris Bates BRANTLY WALKER HELVENSTON III Father of JA teacher Harriett Eppes Sarah Love E. RALPH HINES, JR. Grandfather of JA alumni Linday Hines Dehmer ’94, Breck Hines ’97, Logan Phillips ’98, Meg Phillips Reeves ’01, Olivia Hines Walthall ’06, Kirkland Hines, Jr. ’08, and Lil Hines ’13. Greatgrandfather of Nash Dehmer ‘19, Ridley Dehmer ‘22, Rimes Dehmer ‘26, Breck Hines Jr. ‘26, and Hart Hines ‘28 Pat and Peter Jernberg JOHN BERNARD HOOKER Grandfather of JA alumni Mary Paxton Gibson ’12, Catherine Gibson Luba ’08, and Dalton Gibson ‘16 Judy and Bubba Arnold
MEMORIALS
2017–2018 MEMORIALS (CONTINUED) CHARLES HUDSON Father of Calvin Hudson, former Director of Plant Services Stacy and Chris Bates Peter and Pat Jernberg Tim and Beth McWilliams A.T. JOHNSON Father of former JA teacher Amy Ward Stancie Ley BILL KING Former JA basketball coach Dr. and Mrs. Will Johnson MRS. JEAN KIRBY Mother of Preschool Dean, Tara McDaniel, grandmother of JA Students Chloe McDaniel ’26, and Ford McDaniel ‘22 Stacy and Chris Bates Ray and Millie Higgins Peter and Pat Jernberg Sarah Love Patti and Frank Wade Ebony and Cameron Welch TOM KIRKPATRICK, JR. JA alumnus ‘83 Judy and Bubba Arnold Mrs. Lamar Chustz DONALD GLENN KRUGER Father of Stephen Kruger, Sr., former board chair, grandfather of JA alumni Stephen Kruger, Jr. ’02, Peter Kruger ’04, and Philip Kruger ‘07 Pat and Peter Jernberg KIRK LADNER Father of JA students Zoe Ladner ’21 and Ava Ladner ‘23 Chris and Stacy Bates Pat and Peter Jernberg LESLIE LAMPTON Grandfather of JA alumni Barton Lampton IV ’97, Will Lampton, 03, Walt Lampton ’03, and Katie Lampton ’11. Greatgrandfather to JA students Barton V ’25, Taylor Lampton ’27, and Emily Lampton ‘29 Pat and Peter Jernberg
JOE McCASKILL Father of JA alumni Rivers Walker ’97, Alex Cooper ’06, and Joseph McCaskill Jr. ‘02 Jon and Pam Turner Ward, Baker, Maley, and Keith Families BETTY McNAIR Mother-in-law of Melodi McNair, grandmother JA Alumna Madi McNair ’14 and JA student Banks McNair ‘22 Pat and Peter Jernberg Robert and Frances McKay David and Nancy Sykes LIZ NEELY Mother of JA alumni Eliza Neely ’14, Josh Neely ’03, Max Neely ’06, and Charlie Neely ‘13 Bobo and Becky Clarke
JIMMY SOJOURNER Brother of JA basketball coach, Jan Sojourner Sarah Clark JAMES W SPEARS Father of JA alumnus, Morris Bradley Spears ‘89 Stacy and Chris Bates MARY SPRAYBERRY Debra Hastings Jamie and Ellis Wright MR. ROBERT STAINTON Father of former JA employee, Sarah Ryburn Mealer Peter and Pat Jernberg Patti and Frank Wade
WAYNE SHANNON ORR, JR. Grandfather of JA students Parker Orr ’27, Paxton Orr ’30, and Kate Prescott Orr ‘31 Brad and Lee Ann Griffin PAT LEE OWEN, JR. Father of JA alumnus Layden Owen ‘99 Ed and Barbara Sentell CATHY PHILLIPS Mother of JA alumni Allison King '86, Whitney Phillips Irving '92 Judy and Bubba Arnold JAKE RAWLINGS JA Alumnus ‘15 Spence and Ruth Fletcher C.R. RIDGWAY III Grandfather of JA alumni Frances Ray ’89, Sara Lokey ’94, Jula Ridgway ’96, and Robert Ridgway ’00. Greatgrandgather of JA alumni Anthony Ray ’10 and Amanda Ray ‘16 Chris and Stacy Bates Jonathan, Heather, William, and Ana Kelly Hontzas Pat and Peter Jernberg TRUE BLUE | 73
