Jackson Academy - True Blue - Fall/Winter 2025 - Issue XXIX
JACKSON ACADEMY
FALL/WINTER 2025 | VOLUME XXIX
A Publication for Jackson Academy Alumni, Families, and Friends
“We cannot say enough good things about JA. The school provides a rigorous academic program to prepare our children for college. The sense of community/ leadership fostered at JA will prepare our children to be successful in the real world. We appreciate everything leadership, instructors, administrative staff, coaches, and the entire staff have done to help our children learn and be successful. We are blessed beyond measure to have the opportunity to attend JA.”
DR. REBECCA (BECKY) CLANTON, DNP, FNP-BC Parent of three JA students
Whether pastors, missionaries, or curriculum developers, our alumni find deep meaning in their work.
Student
Tuition assistance, determined by an external vendor, helps attract mission-aligned students while generating revenue for the school
Alumni discuss discipleship with a senior student at JA’s outdoor chapel in Ashleigh Park. The chapel is located within the Raider Park complex.
FALL/WINTER 2025 | ISSUE XXIX
Editor/Writer
Patti Wade Magee Director of Marketing and Communication
Creative
Jonathan Blackwell
Graphic Designer
Photography
Seth Swinney
Social Media & Brand Specialist
Contributing Editors/ Photographers/Writers
Jonathan Blackwell
Catherine Burford ’17
Nell Floyd
Emma Lou Horrell
Patti Wade Magee
Jake Slinkard
Kevin Snyder/ Mississippi State Athletics
Miley Williams ’27
Jim Wilkirson
Robert Wilson
Office of Advancement
Jim Wilkirson
Associate Head of School for Advancement & Performing Arts
Frances Bussey
Associate Director of Development
Rebecca Fowler
Development and Events Coordinator
TRUE BLUE, AN ANNUAL PUBLICATION, IS PUBLISHED BY THE JACKSON ACADEMY OFFICE OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION AND THE OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT.
JACKSON ACADEMY 4908 RIDGEWOOD ROAD JACKSON, MS 39211
IF YOU HAVE ALUMNI NEWS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE, VISIT JACKSONACADEMY.ORG/CLASSNOTES TO SUBMIT OR UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION. SUBMISSIONS MAY ALSO BE MAILED TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS OR EMAILED TO FBUSSEY@ JACKSONACADEMY.ORG. ALL PHOTOS SUBMITTED SHOULD BE HIGH QUALITY.
JACKSON ACADEMY
(From left) Senior Breck Hines with alumni Luke Ross ’15, Wes Ingram ’94, Josh Hinkle ’15, and Zach DePriest ’15
Considering Our Purpose
Education is about more than acquiring knowledge. It’s also about preparing students to lead meaningful lives. At Jackson Academy, we believe that helping students identify their values and sense of purpose goes hand in hand with academic achievement. Research supports this approach, showing that when individuals are connected to a higher purpose, they experience greater resilience, well-being, and direction.
One compelling example of this comes from a spring 2025 episode of the “Hidden Brain” podcast, one of the most highly rated science podcasts in the United States. In the episode, host and science journalist Shankar Vedantam interviewed Victor Strecher, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and author of “Life On Purpose.” Dr. Strecher explained how having a strong sense of purpose can positively influence health, happiness, longevity,
He offered a simple exercise: Look at your phone’s wallpaper. What’s there can reflect what you value. My own wallpapers have included my Corgi, a Venice canal from a special trip with one of my daughters, wisteria at my family’s old homeplace, a photo with my spouse, and an image of Degas’ “Little Dancer Aged Fourteen” from a gallery visit.
These personal visuals remind us that purpose often grows from what we value most. Dr. Strecher’s research, and that of others, shows that individuals with a purpose that reaches beyond themselves are often more resilient and intentional in how they live. They’re more likely to focus their time and energy on what truly matters.
At Jackson Academy, we are dedicated to helping students explore these connections between what they value and how they live, so they can shape purposeful lives now and into the future. We hope this issue of “True Blue” illustrates the many ways in which our community cultivates purpose and intention in the next generation.
Patti Wade Magee Director of Marketing and Communication
pmagee@jacksonacademy.org
Dear JA Family,
As I begin my first year as Head of School at Jackson Academy, I would like to thank each of you for the love and support you have shown my family and me. Brittany and I have deeply felt JA’s caring community. We are grateful, and I thank God for the opportunity to lead this incredible school.
The mission of Jackson Academy is profound and aspirational. Each day, we strive to ensure that each student is inspired and equipped to lead a life of purpose and significance. The nurturing and spiritual environment that is integral to our school is what has made JA such a special place for generations. While much has changed, the heart of Jackson Academy remains the same. It is a school rooted in faith and built by the dedication and love of God’s people.
I often reflect on the words of longtime Headmaster Peter Jernberg, who paraphrased Deuteronomy 6 in reminding us, “We drink from wells we did not dig.” Jackson Academy stands strong today because of the efforts of parents, faculty, and students who have poured themselves into this place. But above all, we understand that our school thrives because of the grace of God. Each day, I see how He works through our community to accomplish His will. May we continue to serve Him in all that we do.
I have always loved how our school has honored the past, embraced the present, and prepared for the future. Innovation has been in our DNA since our founding, and while we aren’t always the first to adopt something new, when we do, we do it the best.
As we enter into this new school year, I couldn’t be more excited about the future of our school. Our school continues implementing our strategic plan while preparing for upcoming needs to ensure JA’s bright future. JA is a busy place, and while the day-to-day is full, we are always thinking forward so that our school continues to thrive for generations to come.
To all those who have shaped JA and have shown what it means to be a Raider, I humbly want to say “thank you.” Your investment in this community has shaped who we are. And now, in the spirit of Mr. Jernberg’s words, it’s our turn to dig wells…for future Raiders to draw from, and for the glory of God.
OUR MISSION
Within our nurturing and spiritual community, Jackson Academy inspires and equips each student to lead a life of purpose and significance.
Eddie Wettach ’03
Profiles
GLORIA HIRN
This
Upper School Advanced Placement Calculus and Honors
Calculus teacher strives daily to make sure every student she encounters knows that they are seen and matter.
Comes easy
Being able to teach math. I have always loved math because it is like a giant puzzle.
What challenges me
Studying Scripture really challenges me. Every time I open the Bible, God teaches me a new lesson.
What I love about teaching
I love developing the teacher-to-student relationships with the student.
Have to work at it
Staying organized with all my papers.
My mantra
“Do the next right thing.”
On leaving a legacy
That I continue to do the job that God assigned to me.
Favorite part of day-to-day
My favorite part of my day is my time with God before I start my day.
What motivates me
Having a purpose: knowing and doing God’s will for me.
My theme song
“I Hope You Dance,” sung by Lee Ann Womack, because it is all about not losing your sense of wonder.
JA in three words
JA is HOME
How JA has shaped me
JA has definitely shaped me. I have been here for the last 40 years of my life. My three children have all gone through this school and have graduated. This school has been very good to me and my family.
BRECK HINES
This tennis player, outdoorsman, and licensed pilot makes time for boys Bible study each week.
Favorite subject
History
Comes easy
Meeting new people, especially adults.
What challenges me
Procrastination, especially regarding schoolwork
My JA activities
Varsity Tennis
Ducks Unlimited Chairman
Archery
Honor Council President
Student Ambassador
FCA Lead Team
Student Body Chaplain
Favorite part of day-to-day
I enjoy the solitude of the morning. A few moments of silence with a good cup of coffee are always an excellent way to start my day.
Excels in
I have always done very well academically. Standardized tests are a strong suit of mine. For example, with no preparation, I made a 32 on my first ever ACT. I am now up to a composite of 34 and a superscore of 36.
Advice to younger self
Don’t waste your time trying to fit in with people who don’t value you for who you are.
Still to do
Attend Southern Methodist University, continue working on pilot training, and earn higher ratings and certifications. Also, I plan to land at every public airport in Mississippi in 2025 (80ish).
My other interests
Hunting
Watersports
Church groups
Features
Service-Over-Self Careers Lead to Meaningful Lives
JA g raduates in ministry share their walk of faith.
Wired for Relationship and a Life of Discipleship
A young person who can name four to six mentors who have walked with them over time experiences a different life trajectory than those who have not. The Rev. Wes Ingram ’94 learned this spiritual concept from a doctoral professor at Fuller Theological Seminary. “When young people know adults see them, it makes a difference,” said Ingram, associate pastor at Oxford University United Methodist Church in Oxford, Mississippi.
Ingram tested this concept of mentoring early in his career during 13 years as a youth pastor at Christ
United Methodist Church in Jackson. There, he helped lead the effort to develop a small-group culture known as D-groups. Countless JA students have participated in D-Groups.
“It is a powerful model,” Ingram said. “We are wired for relationship. It is the way God designed us.” Since that time, Ingram has witnessed the flourishing of D-groups. He has watched the boys and girls in D-Groups become young men and women who lead groups or have answered the call to ministry. Among those are Josh Hinkle ’15, who leads a D-Group of eleventh grade boys, and Bobby Peterson ’08, who,
after being in D-Group, answered the call to ministry and is a camp director at JH Ranch, which offers Christian outdoor experiences.
Earlier in his life at JA and in college, Ingram had experienced his professor’s mentoring concept at work in his own life. As a student, he went on rafting trips with JA’s Coach Ray Higgins. During his JA years, Ingram recalls no pressure to be anything particular but to live into his calling. During college, he served alongside Higgins as a JA rafting trip counselor, sharing devotionals and working with the youth. One
thing that stood out to him was the influence of college-age and young adults on youth. “A college student or young adult’s presence there makes them a leader, someone with whom high school students automatically feel a connection,” he said.
These early experiences sharing his faith co-occurred with architecture school at Mississippi State University. While entertaining doubts about this first career choice, he ended up at BreakThru, a popular Christian youth retreat that has been ongoing since 1978. After BreakThru, he began to “feel the itch” to consider ministry seriously. He transferred to Millsaps College, played football from 1995-1998, and, more importantly, answered the call to become a pastor, a role he views as “one who proclaims and embodies the Gospel of Jesus in the here and now.”
“God has used me to help create belonging and a sense of worth,” he said. “I want to remind people that
they matter to God.” Between his time as a youth pastor in Jackson and his current appointment as associate pastor in Oxford, he served nine years as a youth and family pastor at Parkway Heights United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg.
The call to become a clergy member, whether first realized through something like a D-Group or revealed later during college or early career, becomes a way of life that impacts family, finances, and friendships. “My guidance would be to go into ministry if that is the only thing you can see yourself doing,” he said. In other words, you know the call is from God, and you must answer it. He said that ministry is challenging and not for the weak. “A life of ministry is a blessed calling, but it is also difficult,” Ingram explained.
While some hear that call, all who profess the Christian faith have a call to minister to others. Reflecting on the work of philosopher and professor
Dallas Willard, who taught about discipleship, Ingram said: “Every vocation is a calling. A lot of times, the non-clergy influence people the most. Everyone is called to ministry – only a few are called to clergy.”
The life of discipleship, whether clergy or laity, involves the expectation of becoming a new creation in the present. “Discipleship is to become like Jesus in real-time: to live out the Holy love of God with the people in front of you whether you believe in them or not,” he said. He said this requires compassion, mercy, connection with people, consistency in life (becoming more consistent with the life of Jesus), and a life of courage.
JA’s Associate Director of Operations and Infrastructure Josh Hinkle ’15 knew Ingram when he was at Christ United. “Wes is an incredible guy who has a heart for not only Jesus, but his students as well,” Hinkle said. “My D-Group completely changed my life. My leader, Scott Thigpen, is one of the most influential people in my life. Some of the guys in my group I still keep up with, but I could call any one of them today and they would be there for anything I needed. D-Groups taught me not only the importance of a relationship with Jesus, but relationships with others who you trust.”
With Ingram in Oxford are his wife, Katie Walsh Ingram ’99, and two daughters, Hallie, who just completed her senior year in high school, and Kendall, a rising tenth grader.
Never Tiring of Sharing His Encounters with Jesus
An engraving of Joshua 1:16 rests inside David ’96 and Meg Robbins’ wedding bands. The verse refers to the willingness to serve in whatever circumstances God requires. The Scripture tells of the ancient Israelites’ response to Joshua after Moses’ death: “...Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.”
Joshua led the Israelites to the Promised Land. Today, the Robbins are part of a worldwide ministry that leads young adults to discipleship with Jesus Christ.
Named Global President of Campus Crusade for Christ International/Cru in July of 2024, David Robbins is the leader of a 15,000-person worldwide staff in 190 nations. The 16-person global team he oversees focuses on high-level direction and the organization’s future. His role involves meeting with members of national teams across the globe, working to raise up local leaders in each country, and encouraging those in this ministry. Recent trips have included Yucatán, Mexico, Nairobi, Kenya, West Asia, and Cape Town, Africa, where they see amazing church multiplication. Robbins and his wife, Meg, have four children at home, ages 8 to 18. At times, Ford, 18, Mim, 17, Roe, 15, and Mac, 8, travel with their parents to Cru activities.
“What wakes me up every day is the opportunity to encounter Jesus and grow his kingdom,” said Robbins.
“The Lord invited me to experience more than service; He invited me to be a lover of Him. As we
continue to cultivate being a lover of Jesus, we cannot help but show and tell of the One who we love.”
