2020 True Blue Magazine - Summer Issue

JACKSON ACADEMY

SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME XXII

A Publication for Jackson Academy Alumni, Families, and Friends

CO N T E N TS

4

An Unexpected Year...A New Perspective F E AT U R E S

IN THIS ISSUE

8

Promoting Positive Attitudes in Math

2 A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

3 A LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL 4 FEATURES

20

ATHLETICS

26

ARTS

34

STUDENTS IN ACTION

38

SCHOLARS

43

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

44

CLASS OF 2020

48

SCHOLARSHIPS

12

49

GIVING

Finding Clarity

58

CLASS NOTES

61

MEMORIALS

10

Respect: Lessons from Literature

63 HONORARIUMS

TRUE BLUE 1

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

JACKSON ACADEMY

SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME XXII

EDITOR/WRITER

Patti Wade

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

Jonathan Blackwell Graphic Designer

PHOTOGRAPHER/WRITER

Rachel Lies

Interactive Media Coordinator CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS/WRITERS

T

he spring semester of 2020 was a time of learning: not what we expected to learn, and not in the environment in which we expected learning to occur. JA students and faculty were set to return refreshed from spring break, and suddenly their year was completely altered, and the threat of a pandemic became reality. For all, but especially for our students, sheltering at home was a perspective-changing experience. Throughout this time, celebrating simple things and supporting one another through challenges were students’ experiential assignments. Actions across the JA community bore witness to how the JA family supports one another normally in many ways and how it did that in extraordinary ways during the pandemic. JA’s resilient students found ways to make the best of upheaval. A few of these lessons learned, and some touched upon in this issue of True Blue, include the following: • Flexibility • Compassion and care for others • The value of what teachers and educational institutions bring to our lives • The joy of time with family

• An appreciation of a slower, simpler pace • An appreciation of independence and freedom of movement normally enjoyed • The dignity of each life • The fragility of life

As we press ahead during still uncertain times, additional changes to learning are inevitable. It’s a future we enter a little wiser, more grateful for simple things, and buoyed by a new resiliency. Patti Wade Director of Marketing and Communication pwade@jacksonacademy.org 2 TRUE BLUE

Jonathan Blackwell Frances Bussey Lisa Bynum Nell Floyd Martha Grace Gray ’03 Katelyn Head Rachel Lies Richard Stafford Suzanne Thigpen Melanie Thortis Patti Wade O F F I C E O F A D VA N C E M E N T

Jim Wilkirson

Chief Advancement Officer

Suzanne Thigpen

Director of Annual Fund

Frances Bussey

Director of Alumni Relations True Blue, a semiannual publication, is published by the Office of Marketing and Communication and the Office of Advancement. Jackson Academy 4908 Ridgewood Road Jackson, MS 39211 If you have alumni news you would like to share, visit jacksonacademy.org/classnotes to submit or update your information. Submissions may also be mailed to the above address or emailed to Frances Bussey at fbussey@jacksonacademy.org. Photos submitted should be of high quality.

A LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear Jackson Academy family, As I begin my final year as Head of School at JA, I reflect on the friends Caroline and I have made, the challenges you and I have faced together, the accomplishments about which we can all be proud, and the disappointments from which we have nevertheless learned and grown. This past school year alone we faced a major flood that threatened our physical structures, but not our spirit or determination. We are still dealing with a worldwide pandemic that closed our school doors in early March, but not our commitment to providing a high-quality education to our students. We are in the midst of a return to on-campus learning as we await the successful testing of a vaccine that will at long last put an end to this crisis once and for all. Once that time comes, when we can look at this challenge in a rearview mirror, I believe we will all be justifiably entitled to take pride in our creativity and resiliency throughout the seemingly endless process that included not only inconveniences and hardships, but also real fear. As we have courageously weathered what’s been thrown at us thus far, we will likewise succeed in overcoming the known and unknown obstacles that lie ahead. When I came to JA, the goal I had was simple: to make the school at least a little better for my having been here. I pray I have succeeded. When Caroline and I arrived in the late spring of 2017, we had no clue that in only a matter of weeks I would be asked by the Board to follow Cliff Kling as Head of School after his announcement that he had accepted another position. I want to especially thank then Board Chair Greg Johnston for approaching me to determine my willingness to accept the position and then advocating it to the full Board. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the trustees for the faith they placed in me, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities for both professional and personal growth it afforded me. I have pledged to the Board my full and enthusiastic support in its efforts to identify the next Head of School. While I know it is not within my power to do so, I selfishly wish I could slow the upcoming hours, days, weeks, and months to allow me to more fully recognize and appreciate the wonderful things I have faith will take place at JA this year. When Caroline and I depart in the spring, it will be with a wealth of great memories and new friends. Who could ever hope for more? Go Raiders,

Jack F. Milne TRUE BLUE 3

F E AT U R E S

AN UNEXPECTED YEAR...

A NEW PERSPECTIVE It’s been a year to remember as COVID-19 brought changes to the way members of the Jackson Academy family live and interact with each other. 4 TRUE BLUE

F E AT U R E S

Thanks to technology already in place, the JA community adeptly transitioned to distance learning in March. Students viewed video devotionals to begin their day, joined teachers and fellow students in Google Meet sessions, and worked through carefully prepared lesson plans. Head of School Jack Milne offered a sense of stability with his words. “Our teachers are cheerfully using their time and talents to make this difficult situation one that is productive and reassuring for our students,” Milne communicated in JA’s weekly newsletter, the Tuesday Raider. “Perhaps I am most grateful for the continued understanding, support, and encouragement from our parents.” Here’s a look back at some of the changes made to keep the school moving ahead, to ensure safety, and to celebrate milestones.

Leaning In to Technology and Creativity JA’s years of preparation as an Apple one-to-one environment positioned the school to make the best of distance learning. Teachers, who have invested

time earning the Apple Certified Teacher credential, were prepared for the challenge. JA provides all students from K5 through twelfth a schoolissued Apple device, which became the primary method of delivering content, engaging in learning, and interacting.

leadership. Helpful messages from the counseling office, the school nurse, faculty, parents, student leaders, and the JAA, were added.

Each division—Preschool, Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School—established a customized approach for the age group it serves. Teachers creatively engaged students through interactive video lessons and assignments that took advantage of the unique scenario to encourage students to use everyday items, such as Skittles, to explore new concepts, like diffusion.

Faculty, staff, and administrative le ade rs prov ide d word s of encouragement in emails and in messages in the newsletter. Among those featured in the Tuesday Raider was Bruce Sumrall, JA Upper School faculty member.

Staying Connected The JA community stayed connected with one another through social media and many Facetime, Google Meet, and Zoom calls. Early in the pandemic, a section was added to the JA website for information about COVID-19, JA’s response, and the school’s technology services for faculty and students. The Tech Center staff offered remote and by appointment technical assistance. Starting with the March 17 issue, the Tuesday Raider was adapted to include important information from school

Optimistic Words

“We are not about staying the same, we are about facing and defeating challenges. We are not about fear, we are about courage,” Sumrall wrote. “We are not about selfishness or hoarding, or isolation; we are about loving each other, young and old, and sharing in the faith that JA is part of us and that God will lead us, individually and as a JA family, through this challenge. I am convinced JA will be even stronger because of this challenge.”

Tours of the School Prospective families could visit JA from the safety of their homes thanks to a virtual campus tour on the JA TRUE BLUE 5

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website. JA Director of Admission and JA parent Kayla Mosal said new students were being enrolled weekly. She complimented the JA leadership on its intentional decisions made in the best interests of students during this unique situation. “During this time, I have been reminded how grateful we are to have our own kids in a place where it feels like home,” she said.

COVID-19 Information Session University of Mississippi Medical Center Chief of Emergency Medicine Dr. Alan Jones ’90 answered questions about coronavirus during an interactive session, moderated by Bryan Eubank, that was live on Facebook and the Raider Network. Jones, a JA parent, responded to pre-submitted questions and questions posed live on Facebook.

Some Good News!

section of the Tuesday Raider. Some teachers remarked that the messages sent from families “carried” them through this time.

End-of-Year Occasions

We Are JA

JA ended the year with drive-through events during which students and teachers greeted each other and shared thanks. Lower School students picked up their artwork for the year, received gifts from teachers, and waved from decorated cars. The class of 2020 was honored with a drive-through parade on campus. Awards Day videos were created to replace traditional in-person awards days.

Students and families submitted photos and stories about their distance learning experiences using the hashtags #WeAreJA, #JAatHome, and #JADistanceLearning. The school also hosted two social media contests for the JA family to participate in for fun—and for prizes, too.

Field Day Fun Inspired by actor John Krasinski’s viral video series Some Good News, a JA writer, an editor, a team of dedicated parents, and Head of Middle School and host J Reeves produced two episodes of Some Good News! Creative ways that JA students and teachers spent their time during the quarantine were among the positive stories highlighted. Also, cards, emails, and letters to faculty and staff that shared glimpses from inside JA homes while families adjusted to distance learning were featured in a Postcards from Home 6 TRUE BLUE

JA families took a break from distance learning to enjoy an at-home edition of JA Field Day. Photos and videos on social media showed a touching display of support as parents and siblings set aside time to play games with Lower School or fifth and sixthgrade students.

Celebrating Our Seniors Videos from university and college leaders welcoming students to their universities and offering congratulations, encouragement, and advice took the place of the traditional scholarship presentations on awards day. State leaders also sent video messages. A special senior recognition video was produced for the day graduation would have been held and shown on Raider Network. The JA community gathered for formal commencement July 30 with faculty and students in full academic

F E AT U R E S

regalia and the traditional student speeches by the valedictorian and salutatorian.

A Different Pace Class of 2020 Student Body President Land Gebhart penned a message to fellow students in which he conveyed a positive perspective of having spent the last weeks of his senior year sheltering at home. “Even though I will not have some memories of my senior year, because they were never created, the memories that I have made during the COVID-19 pandemic, I would not trade. Sometimes we have to look for the good in a bad situation,” Gebhart said. He described visiting with neighbors he did not know well, routine and special moments with his siblings and parents, gathering with his family for online church services, and enjoying homemade waffles before beginning distance learning, without the rush to get to school. Wisdom Ware ’20 wrote a piece about students’ experiences dealing with the pandemic at the request of The Northside Sun newspaper. Wisdom wrote: “None of us foresaw a future where we needed to stay home to preserve our health and the health of our loved ones. We didn’t anticipate our senior year being cut short. However, I believe staying positive and developing a healthy routine is crucial.” Wisdom concluded with a message on keeping perspective: “I have faith that this “new life” isn’t forever, and until this is over, we must stick together.”

- S AV E T H E S E D AT E S -

o f e t h m e o H 3 H o m ecom in g SEPTEMBER 25, 2020

ALUMNI

REUNI2N WEEKEND APRIL 9-10, 2021 CLASSES:

1985 • 1986 • 1990 • 1991 1995 • 1996 • 2000

Ra

2001 • 2005 • 2006 • 2010

s ider

2011 • 2015 • 2016

F E AT U R E S

POSIT IVE AT T IT U DES in

Promoting

MAT H

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F E AT U R E S

W

ith a career in education spanning 25 years, LaDonna Whitney would be considered by most to be a veteran teacher. She’s taught everything from kindergarten through sixth grade. There probably isn’t much Whitney hasn’t seen over the course of her career. However, when she arrived at JA four years ago to teach fourth grade, she came across something she had not experienced before: gender -based math classes. “When I first started, I thought, ‘Well, this is different.’ And I wondered why. I didn’t understand why we did it that way,” Whitney recalled. The idea was the brainchild of Head of the Lower School Sarah Love. Around 2005, Love heard of another school in the area that had started dividing boys and girls into samesex classes for mathematics. Love began doing research on her own and implemented the change in 2006. “In fourth grade, girls can become really self-conscious. They become much more reticent and shy about asking questions,” Love explained. “We felt like it would be beneficial if girls and boys were separated so we could make sure everyone had a really good attitude about math.” Students are divided into four sections—two sections for girls and two sections for boys. The sections all meet for one hour at the same time every day and are taught the exact same curriculum. The students are also placed with a teacher different from their homeroom teacher and not necessarily with students from their homeroom class. “Starting in fifth grade, the students are departmentalized. They have five teachers, one for each subject,” Love says. “This was another aspect we wanted to incorporate. We wanted to give students the experience of having a different teacher for an academic subject besides just their regular homeroom teacher. They would see what that was like to get academic instruction, not just from their homeroom teacher, but from another teacher and what it felt like to change classes and how that would work.”

Within the first year of implementing the gender-based classes, Love and her teaching staff began to notice positive changes among the students within the classes. “I had a couple of teachers who had only taught in mixed-gender classrooms. One of them was teaching girls and she was just astounded. A girl raised her hand to ask a question and five more girls said, ‘Oh, I was wondering the same thing.’ She said that likely would have never happened in a mixedgender classroom. We wanted the girls to be more comfortable, and they were.” A 2015 study conducted by Hanover Research found several other advantages to gender-based learning, such as the opportunity for teachers to cater their teaching styles toward different personalities, encourage more positive interactions between students, and facilitate a greater sense of community within the classroom. Though she was a skeptic at first, Whitney admits that halfway through

her first year of teaching at JA, she understood the benefits. Whitney, who has taught both classes, has seen firsthand how boys and girls process information differently and that adapting the teaching methods for each gender can improve comprehension. “Boys and girls learn math differently,” said Whitney. “Boys get the information and they’re ready to move forward and start applying it. They are more hands-on, and they want to do it. Girls want a more theoretical approach. They want to know more about it, and they want to know why.” In the 14 years since Love implemented the gender-based math classes, she has seen not only an improvement in test scores across the board, but also an improvement in the students’ attitude towards math in general. “The kids really loved it. They still really love it,” Love said. “The girls like being together, the boys like being together. The parents have loved it through the years.”

“ Boys and girls learn math differently. Boys get the information, and they're ready to move forward and start applying it. They are more hands-on, and they want to do it. Girls want a more theoretical approach. They want to know more about it, and they want to know why.” TRUE BLUE 9

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RESPECT: Lessons from Literature

In the Clarion-Ledger’s Best of 2019 Awards, Jackson Academy’s own Sandra McKay won the award for Best Teacher. McKay, who teaches American literature, has been a part of the JA community for the last 27 years. Her commitment to the school is apparent in her reaction to winning the award: “It’s not about me—it’s about the JA community. It’s about a very loving and supportive community that appreciates those of us who have been here forever.” McKay believes that good teachers understand the importance of mutual respect. “You know, I teach young adults, and they expect to be treated like young adults. They want to be respected just like I do.” So how does McKay implement mutual respect in the classroom? “It’s more of a relationship kind of thing. You have to truly care about the students, and they have to know that, they have to feel that. They have to feel that you are fair and believable, understanding, and compassionate.” Achieving that type of relationship with students requires understanding—and finesse. “In a classroom situation, it means making each student’s opinions as valuable as everyone else’s, and sometimes it is not as easy as it might sound! You have to find a way to make it happen so they are willing to talk, they are willing to share. If they feel like when they open their mouths that you’re not going to respect what comes out of it, then they are never going to say another

word. They are teenagers, they have enough insecurities going on already. They don’t need more of that from me.” For McKay, giving respect to students isn’t a challenge. “These kids earn it every day! They show up, they work hard, they give you their best most days. What’s not to respect?” And receiving such respect from their teacher makes a world of difference to her students. “It makes them feel valued. It makes them feel that you value their voices, their opinions. You see them as having worth and merit, and part of that just comes from being willing to listen.” So why is the idea of respect so important to McKay? “I think from the parents, administration, staff, and students, we do it so well here. It’s just part of our culture…We talk about it in literature, all the way from The Scarlet Letter to Faulkner, every situation or conflict that arises, it seems like, arises because the characters don’t care for each other, or there’s some kind of misunderstanding, or somebody is being insensitive. That’s what respect is…conflicts arise when people don’t care for each other.” As for winning the Best Teacher award, McKay lauded the merit of her fellow teachers. “I appreciate it more than anyone will ever know…I mean the truth of the matter is, if you look up and down the Upper School hallway, there isn’t a teacher here who doesn’t deserve that recognition. We’re all in this together.”