MEMORIALS
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS SCOTT BRANNING Susan Elliot Shirley and Frank Fortenberry Kay and Robert Lane Tara and Allen McDaniel Lee and Jana Ragland Calvin and Lee Ann Thigpen Susan and Alan Whitfield
HIGGINS FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP JA Preschool Teachers
LEIGH ANNE WARD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Dr. and Mrs. Frazier Ward
MARY SPRAYBERRY SCHOLARSHIP Sarah Clark Debra Hastings
HONORARIUMS JACKSON ACADEMY TEACHERS Bobo and Becky Clarke
KATIE CHUSTZ 7th grade science teacher Chris and Kathryn Nutter
MATTHEW MCMULLAN Assistant JV Basketball Coach Missy and Mike McMullan
DENNIS CONKLIN Upper School history teacher Nan Dear
COACH JIMMY NIX Jackson Preparatory school coach Luke Laney
SUZIE ADCOCK Former JA teacher David and Anna Adcock Jon and Pam Turner
NAN DEAR JA 5th grade teacher Katie Chustz
SARAH SHAW Lower School science teacher Katie Chustz
PERRY ALLEN JA student class of ‘29 Sidney and Kristin Allen
SCHUYLER DICKSON Upper School English teacher Ebony Welch
RICHARD STAFFORD Tech Center Administrator Ebony Welch
BILL BALL Varsity Basketball Coach Missy and Mike McMullan
ALEXANDER GOOD Father of JA alumnus, Sam Good ‘17 Theodore Waechter
NEAL WISE ESQ. Luke Laney
DEE BALL Upper School history teacher Girl Scout Troop 5648
PAT AND PETER JERNBERG JA President Emeritus Michael and Patty Robbins
BILL CAMPBELL JA Operations Coordinator William and Debbie Campbell
CHRISTINA LAWRENCE Former Varsity volleyball coach Henry and Angela Lawrence
DEBBIE CAMPBELL Former JA teacher William Campbell
JODIE LOW LOCKHART JA alumna ‘98 Jeffrey Lockhart
JACKSON ACADEMY TEACHERS AND STAFF Arden and Heidi Barnett
74 | TRUE BLUE
KRAYLEON WINSTON Head JV Basketball Coach, Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach Missy and Mike McMullan
Alumni News
Alumni Easter Egg Hunt The second annual Alumni Easter Egg Hunt was a fun success for JA alumni and their children. Future Raiders got to enjoy games, a photo booth, coloring eggs, and, of course, an Easter egg hunt on the preschool playground.
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Alumni News
Alumni Reunions The Jackson Academy alumni office hosted JA’s classes of 1997 and 2007 on Friday, September 15, in the new Upper School Learning Commons. All alumni were invited back to campus for a tailgate party prior to the Friday night football game. A picnic was held the following day for the reunion classes with evening events planned by the individual reunion committees.
76 | TRUE BLUE
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C L A S S NO T E S
1987 SEAN GUY married SARAH ROSS on November 4, 2017. They live in Jackson where Sean is an attorney at McCraney Montagnet Quin and Noble, and Sarah is an anesthesiologist with Jackson Anesthesia Associates. BETH BENNETT JOHNSON and husband Shaw live in Clarksdale, Mississippi with their two children, Shaw and Shelton. Beth is a preschool teacher at PDS, and Shaw is an independent insurance agent.