Jackson Academy plays a significant role in Robbins’ story. His father’s job
change brought him to Jackson as a high school junior. Then-headmaster Peter Jernberg was virtually his only connection when he toured JA. Though he had visited other area schools, by the end of his
JA tour, Robbins asked his parents if he could keep hanging out with the guys he had met that day.
Robbins still regularly reconnects with four friends who met at JA. These “lifetime friends” serve as a support system for each other in life and in their various areas of ministry. “It is fun to see all the different ways our lives have developed,” he said.
“JA means a lot to me,” Robbins said, noting the influence of the headmaster, coaches, fellow students, and the unique circumstances of his two years at JA. “Mr. Jernberg created a culture that made it easy just to be yourself and to use your gifts. There was a grace and truth in how he interacted with students,” he said. Basketball Coach Stan Jones also shaped Robbins’ view of what it was like to be a man of faith and of excellence. The Ball twins, sons of current history teacher Dee Ball, hosted a small group. “They put deposits in that really grew later,” Robbins said. “The Gospel was shaping us and deeply taking root.”
Finally, the circumstances surrounding the life of Coach Sherard Shaw, who died after a battle with cancer during Robbins’ senior year deeply impacted him. He observed how Coach Shaw lived out his last days, witnessed with classmates the finality of death, and watched as the football team went on to capture its first MAIS championship in memory of their coach.
“I am grateful for JA. It is part of our story in ministry. I doubted myself as a leader before JA. I grew in confidence through opportunities as a student and through the influence of teachers and friends. Although I was there only two years, it shaped my personal life, and I developed lifelong friends,” he said.
Robbins connected with Campus Crusade for Christ/Cru as he transitioned to college life. Cru blossomed at The University of Mississippi, growing from 20 students to 1,000, and the seeds planted in Robbins earlier began to grow.
He had gone to college thinking he should be a
good student and grow in his relationship to Christ, yet again, another student showed the love of Christ in a way that changed him. “A guy on campus named Bo was helping relaunch Cru and was really faithful. He was cool yet bold in his faith. He invested in me and discipled me. He had a marked impact on my life. I learned to be present, be involved, and that you don’t have to compromise,” said Robbins.
He later served on the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ at Ole Miss. He and Meg served in Italy and then at the University of Georgia. “We wanted to send 100 percent of our students to live a life for the kingdom,” he said.
A generational ministry began to take shape during their next appointment in New York City, where they worked with 20-somethings, encouraging leadership development in the rising generation. Following New York, a Cru division called FamilyLife
appointed Robbins president, and there, the couple emphasized helping marriages and families grow in their faith. Robbins served in that role until his current appointment.
He encourages young adults to embrace the journey of what God has invited them to pursue, whether that involves a lifetime of professional ministry, lay ministry, or ministry for a season. “If you feel called to ministry, take a step forward in that direction. Remember that professional ministry can be for a season or a lifetime,” he said.
However, Robbins encourages young adults to keep in mind that ministry is ‘not just for the professionals.’ Citing Ephesians 2:10, he emphasized that God has prepared work in advance for His followers. God calls all Christians to make disciples, whether that effort is accomplished at home or, like David Robbins and his family, is carried out across the globe.
As You Are Going Through Life, Make Disciples
The Travelsteads’ children call them the “Starter” and the “Finisher.” Spouses Meredith ’89 and Joel Travelstead are two parts of a whole who use their God-given gifts in lay ministry while maintaining busy careers and parental responsibilities.
Meredith Travelstead is the starter. She generates ideas at 4:30 a.m. while riding her indoor bike before starting the day as an obstetrician and gynecologist. Joel Travelstead is the finisher. He takes her ideas and gives them life, using his CPA and business professional background to support various non-profit organizations.
Their tandem work took root in junior high school when they were spiritually fed in the same church but attended different schools. It has grown over the years as they teach, serve, study, and share their walk of faith. More importantly, they influence their sons Will ’20, Reed ’22, and John ’25, and others in their sphere of influence to become disciples of Jesus Christ.
The Travelsteads have found that service has changed them and their sons as much as it has helped others. They have taught their boys to “always look outward.” Their
experiences during the last few years at Jackson’s City Church have resulted in opportunities for the entire family to put that concept into practice.
“God brought us to City Church, a church birthed in an apartment complex in South Jackson, near Metrocenter,” said Joel Travelstead. “This church ministry initially centered around reaching the children there with the good news of a relationship with Jesus Christ.” College-age and young adults started the ministry by knocking on doors and providing meals and mentorship at the apartment
complex on Saturdays. The church now operates out of the former Westview Baptist Church near the Merit Health Hospital in South Jackson, and the Travelsteads characterize the church as a “lively, beautiful, God-filled place.”
Their engagement with the church led to multiple opportunities for ministry, including a City Church partnership with a school in Jackson.
“Most recently, our involvement at Hillcrest Christian School has been with Joel’s CPA/audit and leadership restructuring for the school, fundraising for students in need of supplemental scholarship money, and mentoring for students.” Meredith Travelstead said. She notes they have witnessed the impact of Christian leadership within the school, from 77 student decisions for Jesus Christ in 2024 and 86 made decisions so far in 2025. “Those numbers represent many children with lives changed, resulting from a small church that started in an apartment complex,” she said.
The Travelsteads have witnessed that the mission field can be as close as their own city. They know students in the area who have not
heard who Jesus is, and they meet students who do not have a Christian influence at home, church, or school.
Joel Travelstead grew up as the youngest of six in a single-parent home with a mother who had only a high school education, and the family struggled. From a young age, he saw that when Christian men and women of the church engaged in ministry, it impacted his own family. “We have frequently been involved in youth ministry, knowing that the two things to change the trajectory of a child’s life are a relationship with Jesus Christ and a Christianbased academic foundation, which prepares them for a career,” he said.
Their obedience has taught them to watch where God is working and join Him there. “We know that our mission is rooted in obedience to wherever God has us at any time,” said Meredith Travelstead. “God does not always provide us with a clear path with perfect long-term goals. He has taught us, however, to be faithful in just the ‘next step.’ He asks us to partner where He is already working. We hope to be supporters and conduits of God’s love and grace through His Son, Jesus Christ. Often, we find ourselves
involved in a ministry and say, ‘God, why are we here?’ He usually makes it very clear, very strongly, which is the next step we are to make and by showing us lives that are changed. Opportunities present themselves often IF we just say ‘yes’ to the next step of faith God puts in front of us.”
Feeling called to join God where he is working, they are focused on eternal outcomes while meeting people where they are. “The mission Jesus Christ gave us through the Great Commission is to disciple others. That means engaging them where they are in their burdens and struggles,” said Meredith Travelstead. They believe their work is not about service for the sake of serving or for the sole purpose of a conversion experience; instead, it is to respond to the Great Commission of Jesus to disciple others as you go along throughout your life.
The Travelsteads encourage others to put away the idea that ministry is only for those working at it as a full-time job. The parable of the talents demonstrates how God calls all Christians to use the talents given to them. Joel Travelstead cited this quote: “’When you leave work every day, you leave your part-time job where you generate an income to go to your full-time job where you generate an outcome.’ No matter what career path you choose, your singular focus as a follower of Jesus Christ should be finding the way He wishes to use you to impact His kingdom. God may call you to a traditional full-time ministry, but He calls all of us to have a ministry heart, a love for people as He does.”
“’See one, do one, teach one,’” was a saying in medical school for Meredith, but it can be applied to ministry,” he said. “We saw ministry in our own lives from our church family. Then we learned to do this ourselves. Then we taught this to our boys and other youth. This is what it means to live a life of purpose, God’s purpose.”
“Our view is, we just keep saying ‘Yes,’” said Joel Travelstead.
Christian Experiences at JA
Middle and Upper School Chapel
JA’s Chapel is a monthly worship event that is planned and facilitated by a student-led, faculty-supported Spiritual Life Leadership Team. Throughout the year, guest speakers, faculty, alumni, and students share messages of encouragement and hope with students, all relating to a theme selected by the Spiritual Life Leadership Team. Some chapels have a special focus, including Christmas, Black History Month, Easter, and Senior chapels. Upper School students are required to attend five chapel services per year, with additional chapel attendance being encouraged, while Middle School students attend all chapel experiences. Taught from a Christian perspective, chapel is designed to encourage and equip students to grow in their faith.
Spiritual Life Leadership Teams
A student-led, faculty-supported Spiritual Life Leadership Team makes decisions about chapel themes and programming. A Black History Month committee develops an extended chapel program for February, which focuses on the contributions of Black Americans.
Student Praise Team
Students with interest in serving through singing and playing instruments can audition for the Praise Team, which leads worship during Middle and Upper School Chapel.
Lower School Chapel
Students in the Lower School attend chapel once each month. Teaching in the Lower School’s chapel meetings interweaves ethics around a yearly theme — such as “Friendship” or “Live in Harmony” — chosen to appeal to younger children’s understanding of spirituality. Students attend each chapel service. Lower School educators lead the chapel services, with accompaniment from the Lower School music teacher and hundreds of eager young singers in the audience.
Bible Curriculum
Upper School students can choose Old Testament or New Testament as electives. Middle School offers a boys’ Bible elective in the fall and a girls’ Bible elective in the spring, both titled “Survey of the Old and New Testament.” Lower School teaches a full semester of Bible in Kindergarten
through fourth grade. Students each receive a Bible to keep. JA teaches Christian music starting in the K2 music program. Also, Preschool and Lower School students start their day with a Bible story, prayer, and praise songs every day during Morning Meeting.
Bible Studies
Student and adult-led Bible Studies are offered for Upper School and Middle School girls and boys. Refresh is a Bible study hosted weekly during lunch in the Performing Arts Center for girls in ninth through twelfth grades. Bonded is a weekly study for ninth through twelfth grade boys to gather to hear messages from peers as well as outside guests and faculty members; it meets in the Learning Commons. Middle School Bible Study alternates between boys and girls every other week and meets on Tuesdays during lunch, with student, parent, faculty, and counselor support. A morning Bible study for sixth grade girls meets weekly as well.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
JA offers an active chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which meets regularly on campus, having guest speakers and student speakers. The campus chapter collaborates with another independent school to offer a worship event that is attended by students from multiple schools.
Service
Students connect with Christian organizations through volunteer service. Each year, a Service Fair offers organizations an opportunity to show students the array of service opportunities available and to help them sign up for service. The school and student leaders arrange on and off-campus service opportunities throughout the school year. At JA, students are not required to serve to earn service credits. JA seeks to encourage students to develop servant hearts, growing into people who make service a way of life.
From the School Nurse and Counselor
School Nurse and Lower School Counselor Kathy Sheffield ’82 incorporates Christian values into the social/emotional lessons she provides to all K4 through fifth grade students. They talk about how God made all people differently, yet perfectly, and how each person can strive to be the best version of themselves.
Ministry Voices
CLERGY
Jody Schmeltzer ’96
Campus Pastor for Pinelake Church
Oxford, Mississippi
Q Describe your current work.
A We are a multi-site church with five locations throughout the state of Mississippi: Oxford, Flowood, Madison, Clinton, and Starkville. My role is to serve as the lead pastor/shepherd of our Oxford staff team and congregation. On a day-to-day basis, I spend the majority of my time leading our
staff, overseeing pastoral care/ counseling for our congregation, developing and discipling men, encouraging our church family to get connected in small groups, exploring opportunities to serve our community, managing our campus budget, and collaborating with our campus pastors plus teams across our other campus locations.
Q What do you hope that you have accomplished for God and the people He brings across your path?
A At the end of each day, my hope is that the people God has placed in my path are encouraged to grow in their faith in Jesus. I want people to be reminded that the Christian life is not easy to live out, but it is so worth it. I want to see men and women in all seasons of life discover their God-given purpose and live in the abundant life that He has for us every single day. I want people to know that every day is a gift, that life is short, and at the end of it all only one thing really matters…and that is our personal relationship with God.
Q What would you say to students who are considering a form of ministry - as a pastor, missionary, student pastor, non-profit leader, or Christian counselor?
A I would say to anyone who is considering any type of ministry as a career/vocation to make sure you have spent enough time praying and asking God if this is the step of faith He is calling you to take. Ministry is awesome, but it is very demanding of your time and a high percentage of people who step towards ministry out of high school or college tend to burn out if they aren’t very intentional with their boundaries. Ministry is very rewarding on a lot of levels, but you need to know that it is not an easy path. It will require a lot of sacrifice and commitment… but at the end of the day, it is worth every minute because God is faithful and promises to meet your every need.
CHRISTIAN CURRICULUM
Meg Leech Hanes ’98
Children’s Curriculum Developer for Children’s Ministries Metro Jackson, Mississippi
Q Describe your current work.
A From 2019 to October of 2024, I served as the Director of Children’s Ministries at Galloway United Methodist Church in downtown Jackson. My responsibilities included overseeing the spiritual formation of Galloway’s children from birth to fifth grade. In October of 2024, I stepped down from my role at Galloway to pursue and focus on a career in developing children’s curriculum and equipping leaders and volunteers within children’s ministries to guide children
as they begin and continue their walk with the Lord. My business is Lighthouse Kidz Curriculum and Coaching, which offers churches short term curriculum units along with consulting and coaching for its leaders and volunteers.
Q At the end of the day, what do you hope that you have accomplished for God and the people He brings across your path?