JAC K S ON AC A DE M Y ’ S 2019 -2020 AWA R D S Mississippi Business Journal BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL WINNER

Clarion-Ledger

Jackson Free Press

BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL BEST FESTIVAL JA Carnival BEST TEACHER Sandra McKay

BEST TEACHER Harriett Eppes (Clarion-Ledger’s Best Teacher in 2018) TRUE BLUE 11

Finding clarity STUDENTS' CAREER CHOICES BECOME CLEARER IN LIGHT OF MENTORING EXPERIENCES

The opportunity to view a career up close can be helpful in more ways than one. Jackson Academy Upper School students found that to be true thanks to their participation in JA Connects, a newly implemented career mentoring program. For some students, the opportunity to shadow someone in a career of interest was an affirming experience. For others, the opportunity made them realize a career previously viewed from a distance was not what it seemed. Carter Elliott ’20 thought a career as a chemical engineer would be a 12 TRUE BLUE

good fit for him since chemistry is his favorite subject. After spending time with Zachary Courtney, a chemical engineer at Sun Pine Corp. in Canton, Carter changed his mind. “I got an overview of what he did and found his job involved a minimal amount of chemistry,” he said. “He told me to consider a degree in chemistry instead of chemical engineering.” Carter admits he doubted the mentoring program would be beneficial, but his experience proved otherwise. “I can honestly say it was helpful,” he said. “I would like to thank JA for providing this program and requiring us to do it.”

Emma Roberts shadowed physical therapist Alan Whitfield at Mississippi Sports Medicine.

F E AT U R E S

Steven Chustz ’20 also discovered that the career he thought he would pursue was not for him. “I have enjoyed chemistry since my sophomore year, and I believed I wanted a career that focused on chemistry,” Steven said. “I believed that pharmacy would be like that.” Steven shadowed Emily McLaurin who graduated from JA in 2006 and works as a hospital pharmacist, and, as pleasant as the experience was, it led him to consider other careers. “I didn’t really want to be stuck behind a desk all day filling out orders and counting pills,” he said. “I almost immediately decided that I would change my career path to something else in the medical field.” The mentoring opportunity was worthwhile, Steven said, because it provided a real-world view. “I got to see what pharmacists actually do from day to day instead of just reading about it online,” he said. Life experiences led rising senior Emma Roberts to consider the field of physical therapy as a career. “Physical therapists have helped me work through one of the most difficult experiences in my life, a sports-

related concussion,” she said. “Since this concussion, I have had headaches for two years. Finally, I went to see a doctor who referred me to a myofascial release therapist who continues to work with me to get rid of my headaches. Because of this incident, I have been in the physical therapy clinic very often and have seen all the physical therapists at the clinic work together to help people rehabilitate. The small accomplishments I get to see there, such as someone experiencing a headache-free week for the first time in months, are enough to make me want to be a physical therapist.” Emma spent time with Alan Whitfield at Mississippi Sports Medicine, who provided education about the requirements to get into physical therapy school and spoke about the ups and downs of being a therapist. He allowed her to watch as he evaluated a patient’s need for physical therapy and then another patient’s treatment appointment. “Mr. Whitfield would let me first do the patients’ exercises, and then explain to me why the activities were more difficult for the patient,” she said. “It was fascinating to see what causes the human body to struggle and what treatments can be made to help the patients. It was interesting to see physical therapy from the perspective

Matthew McKee '20 learned about orthopedic surgery with his mentor Austin Barrett, M.D. '99.

of the therapist, instead of my normal, the patient.” After learning that a physical therapist must study many different sciences as part of the educational process, Emma questions if physical therapy is the right career choice for her. “Because of Mr. Whitfield, I have a much better understanding of physical therapy,” she said. “I am very grateful to him and the JA Connects program for giving me this experience.” Sydney Morris ’20 is among students whose mentoring experience provided affirmation of their current career choice. She spent a day shadowing Dr. Meredith M. Travelstead ’89, a Jackson obstetrician and gynecologist, and even had the opportunity to observe surgery. “This opportunity gave me the chance to see what goes on in the daily life of an OB-GYN and allowed me to make sure this would be a good career fit for me,” Sydney said. “As of now, I’m planning on being a doctor.”

Lily Grace Thigpen '20, mentored by JA parent and biologist David Felder with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, visited a wildlife archive.

Frances Bussey, JA alumni coordinator, said JA Connects is valuable because it provides students a head start in making career plans. TRUE BLUE 13

One Woman’s Story ENCOURAGING DIALOGUE DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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n February 25, local actor and New Stage education director Sharon Miles took Jackson Academy’s Upper School students through the journey of a key civil rights figure during Let It Shine: A Visit with Fannie Lou Hamer, written by Frank Kuhn. Through moving songs and narrative, Miles conveyed the story of this influential Mississippian, who grew up in Ruleville in Sunf lower County in the Mississippi Delta. The play was a fundamental part of the school’s celebration of Black History Month. Through the play, students learned Hamer’s story. The granddaughter of a slave, she was born in 1917 to a family of sharecroppers. She devoted a significant part of her life to voter registration, business opportunities, childcare, nutrition, housing improvement, and other services for minorities. She is known for persuasively speaking out and taking action about injustices against minorities and women. Hamer is often recognized for the comment, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” In an interview after the show, Miles commented on how history can inf luence character development. “What I love about Fannie Lou Hamer is she did her part, and we need to inspire the next generation to do their part. We all have a piece in it,”

“ To me, celebrating Black History Month at JA has always been important. It provides the opportunity for students who are not of color to be educated on black history, and it always results in conversation to help us better understand each other.” said Miles. With the opening of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Miles hopes Mississippians will know the names of many who played pivotal roles in the state’s civil rights movement. Miles believes it is important to introduce Fannie Lou Hamer’s story, whom she says was a “real advocate for human rights.” In February, students had the opportunity to purchase a T-shirt for Black History Month. Inspired by the modern gospel song Break Every Chain by Tasha Cobbs, rising senior McKenna Thompson designed the T-shirt to show the year’s theme: Break Every Chain. The month was also celebrated in small ways daily, as Carter Elliott ’20 described. “Celebrating Black History Month at Jackson Academy is overt; we are not ashamed of our diverse student body. From intercom

Sharon Miles and Caitlin Johnson

announcements to dry-erase messages of the hope of racial equality,” Carter said. “This past year, in watching the presentation on Fannie Lou Hamer, I was reminded about how important each life was and the power of a strong voice whether it is expressed through speaking, singing, or otherwise.” “To me, celebrating Black History Month at JA has always been important,” rising junior Morgan Dilworth said. “It provides the opportunity for students who are not of color to be educated on black history, and it always results in conversation to help us better understand each other. With that being said, it’s a lot of fun and a good break from regular class!” TRUE BLUE 15

Family Ties

The Scott Twins Come to JA

A

child’s preschool years often set the foundation for their educational career. Preschool prepares a child for a classroom setting, not only educationally, but socially. When the time came for Jason and AliceClaire Scott to choose the best preschool program for their four-year-old identical twins, Thompson and Jack Willingham, it was a decision they did not take lightly. AliceClaire Scott already had family ties to Jackson Academy. Her brotherin-law, Brandt Walker, is the associate athletic director. Scott liked the idea of having a family member on campus. However, she didn’t want that to be the only deciding factor.

“We set up a tour and went through the whole process as if we had no family connection to the school,” Scott said. “We wanted our kids to have their own identity wherever they landed.” Like many parents sending their children to school for the first time, the Scotts had some concerns. The boys had never been in a classroom setting outside of their church nursery, so AliceClaire Scott was anxious about how they would adapt to being around a larger group of children. She also wanted to ensure that her twins were treated as individuals. Though Thompson and Jack Willingham look just alike, each learns at his own pace. “We were really impressed with the faculty,” she said. “We wanted smaller classes just so our boys could have individualized attention. We loved how the campus is so close and that it’s a K through 12 program. I think that’s a really special environment that every school can’t provide.” AliceClaire Scott reports that the twins have had a fantastic experience since coming to JA. Both have flourished individually and have made lots of

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new friends. She also praises JA’s After School program, which the twins take part in every day after their classes end at 11:30 a.m. “I felt a lot of guilt sending them somewhere full time while I worked. Some days the teachers are around your children more than you,” she admitted. Scott is the assistant director of College Savings Mississippi, and her husband is the information and outreach director for the Mississippi Forestry Commission. “What’s so special about JA is that the student isn’t just plugged in with their teacher. All of the faculty and all of the older students are invested in those children. The relationships the school helps to forge between older students as mentors to younger students make a huge difference. That’s something very unique to Jackson Academy,” she said. “It is like a family atmosphere the way every single member of the staff of JA cares about every student,” added Scott. “It’s something special, and it’s something I’ve never seen or experienced before. It’s what sets JA apart from any other school.”

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Heightens Positive Outlook Toward Math Through Competition

MATHCOUNTS is a national middle school mathematics competition that nurtures problem-solving skills and encourages achievement with “bee” style contests. More than 40 Jackson Academy students in grades six through eight participate in the program that Rob Triplett, who teaches seventh-grade pre-algebra and coaches football and golf, leads. Any JA student in sixth through eighth grade may participate in the program, which builds a positive attitude about math and makes learning math fun. Students love competition and their desire to be the best motivates them to participate in MATHCOUNTS, Triplett said. “This is no different than athletics,” he said. “We all have the desire to compete.” The program consists of four levels of competition, starting with one at the school, progressing to the chapter competition that includes schools in the Jackson metropolitan area, then state competition, and finally, the national competition. The school competition reduces the number of MATHCOUNTS participants to 10 and they go on to compete at the chapter competition, Triplett said. They must qualify to compete at the state level and again at the national level in Orlando, Florida.

LIFE LESSONS: Students work together as a group outside the classroom to achieve something greater than they could achieve alone. Triplett said he considers himself fortunate to work with MATHCOUNTS because it builds problem-solving skills and more. “Anything in which our students can work as a group to achieve something bigger is a life lesson,” he said. MATHCOUNTS builds students’ confidence, develops critical thinking skills, and serves as good practice for standardized tests such as the PSAT, SAT, and ACT, said Susan Elliott, a former math teacher who sponsored JA’s MATHCOUNTS program for about 15 years before becoming the school’s database manager. Elliott recalled how preparing for competitions meant working on new strategies for problem-solving, but it was fun. “There were always lots of laughs, productive arguments about different ways to come up with solutions to problems, a friendly competitive spirit, and of course. . . good snacks to eat,” she said. TRUE BLUE 17

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J oy Miller teaches visual art, but during her time at Jackson

Academy, she has taught so much more. Step into one of her classrooms (she has two), and you will find an inspiring space full of student creativity in every medium. Most importantly, you will find students enjoying the process of artistic discovery under Miller’s guidance. Miller joined JA’s faculty in 2018 as the Middle School art instructor and has also taught second through fourth grade since the fall of 2019. Originally from Massachusetts, Miller attended Anna Maria College and earned a bachelor’s degree in visual art education, but she has studied and created art since she was a young girl. During her senior year of college and after graduation, Miller worked as a substitute teacher for two school systems in Massachusetts before moving to Mississippi, where she taught art for six years before coming to JA. We sat down to pick Miller’s brain about the benefits and challenges of visual art education. Read an excerpt from her answers below and visit the JA website to view the full interview. Why do you think it is valuable for visual art to be included in a student’s education? “We are all born creative beings, so to educate the whole child, we need to provide space for developing and expressing that creativity. Going to art class gives students a chance to take a break from working in the left/logical side of their brain and enter a slower, more reflective kind of learning. Art provides the opportunity to develop manual dexterity, grit and perseverance, and creative problem solving—all skills useful in so many careers. I’m teaching future doctors, scientists, journalists, parents, artisans, lawyers, and teachers.” What is the first thing you teach if a student lacks experience or natural ability in art? “From the beginning, I teach that art is something that can be learned. No one expects to go to math class knowing everything there is to know about math. They go because they know they need to learn. But frequently people think they already need to be good at art to be successful in an art class. I’m there to teach them because I don’t expect them to know everything. We’re all born creative, but we aren’t all born knowing how to draw or which colors mix to make that perfect green. Those are things that can be taught and learned.” What is your teaching philosophy? “Everyone can learn and enjoy art. I strongly believe creativity is something that should be enjoyed. My heart breaks when adults share their negative experiences with art during their elementary school years and how they now can’t see themselves as an artist: They ‘can’t even draw a

straight line!’ To me, art is so much more than drawing lines, straight or not. It’s an experience that I hope can be positive and rewarding for my students. “Part of making art a positive in children’s lives is helping them personally connect with some part of it. I expose my students to as many art media and techniques as possible. We work with clay, watercolor, printmaking, acrylics, scratchboard, weaving, ink, colored pencil, and so many other exciting materials. Not every student loves every medium. Like I tell them, it’s OK if they don’t like this particular medium or this specific project. But I hope that they’ll connect with at least one medium and develop their confidence and passion as an artist. Last year when I introduced clay to my students, one student got his hands on the clay and contentedly told me, “I’m not good at drawing, [I had never told him that!], but clay...this is my thing.” Or, for another example, my fifth-grade boys last year who, once we started weaving, exclaimed that this was the best thing ever and wanted to weave for every class after that. All my students deserve that experience of discovering something that awakens the creativity inside them.” To read the full interview with Joy Miller and learn more about how she inspires and equips students for all walks of life, visit JACKSONACADEMY.ORG/JOYMILLER. TRUE BLUE 19

AT H LET I C S

JA Senior Athletes Commit to Colleges and Universities Jackson Academy students, faculty, and staff proudly watched six student-athletes from the Class of 2020 sign commitments to play sports at the collegiate level. Athletic Director David Sykes offered the following message before a spring signing event for five athletes: “We’re so very proud of your accomplishments during your time at JA and the successes that you and your teammates have shared together on the athletic field. The entire JA family is proud of you, and we know that your family is as well. Your hard work and dedication, both in the classroom and on the athletic field, have served you well. We wish you the best of luck, and we look forward to watching you compete over the next few years on the collegiate level.”

LONDYN DORSEY signed to play soccer at Holmes Community College. Londyn played soccer at JA beginning in seventh grade and played on the varsity team beginning in ninth grade. In her senior year, she served as team captain, was selected for AllConference, and played in the MAIS All-Star game. Londyn is the daughter of Brandi and Darin Dorsey.

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AT H L E T I C S

TAE STEWART committed to play football at Mississippi College. A multi-sport athlete, Tae played football and competed in track at JA, winning numerous awards in both sports. He was selected for All-Conference in football during his junior and senior years and was selected for the 2019 MAIS All-Star football team. Tae is the son of Margie Brown and Greg Stewart.

CHASE RUSH signed to play football at Mississippi College. Chase played football and baseball at JA and cemented his interest in playing football at the collegiate level in high school. Chase was selected for the 2019 All-Conference football team and served as a team captain in his senior year. Chase is the son of Katrina and Timothy Rush.