1990 STORY and TODD WARREN have three kids at JA; Hudson class of 2021, Houston class of 2028, and Hayden class of 2029. Todd is the CEO of GI Associates in Jackson.
1993 DR. BRAD BALL is a pediatric oncologist at the Rocky Mountain Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Hospital for Children. He and his wife, Mandy, live in Denver, Colorado, with their two daughters, Carter and Claire. Brad and daughter Carter recently won first place in a national STEM competition. Together they built "R2 Rock Lifter" a droid that won first place nationally in littleBits Electronics competition. littleBits is partnered with Lucas Films to sponsor this STEM 78 | TRUE BLUE
contest. Dr. Ball was featured on Good Morning America for his accomplishments. DR. KEN BALL was elected as a fellow to the American Academy of Physicians. Dr. Ball lives in Madison and works with Baptist Hospital in Jackson. DREW DUNCAN and wife Nikki live in Madison with their two children, Dylan and Della. Drew works with Nissan North America as a manager of logistics strategy and Nikki is a realtor with Frontgate Realty. KRISTI PATRICK WILLIAMS and husband, Josh, live in Bakersfield, California. Kristi is a nurse for the Bakersfield City School District, and Josh is the assistant principal at Liberty High School. They have two children, Claire and Carson.
1994 ANDY CUNNINGHAM is the lead pastor for the Fair Haven campus of Chapelwood UMC. The church has seen significant revitalization and growth in ministries at his campus, including the areas of children's ministry, youth ministry, and community outreach. Currently, they have two worship services that Andy preaches at weekly (modern and traditional), one bilingual worship service and one Korean service on the campus, along with a working food pantry and ESL classes that accommodate up to 250 people per week. Andy lives in Katy, Texas, with his wife Kaisi and two children.
Ben and GINGER VAN SKIVER WALLACE live in Greenville, South Carolina, with their three daughters, Emslie, Virginia, and Sara Tabb. Ginger is the director of admissions and development at Veritas Preparatory School, and Ben is in private equity with Azalea Capital.
1995 ASHLEY CRAWFORD BRANTLEY lives in Ridgeland with her husband Jeff. They have two children who attend JA, Elizabeth and Mason.
1996 MATT and Megan ALLEN along with daughter Hartley welcomed a son, Thatcher, on October 2, 2017. They live in Jackson. ASHER STREET BEAM received the 2017 Lee Holder Award for Excellence in Graduate Allied Health Education from the National Alpha Eta Society. Her recent manuscripts that were accepted as peer-reviewed publications with the Journal of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists include "Gadolinium Contrast Safety for Patients At-Risk of Developing NSF in MR Imaging: A Review of the Literature" and "Prevalence of MR Safety Resources and Evaluation of Safety Processes in MRI Departments." Asher and her husband, James, live in Ridgeland. Asher is assistant professor and program director, Master of Science in Magnetic
CLASS NOTES
Resonance Imaging at University of Mississippi Medical Center. James is an attorney.
1998 FOSTER KENNEDY is married to Brandon Kennedy. They have two sons, Adams and Baird, who attend JA. Foster is VP of commercial lending at Trustmark in Jackson. MAURY and Lauren BREAZEALE, along with their son, Brickell, welcomed another son, "Jacks" Mitchell, on December 15, 2017. Brickell attends JA, where he is in K4.
1999 Whit and LEANNE MEDLIN LEWIS welcomed baby girl, Annlea Talbert Lewis, on June 20, 2017. They live in New Albany with their two sons, Harrison Hill and Jackson Whitten. Leanne is a family nurse practitioner at Internal Medicine and Pediatric Clinic and Whit is a pastor.
LAUREN REVERE WHEATON is running for City Council this fall. Lauren and her husband, Wade, live in Cookeville, Tennessee with their two children, Kennedy and Palmer.