A My focus has always been on ministering to children, which can sometimes be tricky. We
want children to feel safe and secure, but at the same time, also realize that life can throw some curveballs. My hope is that, with every child or teenager that I have crossed paths in my ministry, they have felt and known the love of God, and that they know no matter what is thrown their way–good or bad–the Lord is ALWAYS walking beside them and will never leave their side.
Q Did JA, JA people, or your experiences while in high school play a role in your career decision making?
A The short answer to that is yes, but I think it wasn’t until I was older, with a family of my own and an enormous amount of perspective that I realized the true impact that JA and its people have had on me. My mom (who was a teacher at JA in the mid-70’s and again in 1988) has always played a huge role in my desire to work with children, but there were teachers at JA who did as well. While I had several teachers and coaches who were a huge influence on me, Dot Gamblin probably played one of the biggest roles in who I am today as a teacher and a minister to children. As a student, watching her patience and love in a classroom was inspiring, but it was what she said to me as an adult that has always stuck with me. Not too long before I began my first year of teaching, I saw Mrs. Gamblin, and she offered me some of the best advice I have ever received. “Meg,” she said, “always remember-be firm, but be fair…and be flexible.” As I have prepared for my Children’s Moment during our services on Sunday mornings, I have ALWAYS remembered those words… and if you have ever watched a group of young children be the center of attention at the front of a sanctuary, knowing that they are on TV, you will understand why being flexible is a must!
YOUTH MINISTRY
Dannie Waller ’14
Student Minister (7th-12th), First Baptist Tupelo, Mississippi
Q Describe your current work.
A My day-to-day work varies widely depending on what we have going on, but it’s definitely never dull! A lot of work goes into writing weekly Bible studies for Sunday nights and sermons for our Wednesday night service every other week, but I also do a lot of event planning for things like summer camp, Disciple Now, mission trips, and other events we have throughout the year. I also meet with different students on a regular basis, whether that be for lunch or dinner, just popping by my office, or even late night Sonic runs! A lot of evenings are filled going to students’ activities
as well, from all kinds of sports to plays, ballets, and band concerts. I also do all of the graphic design for our student ministry as well, so I design graphics to promote our events and run our social media accounts. But I do all of this alongside our student pastor, so it’s definitely a teamwork effort that makes it all happen.
Q At the end of the day, what do you hope that you have accomplished for God and the people He brings across your path?
A I feel like the ultimate goal of anyone that works in student ministry is to share the Gospel for
teenagers to come to know Christ and to help those that already do, grow closer in their walk with Him. I know for me personally, my time when I was in student ministry was so influential in my faith, really helping me to make it my own and understand that having a relationship with Jesus is so much more than just attending church on a regular basis. So that’s what I hope that I am able to accomplish in the ministry that I do, to help students wrestle with the hard things, continually point them back to the Gospel and help them to live in light of that truth, glorifying God in everything they do, and to help them build a foundation of faith in their lives that lasts far beyond their student ministry years.
Q Did JA, JA people, or your experiences while in high school play a role in your career decision making?
A Having attended JA from Preschool through twelfth grade, my time at JA influenced me in numerous ways. Probably the most impactful was the quality of education that I received. The way that I was intentionally invested in and challenged by JA faculty and teachers thoroughly prepared me for college, and even beyond when I felt like God was calling me to seminary. Because of the foundation that I had from my time at JA, neither college nor my master’s level classes ever seemed daunting, and I was able to rise to the occasion set before me and use the tools and experiences I gained during my time here. And even now in my day-to-day work from writing, to problem solving, to looking at things through a Christian worldview, it can all be traced back to my time at JA. I will always be so grateful for the education I received here and all the ways that JA truly set me up for success, not only in academic settings, but in all of life.
OUTDOOR PROGRAMS AND EXPERIENCES
Glenn Breazeale ’96
Co-owner and Director (with his wife, Carter) at Alpine Camp for Boys Mentone, Alabama, high atop Lookout Mountain
Q Describe your current work.
A I oversee all aspects of the business and ministry from hiring, operations, marketing, programs, and facilities. We have over 350 acres and over 50 buildings and cabins and approximately 25 different activities. We have summer camp sessions all summer long and also host retreats and conferences during the school year.
Q Describe the need for Christian retreat and time for students and families in today’s environment?
A Oh boy, I could talk for hours about this. The world has changed so much since I was a camper. Smart phones, social media, video games, instant everything has increased the need for more places
where students and families can unplug, slow down, and relate face to face. It’s not that all of our modern technology is bad - it has brought us so much good. But with that it has made intentional spaces for reconnection and rest so much more important.
Q Did JA, JA people, or your experiences while in high school play a role in your career decision making?
A Absolutely, JA had a huge impact on my wanting to do this. The obvious answer, Mr. Higgins’ rafting and outdoor trips helped nurture my love of the outdoors. It turns out that Ray is an Alpine man, too, having worked as a counselor in college. He came back for a period in the early 2000s to work as one of our program
directors, so we got to be peers. I consider Ray and Millie dear friends. I use the leadership skills and motivational ideas I learned from Coach Shaw every summer with our 80 college-age guys. Communication is a huge part of what I do, whether it’s marketing, staff recruiting, or the daily blog I write for camp parents in the summer. I really love to write thanks to so many of my English teachers at JA, including Mrs. Downey my senior year.
Q What would you say to students who are considering a form of ministry - as a pastor, missionary, student pastor, non-profit leader, or Christian counselor?
A This may be controversial, but I would tell students to think long and hard and consider the calling with much wise counsel before going into some sort of professional ministry field. It can be difficult on a family, lonely at times, and eye opening to the hardships of the world - and I’m really speaking more about my friends who are ministers and missionaries and Christian counselors. I also say that because I so strongly believe that Christians should be ministers in whatever field they choose. We need Christian doctors and lawyers and bricklayers and garbage men. Professional ministry fields are not more spiritual than any other field if we do our work with excellence to the glory of the Lord in whatever he calls us to do!
Carter, Caroline, Gigi, and Glenn
MISSIONS
Rett Stanley ’21
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Student Kansas City, Mi ssouri
Q Describe your college course of study.
A I graduated in May of 2025 with an Intercultural Studies degree from Spurgeon College in Kansas City, then entered seminary at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, which is on the same campus. This study is preparing me for overseas missionary work. The International Mission Board, affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, considers the Intercultural Studies degree good preparation for those who are called to missionary work. The master’s degree will be an additional year, and I’ll travel to another country as part of that degree program.
Q How did you recognize your interest in being a missionary?
A After graduating from JA, I entered a summer program
called Fusion, which is in partnership with the International Mission Board operated out of Spurgeon College. After the summer, my plan was to head to Mississippi State University to major in criminal justice or political science. Once I spent a summer overseas in mission work, I decided to finish my undergraduate degree at Spurgeon. Because of my two Fusion trips to Northeast and West Asia, I want to go into ministry. Before Fusion, I was not looking at ministry at all. I had never even thought about it.
Q At the end of the day, what do you hope that you have accomplished for God and the people He brings across your path?
A In Matthew 28: 19-20, Jesus gave us the Great Commission, where we are called to share the Gospel.
Christians are all called to do this. It can be locally or overseas. I know that I’m doing what I’ve been called to do. My main goal is to at least plant the seed so that they have a chance to come to Christ, even if I don’t see it happening at the time I share the Gospel.
During one Fusion trip, I met only three to four people who claimed to be Christian out of the hundreds of people I met. Our main task was sharing the Gospel. No one came to Christ during our time there, but we planted seeds. In another country, we were in a Christian part of the country. Our main task was discipleship for Christians, helping equip them to start churches. I still text with one of the individuals who came to Christ while I was in his country.
Q What would you say to students who are considering a form of ministry - as a pastor, missionary, student pastor, non-profit leader, Christian counselor, etc.
A Don’t get discouraged when hard things happen in your walk with Christ. Endure to the end. Don’t let go of your goal for ministry. There were so many times I felt people were not listening and even a few times that people told us that they did not want to hear. You have to keep going. The Bible speaks about being rejected or disliked, and you have to be prepared for that.
Finding support is very important for someone in the ministry. My friends at Broadmoor Baptist Church were really supportive of me. At one point when I wanted to return home from overseas, my friends at Broadmoor encouraged me to keep going. I looked to Christ first, and I had other people who had my back.
OUTDOOR
PROGRAMS AND EXPERIENCES
Steven Irby ’15
Trac II Program Lead at JH Ranch Etna, California, and Birmingham, Alabama
Q Tell me about your current work - city, state, your role, what you do on a day-to-day basis.
A I serve as the Trac II Program Lead at JH Ranch and also wear the hat of IT Manager for the organization—which means no two days are ever the same! My wife, Caroline, and I live in Birmingham, Alabama, during the school year (September through April), and then we pack up and head out to Etna, California, each summer to live
and serve at JH Ranch. During the summer, my primary role is leading Trac II, our high adventure, student leadership program for high school seniors and college freshmen. At JH, we believe that the Christian life is often information-rich but experience-poor—Trac II is designed to flip that. Students dive deep into what it means to abide in Christ, how to stay connected with the Lord, the blessing in honoring their parents, and how to stand firm when their faith gets tested.
In addition to teaching these things, I also lead an alpine mountaineering trip up Mount Shasta, where students attempt to summit a mountain and have the chance to put what they’ve learned to the test. I also pastor and mentor 13 college students who serve as our Trac II coaches. They lead small groups, walk alongside our students, and play a huge role in the week-to-week impact during the summer. Throughout the year I help lead JH Outback, a weekend version of the Ranch experience that’s now in over 16 cities across the United States. When I’m not leading Trac II or JH Outback, I work on the tech side, building tools and systems to make sure our guests, volunteers, and donors have a smooth and meaningful experience with us.
Q How did you get into nonprofit or outdoor Christian experiences work?
A I was sitting in class my senior year at JA and a friend of mine leaned over to me and said “Dude, my sister worked at this awesome place called JH Ranch last summer. You’d love it.” A month later I applied to volunteer that next summer and my life was changed. I knew who God was in high school and did my best to follow Jesus, but when I went to JH Ranch that
summer I learned what it was like for my relationship with God to be a two-way street - where I could speak to God and he could really speak back to me, like a real relationship. God turned my relationship with Him into an adventure rather than a list of dos and don’ts. God revealed so much to me that summer, and I ended up returning for two more summers as a volunteer while I was in college and got offered a job with JH a few years later.
Q Describe the need for Christian retreat and time for families in today’s environment?
A There’s nothing more personal—or powerful—than the relationship between a parent and their child. What a parent says, or doesn’t say, can shape a kid for the rest of their life. JH provides a fun way for parents to get away with one of their kids with a one-on-one
experience where they’ll go white-water rafting, horseback riding, experience our state-ofthe-art ropes courses, and dive into topics like life purpose, love of God, dating and how to have a thriving relationship with your parents. The transformation and reconciliation we see in parent/ child relationships is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I heard about a guest recently who arrived at JH Ranch carrying the weight of a painful divorce—one caused by his own choices. He came hoping just to reconnect with his oldest daughter. But during a worship night under the Big Top, he prayed, “Lord, I want to radically surrender.” In that moment, he sensed God whisper, “If you’ll give me all of yourself, I’ll do things in the next twelve years that you can’t even imagine.” That simple moment marked the beginning of a complete transformation. Shortly after returning home, his daughter sent him a house
listing—just down the street from hers. He bought it. Day by day, he started showing up—walking his kids to school, cooking dinner, rebuilding trust one moment at a time. He also dove deep into Scripture, especially the book of Nehemiah, and realized that God wasn’t just restoring his family—He was rebuilding him. Over time, honest conversations with his ex-wife led to something neither of them expected: reconciliation. Two years after his confession, they stood together and chose to remarry—this time with Christ at the center. Not long ago, he sat in church the day before sending his oldest to college. As he looked down the aisle and saw his kids worshiping, tears filled his eyes. He remembered the words from that summer at JH: “I’ll do things you can’t even imagine.” That’s the kind of transformation we get to see at JH — when someone chooses surrender, God writes a story only He could write.
A I currently serve at the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board in downtown Jackson. I am the Student Ministry Consultant in the Discipleship and Sunday School Department. In this role, I get to serve churches across the state when they have questions or issues related to student ministry. It could be leading Sunday School trainings for teachers, helping a church decide on a curriculum to use, questions on how to best utilize their church space with student ministry events, etc. I also help connect student pastors across the state to each other to help build relationships.
Q Did JA, JA people, or your experiences while in high school play a role in your career decision making?
A In the time I was a student, my experience didn’t really play a part in my decision since I did not feel called to ministry until I was in college. But in hindsight,
I can certainly see how God was using relationships with teachers and friends I made while I was a student to help guide me and to be a source of wisdom to fall back on when trying to discern the path the Lord has had for me in certain moments. In hindsight I can also see where things like The Retreat weekend that was started when I was in high school really helped me understand even a small part of what planning events and working with a team to meet a need really looked like.
Q What would you say to students who are considering a form of ministry - as a pastor, missionary, student pastor, non-profit leader, Christian counselor, etc.
A The first thing I would say is spend a lot of time in prayer and in God’s Word. It is nearly impossible for really anyone to understand the path the Lord has for them if time is not spent in God’s Word with intentional time set aside to really hear from God.