LAND GEBHART signed with the University of Mississippi and will join their football team as a kicker. At JA, Land played football and baseball. He earned All-Conference in football, was chosen to serve as a team captain, and was selected for the 2019 MAIS All-Star football team. Land is the son of Marty and Leland Gebhart.

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AT H L E T I C S

WILLIAM JANOUS committed to play soccer at Mississippi College. William played soccer, football, baseball, and ran track at JA. He served as a soccer team captain and was voted MVP during his junior and senior years. William was selected for the All-MAIS soccer team as a sophomore, junior, and senior, and played on the 2020 MAIS All-Star team. William is the son of Leigh and Bill Janous.

CHRISTOPHER MONDIE signed to compete with the Mississippi State University track team. Chris began running track in eighth grade. In 2017 he received the Best of Track award and in 2018 competed in the New Balance Outdoor Track and Field Championship. In 2019 he was the state 4A champion in the 400-meter dash and was recognized as team MVP. Christopher is the son of Marla and James Davis and Earnest Mondie.

HENRY LEE committed to play baseball at Hinds Community College. Henry played on the JA Raiders varsity basketball and baseball teams in high school. In baseball, he was awarded Most Valuable Pitcher, received the Raider Award, and was selected to the MAIS 4A North All-Conference team. Henry also was named to the Rawlings Perfect Game All-Southeast Region Honorable Mention team. Henry is the son of Ann Marie ’91 and Stephen Lee ’91.

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AT H L E T I C S

Volleyball Captures Title, Statewide Recognition Ranked No. 1 overall in Mississippi among public and private schools by Maxpreps, Jackson Academy’s volleyball team captured the state crown and finished with a 43-3 record, undefeated among the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools. In February, the JA community gathered to celebrate accomplishments in volleyball. Students, coaches, parents, faculty, and staff assembled in the gym for the presentation of the Gatorade Mississippi Volleyball Player of the Year banner in honor of Parker Bracken. To celebrate the volleyball MAIS overall championship, team members wore their championship rings for the presentation.

JA Claims Fourth Gatorade Player of the Year Title Since 2013 Parker Bracken was named the 2019-2020 Gatorade Mississippi Volleyball Player of the Year as a Jackson Academy junior. The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Parker as Mississippi’s best high school volleyball player. Parker joins an elite alumni association of state award winners in 12 sports. She is the second Gatorade Mississippi Volleyball Player of the Year to be chosen from JA, following Conley Chinn ’17, who earned the title in the 2015-16 season. Curt Knight ’15 won back-to-back Gatorade

Mississippi Boys Cross Country Player of the Year titles in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons. Parker, a 5-foot-10 outside hitter, led the Raiders to a 43-3 record and the MAIS championship this past season. Parker amassed 648 kills, 517 digs, 120 aces, and 37 blocks, while posting a hitting percentage of .459. A Clarion-Ledger First Team AllState selection and the MAIS Player of the Year, she is a five-time AllMAIS honoree. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection Committee, which works with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished,

Head Volleyball Coach Melissa Denson and 20192020 Gatorade Player of the Year, Parker Bracken.

veteran prep sports journalists to determine the state winners in each sport. Since the program’s inception in 1985, Gatorade Player of the Year award recipients have won hundreds of professional and college championships, and many have also turned into pillars in their communities, becoming coaches, business owners, and educators. TRUE BLUE 23

IN THE FIELD OF PLAY TWO SPORTS REORGANIZING UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP New leaders have taken the helm of Jackson Academy's football and baseball programs. Head Varsity Football Coach Lance Pogue and Head Varsity Baseball Coach Parker Harris have been analyzing their programs, making adjustments, and aligning staff to achieve greater benefits for players and teams. Pogue has added Varsity Offensive Coordinator Thomas “Tommy” Ferrill. Ferrill is the former head coach of Germantown High School in Memphis. He also served in assistant coach roles in Mississippi at Horn Lake High School, Biloxi High School, and East Central Mississippi Community College. Bryan Madden and Danny Robertson remain with varsity, and Trey Bayliss has moved from junior high football to varsity. In addition to his baseball position, Parker Harris has moved from the varsity football staff to junior high head football coach, a role he held four years ago. Serving with Harris on the junior high football staff are coaches Brock Angle, Chad Lessard, and Rob Triplett. 24 TRUE BLUE

Pogue and Harris believe that students are more highly motivated when they have positive relationships with coaches. Both have a vision for player development in Lower and Middle School. Pogue’s staff ing changes put full-time faculty and staff into the varsity and junior high coaching positions, which he says allows students more access to get to know coaches throughout the school day. Similarly, Harris seeks to help younger students get to know coaches. In 2019, Harris and his staff hosted 50 young baseball hopefuls from second through seventh grade for Hitting with the Raiders. The hitting camp let students hone their batting skills and experience “America’s sport” with their friends. Originally recruited by Athletic Director David Sykes, Harris has been serving as an assistant baseball coach at JA since the 2009-10 season. His goals as head coach include growing the baseball program, connecting with students in lower grades, teaching life skills through the game of baseball, and competitively pursuing state championships.

Lance Pogue, Head Varsity Football Coach

Parker Harris, Head Varsity Baseball Coach

AT H L E T I C S

Pog ue, JA’s former defensive coordinator, is recognized for his commitment to excellence and positive intensity. In naming Pogue as head coach, Sykes pointed out Pogue’s past successes, including being the only high school coach in Mississippi who holds a National Championship title and who was the USA Today National Coach of the Year in 2010. “His winning record, philosophy of the game, enthusiastic attitude, and obvious respect from his players make Coach Pogue the right choice to lead JA’s football program,” said Sykes. Both coaches have had to adapt their first seasons amid the COVID-19 pandemic. For Pogue, the team missed spring training due to shelterat-home restrictions, although his athletes continued individual weight training with guidance from JA’s strength coaches. Summer work looked completely different, too. “Indoor restrictions and six-foot spacing—that’s something we are making a conscious, minute-by-minute effort on,” said Pogue. “The one silver lining is that the outside number restriction has been lifted somewhat so when we can get out on the field we can have more groups that are spread out.” He said it has been a lifesaver to lift weights at Club Fitness at Lake Harbor because the space allowed more students to lift. For Harris, students went from the high of playing their first games at Trustmark Park (due to flooding at JA's field) to not returning after spring break 2020 to complete the baseball season. During the absence, his staff used several methods to stay connected. “We had a few Zoom meetings as a team and also used Google Classroom to assign daily work for the players,” Harris said. “The players would report back to us by answering a series of questions each day so we could track their progress.” By summer, the athletes were working out three days a week in the weight room and practicing Monday through Wednesday.

JA baseball players honed their hitting skills using former Tulane University Head Coach Joe Brockoff's Super 8 Hitting System.

“

ife is a struggle at times, and we are L certainly in those times right now. If you have been part of a team, those are things you can draw from because you have had experience at teamwork.”

Pogue has been very pleased with the team’s response to the challenge of the pandemic. Coaches stayed in touch with the team while they sheltered at home and offered “hope and belief” that things would right themselves in due time. Participation in summer workouts was nearly absence-free. He sees the attitudes of the students as tremendously positive, with much gratitude for being back together. “Kids like structure, direction, and discipline, and I think they were excited about being back,” he said. Pogue sees football, and other team sports, as experiences that build important lifelong skills and character. “Life is a struggle at times, and we are certainly in those times right now,” he said. “If you have been part of a team, those are things you can draw from because you have had experience at teamwork.”

Tommy Ferrill, Varsity Offensive Coordinator

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ARTS

A GLIMPSE BEHIND THE CURTAIN REVEALS HARD WORK, LIFE LESSONS, AND HEARTS THAT KEEP SINGING

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n the fall of 2019, Jackson Academy welcomed Middle School Choral Director Reagan Ray to campus. In her first year, she successfully led the seventh- and eighth-grade show choir, Showtime, and the sixth-grade music class, Finale, through challenges and victories. A six-year show choir veteran herself, Ray graduated from Mississippi State University in the spring of 2019 with a music degree and a passion for the field. “Show choir teaches you so many life lessons that are not music-related,” Ray said as she described the benefits of involvement in show choir. “You don’t always realize you’ve learned the lessons until you have to use them.” One of the greatest skills Ray sees students learn is delayed gratification. Students begin learning their competition pieces in the fall semester, well before the first invitational in January, and typically perform them for the last time nearly 10 months later in the Spring Spectacular show choir concert. Ray grew up in Tupelo and began performing with her school’s show choir in the seventh grade. She enjoyed the fun costumes and getting to be a part of a group that sang pop music. “I think I loved show choir so much because I felt seen,” Ray commented. At Tupelo High School, the show choir director listened to and got to know each of her students, setting an example that continues to influence Ray’s life and leadership. At JA, Ray was pleasantly surprised by her students’ work ethic and the support she received from parent volunteers. “A lot is going on beneath the pretty picture,” Ray said, describing how parent volunteers help

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Show choir teaches you so many life lessons that are not music-related. You don’t always realize you’ve learned the lessons until you have to use them.

ENCORE

to ensure that the show runs smoothly. “They’re very, very helpful, and they care a lot.”

Show Choir Masters • Second place in the large division • Third place overall

Enthusiastic and kind, Ray’s presence in the Choral Music Department instantly had a positive impact on her students and fellow staff members. “Miss Ray seamlessly joined the JA show choir team while bringing her unique ideas and gifts to the groups,” remarked Amy Whittenton, JA’s choral music director. “The students instantly fell in love with her energetic and fastpaced teaching style — it keeps them on their toes and wanting to learn more.”

Mississippi Show Choir Contest • Superior Rating • Lizzy Magee - Outstanding Female Performer

For Ray, the end of the competition season brought satisfying results. “Students who weren’t moving their mouths in August are bright, shiny faces on the stage now,” she observed, smiling. The spirited and hardworking sixth-grade music students learned to set and achieve goals and gave a wonderful performance at Christmas. The show choir earned first place at half of their competitions and superior ratings at all of them. While winning awards is a highlight for Ray, normal school days hold moments that bring her students closer together as a group and brighten her day. “One thing that I love is that when Showtime is in class and the bell rings in the middle of a song they’ll just keep singing and walk out,” Ray said, adding that she hopes they never stop singing.

Foothills Classic • Sixth place overall Deep South Classic • Grand Champion • First place in the large division • Best Vocals • Don Waller - First place in the Solo Competition • Lizzy Magee - Outstanding Performer

SHOWTIME Show Choir Masters • Best Vocals • Best Visuals • Best Show Design • First place Mississippi Show Choir Contest • Superior Rating • Fourth place

Foothills Classic • Second place Deep South Classic • Best Vocals • Best Show Design • First place • Zyon McDowell - Outstanding Performer TRUE BLUE 27

ARTS

A CREATIVE

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he fourth quarter of the academic year presented a challenge for teachers and students as they adapted to distance learning. Particularly in classes that required hands-on projects, novel approaches were necessary. Art instructor Susan Ingram said she “completely and totally changed what I would normally be doing” in the last nine weeks of Drawing & Painting, 2D Design, and 3D Design.

hand sanitizer, masks, gloves, toilet tissue, and bleach. Think Rosie the Riveter in J. Howard Miller’s piece with a tape measure enforcing the six-foot physical distance guideline or Van Gough’s self-portrait with a mask affixed to one ear.

“At the beginning of the pandemic, I tried to recreate art projects that students in each of my three courses could create at home. There are many ways to create art, but in the end, I decided that we (including me) could use our iPads,” she explained.

In a second project, students portrayed isolation by recreating famous paintings with the social aspects removed. For instance, in Ava Couey’s piece depicting Georges Seurat’s A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, the seated woman with the red hat and umbrella is no longer surrounded by other Parisians enjoying the view of the River Seine. She is alone with a dog.

First, students took famous portraits and modified them to interject an item associated with COVID-19, such as

“For me, the most challenging part of creating art digitally was not having Mrs. Ingram there in person to answer

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ARTS

ADJUSTMENT 5 Your Environment Warhol-style by 1. Andrew Holmes. Pop Art portraits created by 2. Aiden Rich, 5. Andrew Holmes, and 8. Jalia Coins.

We Can Do It! featuring Rosie the Riveter by 3. Ava Couey.

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An updated verstion of Van Gough’s selfportrait by 4. Annalee LeDuff. Sunshine project by 6. Rob Mahaffey and 7. Drew Barrantine.

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questions or help make decisions for what the projects needed,” said Ava. “I think digital art was a little easier to do because of tools like the eraser or different textures of brushes, but art in the classroom is a lot more fun.”

students used CBS Sunday Morning sun images to inspire them while creating a radial design of the sun to celebrate summer using candy, a sports item, an art item, and an eating utensil.

Students completed iPad projects in which they changed themselves or a friend into a rock star, superhero, and cartoon person, using Pop Art style. “My favorite project was the one inspired by Roy Lichtenstein because it’s fun and colorful, not as serious as other artists,” said Ava.

Although students were challenged by new techniques and working more independently, Annalee LeDuff found that satisfying in the end. “For me personally, creating art at home as opposed to in a classroom was completely uncharted territory,” she said. “At first, I was disappointed that I wouldn’t get to finish my year in class, but I did my best and actually enjoyed making art digitally. It was fun to figure out the technology and experiment with different apps that were offered. I was ultimately happy with the results and proud of my fellow classmates and myself for stepping up during this difficult time.”

Pop Art portraits were followed by a Pop Art style repetition piece where students worked from an interior or exterior photo of their home. Your Environment, Warhol-style was based on an example of Andy Warhol’s 1964 piece 32 Campbell’s Soup Cans. Then, looking ahead to vacation,

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ARTS

Theatre Students Break a Leg at Competition

Theater competition students performed the Mississippi premiere of 937, a one-act play by Don Zolidis, at the Mississippi Theatre Association’s Statewide Festival held at Mississippi State University. The play tells the story of a group of Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany in 1939, capturing the hope and devastation of one of history’s darkest times.

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n the fall of 2019, Jackson Academy Performing Arts opened its season with three performances of the Disney musical Newsies, drawing an audience of approximately 1,500 to the Performing Arts Center. When the strike for Newsies was over, students participating in the theatre’s competition season turned their attention to preparing for their first event of the year. Three festivals and numerous awards later, the students took their final bows of the competition season at ThesCon in late February, closing the curtain on a year of growth and success.

students have an opportunity to see great theatre from around the state, but they also learn to support their fellow theatre artists.”

“Our students learn so much from going to a competition,” Director of Theatre Arts Kerri Sanders said. “Not only do

Competition is particularly enriching because it exposes students to realworld scenarios that they might face in

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Facing the challenge of performing before a panel of judges elevates students’ confidence and competence. As Sanders said, “When we perform in front of our peers, we must be completely confident in the story we have to tell. I feel we have this level of commitment from our students at all times, but it manifests itself in a special way at a competition.”

a career and gives them an opportunity to demonstrate their problem-solving and collaboration abilities. “I had the rare opportunity to see this on display this year at ThesCon,” Sanders said. “Because of spacing issues, there was a break in what should have been our curtain blocking the upstage area — this is the area behind the stage where actors cross back and forth between scenes. The break was there, and the actors were going to be seen every time they crossed. I was amazed to see these incredible actors meet up and decide on a solution: Each time they crossed, they did so in character. No one in the audience knew this was not part of the performance, and they were

ARTS

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impressed by our students' ability to maintain their characters at all times. It was so rewarding to see our students solving problems, communicating, and overcoming obstacles.” Since Sanders began teaching at JA in 2017, she has led students to compete throughout the state. In the 2019-2020 season, JA’s competition cast and crew performed the Mississippi premiere of the one-act play 937 by Don Zolidis at Dramafest in December. In January, students competed in individual events, attended college auditions, and performed in a 10-minute play festival at the Mississippi Theatre Association’s statewide festival. After a send-off performance of 937 for the JA student

body, they finished their season with an award-winning performance at ThesCon at the end of February. “I am always so proud of our students' awards they earn at competitions,” Sanders said. “This year alone we took home numerous All-Star Cast awards, a Best Supporting Actor award, Best Set, and second place overall — among many other individual awards. I am more proud, though, of what we've gained that can't be put on a trophy, and that is our camaraderie, the family we've built, the team we've become. You can't have a successful theatre cast without trust, and I have loved watching these students build that with each other.”