2000 RYAN and Lindsey FINNEGAN, along with children, Oliver, Violet, and Reece "Birdie," welcomed another son, Beau Patrick Finnegan, on March 4, 2018. They live in Ormond Beach, Florida, where Ryan is an attorney at TopBuild Corp. Len and CHRISTINA DENNERY HESTER live in Germantown, Tennessee, with their two children Meredith and Joseph. Christina is a tax partner for Watkins Uiberall, and Len is a project manager at Grinder Haizlip Construction.
ASHLEY CORDUA STAFFORD and husband Matthew welcomed a son, Robert Phillips, on November 1, 2017. They live in Smyrna, Georgia.
SARAH BYNUM FARLEY works as corporate communications specialist with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in Memphis, Tennessee.
2003 John Michael and BRITTANY ALLEN HOLTMANN welcomed a son, Mac Davis, on July 10, 2017. They live in Jackson where John Michael is in commercial real estate development.
JASON SPELL is the sales and territory manager for the Busby Companies, a Mississippi owned digital billboard company out of Laurel. Jason lives in Richland. Harrison and ELIZABETH CARMICHAEL WILLIS, along with daughter Huntley, welcomed a son, Boyd Davidson, on September 15, 2017. They live in Canton.
2001 Leanne Medlin Lewis Family
2002
ANN FOWLER PURCELL works as nurse practitioner at UMMC . She and her husband, Clay, live in Madison with their two children, Clayton and Kilby. Clayton is in first grade and Kilby is in kindergarten at JA.
Brittany Allen Holtmann Family
ROBERT GARDNER and wife, Kayla, welcomed a son, Louie Robert, on February 2, 2018. They live in Jackson where Robert is the varsity girls and boys soccer coach at JA.
2004 LESLIE BERRYHILL is the lead NICU dietitian at Ochsner Baptist Hospital and Morrison Healthcare in New Orleans, Louisiana. TRUE BLUE | 79
CLASS NOTES
JENNIFER VIRDEN married Chris Crissey on June 10, 2017 in Jackson. Jennifer is a teacher at Germantown High School. They live in Madison. JONATHAN GUIRINTANO married Taylor Beasley on May 8, 2018 in Charleston, South Carolina. Jonathan finished residency training at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in June 2017. He is currently in fellowship training at UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco, California, where he is receiving advanced training in head & neck oncologic surgery, anterior skull base surgery, and microvascular reconstruction. Upon completion of his fellowship, he will be moving to Washington, DC, where he will be an assistant professor of otolaryngology - head and neck surgery at Georgetown University Medical Center. Jamie and STEPHANIE HENSON MCNAB live in New York City with their one-year-old son, James Riley McNab IV. Jamie is an investment analyst at Slate Path Capital. Stephanie stays at home with James and is very involved at their Manhattan church.
J.W. and ANGELENA HEATH STOWERS along with daughter, Rivers, welcomed another daughter, Adalind Marie, on August 28, 2017. They live in Clinton.
2005 DAVID and Annie Laurie BARRETT, along with daughter, Gracie, welcomed a son, William Charles, on December 15, 2017. KIMBRELL SPENCER EVANS and husband, Erick, live in Madison with their daughter Anna Spencer. Anna Spencer attends JA and is in K4. Kimbrell is a speechlanguage pathologist at UMMC, and Erick is VP/group account director at the Ramey Agency. They are expecting their second child in early October 2018. Andrew and MARION KEYES GOWDEY welcomed a daughter, Mildred "Millie" Manning, on May 9, 2017. They live in Memphis, Tennessee. JACK and Lindsey HARRIS welcomed a son, Jack Harris Jr., on June 4, 2017. They live in Jackson.
EMILY RAGLAND married Stephen Juel on June 16, 2018 in Holly Springs, Mississippi. They live in Memphis, Tennessee, where Emily teaches Kindergarten at KIPP Memphis Collegiate Elementary. Stephen is starting his radiology residency at Baptist Memorial Hospital in July.