Second, I would say to speak to a church leader so they are aware and can help you. God uses those around us to help affirm things at times. Those leaders can be a source of wisdom and can also help answer questions that you may not even realize you have. Another thing would be to not wait until you work in ministry to do ministry. There are plenty of ways to serve now. That might be volunteering if possible in the preschool ministry, helping set up the youth worship room before the service begins, greeting church members and other students before church begins, or many other ways. If you do not know of a way to serve now, ask someone in your church how you can serve, and I am sure there will be a place.
Lastly, if you realize that the Lord hasn’t called you to work at a church in full time vocational ministry, do not feel like you’ve let the Lord or anyone down. We need accountants that are missionaries in their firms. We need doctors who can show the love of Christ to patients going through critical times in life. School teachers have the opportunity to help students see the value they have as individuals and how they were created in the Image of God. Whatever you do as your “job,” you can still be a minister of the Gospel in that role. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 isn’t just for those that work in a church. It is for all that follow Jesus to take the message and hope of the Gospel with us in everything we do.
LEADERSHIP for the NEXT GENERATION
Eddie Wettach ’03 took the helm of Jackson Academy as the new Head of School effective June 1. The search committee comprehensively evaluated more than 20 potential candidates, analyzing their diverse backgrounds, qualifications, and experiences. The committee and Board remained diligent in finding a leader who aligned with the Head of School Profile, a position guideline developed in 2024 through survey feedback from the JA community.
Wettach is no stranger to the school; he has been part of the JA family since enrolling as a student in 1990. While enrolled in college, he worked at JA. After graduating from Mississippi College, he became a full-time employee, earning a reputation as a dedicated and respected community member who embodies the integrity, loyalty, and wisdom of the JA culture.
President Emeritus Peter Jernberg, a search committee member, served as the JA’s leader during Wettach’s school years and when Wettach returned to JA to serve as an employee. “Eddie is a man of humility, a person whose values are based on deep faith, and somebody I am excited to see lead as our next Head of School,” Jernberg said.
Wettach’s extensive experience on campus includes guiding the school to become the first Apple Distinguished K3-12th grade school in the Southeast in 2013. In his most recent position before assuming the role as Head of School, Wettach demonstrated exceptional servant leadership as Associate Head of School for Operations and Strategic Planning.
“The past 35 years of my life have uniquely prepared me for this role of Head of School,” said Wettach. “Since joining our staff in 2003, I have had the opportunity to grow in many different areas. This has included working as a coach, classroom teacher, technology director, Raider Network co-founder, operations director, and school administrator. For the past 13 years, I have served on our academic leadership team and gotten invaluable experience in learning the ins and outs of our school academically. While serving alongside others in the operations role, I got first-hand experience in what it takes to run and maintain such a large organization. These roles and my understanding of JA culture have helped me have a wellrounded perspective vital for this role.”
The Board views the leadership choice as one that will enhance stability and growth for the next generation of JA students and families. Board of Trustees Chair (2023-25) McKie Edmonson and Vice-Chair Brad Williams wrote in a letter to the JA community: “We are confident that Mr. Wettach is the visionary and gifted leader who will advance Jackson Academy into its bright future. Our school is on a solid foundation, and our missional promise will not change.”
JA’s mission is rooted in deep values and timeless traditions that make up the essence of the school’s culture. “Our mission, which guides our path, ends with an aspirational
“God has blessed this place for years, and as long as we continue to seek his will, there is no doubt He has great plans for our future of serving young people.”
Wettach is poised to lead Jackson Academy into the future, especially as AI and new technologies increasingly transform education. “We have always been innovators and have always been willing to take calculated risks to advance our mission,” said Wettach. “JA may not always be the first to act, but when we commit to something, we become the best at it. As we navigate the rise of AI and its implications on education, we will reimagine and mold our educational experience to maintain a strong academic foundation while thoughtfully integrating the AI tools students will encounter in their future.”
tone of preparing students to lead lives of purpose and significance. This aspirational message ensures that we continue to look at new and better ways to engage our students academically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually,” said Wettach. “God has blessed this place for years, and as long as we continue to seek his will, there is no doubt He has great plans for our future of serving young people.”
Wettach and his wife, Brittany, are proud parents to Lower School students Kathryn and Quinn, and the family welcomed their third child, Matthew Drake, in June.
Designs of the Times
Students Produce Publications Through Academic Classes
Student-produced publications have taken a dramatic turn since many alumni tried their hand at writing, editing, layout, and photography in high school. These days, writers and designers produce content
digitally. Software program usage is a necessity. Digital photography has replaced film. Readers often access the publication electronically rather than on paper. While face-toface interviews still occur, reporters may interview
via email, text, or social media. And finally, Jackson Academy students work on publications as part of a class rather than as an extracurricular activity. Qualified teachers design the courses to equip students with
applicable knowledge and real-world skills.
JA offers three significant publications that students lead under the guidance of a faculty adviser. Read more to learn how student publications operate today.
Yearbook: Reflections
Faculty Adviser: Ann Boswell Carlson, B.A.
Yearbook management is offered as an elective class. Students submit applications and a small photo project to be considered for the class.
Participants pick yearbook spreads at the beginning of the year, assuming responsibility for their spreads, including designing, gathering information, and taking or locating photos. They use a program, provided by Varsity Yearbook, to design the pages.
“Participating in a yearbook class helps students develop valuable skills that translate directly into future careers,” said Ann Boswell Carlson ’03, yearbook adviser and Test Prep and Writing Center instructor. “They gain experience in writing, editing, photography, and graphic design, which are essential for fields like journalism, marketing, and visual media. Managing deadlines, collaborating with a team, and utilizing soft skills (like providing
“Participating in a yearbook class helps students develop valuable skills that translate directly into future careers.”
ANN BOSWELL CARLSON ’03 Reflections adviser
and accepting criticism) also prepare them for leadership and project management roles.” Carlson says that working under pressure and problem-solving teach adaptability, an asset in any profession.
The annual staff delivers the completed Reflections to students at the beginning of each school year. Graduates from the previous year pick up their copies at the front desk of the Administration building.
“As a JA teacher and parent, I am very appreciative of JA’s strong commitment to education in the fine arts.”
KATHARINE TODD Images adviser
Upper School students interested in creative writing are encouraged to enroll in the elective class, and all members of the class serve on the staff of Images. Class members spend most of the year on creative writing assignments to build individual portfolios. Each student uses online platforms such as onCampus and Turnitin.com to create a writing portfolio. Students then choose pieces from their portfolios to be considered for publication in Images. The staff also invites the student body to submit writing, artwork, and photography for publication. The Images staff selects the submissions for publication. The
design platform, Adobe InDesign, is used to create the final product.
“Publication work fosters critical skills such as collaboration, time management, and leadership,” said Katharine Todd, Images adviser and Upper School English teacher. “Students learn to work under the pressure of deadlines in order to make editorial decisions and navigate group dynamics. These combined experiences create a comprehensive learning environment that prepares students not just for potential careers in communications or publishing, but for success in higher education and professional settings across numerous fields.”
Student Newspaper: JA Chronicle
Faculty Adviser: Sara Bannerman, B.A., M.A.
The student newspaper staff reimagined the JA Chronicle in 2022. The newspaper adviser asked the editor to reformat the newspaper into a digital version.
Creating a digital version presented several advantages: It opened the door for embedded video and other media sources, enhanced accessibility, made the publication shareable, was budgetconscious, and reduced paper waste. If a mistake slipped through, the digital edition could be changed quickly, whereas a print version must be retrieved and reprinted.
Even with these advantages, students questioned a digital-only newspaper. “Students acted
a little hesitant,” said Sara Bannerman, JA Chronicle adviser and Upper School English teacher. “They like to have the physical copy in their hands, and they were convinced that students would be more likely to read the JA Chronicle if it was placed in front of them.”
Now published digitally each month, the JA Chronicle is the product of a journalism elective that meets each weekday. The student editor presents classmates with a theme for that month’s publication. Assignments, given on Mondays, are due each Friday. The editor places assignments, notes, and recommended sources on a spreadsheet. Depending upon their assignment, students may conduct
“
My hope is for their hidden gifts to be discovered.”
interviews, design art for stories, or take photographs. Students with an aptitude for editing contribute to the final review of the publication in the design program, Canva.
Students even compete to design the cover. Last year’s editor, Brooke Dennis ’26, started a contest in which students vied to create the cover art for that month. The friendly competition increased interest in developing design skills, Bannerman said.
SARA BANNERMAN JA Chronicle adviser
Watching students discover aptitudes for particular work is an aspect of the class that Bannerman enjoys. “My hope is for their hidden gifts to be discovered,” she said.
“Some students have a gift for design that we didn’t know, and they didn’t know. A few end up being quite good.” She noted that through producing the JA Chronicle, students may find something they enjoy that they didn’t realize they liked before taking the course.
BE SOMEONE TO LOOK UP TO
At Jackson Academy, our students achieve beyond what they imagined was possible.
Last year, you helped us reach 1,351 gifts totaling $839,163 to the JA Annual Fund.* The JA Annual Fund helped us cover diverse discretionary costs to support a wide range of improvements in our athletic programming and training facilities, classroom upgrades throughout all school divisions, wayfinding signage throughout campus, and enhanced outdoor areas for classroom and school activities across campus. Not a day goes by that students and teachers are not impacted by gifts from our parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, and friends.
SCAN THE CODES TO GIVE through the JA website or Venmo today!
*For more information on the MS Children’s Promise Act, see page 76 of this publication.
Tuition Assistance Outlined
University and college officials affirm that Jackson Academy students are well-prepared for higher education. JA graduates embody the qualities colleges seek, underscoring the value of a JA diploma. Cost alone should not impede a child’s access to high-quality education like that at JA. The school is committed to an economically diverse student body and offers need-based tuition assistance (TA) for qualifying families determined by the third-party vendor, School and Student Services (SSS).
Chief Financial Officer Angie Antici, B.B.A., CPA, stresses how tuition assistance helps all families by impacting the school’s financial health. TA brings in more than $2 million in net revenue that JA would not otherwise have. This revenue helps cover fixed costs, such as faculty and building upkeep, that remain nearly constant regardless of how many students enroll. Allowing families who qualify for need-based TA to pay 60 to 90 percent of tuition is financially more beneficial than having those students not enrolled. Without this $2 million in revenue, the school would have fewer programs, reduced operating funds, and higher costs for all families. Qualifying for TA has also helped full-pay families at times when they faced unexpected financial hardships.
Antici also emphasizes the importance of understanding TA terms. Sometimes, the term “scholarship” is mistakenly used for need-based financial aid, which can create
confusion, especially since the independent school process differs from the college system and its terminology. Most independent and parochial schools, including JA and all leading local independent schools, provide need-based financial aid.
The following overview clarifies the definitions of “recruitment,” “admissions process,” “scholarships,” and “tuition assistance” at JA and directs families to further resources if needed.
Recruitment
Recruitment refers to how the school and Admissions Office present JA to prospective families through invitations, mailouts, and events, including open houses. Every family requesting a tour receives one.
Admissions Process
The admissions process entails testing, application, acceptance, and enrollment, adhering to ethical practices. All students must meet academic standards, and the Admissions Committee evaluates applicants to ensure they are prepared for success at JA. For more information about the admissions process, visit the Admissions tab at jacksonacademy.org.
Scholarships
JA does not offer merit or athletic scholarships. The Jernberg Scholarship, reserved exclusively for exceptional
academic merit, is currently in the process of building its endowed funds and is not being awarded at this time.
Current students who have attended for at least one year or longer are eligible to be nominated for endowed awards given during the end-ofschool Awards Days. These awards, called endowed scholarships, can be viewed on page 73 of this magazine.
“Endowed awards typically range between $1,000 and $3,000 and are awarded in the spring and then applied once to a student’s account during their next year of attendance,” said Antici. “These 13 to 15 awards, frequently named in memory or honor of a loved one, follow the specific criteria set by the donor who funded the award, such as maintaining a certain GPA or demonstrating citizenship or leadership. Beyond endowed scholarship awards, JA currently offers no awards that could be considered a scholarship.”
Tuition Assistance
Tuition Assistance (TA) is evaluated yearly based on a family’s financial need through the School and Student Services (SSS) application. Only families who submit the SSS application annually are considered for need-based financial aid. This process resembles the FAFSA for college aid. For inquiries, visit the FAQ section on the JA website under the Admissions tab or contact Tuition Assistance Coordinator Dawn Duncombe directly.
News & Stories
Faculty and Staff Honored for Service
In a world of constant change, dedication and consistency are inspiring. Jackson Academy has a tradition of recognizing employee commitment by celebrating service.
During a professional development day before Spring Break, Gloria Hirn, Jan Sojourner, and Chris Tucker were honored for an incredible milestone: 40 years of service to JA. This accomplishment speaks to their
loyalty and impact on generations of students, families, and staff.
Reflecting on this milestone, Coach Sojourner shared, “How many times do you have three people to be recognized the same year for 40 years of service! This just reflects what a special place Jackson Academy is in which to work. God blessed me to be at the right place, at the right time, and with the
right people. How blessed am I! Truly grateful for all the blessings of Jackson Academy in my life.”
Gloria Hirn, Jan Sojourner, and Chris Tucker have each dedicated four decades to shaping the JA experience, embodying service and excellence. Their commitment serves as an example, reminding us that the heart of JA lies in its people.