1. A record-breaking number of JA’s theatre students earned recognition at the Mississippi Theatre Association’s Statewide Festival in Oxford. Twenty-two students attended the festival, with 13 students placing in the individual and 10-minute play categories. 2. Thirty-three theatre students attended the Mississippi Thespian Convention in Meridian to serve on the cast and crew of Jackson Academy’s one-act competition play, 937. The group received second place overall and best set design. 3. The 65-member cast and crew of Newsies presented three excellent performances, drawing approximately 1,500 audience members to enjoy the story of newspaper boys who organized a strike.

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ARTS

From the Midwest down the Mississippi River to New Orleans Band Members Trek Part of the Path Portrayed in Their 2019-20 Show

It’s common to hear of high school groups performing in New York, Orlando, or Nashville. Marion, Iowa is a bit off the beaten path. For the Jackson Academy Band and Color Guard, the Midwest was part of their show’s story, and that made a trip off the beaten path all the more worthwhile.

was a safe place to bring students,” said Taylor. “Also, it’s a very unique opportunity for the band to compete in two competitions in one day. As a bonus, the JA kids got to meet my high school band director, as well as compete on the same football field that I marched on many times as a high school student.”

“The field show theme that we brought north was a story about riding a steam-driven paddleboat from the Midwest down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. What an opportunity to show the band the path, as well as share with the audience our Southern history in a unique light,” said Band Director Todd Taylor. The music of this particular show was arranged by Bryant Thaxton ’18.

Visiting the Midwest was a first for numerous students, and that was an added benefit. “Most students are very familiar with the colleges in Mississippi, and any chance to introduce them to a university outside of their comfort zone helps them evaluate their future with a little more insight,” said Taylor. “Touring the University of Iowa campus was a huge eye-opener to everyone.”

The second connection to Iowa came through Taylor himself. Iowa is the band director’s home state. “I love providing new experiences for our students. Iowa is not a common tourist destination, but I’m very familiar with the area and felt it

Band member Ashton Tate gained several insights while in Iowa. “The first is that their sweet tea is just unsweet tea with Splenda, which is not as good as sweet tea in the South. I also learned that much of Iowa is industrial factories where companies

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like Quaker Oats and Capt’n Crunch make their products. The final thing I learned was football is still a big deal in Iowa. I always thought that football was just a really big deal in the South, but it is also a big deal in Iowa,” he said. Students also enjoyed a visit to the St. Louis Arch, ice skating, and lunch at Lambert’s (home of the “throwed” rolls, where waiters make a game of tossing fresh rolls across the dining area to guests). “My favorite part of the trip to Iowa was going to the mall in Cedar Rapids, where they had an ice skating rink,” said Ashton. “I’ve always loved hockey and ice skating, so I spent the entire time at that mall ice skating.” To top off a wonderful travel and learning experience, the JA Band and Color Guard came home with four trophies: fourth place overall in the first competition and first place guard, drumline, and band within their class at the second competition.

ARTS

“ The field show theme that we brought north was a story about riding a steam-driven paddleboat from the Midwest down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. What an opportunity to show the band the path, as well as share with the audience our Southern history in a unique light,�

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ST U D E N TS I N ACT I O N

JA STUDENTS LEARN AND Anna Claire Bush “I have learned that I am not that different from the people I am volunteering to care for.” Despite volunteering with a wide variety of organizations, Anna Claire Bush has always found common ground between herself and those she is serving. She has enjoyed working with many local organizations, including the International Ballet Competition, Covenant Church Camps, Youth Leadership of Greater Jackson, and JA’s After School Program. “I think everyone needs help,” Anna Claire said. “Homeless people I have fed do not only need a plate of food, but also a kind smile and encouragement that it is going to be okay! We are all equal and need help, and should give it when we can. ”

Sandon Guild “I never fully appreciated the people in that position until I had done it myself.” Volunteering opened Sandon Guild’s eyes to small opportunities to make a big difference. Whether he’s keeping families safe as a crossing guard or building Adirondack chairs for group home parents, the rising junior enjoys helping others. Organizations he has served include Boy Scouts of America, Sunnybrook Children’s Home, and First Ridgeland Baptist Church. Sandon found one positive impact of his work was to give busy parents a break. Through volunteering, Sandon says he practiced “willingly helping people without expecting payment other than the satisfaction of lightening the burden of others.”

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STUDENTS IN ACTION

GROW THROUGH SERVICE Trey Johnston “I believe that I need to serve because if I don't, who will?” Trey Johnston’s heart for others is evident in his commitment to building relationships through service. “One of the challenges that I have faced is stepping out of my comfort zone when talking to new people,” Trey said. That hasn’t stopped him, though. His numerous volunteer efforts include serving with Gateway Rescue Mission. At Gateway, he talked with a former NFL player who gave him advice about making the right decisions in life. “I will always remember meeting this man,” Trey said. “My goal was to serve at Gateway and have them get something out of it, but I also got something out of it.”

Landry Lester “I enjoy being able to make others feel noticed and loved.” At school and church, Landry Lester takes the time to care for others. The rising ninth-grader has volunteered at church and helped to lead fundraisers and donation drives with the Middle School Student Council. It is not always convenient or easy to serve. Still, Landry remains motivated by a simple conviction: “I think everyone should be able to feel loved.” Through her volunteer work, Landry has realized how important community support is for everyone. “I’m very fortunate to have my parents, friends, and a great school community—because I have people. However, it would be very hard for me if I didn’t have anyone in my life.”

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STUDENTS IN ACTION

Allie Martin “Helping others access necessary supplies helps me not take them for granted.” Rising ninth-grader Allie Martin volunteers with the Jackson Homeless Women’s Outreach Project. The nonprofit distributes kits of sanitation necessities to women staying at local shelters, helping to protect their health and alleviate some challenges faced by the shelters. Allie often assists by filling the nonprofit’s signature purple bags with donated items and supplies purchased using donated funds. Allie finds that helping others gain access to critical supplies helps her cultivate gratitude. “I find that it feels nice to be able to help people in need,” she said. “I look forward to being able to do more.”

Priya Ray “Volunteering has provided countless opportunities to help make someone smile.” As a volunteer, rising senior Priya Ray practices time management and explores her interest in the medical field while finding ways to make others smile. Priya serves at the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, the Mississippi Children’s Museum, and UMMC’s Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. In the hospital, she frequently works with sickle-cell anemia patients, playing board games, and creating artwork with them. Through her work, she has experienced the power of simple acts of kindness. “I really enjoy helping people in any way possible,” she said.

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STUDENTS IN ACTION

Mary Grace Seago “It makes me feel good to be able to give back through things that I love, such as the sport of volleyball.” Mary Grace Seago’s aspirations and passions fuel her volunteer work. “My dream has always been to be a teacher,” she said. Mary Grace volunteers in her church’s children’s ministry, with Joni and Friends’ Magnolia Classic Dodgeball Tournament, and at Infinity Volleyball Academy. “Volunteering in these ways has taught me to become a better teacher and coach,” she explained. It has also shown her the joy of helping others learn. “I taught my players how to serve the ball over the net. One of the smaller girls was struggling to get the ball over. Finally, she got her serve over and the joy, not only on her face but also her teammates’, was amazing!”

Ashton Tate “I like volunteering because it gives back to the communities that have helped me.” Ashton Tate stays busy giving back at his school, church, and in his home town community. Ashton has volunteered with JA Student Ambassadors, Marvin United Methodist Church, Camp Wesley Pines, and the Florence Mayor’s Youth Council. His tasks have ranged from chopping wood for bonfires to filling bags with food for hungry children. Even as he serves others, Ashton learns new things about himself and has grown in selfconfidence. “Volunteering and acts of service are not always the cleanest, fastest, easiest, or most fun work,” he said. “As unpleasant as it can sometimes be, it is important work.”

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S C H O L AR S

Jernberg Scholar Announced In the spring of 2020, Jackson Academy named rising sophomore Bailey Berry a Jernberg Scholar. The scholarship celebrates JA President Emeritus Peter Jernberg’s significant influence on 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 academics and character. Bailey is the daughter of Heidi and John Berry of Jackson.

Duke Tip In the fall of 2019, Jackson Academy proudly announced that 33 of our Middle School students were selected for participation in the Duke Talent Identification Program’s seventh grade talent search. Duke TIP is a non-profit organization that partners with schools to identify and serve academically talented students through skills assessment, educational enrichment, and research. Students selected for the talent search take either the SAT or the ACT. JA students who qualified for the program are Clyde Huff, Rob Penick, Graves Haraway, Ben Jones, Molly Marie Moody, DeDe Miller, Caroline Flechas, Anna Adkins, Weathersby Dinkins, Lee Margaret Sykes, Brooke Dennis-Singleton, Faith Wicks, Ellen Morgan, Nichols Katsaboulas, James Chapman, McNeil Haraway, Law Stanley; (front) Jack Tate, Stanton Cole, Parker Halford, Anna Ballard Tharp, Addison Jeffcoat, Isabella Palomo, Sophie Henderson, Brooke Emerson Ogden, Logan Rohman, Ella Boykin, Ellie Lohmeier, Sarah Breyden Moulder, Willis Thigpen, John Travelstead, and Micah Wallace. Not pictured: Joe King. 38 TRUE BLUE

SCHOLARS

Cum Laude Inductees The Cum Laude Society recognizes the highest degree of scholastic achievement in secondary schools and has only granted charters to four Mississippi schools. During the 2019-2020 academic year, Jackson Academy’s chapter of Cum Laude welcomed the following students and faculty member to membership.

Juniors

Drew Antici

Thomas Arnold

Gracie Coe

Zoe Ladner

Isabelle Lee

Priya Ray

Seniors

Walker Barnes

Steven Chustz

Courtney Francois

Logan Hatten

Christian Luckett

Azaria McDowell

Emma Collums

Faculty

Chris Tucker

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SCHOLARS

National Honor Society Jackson Academy’s Upper School chapter of the National Honor Society inducted 57 new members to the prestigious organization during the 2019-2020 academic year. Students inducted into the society were:

SENIORS: Brent Butler, Katie Carter, Lizzy Childress, John Eric Clark, Ava DelVecchio, Gracie Eubank, Land Gebhart, Hannah Hardee, John David Hendrick, Sara Evelyn McClintock, Chris Mondie, Douglas Noble, Reeves Stratton, Wisdom Ware, Don Waller JUNIORS: Paul Bautista, Josh Canoy, Mackenzie Coburn, Julianna Copeland, McNeill Dinkins, Mary Grace Downs, Phoebe Guinn, Fumilayo Hall, Hallie Gray House, Zharia Hill, Ari Jackson, Marie Lewis, Anabel McCraney, Hensley Moulder, Thomas Nance, Madeleine Pettus, William Pilkington, Anna Blake Reed, Elena Roberts, Elise Robinson, Bryant Seago, Jack Varner, Kate White, Anne York SOPHOMORES: Abigail Addison, Abby Arnett, Gibson Cheney, Caroline Courtney, Kendrick Davis, Regan Felder, Connor Gee, Sandon Guild, Maggie Koury, Annalee LeDuff, Libby Lohmeier, Parker Lowe, Clayton Mahaffey, Anna Carlisle Nichols, Caroline Redman, Anne Barret Roberson, Fran Wilkirson, Annalee Willson

National Junior Honor Society The National Junior Honor Society recognizes seventh and eighth-grade students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship. Jackson Academy’s National Junior Honor Society chapter inducted 38 new members during the 2019-2020 year. Inductees were (from back, left) Logan Rohman, Ella Boykin, Willis Thigpen, Elizabeth Nichols, Addison Jeffcoat, Aubrey Edmonson, Anna Adkins, Cameron Benton, Caroline Bush, Sophie Henderson, Sarah Breyden Moulder, Bella Palomo, Parker Halford, Joe King, Stanton Cole, Micah Wallace, Jada Lester; (front) Nichols Katsaboulas, Graves Haraway, Rob Penick, John Travelstead, Brooke Emerson Ogden, Caroline Flechas, Weathersby Dinkins, DeDe Miller, Emmely Johnson, Brooke Dennis-Singleton, Faith Wicks, McNeil Haraway, Richard Sumrall, Ben Jones, Miller Usry, and Sam Hussey. Not pictured: James Chapman, Kendell Davis, Kate Frost, Ellie Hogue, and Molly Marie Moody.

National Merit Recognition Miles Johnson earned recognition by the National Merit Scholarship Program as a National Merit Finalist. Students who earn this distinction score in the top 0.5 percent of all high school juniors who take the PSAT. Reese Anderson received an official commendation by the organization for exceptional academic promise, having placed among the top 50,000 scorers in a pool of 1.5 million competitors. 40 TRUE BLUE

SCHOLARS

Hall of Fame Jackson Academy seniors (from back, left) Land Gebhart, Miles Johnson, Brent Butler, Don Waller, Carter Elliott; (front) Anna Roberson, Kennedy Nations, Reese Anderson, Anna Katherine Ray, Lily Grace Thigpen, and Azaria McDowell were inducted into the school’s hall of fame for exemplifying the highest standards of integrity and engagement in all areas of school and community life.

STAR Students and Teachers Recognized The Mississippi Economic Council sponsors t he St udent-Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Program to encourage scholastic performance 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 success. Jackson Academy’s STAR students and teachers for 2019-2020 were Carter Elliott, honoring chemistry teacher Richard West; Miles Johnson, honoring science teacher Sarah Shaw; and Anna Katherine Ray, honoring former Latin teacher Judy McKeigney.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian Anna Katherine Ray, daughter of Martha and William Ray of Madison, was the Class of 2020 valedictorian. Anna Roberson of Ridgeland, daughter of Stacie Roberson and Kaoru and Gary Roberson, was the Class of 2020 salutatorian.

TRUE BLUE 41

SCHOLARS

29+ ACT Jackson Academy celebrates students’ pursuit of academic excellence and college preparedness. In the 2019-2020 academic year, 40 Jackson Academy Upper School students achieved a score of 29-35 on the ACT.

Joseph Adams

Reese Anderson

Drew Antici

Thomas Arnold

Simms Baker

Walker Barnes

Paul Bautista

Emily Burks

Brent Butler

Gibson Cheney

Steven Chustz

Gracie Coe

Emma Collums

Ava Couey

Coleman Dinkins

Carter Elliott

Courtney Francois

Sandon Guild

Avery Hendrick

Caroline Hill

Miles Johnson

Zoe Ladner

Isabelle Lee

Miles Taylor Leverette

Parker Lowe

Christian Luckett

P.J. Martin

Azaria McDowell

Chris Mondie

Sydney Morris

Grace Owens

Virginia Parry

Anna Katherine Ray

Priya Ray

Anna Roberson

Elena Roberts

Emma Roberts

Lily Grace Thigpen

Wes Thomas

Jack Varner

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TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

Teachers of the Year Jackson Academy recognized the 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year award recipients at the Jackson Academy Association’s annual Teacher Appreciation Luncheon. Each year, one teacher from each division is selected by their peers to receive this distinction.