2006 Parker and CHELSEA MOORE BERRY, along with daughter Tatum, welcomed another daughter, Josie, on September 6, 2017. They live in Flowood. JAKE and Blakeney BLACK, along with big brother Everett, welcomed another son, Easton Temple, on April 24, 2017. They live in Columbus. JOSEPH and Sally GEX welcomed a son, Walter Joseph Gex VI, on May 31, 2018. They live in Jackson. Joseph is a medical device salesman for Arthex, and Sally is a therapist at the Shepherd’s Staff in Flowood. JAY and KRYSTEN KEYES JERNIGAN, welcomed a daughter, Mary Lynnon, on February 7, 2018. They live in Madison.
JASON and DENDY HOGAN MCDAVID, along with their daughters, Manning, Riley Reed, and Hampton, welcomed another daughter, "Hogan", on September 28, 2017. They live in Jackson.
Stephanie Henson McNab Family
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Allen and JESSICA BUNTING MCGEHEE have three children, James, Maggie, and Louella. They live in Madison where Jessica is a teacher at St. Augustine School, and Allen is a computer programmer.
Jay and Krysten Keyes Jernigan Family
CLASS NOTES
Ryan and ASHLEY WINFORD MCGLAWN live in Brandon where Ashley is a pediatrician at Madison-Ridgeland Children's Clinic, and Ryan is an assistant professor of physical therapy at UMMC. The couple married on July 29, 2017 at Colonial Heights Baptist Church in Ridgeland.
2008 ANDERSON BUSSEY married Merry Grace Coffin on November 11, 2017 in Meridian. They live in Jackson.
MARK MCKINNON married Alice Schneider on June 9, 2018 in Austin, Texas. They live in Washington, D.C. Walker and MARY CROSBY TURNER ROBERTS welcomed son, Walker Palmer Roberts, Jr. on November 27, 2017. Walker is an assurance supervisor at HORNE LLP; Mary Crosby is the director of St. Luke’s Preschool in Fondren.
2007 MILLER and ANN LOUISE MCNAMARA, along with daughter, Mae, welcomed another daughter, "Seavey" Louise, on May 3, 2017. MARY WESSON SULLIVAN is currently working towards her Ph.D. in education leadership & supervision. She also serving as the chair of Neon Night 2018 with the Mississippi Children's Museum. Mary Wesson won JA Middle School Teacher of the Year for the 2018–2019 school year. RYAN and MORGAN CHANEY GEARY welcomed a daughter, Ellie Hart, on March 14, 2018. They live in Birmingham, Alabama. Bryce and CARLY STEGALL YELVERTON welcomed a daughter, Lucy Mae, on March 1, 2018. They live in Clinton.
Dallas, Texas, where Samantha is the director of retail for Barrington, and Jimmy is vice president of Snell Motor Companies. HANK and Meri Scott WATERER live in Madison with their son, Henry. Hank is with Trustmark National Bank as a commercial relationship manager.
2010 Anderson Bussey
TONY ESPOSITO is a senior talent acquisition consultant for USI Insurance Services in Dallas, Texas. He married Tess Ganssle on August 12, 2017 in Newport, Rhode Island. NICK NEWCOMB married Haley Toler on December 2, 2017 in Alys Beach, Florida. Nick earned his bachelor's degree in banking and finance from the University of Mississippi, and now works in commercial real estate development for Storage Park Properties. The couple reside in Jackson. LANDON THOMPSON is an insurance agent with Rusty Healy Agency in Madison. Landon lives in Jackson.