Distinguished Alum Credits JA with Helping Redirect His Life
“Sometimes you have to leave home to see how wonderful something is,” said Lenwood Brooks ’01, the 2025 recipient of the Jackson Academy’s Distinguished Alumni of the Year award. The alumnus who once portrayed the Wizard in JA’s “The Wizard of Oz” production was not speaking figuratively. Like Dorothy’s character in that tale, Brooks experienced the results of leaving and returning. Coming back to JA made all the difference in his life, he said.
Brooks delivered an inspiring address during the 2025 Senior Class Awards Dinner at the Country Club of Jackson, crediting JA with shaping who he is today. Brooks transferred to another school in seventh grade, where he experienced a season of struggle and lost confidence. He convinced his parents to let him return to JA for his final two years of high school. In that short time, he became Mr. JA, senior class president and class favorite, and served as the pep rally emcee, a show choir member, a newspaper staff member, and the football team equipment manager.
He also accepted a summer student job with Coach Scott Branning, which morphed from campus maintenance to technology —an area of great interest to him. Brooks’ grandfather had given him a computer in his sixth-grade year. He had learned how to build, repair, and code personal computers, which were in their infancy. He became somewhat of a tech support person for faculty and staff that summer and then helped code one of the early JA websites.
Those opportunities to pursue individual interests developed skills instrumental to his future. Yet it was not only technical skills that Brooks remembers developing at JA. The faculty guided him in enhancing
his soft skills in communication and relationship building. His JA experiences had a profound impact on his confidence. After two years, he felt well-prepared for the next step, academically and socially.
“At every college preparatory school, you learn to be prepared for college, but at a JA, you are a person. It is much more deep, and there is a religious aspect to the community support,” he said. He remembered teachers and administrators who greatly impacted him, including Rita Currie, Bill Bunch, Keith Branning, and Peter Jernberg.
Brooks also expanded his skills during internships, which he highly recommends. His internship at Skytel in Jackson influenced his continued interest in technology. He later completed an internship in Sen. Trent Lott’s (R-Miss.) office.
Now the Vice President and Director of Government and Industry Relations at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, Brooks frequently speaks on public policy and leadership. His past roles
include Chief of Staff for the National Credit Union Administration and Vice President of Communications at the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association. He served on Capitol Hill as an advisor to Sen. Roger F. Wicker (R-Miss.), providing counsel during the Senator’s service on the Senate Banking Committee.
As the sixth recipient of the Distinguished Alumni of the Year award, Brooks spoke to the graduating class about how JA helped him develop competence, authenticity, and connection. Those lessons stayed with him, becoming important during policy work in D.C. He believes the most effective individuals on Capitol Hill are those who lay it all on the table, who open the curtain and develop trust. Authenticity matters, Brooks believes, and he got a good look at authenticity while at JA.
The school presents the award annually to an alumna or alumnus who leads a life of purpose through achievement, service, and loyalty to JA.
Lenwood Brooks ’01 and fiancé Katie McLaurin
Leaders Set to Carry on Learning Diversity Programming Excellence
While Jackson Academy enjoys the benefits of stellar academics, it continues to define excellence by helping every student excel above their perceived potential. JA accomplishes this through its many innovative programs and resources, notably the Academic Success Center, formerly the Academic Resource Center (ARC).
JA created this program to provide many levels of instructional support to students from Preschool through graduation. Established in the 1990s as Resource Support before later being called ARC, the Academic Success Center works to equip students to reach their academic potential and prepare them for success. As an integral part of the delivery of JA’s mission, the program significantly impacts the school’s overall educational environment.
For the past 15 years, Beth Murray Baker has led this program. Under her leadership, this program has served hundreds of JA graduates and has been a trailblazer in educational development in the Southeast. Following Baker’s retirement in May, two faculty leaders, Betsy King and Michele
Markow, took the helm of the Academic Success Center.
King, who has served JA for 24 years in the Preschool and Lower School, is the Director of Learning Diversity for those divisions. Markow, who has served Middle and Upper School students for 11 years, is Director of Learning Diversity for those divisions. During their tenure at JA, King and Markow have demonstrated a commitment to student success, a willingness to adapt, and a devotion to JA’s mission. Their experience and dedication
position JA to build upon the program’s past success under Beth Murray Baker’s leadership.
Both educators are committed to working together and collaborating with colleagues, administrators, students, and parents to support JA students’ academic growth and success. They will guide and partner with colleagues and parents to ensure success in all facets of the student experience. This investment in the Academic Success Center will provide continuity of programming throughout the entire school.
AP Course Selection Increases to Fourteen Options
Upper School students who seek greater academic challenge and the potential for college credit while in high school can select Advanced Placement (AP) coursework now beginning in their freshman year. For the 2025-2026 school year, JA has four new AP options. AP courses and testing are
administered by the College Board, which trains and certifies faculty members who teach AP courses.
At the end of each AP course, students take an AP exam designed, field tested, and administered by the College Board to earn scores that reflect the students’ mastery of the coursework.
Graded on a scale from one to five, AP test results are made available to the colleges of the student’s choice. Colleges grant credit, typically with a score of three or higher. Some selective colleges require a score of four.
Not only do students gain college credit, they also achieve a high
100 Percent of Test Prep Class Sees ACT Gains
Jackson Academy’s Test Prep students are continuing to make remarkable strides in ACT performance. From August 2024 to April 2025, every student who participated in the course has shown measurable growth.
“All 56 students who have taken Test Prep at some point this academic year have improved their scores over their baseline or most recent ACT,” said Test Prep teacher Ann Boswell Carlson. That’s a 100 percent improvement rate. Together, the group gained 295 composite points, an average of 5.27 points per student, which represents a 26 percent increase.”
Carlson explained that scores are compared to either a baseline or the most recent ACT taken prior to joining the course. For sophomores without a prior ACT, the baseline served as the comparison point; for others, actual ACT scores taken before August were used. Students who joined the course in January were measured from their December scores, and those who exited the class in January are still included in the data.
Nineteen students in this year’s Test Prep cohort have now reached
or exceeded a composite score of 29, making them eligible for Mississippi’s Eminent Scholars Grant. Among those, 14 have scored 30 or higher, positioning them for competitive scholarships at colleges and universities across the country.
The score improvements span all four ACT subtests. In English, 51 students gained a total of 356 points, averaging nearly 7 points per student. Math scores rose for 53 students, with a collective gain of 286 points and an average increase of 5.4 points. In reading, 44 students added 258 points, averaging 5.86 points each. Science scores improved for 47 students, who gained 239 points in total, an average increase of just over 5 points per student. Across all four subtests, students gained
a combined total of 1,139 points, or roughly 20 subscore points per student.
JA celebrates students who earn a 29 or higher on the ACT by featuring their photos on the ACT Wall in the Upper School and recognizing their achievements on social media and in the school magazine. As of April 2025, the wall features 76 students, 19 of whom are currently enrolled in the Test Prep course. Of the 76 students recognized, 75 percent participated in Test Prep during their sophomore, junior, or senior year.
As a college preparatory school, JA proudly supports its students’ pursuit of academic excellence, and these results reflect that commitment in action.
level of mastery of a subject. “The Advanced Placement program prepares students academically with course content but most importantly in critical thinking and writing skills. This gives the student confidence and valuable preparation for the academic challenges of higher education,” said JA College Counselor and AP Coordinator Amy Bush.
JA students have curriculum choices that include the school’s
traditional college preparatory track, more challenging Honors courses, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and Dual Enrollment courses. Dual Enrollment classes are designed to meet a student’s high school and college-level course requirements simultaneously, taught by faculty who hold credentials with a college or university. JA’s Dual Enrollment courses are offered in cooperation with Belhaven University.
New AP courses and teachers:
e AP Statistics - 11th-12th grade
Taught by Roxie Hood
e AP Pre-Calculus - 10th-12th grade
Taught by Mamie Taylor
e AP Human Geography - 9th grade (the first AP course for freshmen)
Taught by Hallie Underwood
e AP Seminar: English 10 - 10th grade
Taught by Cassidy Swinney
Athletics
MORE THAN 1,000 Games Won AND EVEN MORE Lives Influenced
BY ROBERT WILSON
Everyone knows the incredible number of wins and championships that Jan Sojourner produced during her 45-year girls basketball coaching career, the last 40 at Jackson Academy.
The former Copiah Academy and Mississippi College point guard won 1,053 games – third most in Mississippi history – and won an MAIS record six Overall girls championships. She won 947 games, all six Overall titles, and 10 state championships at JA.
Sojourner, who retired in May of 2025, fittingly had a remarkable turnaround season, winning 20 games after the only second back-to-back losing season of her career.
It was her 32nd 20-win season at JA where she had only five losing seasons and had 21 consecutive winning seasons. She also won 87 consecutive games against
MAIS competition (20162018) and won 41 straight home games (2016-2019).
But in addition to the wins, Sojourner will be remembered for her positive influence during her four decades at JA.
“There was one cornerstone that permeated her program and influenced this campus, and that was her Christian faith,” President Emeritus Peter Jernberg, who worked with Sojourner for 26 years, said. “She planted seeds of faith, fertilized seeds of faith, and she influenced in such a wonderful and positive manner the culture of our campus.”
“What truly sets her apart isn’t just her great record of success — it’s the many lives she’s touched both on and off the court,” JA Athletic Director Brandt Walker said. “She has been a life coach to so many students and families, showing passion, hard work, and determination
in all she does. Her impact on the program is strong and wide-reaching, leaving a lasting mark on generations of students at JA and beyond.”
Sojourner has demonstrated a passion for a disciplined life that has inspired students and families.
(Above) Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, in an official proclamation, declared January 28, 2025, to be known as Coach Jan Sojourner Day. The crowd inside the Jackson Academy Raider Dome responded with a lengthy standing ovation as the announcement was read. This recognition of JA’s Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach, who retired in May 2025 after 40 years at the school, was the culmination of an incredible day on the campus of Jackson Academy.
“Coach Sojourner has taught me so much about the game of basketball, but honestly so much more,” JA senior guard Aubrey Edmonson said. “I have learned selfdiscipline, responsibility, and leadership skills because of her.”
“Coach Sojourner instilled in me the invaluable lessons of toughness and hard work, principles that have become deeply ingrained and continue to permeate my professional career,” said Anna Fiser Stephens, who played at JA from 2000-2003, won two Overall titles, and was an assistant for Sojourner from 2009-2015, helping her win one state title.
“Her impact on the program is strong and widereaching, leaving a lasting mark on generations of students at JA and beyond.”
“Coach Sojourner taught me the importance of working hard for something you want, how to be a great teammate and work with others towards a common goal, and she instilled mental toughness and how to work through hard times when things aren’t going your way,” said former JA point guard Mollie Blair Baioni ’13. Baioni, who played for JA from 20092013, completed her fifth year as the girls basketball coach at Bayou Academy in Cleveland in 2025.
As is characteristic of Coach Sojourner, she turns any accolades back toward her players. “I have grown because of my players and what they have done for me,” Sojourner said. “That’s what has kept me in it is the relationships, and once they graduate, seeing what they do and how successful they are. They are young women, and it’s neat to see how they grow, what they stand for. I’m so grateful. God did put me in those situations. You could see God’s hands all over it.”
(Above) More than 100 former and current players and coaches attended the varsity girls basketball game and the presentation. The night concluded with a reception for all the guests following the game, where former players, coaches, and family gathered and celebrated an amazing member of the JA family.
MAIS Coach of the Year Leads
JA’s
Girls Basketball
Coach Henry Gantz is the new head coach and girls’ basketball program director at Jackson Academy. He joined Jackson Academy after spending 10 years at Central Hinds Academy, where he served as athletic director, head girls basketball coach, and an educator.
Coach Gantz developed a highly successful girls basketball program, earning recognition as MAIS Coach of the Year in both 2023 and 2024, as well as being named a five-time All-Star Coach. His teams have achieved remarkable success at all levels, including a junior varsity record of 74-1 over three seasons, which featured an impressive 57-game winning streak. At the varsity level, his teams won back-to-back state championships and reached the Overall Final Four in the last two seasons. Additionally, he founded and coaches the Mississippi Jazz, a travel basketball program that competes at a nationally-ranked level and won the 2019 Nike Platinum National Championship.
Coach Gantz and his family, including his wife, Shelby, and their young son, Beau, are excited to be a part of the JA family. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to coach at Jackson Academy,” Gantz said. “There are so many reasons to be excited, but what stands out most is the chance to work alongside the
dedicated JA staff and to be part of a community filled with exceptional students and families. I feel confident we can continue the winning culture that JA girls basketball has enjoyed for so many years and build on the incredible foundation established by Coach Sojourner.”
Coach Gantz brings extensive experience and a passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the court. He is a mentor and motivator who takes pride in the
intensity, efficiency, and passion his teams bring to the game. His love for coaching shines through in the way he speaks about his players and their commitment to excellence.
Coach Gantz graduated from Ole Miss with a degree in marketing and communications before launching his coaching career. “We are confident that his leadership, experience, and passion for the game will make an immediate impact on our program,” said Athletic Director Brandt Walker.
Boys Tennis Clinches Title Before Championship Matches
Jackson Academy’s players weren’t even born the last time the Raiders won a state boys tennis championship.