Courtney Denton

Jana Ragland

Courtney Denton received the Preschool Teacher of the Year Award. Denton has taught K4 at JA for four years, beginning in January 2016. Denton attended JA from preprimer through sixth grade before her family moved away from the Jackson area.

Lower School Librarian Jana Ragland was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award for her division. Ragland has taught at the school for 24 years in her 39-year career. Her daughters Emily Ragland Juel and Elaine Ragland graduated from JA in ’05 and ’08, respectively.

Megan Logan

Ann Boswell Carlson

Middle School English teacher Megan Logan received the Teacher of the Year Award for her division. Logan has taught Middle School eighth grade English for three years at JA. Her four children currently attend JA in K4, second, third, and seventh grades.

Ann Boswell Carlson ’03 received the Upper School Teacher of the Year Award. Carlson has taught at JA for six years providing academic support in English to students in each of the four grades of Upper School, but was employed at the school for six years prior to that in various assistant roles.

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JACKSON ACADEMY

CLASS of 2020 Joseph Caldwell Adams

Michael Lilian Alford

Reese McAlister Anderson

Rush Allums Baldwin

Matthew Brent Butler

Catherine Jane Carter

Yasmin Kamyia Chambers

Elizabeth Scott Childress

James Steven Chustz, III

John Eric Clark, Jr.

Robert Fallon Culpepper

Walker Allen Fielder

Courtney LaShae Francois

Leland Dean Gebhart, IV

Tanner Hayes Golden

Sydney Madalyn Guy

Hannah Kate Hardee

Logan McKenzie Hatten

Alayla Nicole Jackson

William Bryan Jameson

William George Janous

Miles McCrillis Johnson

Frank Caswell Jones, IV

Case McKinley Kempthorne

Henry Holden Lee

Harris Fleming McLemore

Christopher Kyle Mondie

Sydney Marie Morris

Ja’Ree Imari Myers

Kennedy Kaitlyn Nations

Douglas Davis Noble

Virginia Anne Parry

Alex Michael Rushing

Kayla Nia Shepherd

Marquiontae Jaquan Stewart

Reeves Elizabeth Stratton

Hailey Alyson Swalley

Lillian Grace Byers Thigpen

Nelson Draughon Thomas

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Walker Christian Barnes

Marilyn Elizabeth Black

Phillip Wesley Bowman, Jr.

Gabriel Alexander Bradley

Nicholas Denzel Brown

Kelsey Quinn Burke

Emily Kate Burks

Ava McKenzie DelVecchio

Terran Renee Demeritte

Bonner Hamilton Dinkins

Londyn McKenzie Dorsey

Virginia Ann Dyess

Carter Peterson Elliott

Elizabeth Grace Eubank

Thad Russell Hawkins, Jr.

Zipporah Faith Hawkins

Anna Gabrielle Healy

John David Hendrick

Michael Woods Herrington, III

Caroline Grace Hill

Anastasia Kelly Hontzas

Christian Michaiah Luckett

Elizabeth Anne Magee

Cyrus Benjamin Lee Manning

Precious Tyronne Martin, Jr.

Sara Evelyn McClintock

Azaria Brianna McDowell

Matthew Edward McKee

Catherine Elizabeth Perry

Benjamin Reese Phillips

Nora Brooks Pickering

Keishun Marice Pickett

Anna Katherine Ray

Anastasia Katherine Roberson

Timothy Chase Rush

William Walker Thomas

Joel William Travelstead, Jr.

Wenton Robert Walker, III

Donald Eugene Waller, Jr.

Wisdom Noelle Ware

Caleb Reed White

Mary Gray White

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CO LLE G E C H O I C E S Joseph Adams Mississippi State University Lily Alford Mississippi State University Reese Anderson University of Mississippi Rush Baldwin Mississippi State University Walker Barnes Mississippi State University Mary Liz Black Mississippi State University Wesley Bowman Southern Methodist University Gabe Bradley Mississippi State University Nick Brown University of Mississippi Kesley Burke Wofford College Emily Burks University of Mississippi Brent Butler Mississippi State University Katie Carter University of Mississippi Yazzy Chambers University of Mississippi Lizzy Childress University of Mississippi Steven Chustz Mississippi State University John Eric Clark Mississippi State University Robert Culpepper University of Mississippi Ava DelVecchio University of Mississippi Terran Demeritte Jackson State University Bonner Dinkins University of Mississippi London Dorsey Holmes Community College Ginny Dyess Staffordshire University United Kingdom Carter Elliott University of North Texas Gracie Eubank Mississippi College Walker Fielder University of Mississippi Courtney Francois University of Southern Mississippi

46 TRUE BLUE

Leland Gebhart University of Mississippi Tanner Golden University of Mississippi Sydney Guy University of Mississippi Hannah Hardee Gap Year Logan Hatten University of Mississippi Russell Hawkins Mississippi State University Zipporah Hawkins University of Mississippi Gabby Healy University of Mississippi John David Hendrick Mississippi State University Trey Herrington University of Mississippi Caroline Hill Texas Christian University Ana Kelly Hontzas Mississippi State University Alayla Jackson Southern University and A&M College Bryan Jameson University of Mississippi William Janous Mississippi College Miles Johnson University of Alabama Frank Jones Mississippi State University Case Kempthorne University of Mississippi Henry Lee Hinds Community College Christian Luckett Howard University Lizzy Magee Mississippi State University Cyrus Manning University of Mississippi Precious Martin Morehouse College Sara Evelyn McClintock University of Mississippi Azaria McDowell University of Southern Mississippi Matthew McKee Tougaloo College Harris McLemore University of Mississippi

Christopher Mondie Mississippi State University Sydney Morris University of Mississippi Ja’Ree Myers Hinds Community College Kennedy Nations Mississippi State University Douglas Noble University of Mississippi Virginia Parry Southern Methodist University Catherine Perry Mississippi College Reese Phillips University of Mississippi Nora Pickering Louisiana State University Keishun Pickett United States Military Academy Preparatory School Anna Katherine Ray Dartmouth College Anna Roberson University of Mississippi Chase Rush Mississippi College Alex Rushing University of Southern Mississippi Kayla Shepherd Mississippi State University Tae Stewart University of Mississippi Reeves Stratton Mississippi State University Hailey Swalley University of Mississippi Lily Grace Thigpen Mississippi State University Nelson Thomas University of Mississippi Will Thomas University of Mississippi Will Travelstead Mississippi College Wenton Walker Mississippi State University Don Waller University of Mississippi Wisdom Ware Tougaloo College Mary Gray White University of Mississippi Reed White University of Mississippi

LI F E R S

S

tudents who graduate from JA after attending the school from kindergarten through twelfth-grade experience the benefits of belonging to the same community throughout their primary and secondary education. Called “Lifers,” these students return to the familiar campus and community year after year during the most significant social, psychological, and educational development of their lives, enjoying a sense of continuity and security even as they change and grow into young men and women.

Class of 2020 Lifers JOSEPH ADAMS

TREY HERRINGTON

LILI ALFORD

CAROLINE HILL

REESE ANDERSON

ANA KELLY HONTZAS

RUSH BALDWIN

ALAYLA JACKSON

WALKER BARNES

BRYAN JAMESON

MARY LIZ BLACK

WILLIAM JANOUS

WESLEY BOWMAN

HENRY LEE

EMILY BURKS

LIZZY MAGEE

BRENT BUTLER

HARRIS MCLEMORE

KATIE CARTER

KENNEDY NATIONS

LIZZY CHILDRESS

REESE PHILLIPS

JOHN ERIC CLARK

ANNA KATHERINE RAY

LONDYN DORSEY

ANNA ROBERSON

GINNY DYESS

REEVES STRATTON

WALKER FIELDER

NELSON THOMAS

TANNER GOLDEN

WILL TRAVELSTEAD

SYDNEY GUY

WENTON WALKER

HANNAH HARDEE

DON WALLER

GABBY HEALY

MARY GRAY WHITE

JOHN DAVID HENDRICK

REED WHITE

TRUE BLUE 47 Class of 2020 Lifer Sydney Guy comes from a long line of Jackson Academy graduates, represented by the initials of her five family members' embroidered on her graduation stole. She also wears the new medallion presented to students who have attended JA since kindergarten.

S C H O L AR S H I PS

2020 Endowed Scholarship Recipients

Maysa Vivians

Simms Baker

Drew Antici

Emily Martin

Zoe Ladner

Ashton Tate

Layla Farmer

Jeffrey Gao

Caleb Hernandez

Sophie Hays

Elizabeth Copeland

Avery Brooks

Andrew Holmes

Regan Felder

Miles Taylor Leverette

Caroline Flechas

Richard Sumrall

Harmon & Faye Bowman Memorial Scholarship

Andrew Yoste Defore Annual Scholarship

Maysa Vivians ’21, Daughter of Stephanie and Tim Vivians Simms Baker ’21, Son of Cynthia Cirilli and Brian Baker ’87

Avery Brooks ’23, Daughter of Marie and Josh Brooks

Scott Branning Scholarship Zoe Ladner ’21, Daughter of Lynn Ladner

The Herschel Brickell Family Endowed Scholarship

Frances Ann Fortner Scholarship Miles Taylor Leverette ’21, Daughter of Jessica and Jay Leverette

Jane Gibbons Memorial Scholarship Emily Martin ’26, Daughter of Betsy ’98 and Larry Martin

Jeffrey Gao ’23, Son of Jie Zheng and Pei Jian Gao

Higgins Family Scholarship

The Glenn Cain Scholarship

Layla Farmer ’26, Daughter of Aubrey Farmer ’96 and Hadleigh ’92 and Frank Farmer

Elizabeth Copeland ’23, Daughter of Debbie ’89 and Edward Copeland Regan Felder ’22, Daughter of Kimberly and Bill Felder Drew Antici ’21, Son of Angie and Brad Antici

Hallie Houston Keyes Memorial Scholarship Sophie Hays ’21, Daughter of Suzy Hays and Pete Hays

The 20th Century Endowed Scholarship

Mary Sprayberry Memorial Art Scholarship

Ashton Tate ’22, Son of Alicia and Michael Tate

Andrew Holmes ’21, Son of Sherry and Cliff Holmes

Julie Dyer Collins Leadership Award

The Leigh Anne Ward Memorial Scholarship

Caleb Hernandez ’21, Son of Allie Hudson and Moy Hernandez

Caroline Flechas ’25, Daughter of Ashlee and Ed Flechas Richard Sumrall ’25, Son of Celina and Rick Sumrall

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JA ANNUAL FUND 2019-2020 STATISTICS Total Annual Fund: $ 460,561.13 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FACULTY AND STAFF

$ 60,345.59

$ 29,860.00

100%

174 Donors (95%)

PARENTS

ALUMNI

$ 337,287.14

$ 116,482.80

332 Donors (42%)

104 Donors (3%)

GRANDPARENTS

PAST PARENTS

$ 129,340.00

$ 120,897.00

98 Donors (8%)

128 Donors (28%)

TRUE BLUE 49

GIVING

JA Annual Fund Donors 2019-2020 Cornerstone Circle $25,000+ Donna and Roger Bozarth Ergon Foundation, Inc. Jackson Academy Association (JAA) Jackson Academy Booster Club Hayley and John Lundy Geri Beth and Allen Smith Specialty Metals Supply, Inc. Wesley A. Caldwell Foundation

Benefactor Circle $10,000+ Lauren and Maury ’98 Breazeale Cross Co. Inc. Sharon Martin and Bobby Graham The James Family Foundation Jan ’98 and Wen Nance* Scarlet and Darrington Seward Carolyn and Jason ’94 Voyles* Rebecca and Robert Watson Ashley ’87 and Mark Willson

Honor Circle $5,000+ Linda and Gene Barrett Josie and Mel Burgess Jennifer and McKie ’94 Edmonson Bridgette and Thomas Iupe* Michelle and Gregory ’91 Johnston Jennifer ’93 and Mike Lowe Morningside Foundation, Inc. Holley and Don Noblitt Christie ’95 and Ashley Ogden Cris and Trevor Pickering Melissa and Scott Runnels Meredith ’89 and Joel Travelstead

Sustainer Circle $2,500+ Marsha and Haley Barbour Lana and Guy ’95 Boyll Leigh and George ’89 Butler Ann and Rick Calhoon Wanda Carmichael Patty and Don Clark Laura and Derek Dyess* Price and Robert Halford Amy and Robert ’90 Hederman Jamie and Bryant Himes* 50 TRUE BLUE

Beth and Jason Hosey Hillary ’00 and Chesley ’99 James Lisa and Michael ’92 Johnson Kinkade’s Fine Clothing LLC+ Lauren and Reid ’94 Lester+ Kristin and Patrick Malouf Cherry and Patrick Mullen Allison ’97 and Jess ’98 New

Visionary Circle $1,000+ Kathy and Larry Accardi Anne Robb and JoJo Adams Brooke and Scot Akins Albriton’s Jewelry Inc.* Rosemary and Les Aultman Deidre and Austin Barbour Allison and Austin ’99 Barrett Ashley ’95 and Jeff Brantley Lamar Chustz Barbara and Jason Craft Fresh Cut Catering and Floral* Fowler Buick GMC Marty and Leland Gebhart Lee Ann and Brad Griffin Claire and Stephen Griner Angie ’96 and Neil Haraway Madison ’99 and Chris Harrell Pat and Peter Jernberg Robin and Ed Kennedy Kathy and Steve Kowalski Janice Laws Mahaffey’s Quality Printing+ Mary Margaret and David ’01 McKinnon Melissa and Jay Meacham Meeks Agency Inc. Julie and Mark McLemore Elizabeth ’93 and Kerk Mehrle Moe’s Southwest Grill* Ashly and Zach ’01 New Nancy New Susan and JoJo Payne Sandy and Charlie Penick Lulu and Scott Pedigo ’90 Vera and Flip Phillips Christy and Billy Quin Laurie and John Raines Martha and William Ray Patty and Michael Robbins Morgan and Aaron Samuels Jeanne ’93 and John ’92 Scarbrough

Leigh and Scott ’92 Shoemaker Mary Elizabeth and J. George Smith Liz and Art Spratlin Lee Ann and Calvin ’94 Thigpen Michelle Gibson-Thompson Rebecca and Charles Tindall Robin and Marty Tucker Eleanor Wettach Mary Carolyn ’90 and Brad Williams Charlotte and John ’90 York Myra and Woody York Ann and Denny Zimmerman

Loyalty Club $500+ Kristin and Sidney Allen Lynn and Leigh Allen Sharon and Jim Armstrong Amy and Clifton Bates The Can Man* Cole Facial Clinic* Hannah and Jack Copeland Steve Davis Alex Eaton* Renee and Conrad Ebner Gail and John England Lydia Lee Cox and Roger Fish Judy and Mike Frascogna Shirley and Jim Futral Jie Zheng and Pei Jian Gao Kathleen and Kyle Gordon* Susan and Pete Hays Lyn ’98 and Breck ’97 Hines Robert Lesley* Infinite Exposure 3 LLC Jennifer and Chris ’93 Mathison Newk’s* Kenneth O’Keefe Mindy and Quinton Perry Leigh Purviance ’83 Patricia and Joe Ross Martha and Mike Summerford Celina and Richard Sumrall Julia and Keith ’00 Studdard Louisa and Tate Thigpen Melanie and Warner Wadlington Shanda and Jason Walenta Joe Ann Ward Lynn and Ben Watson Susan and Walter Weems Kelly ’02 and Louis Wilkinson