2009 SAMANTHA PETTUS married Jimmy Snell on February 24, 2018 in Oxford. The couple reside in
RACHAEL DAVIS married FRANKLIN KEYES on January 6, 2018. Rachael is the community development manager at The American Cancer Society. Franklin is an agent at Southern Insurance Specialists, Inc. in Ridgeland. They live in Madison. David and SYDNEY DEHMER FIELDS live in Oxford. Sydney is a property manager for Henley Property Management, and David is an endoscopy sales representative for Smith and Nephew Advanced Surgical Devices. ASHLEY HALTOM graduated summa cum laude from the University of Mississippi School of Nursing in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in nursing. While at Ole Miss, Ashley was inducted in to Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Theta Tau Honor Societies. Ashley married Austin Harrison on December 16, 2017 in Oxford, Mississippi. The couple currently lives in Washington, D.C., where Ashley is completing a degree as a family nurse practitioner at Georgetown University. LAUREN HOTARD married Branden Moore in April 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama. After a honeymoon in Jamaica, the TRUE BLUE | 81
CLASS NOTES
couple moved to Flowood. Lauren is completing a residency in emergency medicine at UMMC, and Branden will be clerking for a law firm while studying for the Mississippi Bar Exam.
Lauren Hotard
RACHEL WADE, Class of 2010, married Jacob Renton Hudson on December 30, 2017. The couple reside in New Orleans, Louisiana, where Rachel works for Madewell, a J.Crew brand.
Rachel Wade
2011 LAKIN THOMAS graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor's of accountancy in 2015, and then went on to earn his master's of accountancy in 2016. He married Olivia Irene Day on December 29, 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama. The couple now reside in California where Lakin is a certified public accountant with the San Francisco Bay office of KPMG, and Olivia is an environmental engineer for Valero Energy. 82 | TRUE BLUE
SARA FRANCES CHISHOLM married Hayden Horan on February 10, 2018 in Jackson. Sara Frances graduated cum laude from the University of Mississippi in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in hospitality management. She and her husband currently reside in Grenada, where Sara Frances is a professional healthcare representative, and Hayden is a dentist.
Vanderbilt University in 2016 with a degree in communications. While in college, she was a member of the tennis team. Cole graduated cum laude from Mississippi State University in 2016 with a degree in business administration. The couple currently lives in Jackson where Ellie is a valuation associate with CBRE, and Cole is a sales representative with Capitol Hardware in Ridgeland.
2012
2013
MELISSA RAMSEY was recently commended by U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) for successfully completing a semester-long internship in his Washington office. Melissa assisted Cochran’s office in several capacities, including constituent services, correspondence, administrative tasks and assorted legislative duties. Melissa earned a degree in English from the University of Mississippi in 2016 and is on track to attend law school.
WALKER ROBERTSON graduated with a master's degree in accountancy and will work for Ernst & Young in Houston, Texas beginning in September.
KELSEY PETTUS married Jack Berry on July 22, 2017 in Oxford. They currently reside in Jackson where Kelsey is in her second year of medical school at UMMC, and Jack is an assurance associate with Horne, LLP in Ridgeland. CAROLINE PORCH recently completed her third year of pharmacy school and will begin her last year in May 2018. Caroline will graduate with a PharmD in May 2019. She is engaged to marry Hugh Warren in December 2018. ELLIE YATES married COLE STACY on December 2, 2017 in Jackson. Ellie graduated from
2014 WILLIAM HONTZAS graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on May 23, 2018. He will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force and stationed in San Antonio, Texas. MADI MCNAIR graduated from the University of Mississippi in May 2018. Madi teaches fifthgrade science in JA’s Middle School. She is pursuing her master’s degree in dyslexia therapy at Mississippi College.
2015 Mason and ALLIE KING were married on June 3, 2017 and currently live in Madison.
TRUE BLUE | 2018 ISSUE | VOLUME XIX
JACKSON ACADEMY 4908 Ridgewood Road Jackson, Mississippi 39211 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
“ Just like a pebble that is
thrown into a lake, that one splash generates many ripples that fan out far and wide; so, too, can your influence and time ripple throughout the life of my grandchild for many years to come. I hope that both of you in your Alpha and Omega partnership will always remember this year as one of the best experiences of your lives. ” — A grandmother's note to a 2018 Alpha and Omega mentor. Alpha and Omega is a yearlong mentorship between seniors and kindergarten students.