That’s how big this year’s MAIS Class 6A state title win was for JA boys tennis, capturing the state crown for the first time since 2003. The team had hovered near the championship title, but had fallen short by half a point the last two years. This year, JA won by five points over rival Jackson Prep and clinched the title before playing the championship matches.
The Raiders won both doubles titles (senior Matt Thomas and sophomore Nicholas Jones at No. 1 and seniors Willis Thigpen and Ian Hosch at No. 2). In addition, junior William Wright Scott and sophomore Jack Satcher finished state runner-up at No. 1 and No. 2 singles, respectively. William finished state runner-up for the second straight season.
Mary Rebecca Barry Jeffries ’01 – a former six-time state singles champion at JA who played college tennis at the University of Missouri – finished her
fourth year as head coach at JA and won her third state title after winning two girls state titles in her first two seasons at JA.
“The past two years, we had been runner-up by half a point,” Jeffries said. “This year, I knew it would be difficult, and there would not be an easy path to the state championship, but I knew if the boys put in the work, and really locked in, that this year the championship would be theirs. I was impressed that they won by five points, which showed their hard
work. Every one of our boys was a key player. I have been telling them all year that it’s not the seven that play in state, but the team that got the seven to state. My biggest thing this year was being a true team and supporting one another. We were going to win together or lose together. Regardless of the outcome, we were going to do it together.”
“I think our loss last year in state started the hunger to win the championship this year,” said Matt Thomas, who won a state title last year as a junior, winning No. 2 boys doubles with Cam Walker. “We didn’t just want to win, we wanted to dominate. We saw ourselves as the favorites but didn’t let that get to our heads; we stayed humble. Our lineup change from last year was very successful, and our doubles teams had great chemistry. Those who battled injuries last
year took our recovery very seriously, and most of us were blessed to play a full, healthy season. Our last week of practice had some of our best practices by far as a team, and I knew we had a great shot of winning. It felt great to end my high school career with a win as a senior, and I know the other seniors feel the same way. All our hard work paid off. We had talked and joked around about winning state all year long, and for it to finally happen was super awesome. I’ll always hold on to great memories from this season.”
Jesse Taylor Refines Coaching During Nike Basketball League Experience
Jackson Academy Boys Basketball Head Coach
Jesse Taylor spent the weekends of the spring and summer 2025 immersing himself in the world’s most competitive high school basketball league. As a coach in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL), Taylor had the opportunity to work with some of the top high school athletes internationally, many on their way to joining the NBA.
Taylor’s journey began when Nike EYBL approached him last year to coach a team based in New Orleans. The league is known for its elite talent, typically owned or coached by former and current NBA players, including Kevin Durant, Matt Barnes, and Jermaine O’Neal. Teams are curated through rigorous tryouts, and competition is fierce. Only 40 teams nationwide participate, divided into four districts.
“Most teams are associated with NBA players, either current or retired,” Taylor explained. “They have general managers, staff, and their own funding. It’s a very unique environment in high school basketball.”
Taylor’s team is LivOn, owned by Randy Livingston, an NBA veteran, former LSU player, and high school standout. LivOn competed in tournaments across the country, including
Arizona, Tennessee, and Georgia. Throughout the season, Taylor faced professional and collegiatelevel coaches, including retired NBA players such as Jamal Crawford.
Taylor realized the value of observing his opponents’ coaching. “After a game, I’d think, ‘Ok, they got me there. I learned something about coaching from what their coaches did in that situation,’” he shared. Despite not knowing any of the league’s coaches personally beforehand, Taylor had known of and admired their professional accomplishments from afar. Through coaching in Nike EYBL, he gained insight from their high basketball IQ and strategic approaches.
The league’s international component also stood out. Taylor’s team included a student from South Sudan, who has been in the United States for just a year. The league allows recruits from contiguous states to one’s base state and international players, adding diverse talent to the competition. EYBL is considered the best high school league in the world, Taylor said.
JA Raiders’ offensive and defensive strategies caught the attention of LivOn leaders, contributing to his selection as an EYBL coach, he said. The Raiders had traveled to Louisiana last
season, playing the state’s No. 1 and No. 2 teams. LivOn representatives watched JA win at those games. JA’s regular winning seasons and Taylor’s approach with students helped him secure this opportunity. “They wanted someone with a proven winning record and a good understanding of the game,” he said. LivOn leaders also wanted a certain coaching approach and interaction with the players. Coach Taylor was joined in coaching by assistant Kirk King, who played at the University of Connecticut before playing professionally. His UConn team won a Big East Championship.
In addition to enhancing his coaching skills, Taylor views this as a step of faith. “The way it happened, it felt that this was a door God was opening,” he said. After discussing it with his wife, Laura, and praying about it, they determined that he would go through that door, do a really good job, and
coach the LivOn players in a way they may not have been coached before, to bring a different angle that they may not have seen previously. And, of course, win games.
As the summer wrapped up, Taylor’s team concluded their season by advancing to the Nike National Peach Jam in Augusta, Georgia, a highly competitive event within EYBL. Competing at this level meant that Coach Taylor’s team was among the top 20 Nike EYBL teams in the world.
“This opportunity will benefit our students and program in the long run,” Taylor added. “I’ll be a better coach this season as a result of my coaching experience with LivOn and Nike EYBL.”
Coach Jesse Taylor’s journey in the Nike EYBL exemplifies the power of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone to achieve excellence— and ultimately, to inspire the next generation of basketball talent.
Students Continue Academic and Athletic Careers in College
Jackson Academy held college signing events for nine Raiders and Lady Raiders who intend to continue their athletic careers. At signings, students were surrounded by teammates, coaches, family members, faculty, fellow students, and media as they signed for college scholarships.
Anna Adkins Soccer Mississippi College
Schyler Chambers Track Mississippi College
Josh Dockins Baseball Meridian Community College
Omarean Ellis Football East Central Community College
Caleb Gaitor Basketball Christian Brothers University
Shamarye Lee Football Jones College
Molly Marie Moody Co-Ed Cheer The University of Alabama
Cooper Rayburn Baseball Jones College
Sophie Sosa Volleyball The University of Southern Mississippi
Notable Moments from JA Athletes
JA Strength and Conditioning Coach
Michael Brinson was named National High School Strength Coaches Association Coach of the Year.
MAIS member Brookhaven Academy honored JA’s head baseball coach and former Major League baseball player Corey Dickerson by retiring his jersey in March. The JUCO Hall of Fame also inducted Coach Dickerson.
JA and MSU baseball standout Dakota Jordan ’22 was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft. He was the 116th overall pick in the fourth round. He is currently playing for the San Jose Giants (Single-A Affiliate).
Prior to graduation, Schyler Chambers ’25 broke the school record and all MAIS state records in the triple jump (50’9.25) and shattered the school record in the long jump (23’0.25). He finished the season ranked No. 2 in Mississippi history and No. 9 in the country in triple jump for 2025.
Robert and Louis Rosenblatt earned first place in the K3 Team division at the Mississippi Scholastic Chess Association (MSCA) Team Chess Championship Cup. The Rosenblatt brothers outplayed state teams to earn their division’s top honor. MSCA promotes chess in K-12 schools and organizes tournaments that encourage skill development and strategic thinking.
6A Kick State Champions
6A Pom State Champions BOYS BASKETBALL
6A State Champions
CHEER
6A Tumbling State Runner Up
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
State Runner Up
GIRLS SOCCER
State Runner Up
BOYS TENNIS
6A State Champions
GIRLS TENNIS
6A State Runner Up
BOYS TRACK & FIELD
6A State Runner Up MASCOT
Champion
State Runner Up
Arts
As the Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center fly system lifted Reese Overstreet ’19 above the set’s London rooftops, she sang the lines of the magical Mary Poppins. She also dreamed of recreating her theatre and musical experiences at college and beyond.
After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting at the University of Mississippi in 2023, she moved to New York to pursue a stage career. Along the way, Overstreet learned things about herself that pinpointed a different career that makes her heart truly sing.
First, while at Ole Miss, she directed three productions. While directing, she realized that she loved teaching others about theatre. Then, a second opportunity provided a perspectivechanging experience. She toured the country with Missoula Children’s Theatre, where, in city after city, she and other actors instructed children in the production of a musical in one week. The uplifted feeling she had sensed while directing at Ole Miss caught her attention again.
“Missoula Children’s Theatre was so instrumental. I realized that I got more joy from directing than I did from performing. I left so energized after every single day,” she said. It was also the first time she had worked with small children. Now, her dream is to create enrichment programming that ties theatre, music, and dance to developmental milestones for children.
“I had an opportunity to teach my own preschool class last year. So much of what we were doing was theatrical. We sang all the time. My little ones that
A Career that Makes Your Heart Sing
weren’t talking were singing,” she said of her work in the New York school. “Seeing how hand in hand the theatre and teaching are, I realized I can do both things - and that excited me.” At one point, she thought, “OK, God. I see what you are doing. I understand.” At the end of the day, she felt uplifted by her teaching experience.
Overstreet spent nearly three months in the spring of 2025 back in Jackson, working with JA students to direct the play, “Rumors.” “Rumors” tells the tale of a house party that devolves into a crime scene, with comical twists and turns. The show played for three nights in JA’s Black Box Theatre April 11-13.
Directing “Rumors” was extra special because her role model for creating enriching arts programming was her JA teacher, Director of Performing Arts Kerri Sanders. “Kerri is my theatre mentor, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with her again. I’ve just wanted to dip my toe in everything. It has been a gift,” she said. Along with directing “Rumors,” her role as Artist-inResidence included storytelling in K2, activities to introduce K3 students to theatre and the PAC, and choreography assistance for the Middle School production “Footloose.”
Another wonderful part of returning was reconnecting with students. JA’s seniors were budding theater students during Overstreet’s final year at JA. “I saw so many of them grow up, so I was very grateful to be able to return as artist-in-residence.” When Overstreet played Mary Poppins,
senior Willis Thigpen ’25 was in the show as the little boy, Michael. She also had met senior Henley Nance ’25 when Henley was 7 years old.
“Our JA kids are on par with other students across the country and, in some ways, are ahead. Our kids are rock stars. You cannot find them anywhere else,” Overstreet said. “What Kerri has done in creating an ensemble, which is like a team of actors, is amazing. Students here have each others’ backs, whether it is helping someone with a forgotten line or giving encouragement. Part of it is the faith of it all. These children are God-loving and love each other. They want others to have a good experience. That has been a beautiful thing to watch. They work their hardest because they are not just working for themselves; they’re working their hardest because they know it affects everyone, and they want everyone to have a successful show, which is just magnificent.”
Her artist-in-residence role at JA opened an opportunity for her to live out her dream at a place she dearly loves. Overstreet accepted a position at JA as Performing Arts Theater Teacher/Assistant Director of After School. She will develop a weekly rotation for Preschool that introduces theatre through storytelling as well as a nine-week long fifth-grade theatre
rotation. She will teach theatre skills throughout the year to almost all grades. In the Assistant Director position, Overstreet will help run After School programming, building new activities and curriculum while supporting the ever-growing After School program at JA.
“We are thrilled to have Reese join our team,” said After School Director Hope Burford. “She grew up in our After School program while she was a student at JA. She will bring energy and excitement from a unique perspective, transitioning from a former student who knows our programs well to a staff member who brings expertise from her education and experience.”
Working with students alongside Sanders and Burford, Overstreet is fulfilling her artistic dream on a stage that feels like family.
Lower School Honors Young Artists
The Mary Sprayberry Lower School Art Gallery displays the work of a Lower School student from each grade. This honor is given annually to students who not only demonstrate creativity and artistic talent, but also reflect a Christlike spirit of encouragement and kindness, as did
Mrs. Sprayberry, who served as the JA elementary art teacher for 17 years. Recognized for 2024-2025 were (from left) Johnny Rollins (1st grade), Kharlie Myers (3rd grade), Louis Eaton (5th grade), Clay Fowler (2nd grade), and McCay Cooper (4th grade).
Upper School Students
Challenge Themselves in AP Art
Art students in faculty member Susan Ingram’s Advanced Placement class worked throughout the year completing art portfolios. Students submit the portfolios to earn college credit in AP Art. In the spring, (artwork above, from left) Julia Berman ’25, current senior Ardynn Howell, and Faith Wicks ’25 each displayed three pieces from their portfolios in the Performing Arts Center Gallery. Faith Wicks received the highest score possible on her AP portfolio. Her teacher said that AP scores at that level are rare.
JA Students Honored in Scholastic Art Competition
The statewide Scholastic Art Competition 2025 received more than 1,100 entries from 400 students in the organization’s statewide competition. Six JA students earned 15 Gold Key,
Silver Key, and Honorable Mention awards. Honored for their work this year were Faith Wicks (2 Gold Keys, 1 Silver Key, 3 Honorable Mentions); Julia Berman (2 Honorable Mentions);
Ardynn Howell (3 Honorable Mentions); Preston Perkins (1 Silver Key and 1 Honorable Mention); Lucy Hogue (Honorable Mention); and Kacyn Jones (Honorable Mention).
Theatre Students Rewarded for Competitive Performances
Jackson Academy competes in the Mississippi Theatre Association’s DramaFest and THESCON State Festival each year. Students and faculty returned from these festivals with numerous individual and group awards, including a perfect score in Musical Duet and wins in design, acting, music, musical, playwriting, MTA Scholarship recipient, and All Star cast for their performance of “no fury,” an original play by Director of Performing Arts Kerri Sanders. Alumnus Gibson Cheney ’22 returned to serve on staff at the MTA Festival.