GIVING

Scholar Club $250+ 47 Blooms Michelle and James Baquie Annie Laurie and David ’05 Barrett JoAnn and Bob Burke Becky and Paul Cade Susan and Ken Chapman Mysti ’96 and Philip Chustz ’96 Mona and Chris Couey Suzanne and Charley Crell Sherri and Ricky Eiland Deanna and Steve Funderburg Teresita and Jerry Golden Aaron Graham ’04 Mary Jane Greenlee Anna ’01 and Jacob ’99 Haralson Debbie and H. Lee Harris Jean and Scott Hines J. McLaughlin Cindy and Chip Johnson Brandon and Foster ’98 Kennedy Jenna and Mark Lassiter Leslie and Lewis ’90 Lipscomb Sandra and Ken Meacham Jonathan McCullough ’00 McDade’s Fondren* Beth and Tim McWilliams Gloria and Tommy Moore Kristen ’95 and Lee ’93 Nations Kathryn and Chris Nutter Cheryl Johnson and Tom Payne Marsha and Ken Revere Sharon and Tom Rhoden Kristie and Chris Rohman Rosemary and Don Seago Natale and JJ Sheehan Sandy and Lester Smith Bean and Floyd Sulser Nell Tavlin Theodore Waechter Becky and Earl Walker Virginia and Richard Warren Martha and Murray Whitaker Linda Young

Century Club $100+ Vickie Lynn Adams Bhawna and Avichal Aggarwal Suzanne and Jim Almas Angie and Brad Antici*

Judy Arnold Kim and Tripp ’87 Arnold Azad Bhuiyan and Aqfa Sultana Carter and Glenn ’96 Breazeale Janna and Brian Breland Barbara and Pat Brower Janet and Richie Burnette Lind and John Bussey Debbie and William Campbell Leslie and Greg Carpenter Mary Kay ’83 and Wendell ’84 Catchings Pamela Clark Alice and Rod Clement Marimae Coleman Morgan ’09 and Brad Conwill Marlene Cook Julie Evers Crump ’84 Carol and George Evans Hilda Margaret and Bobby Gill Kathleen and Kyle Gordon Marion ’05 and Andrew Gowdey Caleb Graham ’06 Allen Griffin Suzanne ’92 and Cameron Guild ’92 Vicki and Jerry Harmon Mary Lene and Newt Harrison Elizabeth and Glyn Hilbun Josh Hinkle ’15 Courtney and Chad ’96 Hosemann Nancy and Bill Howard Kim and Richard Johnson Carol and Victor Jones Kathleen Keeton Rhoshunda and Mike Kelly Ashley ’83 and Jim Lane Melanie and John ’99 Lauderdale Jane and Larry Lee Melissa Bush Liles ’00 Laurie and John McClintock Corinne and John McCormick Tara and Tyson McCoy Judy and Norton McKeigney Missy and Mike McMullan Mimi and Robert Mehrle Betsey and Will ’03 Mosby Robert Neely Maureen and Harold Oriol Robin and Tom Owens Sandra and Quinton Perry Judy Potter The Prickly Hippie* Lesley and Jamie Priest

Shirlene Priest Nan and Randy Randall Sue and Jim Roberts Dana and Bill Robertson Sherry and Richard Rula Betsy and Joe Samuels Barbara and Ed Sentell Paige and Craig Sessums Kamini and Anil Sharma Matt Smith ’08 Helen and Clay ’94 Summerford Stella Gray and Phillip Sykes Ginger and Stacy Thomas Emily ’12 and Landon ’08 Thompson Rachel and Walt Towery Rebecca ’98 and Michael ’98 Ueltschey Kate and Thad Varner Billie and Joe White Ginger and Bob Williford Patricia and Mark Wise Isabel and John Woods

Anniversary Club $50+ Arin Adkins Rita Gaines Louise and John Hartlein Kerri ’89 and Rusty ’89 Hawkins Matt Hinkle ’03 Cathy and Gene Huff Beth and Harper Keeler Suzanne and Greg Laird Jodie ’98 and Jeffrey Lockhart Nancy and John Studdard Ginger ’94 and Ben Wallace Yonnie and Don Waller Miao and Yan Wang

Scholar’s Club $25+ Betty Breland Ruby and N.Z. Bryant Kathy and Nelson Gibson Shonda and Glake Hill Kathleen ’09 and Caleb Ivy Olive and Doug Rule * In-kind donation was given of equivalent financial contribution + Combination of in-kind donation and financial contribution TRUE BLUE 51

GIVING

JA Annual Fund Faculty and Staff Donors 2019-2020 Sustainer Circle $2,500+ Angie and Brad Antici Nancy and Bill Cheney Caroline and Jack Milne Mary Clay and Matthew Morgan

Visionary Circle $1,000+ Laura and Derek Dyess Patti and Frank Wade Audrey and Jim Wilkirson

Loyalty Club $500+ Catherine and Peter Arnold Sarah Love Mandy and Ray Robertson

Scholar Club $250+ Stacy ’89 and Chris Bates Richard Byrd Ali and John ’84 Dinkins Harriett and Mark Eppes Gloria and Stephen Hirn Sandra and Mike McKay Lisa and Ryan Perkins Paula and Paul Pratt Wanda and James Reeves Colleen and Stan Roberts Suzanne and Tate ’88 Thigpen Sharon and Chris Tucker Jennifer and Brandtley Walker Brittany and Eddie ’03 Wettach

Century Club $100+ Trey Bayliss Beth and Jonathan Blackwell Debbie and Michael Brister Trey Brister Marie and Josh Brooks Hope and Bob Burford Jeremy Burnham Leah and Darin Busby Courtney ’94 and Jason Bush Frances and John ’06 Bussey Catherine and Jon Carter Cathy and Mark Chinn 52 TRUE BLUE

Courtney and Walt Denton Dawn Duncombe Gayle Entrekin Rebecca and Parker Fowler Patricia Frazier Mallory and Daniel Gnemi Laura and Parker Harris Mimi and Andrew ’07 Heard Jane and Mark Hinkle Josh Hinkle ’15 Andrea and Mark Lackey Lynn Ladner Laurie and Don Lewis Lisa and Steve Lofton Evan McCarley Julie and Steven McCartney Madi McNair ’14 Jennifer and Robert Miller Sheri and Clint Moody Gloria Morris Beth Murray Vickie and Kenneth Neal Jamie and Jonathan Pace Wanda and Randy Pearcy Shelle and James Pinkard Laura Pressler Andy Prince Haleigh and Andrew ’09 Ritter Tina Shaw Kerri and James Smith Jan Sojourner Mallory and Richard Stafford Cathy Strauss Nancy and David Sykes Tammy Thompson Meri Scott and Hank ’09 Waterer Tricia Weissinger ’84 Richard West-Griffin Beth Williamson Patrice and John Worley Jamie Wright

Anniversary Club $50+ Whitney Allen Rachel and Lance Anderson Sara Bannerman Taylor and Justin Beard Phillip Buffington Amy and Bill Bush

Ann Boswell ’03 and Chris Carlson Katie and Jamie ’92 Chustz Becky and Bobo Clarke Claudia and Dennis Conklin Jennifer Conway Amanda and Myles Cross Nan and Glen Dear Melissa and Joshua Denson Jennifer Funderburg Jennifer and Rowland Hall Carny and Mike Harkins Debra Hastings Roxie and David Hood Susan Ingram James Kenyon Castlen King Beckie Lee Stancie Ley Michele and Mark ’97 Markow Rosanne and Joe Maxwell Melodi and Tim McNair Kayla and Seth ’00 Mosal Julie Murray Reagan Ray Bronwyn and Danny Robertson Ronnie Rogers Megan and Jacob Rowan Kerri Sanders Sarah Shaw Kathy ’82 and Richard Sheffield Lori Snider Bebe and John Sumner Celia and Bruce Sumrall Linda and John Hugh Tate Todd Taylor Sandra ’09 and Robert Triplett Gordon Weir Amy ’12 and William Whittenton Bonnie and Gray Wiggers Amy Woods

Scholar’s Club $25+ Brock Angle Cindy Bailey Lorraine and David Blount Rex Bradshaw

Bronwyn ’83 and Chris Burford Holly and Webb Collums Abbie Cox Carrie and Wilson Eatherly Susan Elliott Cyndi ’92 and Bryan Eubank Ashley and Ed Flechas April and Mark Foster Katrice and Jeff Hadley Neely Holland Kathy Ingram Linda Lambert Megan and James Logan Bryan Madden ’99 Joy Miller Michelle and Robert Mills Suzanne ’91 and John ’83 Murray Erin and Max ’06 Neely Tyler Parvin Sydney and Christian Pinnen Dixie and Lance Pogue Jana and Lee Ragland Kellie and Jeffrey Rhodes Ana Tucker LaDonna Whitney

Below $25 Angie and Brian Adair John and Ashley Adcock Charlotte and Temple Barry Caleb Canterbury Sarah Clark ’00 Shirley Fortenberry Lynn Green Betsy King Kay and Robert Lane Chad Lessard Rachel Lies Sarah Kathryn Marley ’12 Thomas Martin Aimee Odom Jennifer and Cliff Powers Christy and Chris Richardson Grace Simmons Amanda Smithers Brenda Sullivan Jesse Taylor Katharine Todd Erin and David White Susan and Alan Whitfield

GIVING

Alumni Giving 2019-2020 CLASS OF 1982 Kathy Cockayne Sheffield CLASS OF 1983 Bronwyn Caves Burford Mary Kay Hollis Catchings Ashley Odom Lane John Murray Leigh Purviance CLASS OF 1984 Wendell Catchings Julie Evers Crump John Dinkins Tricia Hollis Weissinger CLASS OF 1986 Phillip Bowman CLASS OF 1987 Tripp Arnold Ashley Edmonson Willson CLASS OF 1988 Tate Thigpen CLASS OF 1989 Stacy Bozarth Bates Leigh Barnett Butler Kerri Quayle Hawkins Rusty Hawkins Cynthia Burney Mahaffey Tim Mahaffey Jan Laws Nance Meredith Montgomery Travelstead CLASS OF 1990 Robert Hederman IV Lewis Lipscomb Scott Pedigo Mary Carolyn Ikerd Williams John York

CLASS OF 1991 Gregory Johnston Suzanne Kinard Murray CLASS OF 1992 Jamie Chustz Cyndi Tomlinson Eubank Cameron Guild Suzanne Greer Guild Michael Johnson John Scarbrough Scott Shoemaker CLASS OF 1993 Jennifer Lee Lowe Chris Mathison Liz Warren Mehrle Lee Nations Jeanne Moak Scarbrough CLASS OF 1994 Courtney Allison Bush McKie Edmonson Reid Lester Clay Summerford Calvin Thigpen Jason Voyles Ginger Van Skiver Wallace CLASS OF 1995 Guy Boyll Ashley Crawford Brantley Kristen Kennedy Nations Christie Evans Ogden CLASS OF 1996 Glenn Breazeale Mysti Futral Chustz Philip Chustz Angie Stubblefield Haraway Chad Hosemann

CLASS OF 1997 Breck Hines Mark Markow Allison Cook New CLASS OF 1998 Maury Breazeale Lyn Edwards Hines Foster Kennedy Jodie Low Lockhart Jess New Michael Ueltschey Rebecca Gough Ueltschey CLASS OF 1999 Chesley James Austin Barrett Jacob Haralson Madison Harrell John Lauderdale Bryan Madden CLASS OF 2000 Sarah Clark Hillary Taylor James Melissa Bush Liles Jonathan McCullough Seth Mosal Keith Studdard CLASS OF 2001 Anna Smith Haralson David McKinnon Zach New Caroyln Hartlein Noblitt CLASS OF 2002 Kelly Jeanes Wilkinson

Scott Noblitt Eddie Wettach CLASS OF 2004 Aaron Graham CLASS OF 2005 David Barrett Marion Keyes Gowdey CLASS OF 2006 John Bussey Caleb Graham Max Neely CLASS OF 2007 Andrew Heard CLASS OF 2008 Matt Smith Landon Thompson CLASS OF 2009 Morgan Hewes Conwill Kathleen Ivy Andrew Ritter Sandra England Triplett Hank Waterer CLASS OF 2012 Sarah Kathryn Marley Emily Turbeville Thompson Amy Whittenton CLASS OF 2014 Madi McNair CLASS OF 2015 Josh Hinkle

CLASS OF 2003 Ann Boswell Johnson Carlson Matt Hinkle Will Mosby

Congratulations Class of 1989! Reunion classes of 1984, 1989,1994,1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014 competed with their Annual Fund donations given between October 7, 2019 through December 31, 2019. The class with the highest giving percentage will get its class year engraved on the Raider Cup! The 2019 winner of the Raider Cup is the Class of 1989. TRUE BLUE 53

GIVING

Grandparent Society 2019-2020 Kathy and Larry Accardi Vickie Lynn Adams Lynn and Leigh Allen Rosemary and Les Aultman Marsha and Haley Barbour Donna and Roger Bozarth Betty Breland Barbara and Pat Brower Ruby and N.Z. Bryant Janet and Richie Burnette

Lind and John Bussey Ann and Rick Calhoon Wanda Carmichael Susan and Ken Chapman Cathy and Mark Chinn Lamar Chustz Patty and Don Clark Marlene Cook Polly Crosthwait Carol and George Evans

Ergon Foundation, Inc. Lydia Lee Cox and Roger Fish Shirley and Jim Futral Teresita and Jerry Golden Mary Jane Greenlee Allen Griffin Debbie and H. Lee Harris Vicki and Jerry Harmon Elizabeth and Glyn Hilbun Jean and Scott Hines

Susan and Pete Hays The James Family Foundation Carol and Victor Jones Kathleen Keeton Robin and Ed Kennedy Kathy and Steve Kowalski Linda Lambert Jenna and Mark Lassiter Jane and Larry Lee Sandra and Ken Meacham

JAA True Blue Raiders 19-20 Kristin and Sidney Allen Angie and Brad Antici Lindsey and Matt ’99 Armstrong Catherine and Peter Arnold Lisa and Craig Bailey Ashley and Gabe Baldwin Elizabeth and Al Banks Deidre and Austin Barbour Michelle and Kevin Barnett Suzanne and Tommy ’94 Barnette Taylor and Justin Beard Heather and Russell ’92 Bennett Malinda and Reagan Brown Josie and Mel Burgess Leigh ’89 and George Butler Olivia and Chris Champion Katie and Jamie ’92 Chustz Bethany and Chad Cooley Barbara and Jason Craft Emily and John ’94 Decker Lauren ’02 and Preston Denley Courtney and Walt Denton Carrie Ann and Wilson Eatherly Jennifer and McKie ’94 Edmonson Kimbrell ’05 and Erick Evans Mary Margaret and Kevin Gay Kysia and James Geary Marty and Leland Gebhart Emily and Kyle Godfrey Bethany and Preston ’03 Gough Neeli and John Graham Emily ’96 and Stephen ’95 Greer Rebekah and Josh Gregory Brad and Lee Ann Griffin Shannon ’98 and Kevin Hahn 54 TRUE BLUE