Spring Play Directed by Alumna
JA’s spring play, “Rumors,” told the tale of a house party that devolved into a crime scene, with comical twists and turns. The cast delivered four performances in JA’s Blackbox Theatre in April. Reese Overstreet ’19 directed the play. Leading up to the play, JA fifth graders visited the Black Box theatre, getting a behind-the-
scenes look at stagecraft from Overstreet and Director of Performing Arts Kerri Sanders. Fifth graders also participated in acting exercises and comedic technique. Students toured the Performing Arts Center facilities, learning about what they can look forward to as they enter Middle School.
Show Choirs Continue Excellence
What a great year for Jackson Academy Show Choirs! The Middle School Show Choir “Showtime” made history this year by placing at all competitions and by becoming the first Showtime group to win two Overall Grand Championships - Full Sweeps. Full Sweep means they won all major categories, which include Best Vocals, Best Choreography, and Best Show
Students Get Early Introduction to Percussion
Second grade students visited the band hall for “Trash Can Band,” an interactive lesson with Band Director Todd Taylor. Students learned about percussion, practiced reading music, and played trash can drums, gaining hands-on experience of what it is like to be a percussionist in a band.
Young Students Gain Confidence Through Theatre
Preschool students celebrated World Theatre Week with Reese Overstreet ’19, who was artist-inresidence in the spring semester and joined the staff for the 2025-2026 school year. Preschoolers got a chance to step onto the Performing Arts Center stage, participate in fun theatre exercises, and learn new terminology. JA introduces young students to the world of theatre, which can build their stage and classroom confidence.
Design/Overall Production. Showtime students also brought home individual performer and vocalist awards.
Encore’s 32-person group competed this season with groups double their size, earning a finals spot at every
Mississippi show choir contest. Quality over quantity is something their director stressed all year while they competed against the best show choirs in the South and around the country. Encore won numerous awards such as Best Vocals, Best Choreography, Best Show Design, and many Best Soloist awards, including one that carried a full scholarship to Show Choir Camps of America.
“The Jackson Academy Show Choirs embrace what we call a ‘Championship Mentality,’” said Jacob Butzin, who is entering his second year as Director of Choral Music. “A championship
mentality is held by one who is committed, disciplined, consistent, has the faith, and has the heart. Our program lives by this mentality, and it is how our success is defined.” Butzin received an Excellence in Directing Award during competition season.
Third Graders Get into a Theatrical Mindset
Jackson Academy Theatre Department students visited the third grade music special subjects class, sharing details about theatre, working through sample warmups, and playing games designed to spark creativity. Students created new stories and characters alongside their upper school mentors. The visit to Lower School offered a hands-on introduction to the world of theatre, inspiring creativity and expression.
Group Attends MAIS Concert Band Competition at Hinds
JA Band members represented the school at the MAIS Concert Band clinic and concert this past spring. Participants attended a clinic at Hinds Community College in Raymond. The clinic was followed by a Saturday concert in which students played in either the Silver or the Gold band.
Lower School Creates Ceramic Masterpieces
Students crafted beautiful ceramic sculptures to celebrate the holiday season during a class instructed by Lower School Art Teacher Joy Miller. This activity allowed students to develop their artistic talents with a medium they may not have been familiar with, resulting in unique pieces and a new way to express their artistic gifts.
Technical Musical Teaches Broad Theatre Skills
In the musical comedy, “Anything Goes,” timing was everything, and JA theatre students rose to the occasion during the show’s three performances last October. Director of Performing Arts Kerri Sanders said that producing “Anything Goes,” is technically demanding, which helps students develop their theatre skillset. First, students took tap lessons for several months in preparation of the show’s complicated dance numbers. They learned cultural details, history of the time period, dialect, and extensive lines. Then, precise light cues, scenic shifts, and costume changes practiced with the director and crew were
Band Parents Take Crash Course in Band Performance
Learning how to play an instrument beautifully or toss a flag or rifle–while following marching patterns without colliding with others–are skills developed during band practice. Band parents shadowed their children to learn how challenging these tasks can be… and to connect with their students. Parents participated in the band’s usual performance without prior practice, leading to hilarious mistakes and improvisations.
required to enhance the actors’ delivery of lines and movement.
“If one element is off, we might not get the laugh!” Sanders explained.
In the JA Performing Arts Center, students gain an experience that mirrors a professional company. JA’s
PAC is a 30,000-square-foot complex with an 800-seat performance hall offering all the technical specifications needed to mount a full-scale professional production. The hall features an orchestra pit, a full-fly loft for backdrops and lighting, and a sprung dance floor.
Students in Action
Significance Through Service
Each year, Jackson Academy students of all ages take part in service opportunities, not out of obligation or for school credit, but because serving others is at the core of the JA mission. Student-led and schoolinitiated programs include fundraising for local and national organizations, leadership for special observances, and multi-grade student collaborations focused on meeting direct needs in the community.
Victoria Morgan Trains Rescued Horses
Jackson Academy tenth grader
Victoria Morgan has owned horses since kindergarten, so when she had the chance to rescue two wild ponies, she didn’t hesitate. Her experience with horses and training at the Mississippi Horse Rescue Center aided her quick decision.
The miniature ponies, named Bolt and Comet, had grown up feral on a multi-acre farm in Mississippi with a herd of at least 100. Although healthy, they had never experienced a bridle or saddle and wouldn’t let
Victoria touch them for the first week at her farm. Now settled with her other four horses, Bolt and Comet come running when they see her. Victoria spends about two hours each day working with them. Comet, just a year old, has made remarkable progress, even participating in the Dixie National Rodeo Parade. His friendly demeanor is a stark contrast to his initial behavior.
Victoria, a former English jumping equestrian who was Best in State twice, connected with rescued
horses through Stephanie Billingsly of the Mississippi Horse Rescue Center. Her first rescue, Rowdy, a Palomino with leg damage, has since become her regular riding horse after rehabilitation. Trained in the Clinton Anderson Method, Victoria attended summer camps through the rescue center to enhance her skills.
Seeing the ponies enjoy their new lives provides “a sense of reward for me,” she said. She believes that God has had a hand in her connection to horses throughout the years. When one opportunity ends, she feels that another chance to work with horses arises.
Bolt and Comet show their gratitude every day.
Black History Month Highlights Achievements and Contributions
Each year, Jackson Academy observes Black History Month through a student-led chapel, an art competition, and classroom study and activities. Upper School students Aniyah Brown and Micah Wallace led a team of students who highlighted
Black history by organizing JA’s Black History Month Chapel in February. The event emphasized themes of unity and progress.
The student leaders planned and facilitated the chapel, held in the
Performing Arts Center with an audience of sixth through twelfth graders. At the beginning of the program, the team showed a studentproduced video highlighting the achievements and contributions of Black individuals throughout history.
Lower School MLK Day Activities
In January, Lower School students remembered Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by learning quotes, reading books, singing songs, and creating crafts.
“At JA, we want our students to embody being kind to one another,” said Kindergarten Teacher Laura Pressler. “Our kindergarten students learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. because he is a wonderful example of treating others with kindness, compassion, and fairness.”
To reinforce the lessons, kindergartners created painted
handprints that formed a mural placed in the hallway and memorized a poem. Preschool Music Teacher Andrea Colemen taught K3, K4, and kindergarten students the lyrics to a song about Dr. King.
First graders completed a banner for the school hallway that remained there through Black History Month. Students traced and cut out the paper hands, and added hearts with a message saying, “Together we can change the world.” They experienced an object lesson to better understand the similarities among people. Teachers showed a white egg and a brown egg and discussed their different looks. Then, when teachers cracked the eggs, students saw they were the same inside. Shannon Stone, the teacher who introduced this method for explaining the concept, said, “It’s so special to see that we may be different on the outside, but on the inside we are all just the same!”
During library time, first through fifth-grade students studied books and quotes that illustrated principles shared by Dr. King. “I hope all students will learn something new about Martin Luther King, Jr. from the books we are reading,” said Lower School Librarian Lynn Watson. Watson said that fifth graders analyzed firsthand accounts from his family to discover new facts about his life.
Students also colored a bookmark with his quote, “The time is always right to do what is right,” to take home. “I hope the bookmark is a tangible reminder of ways we can apply King’s values of fairness, compassion, and nonviolence in our everyday lives,” said Watson.
2025 Graduate Leads Girls Bible Study for Six Years
When Emma Ray ’25 was in sixth grade, she volunteered to lead a Bible study for her classmates. That moment initiated five additional years of overseeing Bible study for sixth-grade girls.
Emma considers the time spent working with the girls to be the greatest blessing in her life. “I am happy that what I’ve been given I got to use for the Lord,” she said, emphasizing the importance of serving where God places you and doing so for His glory rather than your own. She referenced Billy Graham, who said, “Ministry is wherever you are.”
Emma’s “wherever you are” perspective has resulted in opportunities to share her faith: leading the weekly Bible study for girls, serving on the Upper School Fellowship of Christian Athletes lead team, and being a JA Chapel worship
leader. While growing personally as a Christian through service, Emma has witnessed growth in other ways. She remembers when only about 10 students attended FCA; now, the number of participants is as high as 150. FCA has become “a comfortable, safe place for people to be open with their faith,” she said.
She also cherishes the moments of growth she observes in others.
After attending Emma’s Bible study, a participant said, “I actually enjoy reading my Bible now.” At first, Emma led studies using Sarah Young’s book, “Jesus Calling.” She later arranged for coaches, teachers, other school leaders, and some students to join her in leading sessions. Studies include a 10-minute devotional each week and a craft or activity. Emma included specific messages annually, such as choosing joy (Nehemiah 8:10) and walking in love (Ephesians 5:2). She also organized a Mother’s Day activity each year where students made bouquets for their mothers. The classroom of faculty member Carrie Ann Etherly is the group’s meeting spot.
Emma found the JA environment instrumental in her spiritual development. “JA is amazing. It builds character and a strong moral and Christian foundation at a young age. Throughout my school career, JA planted small seeds,” she said. Emma remembers a third-grade teacher reading “Jesus Calling” to students each day, a fifth-grade teacher allowing students to pray together every morning, a sixth-grade classroom where a teacher took daily prayer requests, and a seventh-grade classroom where a teacher offered a devotional or verse each day.
While working to build participation in FCA, she once offered donuts as a way to interest students. One student who stated she was not a Christian chose to participate. Emma got to witness her faith life develop. Emma
also has related certain Bible stories that sixth-graders said they were hearing for the first time. In one instance, she saw students tear up or react in amazement when they listened to the story of the Woman at the Well for the first time.
“I think JA gives so much room for students to have the option to express their faith, even though it is not required for students here,” she
JA Cultivates Serving from the Heart
Upper School students at Jackson Academy take the lead when it comes to community service. There is no mandatory community service requirement at JA, which removes the pressure for students to meet another hard and fast rule in addition to the academic standards for graduation.
“Our philosophy is we want community service to come from the goodness of the heart,” said Andrea Ferguson, community service coordinator for the JA Upper School during the 2024-2025 school year and a licensed counselor in private practice. JA does not want students to view service as a box to be checked in order to graduate.
Even without the requirement to provide proof of a set number of community service hours, the majority of JA’s 400 Upper School students participate in some form of volunteerism that benefits others, said Associate Head of Upper School Austin Fortenberry.
Many students join one of the clubs that students, with assistance from a faculty sponsor, organize and direct such as the Service Club, Interact, the Biology Service
explained, saying there were many options for those who want to simply explore, learn more, or build a life of faith. “If they do choose to follow, JA offers so many opportunities for you to grow in your faith.” FCA, Chapel, and Refresh Bible Study for Upper School girls were ways she nurtured her faith at school.
As Emma begins her college years at Mississippi State University to
study pre-nursing and possibly religion, she has worked out a way for her legacy to continue. Three rising eighth graders will lead the Bible study for sixth graders. However, when she considers her legacy at JA, she refers to 1 Peter 4:10-11. That verse reminds Christians to use the gifts they have received to serve others, and to serve in the strength God provides so that He gets the praise.
Club, the Book Service Club, and Beacon Wellness Club. Some even volunteer at local nonprofits they have helped found.
Theresa Berman, Upper School history teacher, serves as the faculty sponsor for Interact, an international service club that has about 100 members at JA. She was among JA faculty and parents who helped facilitate a day of service for JA’s senior class at several locations, including the Mississippi Food Network, We Will Go Ministries, Stewpot Community Services, and MADCAAP (Madison Countians Allied Against Poverty).
“The Student Government Association suggested the idea for the spring senior service day, and it turned into a wonderfully impactful day,” Berman said. Faculty at JA believe community service is valuable
not only for how it enhances a local area but also for what it teaches.
“Community service provides a world of life lessons for students,” said Fortenberry, “from management skills if leading a fundraiser, team building when they recruit and organize volunteers, and cooperation as they work together for a common cause.”
Service offers an avenue so students can get to know more about where they live. “It gets them focused on something other than themselves, the latest iPhone, and school,” said Ferguson.
Community service is one of the many ways a student can find community and practice leadership. “What’s cool is that community service becomes something students can make their own,” Ferguson said, “where they may not have found it in other avenues.”