Price and Robert Halford Whitney and Matthew Harris Amy and Robert ’90 Hederman Andrea and Chris Hederson Lyn ’98 and Breck ’97 Hines Katie and Rhett Hobgood Shea and Richard Hosch Courtney and Chad ’96 Hosemann Michelle and Greg ’91 Johnson Reagan and Alan ’90 Jones Quinn and Bradley ’99 Kellum Rhoshunda and Mike Kelly Brandon and Foster ’98 Kennedy Jessica and Nicholas Laura Ann Marie ’91 and Stephen ’91 Lee Lauren and Reid ’94 Lester Jana and Craig Long

Ramsey ’02 and Brian Long Mae and Clark Luke Kindal ’98 and Chris Lutken Mandy and Charlie Lynskey Stephanie ’00 and Colin Maley Michele and Mark ’97 Markow Olivia and Mike Martin Whitney and Graves Maxwell Laurie and John McClintock Mary Margaret and David ’01 McKinnon Lauren and Brandon Meeks Elizabeth ’93 and Kerk Mehrle Lauren and Nick Miller Caroline and Jack Milne

JAA Board 2019-20 (Back, left) Rebekah Gregory, Cynthia Mahaffey, Allison New, Mysti Chustz, Jeanne Scarbrough, Jennifer Salvo, Courtney Williams, Tisha Koury (Front, left) Kristin Malouf, Lauren Denley, Lauren Meeks, Brandon Kennedy (Advisor), Shelie Lucas

GIVING

Corinne and John McCormick Mimi and Robert Mehrle Gloria and Tommy Moore Morningside Foundation, Inc. Vickie and Robert Neal Nancy New Holley and Don Noblitt Maureen and Harold Oriol Sandra and Quinton Perry Vera and Flip Phillips

Judy Potter Shirlene Priest Sharon and Tom Rhoden Patricia and Joe Ross Sherry and Richard Rula Betsy and Joe Samuels Rosemary and Don Seago Sandy and Lester Smith Bean and Floyd Sulser Martha and Mike Summerford

Amy and Jack Moreman Mary Clay and Matt Morgan Carolyn ’01 and Scott ’03 Noblitt Christy and Shannon Orr Dianna and Tony Patterson Sandy and Charlie Penick Jeanine and Steve Pickering Candace and Charles Plunkett Paula and Paul Pratt Dana and Bill Robertson Kristie Rohman Jocelyn and T.C. Rollins Keira and Daniel Rushing Morgan and Aaron Samuels Vanessa ’95 and John Petty Sandifer

Louisa and Tate Thigpen Nell Tavlin Rebecca and Charles Tindall Melanie and Warner Wadlington Becky and Earl Walker Joe Ann Ward Virginia and Richard Warren Eleanor Wettach Martha and Murray Whitaker

Carolyn and John Satcher Stacy and David ’93 Seago Natale and JJ Sheehan Leigh and Scott ’92 Shoemaker Caroline and Kirk ’02 Sims Jennifer and Ben ’93 Skipper Liz and Art Spratlin Mary Ellen ’99 and Jeff Stancill Mandi and Bob Stanley Stella Grace and Phillip Sykes Linda and John Hugh Tate Amy and Anthony Thaxton Lee Ann and Calvin ’94 Thigpen Suzanne and Tate ’88 Thigpen Carmen and Adam ’03 Thrash

Billie and Joe White Ginger and Bob Williford Patricia and Mark Wise Isabel and John Woods Myra and Woody York Linda Young

Staci ’99 and Brent Tyler Rebecca ’98 and Micheal ’98 Ueltschey Stephanie and Timothy Vivians Jennifer and Brandt Walker Story ’94 and Todd ’90 Warren Kyla and David ’00 Weems Alexa and Steven Wier Kelly ’02 and Louis Wilkinson Jane Claire and Nason Williams Mary Carolyn ’90 and Brad Williams Alicia and Sam Williford Ashely ’87 and Mark Willson Katherine and JR Woodall Jamie and Ellis Wright Meredith ’00 and Harrison ’97 Young

JAA Corporate Sponsor List Anna and Fred Asher Baker Donaldson Balch and Bingham Bankfirst Bankplus Amy and Cliff Bates Betsey Mosby Interior Design Lana and Guy ’95 Boyll Bradley Ararnt Carizano Cawthorn Davis Canton Mart Shopping Center Capital Orthopedics Capital Copy and Imaging Mysti ’96 and Philip ’96 Chustz Clarkinator Holdings Stephan and Tabitha Clay Club4fitness Amanda and Myles Cross

Darrington Seward Dsqaured Dr. and Mrs. Derek Dyess Ergon First Commercial Bank Hammett Gravel Co, Inc. Angie ’96 and Neill Haraway Herrin Gear James KTB Wealth Partners Lands End School Liberty Financial a Division of ETFC Livi James Mathison Insurance Partners, Inc. Emily and Chris McNeil Mississippi Urology Clinic, PLLC Allison ’97 and Jess ’98 New Ashly and Zack ’01 New

Ogden and Associates Paul Moak Automotive Peters Real Estate Porter and Malouf Christy and Billy Quin Renasant Bank Shorter Productions Sunbelt Sealing, Inc. TEC The Smith Law Firm The Women’s Clinic Valley Foods Carolyn and Jason ’94 Voyles Lynn and Ben Watson Williams Newman Williams, PLLC Young and Milling Pediatric Dentistry

TRUE BLUE 55

GIVING

Booster Club 2019-2020 Natalie and Todd Adkins Angie and Brad Antici Anna and Fred Asher Janice and Boo Baker Deidre and Austin Barbour Marty Barnes Suzanne and Tommy ’94 Barnette Amy and Cliff Bates Lauren and Frank Benner Esther Benson Audra and Phillip ’86 Bowman Lorraine and Smith Boykin Lana and Guy ’95 Boyll Jennifer and Mike Bracken Janna and Brian Breland Tina and Brian ’87 Brown Mary Alice and Steve Browning Terann and Niles Bryan Jane and Barry Burks Leigh ’89 and George Butler Carol Cannon Katie and Jamie ’92 Chustz Lamar Chustz Mysti ’96 and Philip ’96 Chustz Tabitha and Stephen Clay Angie and Philip Coburn Debbie ’89 and Edward Copeland Mona and Chris Couey Amy and Michael Courtney Barbara and Jason Craft Kelly and Blake Cress Myles and Amanda Cross Anne and Shay Daly

Heather and Rick Deaton Emily and John ’94 Decker Lindsay ’94 and Dodd ’92 Dehmer Dave Deviney Jenna and Cameron Diket Heath Douglas Dana and Gordon Downs Jennifer and McKie ’94 Edmonson Sherri and Ricky Eiland Lee Ann ’88 and Mike Elinski Suzy and Todd Everett Kimberly and Bill Felder Allison and Allen Fielder Ashlee and Ed Flechas April and Mark Foster Beebe and Nick Garrard Mary Margaret and Kevin Gay Kysia and Jim Geary Marty and Leland Gebhart Erica and Jeff Gibson Kristal and Joe Golden Stefanie and Alan Grant Jennie and Brett Graven Brooke and Charles Greenlee Emily ’96 and Stephen ’95 Greer Lee Ann and Brad Griffin Sarah ’92 and Sean ’87 Guy Price and Robert Halford Angie ’96 and Neil Haraway Madison and Chris Harrell H Lee and Debbie Harris Kerri ’89 and Rusty ’89 Hawkins Susan and Pete Hays

Athletic Corporate Community Partners ANCHOR LEVEL

FOUNDING LEVEL

Mac Haik Ford Merit Health Mississippi Sports Medicine Trustmark Bank

BankPlus C Spire Cole Facial Clinic Environment Masters Fowler Buick GMC Pepsi/Brown Bottling Group

56 TRUE BLUE

Angela and John Healy Amy and Robert ’90 Hederman Chan Henry Laura Hillman Lyn ’98 and Breck ’07 Hines Meredith and Michael Hogue Sherry and Cliff Holmes Louise Hooker Beth and Jason Hosey Jennifer and Rafe Hudson Linda Carol and Tom ’93 Hudson Cathy and Gene Huff Anne and Bill Hussey Leigh and Bill Janous Cindy and Chip Johnson Reagan and Alan Jones Brandon and Foster ’98 Kennedy Robin and Ed Kennedy Stacey and Jimmy Kitchens Lynn Ladner Kaye and Bryant Lang Melissa and Jeffrey Laseter Stacie and Jeff Leduff Angie and Mitch Lee Ann Marie ’91 and Stephen ’91 Lee Lauren and Reid ’94 Lester Jana and Craig Long Jennifer ’93 and Mike Lowe Hayley and John Lundy Mandy and Charlie Lynskey Cynthia ’89 and Tim Mahaffey Jennifer and Chris ’93 Mathison Laurie and John McClintock Justin McClure Lisa Gibson-McKee and Randy McKee Nicole McMichael Lauren and Brandon Meeks Elizabeth ’93 and Kerk Mehrle Jennifer and Robert Miller Gina and David Mulholland Steve Nail Jan and Wen Nance Kristen’95 and Lee ’93 Nations

GIVING

Barbara and Perry Nations Allison ’97 and Jess ’98 New Ashly and Zach ’01 New Christie ’95 and Ashley Ogden Ronica and Steve Palato Katie Parker Lauren and Wilson Parry Dianna and Tony Patterson Jean Anne Patton Lulu and Scott ’90 Pedigo Sandy and Charlie Penick Mindy and Quinton Perry Courtney ’01 and Sam ’00 Peters Emily and Gary Pettus Paula and Paul Pratt Christy and Billy Quin Kecia and Corey Ray Martha and Wiliam Ray Mandy and Brad ’97 Reeves Patrick Ridgeway Linda and Reginald Rigsby Stacy and James Roberts

Rachel and Craig Robertson Kristie and Chris Rohman Gene and David Ross Christina and Kurt Rushing Susan and John Ryan Jennifer and Frederick ’94 Salvo Jeanne and John ’92 Scarbrough Rosemary and Donald Seago Gina and Lee ’90 Seago Stacy and David ’93 Seago Paige and Craig Sessums Darrington Seward Leigh and Scott ’92 Shoemaker Paige Slade Geri Beth and Allen Smith Mechelle and Win Smith Mandi and Bob Stanley Margie and Greg Stewart Owen ’89 and John Stratton Helen and Clay ’94 Summerford Alyson ’89 and Scott Swalley Stella Gray and Phillip Sykes

Gay and Danny Tadlock Alicia and Michael Tate Lee Ann and Calvin ’94 Thigpen Ginger and Stacy Thomas Crystal and Zach Thompson Lori and Gary Towery Rachel and Walt Towery Meredith ’89 and Joel Travelstead Cynthia and John Turner Rebecca ’98 and Michael ’98 Ueltschey Elizabeth and Jeff ’94 Upchurch Kate and Thad Varner Shanda and Jason Walenta Rivers ’97 and Shaun Walker Story ’94 and Todd ’90 Warren Lynn and Ben Watson Sarah and Les White Jeanie and Brent Whittington Mary Carolyn ’90 and Brad Williams Nikki and Rex ’89 Williams Ashley ’97 and Mark Willson Meredith ’00 and Harrison ’97 Young

JAAG DONORS 2019-2020 Catherine and Peter Arnold Amy and Cliff Bates Stacy ’89 and Chris Bates Judy and Bill Barnett Leigh ’89 and George Butler John Caldwell Nancy and Bill Cheney Mysti ’96 and Philip ’96 Chustz Lamar Chustz Holly and Webb Collums Charles and Margaret Craft Laura and Derek Dyess Suzanne ’92 and Cameron ’92 Guild

Kristen Guinn James Kenyon Stacie and Jeff LeDuff Bridgette and Thomas Iupe Cynthia ’89 and Tim Mahaffey Shani and Jackie Meck Jan ’89 and Wen Nance Christie ’95 and Ashely Ogden Ken O’Keefe Mary and Andy Prince Reagan Ray Sue and Jim Roberts Dana and Bill Robertson

Kerri and Micheal Sanders Rebecca and C.S. Tindall Ginger and Stacy Thomas Yonnie and Don Waller Mary Carolyn ’90 and Brad Williams Stephanie and Ben Woods Amy ’12 and Will Whittenton

TRUE BLUE 57

C L AS S N OT E S

1983 KRISTINE HILTON BUI lives in Brandon. She is the Branch Manager at One Main Financial. Her 13 year old son, K.C., attends Jackson Academy.

Mississippians and approximately 85 percent of the state’s landmass. Paul represents the interests of the electric cooperatives before the Mississippi State Legislature and serves as a liaison between association members and numerous government offices and agencies. He and his wife, Jacque, live in Madison. They have two children: Avery, a 2020 graduate of Ole Miss, and Landes, who is a sophomore at Ole Miss.

1988 GLENN SIMPSON married Kristi Davis on June 6, 2020. Glenn is an IT network administrator for Sourcelink and Kristi is an accountant. They live in Madison. Kristine Hilton Bui Family

1985 JO BETH CRESPINO AVDOYAN has been a travel consultant for 29 years with McGehee Cruise & Vacation, Inc. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jo Beth has been working diligently to help her clients reschedule their trips and inform them about travel changes due to the pandemic. Jo Beth and husband, James David, have a daughter, Addison, JA Class of 2019, who attends the University of Mississippi and has been accepted under the freshman early entry program to UMMC School of Nursing beginning June 2021.

1986 PAUL “SCOOTER” PURNELL currently serves as vice president, government relations and general counsel for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi, a trade association consisting of 26 electric power associations located throughout the state. He has lobbied on behalf of the organization since 2009 and became head of the government relations department in 2016. Electric power associations are member-owned, not-for-profit cooperatives that provide electric service to 1.9 million 58 TRUE BLUE

1989 MEREDITH TRAVELSTEAD was voted a Favorite Local OB-GYN in Parents and Kids magazine.

KRISTI PATRICK WILLIAMS and husband, Josh, live in Bakersf ield, 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 (12) and Carson (11).

1994 FREDERICK SALVO is a shareholder at Baker Donelson, and Jennifer is an attorney with the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor. Their three children are all at JA, Natalya is an eighth-grader, Olivia is a seventh-grader, and Frederick is a second-grader.

1995 BO MCCOLLUM is a pulmonary and critical care physician at Forrest General Hospital. Bo and his wife, Alice, live in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, with their two children, Ramsay and Cade.

1996 Meredith Travelstead

1993

Todd and KASEY SAMPLE LEMKIN live in Los Angeles, California, with their four sons, Camp, Ryder, Dublin, and Forest. Todd is the chief investment officer at Canyon Partners. Kasey serves on the angel committee for Baby2Baby, a charity that provides children living in poverty with basic necessities. She is also active on the Bel-Air Country Club tennis team and serves on several committees at Brentwood School.

RENEE RODRIGUEZ GUEST and husband, Tal, live in Madison and have two children, Mary Bratton and Beau. L E E a nd K R I ST E N K E N N E DY NATIONS live in Madison. Lee is the president of ABC Mississippi, and Kristen works as a physical therapist. They have two children, Kennedy, a 2020 graduate, and Merritt, class of 2023.

Renee Rodriguez Guest Family

CLASS NOTES

continue live performance in a socially distanced environment. He is on the permanent creative team of “Call Time: Alice in Wonderland” and appeared as a performer in episode 5 as The Caterpillar and in episodes 8, 9, 11, and 12 as the King of Hearts. He also helped develop accompanying educational materials. The educational materials were designed to assist parents struggling with athome activities and simple learning opportunities during the pandemic.

JENNIFER VIRDEN CRISSEY and her husband, Chris, live in Madison. Jennifer is currently teaching geometry at GHS while sponsoring Mu Alpha Theta and coaching girls’ powerlifting. She is also working on a Ph.D. in Science and Mathematics Education at USM. Chris is the owner of Ray Ray’s Lawn Service, LLC.

Kasey Sample Lemkin Family

1998 FOSTER KENNEDY serves as the first vice president in commercial lending at Trustmark Bank. He and his wife, Brandon, have two children, Adams and Baird, who attend JA. REBECCA GOUGH and MICHAEL UELTSCHEY live in Jackson and welcomed their fourth child, Olivia Hampton, on February 10, 2020. They have three children who attend JA, Anderson, Taylor, and Tanner. Michael works for BXS Insurance in Jackson, and Rebecca is the co-owner of Smitten Gift Boutique in Ridgeland.

2000 STEPHANIE BAKER MALEY and husband, Colin, live in Madison. Colin is an attorney. They have two children who attend JA, Brennan and Clayton.

2002 JOHNATHAN LOWERY is a movement artist and a director in Rochester, New York. During the pandemic he began teaching online physical theatre training courses and developing vir tually staged theatre productions as ways to

Jennifer Virden Crissey Family

Johnathan Lowery

2003 MATT HINKLE recently graduated from the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The Executive Fire Officer Program is highly competitive accepting only 200 firefighters from around the world each year and has an attrition rate of nearly 50 percent. Upon completion of the fouryear program, Matt was granted the title of executive fire officer by the United States Fire Administration and the 116th Congress of the United States. Matt lives in Jackson. Betsey and WILL MOSBY live in Jackson with their daughter, Pryor. Will is account vice president, portfolio manager at UBS Financial Services Inc. Betsey is the owner and designer of Betsey Mosby Interior Design and The Finery.

2005 Lindsey and JACK HARRIS live in Jackson with their son Jack. Jack is an employee benefits consultant with Fisher Brown Bottrell, and Lindsey is the assistant director of development at Mississippi Children’s Museum. The Harris’ are expecting their second child in August. MARION KEYES and husband, Andrew Gowdey, live in Meridian with their daughter, Millie. Andrew is a urologist. They are expecting their second child, a boy, in September. EMILEE PEEPLES MILLING recently purchased Simmons and Young Pediatric Dentistry and is the sole practitioner. Emilee and her husband, Matthew, have two children, Julia and Jane. Matthew is a nurse anesthetist. They live in Jackson.

2004 MARK ADCOCK is the accounting director for Nike, Inc. Mark and his wife live in Portland, Oregon.

Milling Pediatric Dentistry TRUE BLUE 59

CLASS NOTES

2008

2012

LANDON THOMPSON married EMILY TURBEVILLE ’14 on March 7, 2020. The Thompsons live in Jackson where Landon is an insurance agent with Rusty Healy Agency and Emily is in dental school at UMMC.

KELSEY PETTUS BERRY and husband, Jack, live in Charlottesville, Virginia, where Kelsey recently matched into a pediatric residency at the University of Virginia. Jack is a CPA.

2009 MORGAN HEWES CONWILL and husband, Brad, live in Jackson with their two sons, Frederick and Felix. Morgan works for Bekeson Glass as the quality assurance and shipping receiving manager. Brad is a self-employed small business owner.

HULL BOLLS lives in Jackson and is a financial advisor with Bolls & Wells Wealth Management. ALEX CALHOON lives in Washington, D.C., and works as deputy communications director for the U.S. Senate. Alex is engaged to Christopher Miller, who is a legislative aide. The couple is getting married on November 7, 2020, in Oxford, Mississippi. ABBY HORNER lives in Memphis, Tennessee, and works in the pediatric ER at Baptist Hospital. She is engaged to marry Richard Willis on July 11, 2020, in Jackson. Richard works as a police officer.

Morgan Hewes Conwill Family

2011 K AT I E K E N N E DY a nd M AT T DENNY ’12 live in Memphis where Katie is a preschool teacher at St. George’s Independent School and Matt works as a senior associate at Jones Lang Lasalle, a commercial real estate company. In April, Matt was named one of seven rising stars throughout the company. He has also recently received the “Gold Baton Award,” which honors team players who recognize the contributions and achievements of colleagues, exhibit a willingness to pitch in, and are solution-oriented. 60 TRUE BLUE

ELIZA BETH STR AUSS has been working as a nurse at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville since graduating with honors with a BSN from the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing in Oxford, Mississippi in August 2018. Elizabeth currently works in the Transplant and Surgical Unit as an adult acute care nurse but is scheduled for a summer transfer to pursue her goal working in the Pediatric Oncology Unit at Vanderbilt.

Elizabeth Strauss

WILLIAM MOAK lives in Madison and is a physical therapist.

MEG BOYLES recently moved to Tucson, Arizona, and began working for the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona this year as their development coordinator.

ELLIE YATES and COLE STACY live in Jackson where Ellie is a valuation associate with CBRE and Cole is a sales representative with Capitol Hardware in Ridgeland.

CAROLINE WALKER lives in Jackson and works for Heritage Properties. Caroline is engaged to Daniel Reed. The couple is getting married on October 3, 2020.

2013

2015

CAT H ER I N E ST R AUSS received the traditional white coat on August 7, 2020, marking the beginning of medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

ELIZA LUNDY lives in Washington, D.C., and works in Congressman Michael Guest’s Office.

2018 AVERY ANDERSON is a sophomore at Tulane University studying English and communications. She is a Phi Mu, a Newcomb Scholar, and an editor for Tulane Hullabaloo, the school newspaper.

Catherine Strauss

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

M E M O R IALS

Memorials 2019-2020 BOBBY BOWICK Husband of former JA parent Betty Bowick and Father of Robert Bowick ’91; served as organizer of the 1988-1989 Transcontinental Game between JA and San Marino. A picnic table has been given in his memory by those listed. JoAnn and Bob Burke Judy and Mike Frascogna Patricia and Joe Ross Virginia and Richard Warren SUSAN BROWN Mother of Keith Brown ’88 and Meg Brown Edwards ’90 Pat and Peter Jernberg Julie Murray SHARON CLARK Mother of JA teacher Sarah Clark Judy Arnold Lorraine and David Blount Mysti and Philip ’96 Chustz Amanda and Myles Clark Becky and Bobo Clarke Kathy and Nelson Gibson Georgia Gibson Lynn Green Louise and John Hartlein Susan Ingram Pat and Peter Jernberg Kay and Robert Lane Sarah Love Rosanne and Joe Maxwell Julie Murray Carolyn and Scott ’03 Noblitt Nan and Randy Randall Jan Sojourner Patti and Frank Wade Rachel Wade ’10 Sarah Wade ’13 Bonnie and Gray Wiggers Patrice and John Worley ASHLEIGH ARNOLD DEHMER ’83 Former JA teacher and former wife of Josh Dehmer ’83 Kathy Ingram Beth and Harper Keeler Suzanne ’91 and John Murray ’83 Tricia Weissinger ’84 BOB DONNELLY Husband of former JA staff member Mary Donnelly Pat and Peter Jernberg

THEO DINKINS II Father-in-law of Lower School librarian Ali Dinkins. Father of John Dinkins ’84 and grandfather of Bonner Dinkins ’20, Coleman Dinkins ’21, McNeill Dinkins ’21, and Weathersby Dinkins ’25 Ali and John ’84 Dinkins VIRGINIA ENGLAND Mother of JA teacher Betsy King and JA board member John England and grandmother of JA teacher Sandra Triplett ’09 Betsy King PATSY FUTVOYE Mother of Alan Futvoye ’77, Laura Futvoye Barnett ’85, and Matthew Futvoye ’91 Jane and Robert Hederman Pat and Peter Jernberg PRESTON H. GOUGH, JR. Father of Laura Gough Elmer ’95, Rebecca Gough Veltschey ’98, and Preston Gough, III ’03 and Grandfather of JA students Anderson Ueltschey ’25, Taylor Ueltschey ’27, Tanner Ueltschey ’29, Preston Gough ’29 and Ann Roark Gough ’32 Lamar Chustz BO CHEE SETO JEW Mother of Ashley Jew Markham ’01, Nicholas Jew ’04, Nathan Jew ’07, and Christopher Jew ’11 Pat and Peter Jernberg EARL KEYES Father of Susan Keyes Ward ’82 and Grandfather of Krysten Jernigan ’06, Adam Keyes ’09, Franklin Keyes ’09, Houston Keyes ’10, Marion Keys Gowdey ’05, Brett Ward ’09, and Ryan Ward ’07 Judy Arnold Pat and Peter Jernberg Patti and Frank Wade Rachel Wade ’10 Sarah Wade ’13 BILL KING Former JA teacher and husband of former teacher Jean Sanders King Kathleen Ivy Pat and Peter Jernberg TOM KIRKPATRICK, SR. Father of the late Tom Kirkpatrick, Jr. ’83 and husband of the late Judy Kirkpatrick, former JA Librarian Lamar Chustz Pat and Peter Jernberg

TRUE BLUE 61

MEMORIALS

Memorials 2019-2020 (CONTINUED) G.P. LAWRENCE Grandfather of JA students Sadie Veazey ’32 and Slates Veazey ’28 Wanda Carmichael MART MCMULLAN Father of Mart McMullan ’91 and Grandfather of Robert Crisler IV ’16 and Jack Crisler ’19 and JA student Caroline Crisler ’22 Pat and Peter Jernberg HUGH MELDON MCWILLIAMS Father of former JA staff member Tim McWilliams and Grandfather of Hannah Lewis ’08 and Zach McWilliams ’14 Pat and Peter Jernberg Beth and Tim McWilliams HELEN PAGE Mother of Patti Wade, Director of Marketing and Communication, and Grandmother of Rachel Wade Hudson ’10 and Sarah Wade ’13 Sarah Love Pat and Peter Jernberg Patrice and John Worley GEORGE POTTER Father of Debbie Copeland ’89 and Grandfather of JA students Julianna Copeland ’21 and Elizabeth Copeland ’23 Judy Arnold Kim and Tripp ’89 Arnold

BOB ROGERS Father of JA coach and teacher Ronnie Rogers Susan Ingram Pat and Peter Jernberg Patti and Frank Wade Rachel Wade ’10 Sarah Wade ’13 Patrice and John Worley CHARLES SULLIVAN Father of former JA teacher Mary Wesson Sullivan ’07 and Rayner Sullivan ’09 Pat and Peter Jernberg HENRY CHRISTMAS WATERER, JR. Father of former JA parent Chris Waterer and Grandfather of Hank Waterer ’09 and Joy Kate Gilmer ’06 Pat and Peter Jernberg ELWIN WILLIAMS Father of Wendy Williams Hanes ’98 and Cindy Williams Abblitt ’99 Pat and Peter Jernberg

Memorial Scholarships SCOTT BRANNING SCHOLARSHIP Shirley Fortenberry Celia and Bruce Sumrall Lee Ann and Calvin ’94 Thigpen Tricia Weissinger ’84

62 TRUE BLUE

FRANCES ANNE FORTNER SCHOLARSHIP Catherine and Peter Arnold Rebecca and Parker Fowler MARY SPRAYBERRY SCHOLARSHIP Debra Hastings Jana and Lee Ragland

H O N O R AR I U M S

Honorariums 2019-2020 CATHERINE ARNOLD JA teacher DEE BALL JA teacher TREY BAYLISS Academic Support REX BRADSHAW JA teacher GEORGIA BROWN JA teacher BRONWYN BURFORD ’83 JA teacher CALEB CANTERBURY JA teacher ANN BOSWELL CARLSON ’03 Academic Support NANCY CHENEY JA teacher BECKY CLARKE Athletic/Administrative Assistant and coach MELISSA DENSON Volleyball Head Coach and teacher MALLORY GNEMI JA teacher SUSAN INGRAM JA teacher EVAN MCCARLEY JA teacher MICHELLE MILLS Academic Support BETH MURRAY Director of Learning Diversity BRUCE SUMRALL JA teacher KATHARINE TODD JA teacher BRANDT WALKER Associate Athletic Director and coach AMY WHITTENTON ’12 Director of Choral Music Catherine Perry and The Perry Family AMY BUSH College Admissions Counselor CARNY HARKINS JA teacher SARAH LOVE Head of Lower School JACK MILNE Head of School MATT MORGAN Associate Head of School and Academic Dean

ERIN NEELY Middle School Counselor PAULA PRATT Director of Counseling and Upper School Counselor LAURA PRESSLER JA teacher DANNY ROBERTSON Upper School Counselor and coach MANDY ROBERTSON Student Services Support KATHY SHEFFIELD ’82 JA Nurse BEBE SUMNER JA teacher Laura Dyess REECE BURGESS JA student Teresita and Jerry Golden DEBBIE CAMPBELL AND BILL CAMPBELL, JR. JA staff member William E. Campbell CASSIE ALSTON JA teacher SARA BANNERMAN JA teacher Katie and Jamie ’92 Chustz LEIGHTON DENLEY ’28 JA student Isabel and John Woods ALEXANDER GOOD Theodore Waechter GLORIA HIRN JA teacher Nan Dear LEWIS ’25 AND JOSIE ’23 HUFF JA students Gloria and Tommy Moore PAULA AND RANDY JAMES JA grandparents Hillary ’00 and Chesley James ’99 PAT AND PETER JERNBERG Former JA Headmaster Linda and John Hugh Tate

TRUE BLUE 63

HONORARIUMS

Honorariums 2019-2020 (CONTINUED) CAROL AND VICTOR JONES JA grandparents Ainslie, Anna Caroline, Samuel, and Sara Kate Long FOSTER ’98 AND BRANDON KENNEDY, ADAMS ’23, AND BAIRD ’26 JA parents and students Barbara and Ed Sentell AVERY ’27 AND EMMA ’33 PICKERING JA students Maureen and Harold Oriol

CAROLINE ’32 AND KATE ’30 SAMUELS JA students Betsy and Joe Samuels NANCY AND DAVID SYKES JA staff members Jamie and Jonathan Pace PAT TAYLOR Former JA Headmaster Linda and John Hugh Tate

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

64 TRUE BLUE

U.S. Department of Education, Apple, Inc., and Common Sense Schools Recognize JA The U.S. Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education Frank Brogan toured the campus in September 2019. Brogan and his team visited selected schools across the country that exemplify innovation and creativity. “You guys need to know your reputation precedes you,” said Brogan when he described how Jackson Academy was chosen. In June 2020, Brogan facilitated a nationwide forum on the practical application of virtual learning and tapped JA’s Head of Upper School Steve McCartney to serve as one of six panelists. Panelists discussed developing innovative virtual learning capabilities in preparation for successful distance learning in the future. Approximately 2,000 educators registered to participate. Additionally, JA earned its fourth designation as an Apple Distinguished School by meeting the standards that demonstrate Apple’s vision of exemplary learning environments. JA is among a small number of schools in 34 countries to receive the honor and holds the designation through 2022. Also this year, Common Sense, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students and families thrive in a world of media and technology, recognized JA as a Common Sense School, one that prepares its students to think critically and use technology responsibly to learn, create, and participate, while preparing them for the perils that exist in the online realm, such as plagiarism, loss of privacy, and cyberbullying.

TRUE BLUE | SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME XXII

JACKSON ACADEMY 4908 Ridgewood Road Jackson, Mississippi 39211

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Photo by Martha Grace Gray