Making It Their Own… Students Initiate Service Opportunities
Julia Berman ’25 was disheartened to learn that about 20 percent of Jackson residents deal with food insecurity. That’s one reason Berman co-founded the school’s Interact Club last August.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Jackson, the 100-member Interact Club started the fall semester by planting cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, and collard greens at We Will Go, a nonprofit in Jackson.
The Interact Club joined with other JA clubs to collect canned goods during a Thanksgiving drive that helped stock the food pantry at Stewpot Community Services in Jackson. Members also helped students in Stewpot’s after-school program with their homework and assisted with their Christmas party.
The Interact Club broadened its view beyond Jackson and donated $200 to the Rotary Club of Jackson for Rotary International’s End Polio Now campaign. For 35 years, Rotary has worked to eradicate polio throughout the world.
The idea of making life better for children motivated Upper School student Mamie Barton ’25 to enlist the Service Club to do just. Service Club members donated bedding for Canopy Children’s Solutions and emergency kits for the Mississippi Diabetes Foundation.
Crystal Gao and Anna Mitchell Peters, Upper School students, took the mission of Beacon Wellness Club to heart. They served as the team captains and led the club’s efforts with the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Beacon Wellness also hosted “Pumpkins and Positivity,” a fun event at Strawberry Patch Park in Madison.
Shelby Grant, an Upper School student with a leadership role in several service organizations, said his favorite part has been organizing projects, including Education Matters Tutoring, a nonprofit he established that is managed entirely by high school students. “There are so many disparities within our surrounding community sitting right in front of our faces,” he said. “When you offer to help out just a little bit, you never know how much you are impacting a group of people or even just a single person.”
Student Voices: Why I Serve
Mamie Barton ’25
Serving others has truly transformed me in ways I could never imagine. At first, I thought that volunteering was pointless because it was just another form of labor without the money. I didn’t want to interact with strangers because I feared they would judge me but, over time, I discovered the joy and fulfillment that comes from making a difference in someone else’s life. I learned that volunteering gives one of the greatest rewards of all, which is changing someone’s life for the better. It has also allowed me to appreciate how blessed I am, appreciate the small things and recognize the strength in community.
Julia Berman ’25
Living in Jackson for the last three years has taught me valuable lessons about myself. Most importantly, I have discovered my passion for serving others in the community. In Jackson, 21 percent of residents suffer from food insecurity. It is disheartening to see members of the community suffer because they cannot afford to adequately feed themselves and their families. I decided to help make a change in my community
by serving food at the local food pantry, We Will Go. This year, a friend and I decided to establish the Jackson Academy Interact Club, partner with the nonprofit We Will Go, and encourage fellow students to participate in this service opportunity.
Morgan Cheatham, senior
I serve others through volunteering because it allows me to help others and grow personally. Service and volunteering grant me a way to be an integral part of my community and learn about issues that need to be addressed. From feeding the homeless to volunteering at local nonprofits, I have the opportunity to face problems and help solve them along with other strong-minded individuals with similar interests. Since I was three, I dreamed of becoming a doctor to help people whom I care about. Through my volunteer work, I have expanded my sense of purpose to include helping all people in need in my community.
Crystal Gao, senior
Community service caused me to step outside of my comfort zone, explore my community, and meet
new people of various backgrounds and demographics. Through many conversations and interactions, I have broadened my horizon. Even the most negative encounters have taught me something new and contributed to my intellectual maturity. Volunteering has significantly strengthened my social skills and proven to me the importance of communication. Volunteering with like-minded individuals has taught me the value of teamwork and the joy of supporting each other in working toward similar goals. Additionally, community service allows for new experiences with skills typically not taught in school, whether it be learning how to transplant a bush or baking cranberry scones.
Shelby Grant, senior
I feel that getting involved in service early in your life is an integral part of truly growing up and figuring out where your passions lie. I serve because there are so many disparities within our surrounding community sitting right in front of our faces, and when you offer to help out just a little bit, you never know how much you are impacting a group of people or even just a singular person. Service has and will continue to impact my plan to pursue medicine, as I gain essential experience with the fast-paced shifts and reality of the medical field, volunteering as a patient host in the adult emergency room at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Scholars
Cum Laude Society
Twelve Jackson Academy students crossed the Performing Arts Center stage to receive the Cum Laude Society pin, indicating superior academic achievement. The 2025 inductees were (from back, left) Alex Davis, McNeil Haraway, Willis Thigpen, John Travelstead, Richard Sumrall, (front, left) Brooke Dennis, Elizabeth Nichols, Logan Rohman, Natalie Roberson, Sara Kate Long, Morgan Cheatham, and Crystal Gao. They joined previous student and faculty Cum Laude inductees of JA’s chapter, one of only four Cum Laude charters granted in Mississippi. JA was first honored with a charter from the Cum Laude Society on May 12, 2005.
National Honor Society
Sophomores inducted into the National Honor Society in 2024 were Bess Borne, Avery Buchanan, Carson Caraway, Carlisle Cauthen, Audrey Chapman, Anna Holladay Craft, Elle Earl, Riley Flechas, Macy Garrard, Steven Hederman, Nicholas Jones, Meridith Ray, Madelyn Rodrigue, Jack Satcher, Allie Shay, Vaiden Taylor, Walter Towery, Elise Waldrop, Georgia Weeks, and Sarah Yung.
Juniors inducted into the National Honor Society were Aubrey Chambers, Carli Grace Criddle, Rimes Dehmer, Riley Edwards, Katherine Gault, Parker Grimsley, Mac Harris, Crew Hassell, Ardynn Howell, Ty Jones, Chappell Lang, Carter Mathison, Lydia Murphy, Preston Perkins, Sela Pressler, Lila Thomas, Justina Visgarra, and Caroline Wier.
Seniors inducted into the National Honor Society were Thomas Beckett, Kopelyn Clark, Leta Decker, Aubrey Edmonson, Graves Haraway, Ian Hosch, Emmely Johnson, Ellie Lohmeier, Linnie Moon, Emma Ray, and Kate Rula.
SOPHOMORES
JUNIORS
SENIORS
National Junior Honor Society
Jackson Academy students inducted into the National Junior Honor Society were eighth graders Layla Grace Herbert and Margaret Johnston, and seventh graders Amelie Baquie, Lorin Bass, Emmy Cannady, Cole Caraway, Harper Cooley, Kate Ferrell, Lewis Garrard, Liam Gill, Mia Green, Jaelynn Harrington, Ava Harwell, Kate Holsenbeck, William Lauderdale, Ainslie Long, Annie Lum, Elizabeth Markow, Mae Walker McLemore, Virginia Mehrle, Elizabeth Peters, Savannah Peters, Kate Samuels, Gage Snow, Dudley Stancill, Vivi Taylor, Jules Towery, and Luke Vollor.
Hall of Fame
Jackson Academy welcomes ten new seniors into the Hall of Fame based upon leadership, versatility in activities, service to JA, scholastic achievement, and an exemplary standard of integrity in all areas of the school. The 2025 Hall of Fame inductees are: (from back, left) Law Stanley, Willis Thigpen, James Chapman, Caleb Gaitor, Schyler Chambers, Parker Halford, (front, left) Ella Boykin, Elizabeth Nichols, Henley Nance, and Anna Adkins.
STAR Students and Teachers
The Mississippi Economic Council sponsors the Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Program to encourage scholastic achievement among high school students and to recognize the teaching profession. Jackson Academy’s STAR students are Sophie Henderson, who selected Ann Boswell Carlson ’03 as her STAR teacher, and Miller Usry, who selected Sara Bannerman as his STAR teacher. STAR students are chosen based on having the highest ACT score in the graduating class, along with other academic achievements.
Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Jackson Academy named seniors Sophie Henderson and Aniya Bradley valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2025. Sophie and Aniya each addressed the senior class at graduation, with Aniya providing the salutatory address and Sophie delivering the valedictory address. These students have excelled academically throughout their four years of Upper School. Sophie, the daughter of Samantha and Dr. Jim Henderson of Jackson, is enrolled at New York University and Aniya, the daughter of Tamika and Richard Bradley of Jackson, is enrolled at Spelman College.
29+ ACT
In the 2024-2025 academic school year, 77 Jackson Academy Upper School students achieved a score of 29 or above on the ACT or the SAT equivalent. As a college preparatory school, JA proudly celebrates students’ pursuit of academic excellence and congratulates each of the following students on their accomplishments.
Muarib Abdul-Tawwab Evan Adams Anna Adkins Bennett Allen Thomas Beckett Anna Catherine Bennett Rebekah Brooke Benson Cameron Benton Julia Berman Thomas Blanks
Bess Borne Ella Boykin Aniya Bradley Sherrod Cauthen Audrey Chapman James Chapman Morgan Cheatham Mary Lamar Chustz Stanton Cole Alex Davis
Kendell Davis Brooke Dennis Weathersby Dinkins Elle Earl Carolline Flechas Crystal Gao Macy Garrard Shelby Grant Parker Grimsley Morris Griner
Parker Halford McNeil Haraway Mac Harris Jack Harrison Sophia Henderson Breck Hines Ellie Hogue Ben Holmes Holt Huf Addison Jeffcoat
Emmely Johnson Caroline Johnston Ben Jones Lucy Jones Lily Beth Lee Ellie Lohmeier Sara Kate Long DeDe Miller Molly Marie Moody Sarah Breyden Moulder
Lydia Murphy Henley Nance Elizabeth Nichols Bella Palomo Alex Patterson Rob Penick Preston Perkins Morgan Pollack Olivia Price Andrew Provias
Sanders Reeves Natalie Roberson Logan Rohman Abhi Sharma Brennon Shorter Cayden Shorter Jack Skipper Law Stanley Richard Sumrall Vaiden Taylor
Willis Thigpen Olyvia Thornton John Travelstead Anderson Ueltschey Miller Usry Justina Visgarra Archer Williams
Teachers of the Year
Jackson Academy acknowledges and honors its Teachers of the Year every spring. One teacher from each division is selected by his or her peers to receive this distinction. JA recognized the 2024-2025 Teachers of the Year during a professional development day assembly. Congratulations to the 2025 Teachers of the Year.
Jacob Sullivan
Upper School Science | 4 Years of Service
Upper School Teacher of the Year Jacob Sullivan grew up in Madison, Mississippi. Sullivan holds a Bachelor of Science in biology with a focus in medical sciences from the University of Mississippi, and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from Belhaven University. Sullivan appreciates the culture and commitment to advancing the life and education of children at JA. He enjoys interacting with the students, who always find a way to make him laugh. He believes individuals are capable of much more than they think, and JA is the place to realize that.
Carrie Ann Eatherly
Sixth Grade Mathematics | 7 Years of Service
Since 2018, Carrie Ann Eatherly has been guiding sixth grade students in math and serving as the sixth grade Team Leader at JA. Belzoni, Mississippi, is her hometown, and she attended the University of Mississippi, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education with emphases in math and fine arts. For Etherly, the students are the best part about JA; they are a joy to teach and get to know. She believes that teaching is the best occupation because it offers an immeasurable opportunity to share skills and knowledge and provides a platform to get to know wonderful families and have a positive influence.
Lynn Watson
Lower School Librarian | 5 Years of Service
Lynn Watson earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Millsaps College. After teaching sixth grade literature in the JA Middle School for two years, she became the Lower School Librarian. An avid reader herself, she strives to inspire a lifelong love of reading in her students while teaching reading comprehension skills that will serve students throughout their academic careers.
Sheri Moody
K4 Teacher | 11 Years of Service
Sheri Moody earned a Bachelor of Science in exercise science from the University of Mississippi followed by two years of graduate studies in health promotion and wellness. For 11 years, Sheri has been making an impact in both the Lower School and Preschool divisions, teaching physical education, a sixth grade fitness elective, K3, and now K4. “It’s amazing to see things click,” she says. “There’s nothing quite like that ‘aha’ moment,” whether it’s a third grader performing the perfect push up or a three year old opening a bottle of glue for the first time. Those little victories are everything.”
Class of 2025
102 Graduates Step Forward as Alumni
Both the salutatory and valedictory addresses at Jackson Academy’s graduation ceremony on May 15 focused on themes of overcoming obstacles in the future. The evening’s graduation ceremony occurred at the Brickyard, JA’s outdoor stadium, and the weather provided a rain-free setting for the
graduation and subsequent Grad Night activities. The 102 members of the Class of 2025 processed across the field to receive their diplomas and special recognition for their academic achievements.
Salutatorian Aniya Bradley, now enrolled at Spelman College, gave opening remarks, emphasizing the
faculty’s role in preparing the Class of 2025 with lessons for the years ahead, such as how to treat others, leadership, critical thinking, resilience, and grace in the face of trials.
Bradley thanked God, reminding graduates that He is the strength behind every step they take and calls them to reflect His
love in all they do. “May our ambition not be just for our success, but to share His love,” she said.
Valedictorian Sophie Henderson, now enrolled at New York University, spoke to her classmates about facing challenges and finding solutions when the path seems unclear. She used math as an example
to make her point. “With math, you are either right or wrong, but life is not like that,” she said.
She said that when they lack clarity, graduates can remember that God has a purpose in the in-between. These times of uncertainty help individuals discover who they are. She noted that sometimes a
person must zoom out to see the larger purpose amid circumstances.
She followed this thought with several related areas of encouragement. “It’s what you do today that gets you to tomorrow,” she said, encouraging graduates to take care of themselves today to get to tomorrow. She also urged graduates to
remember: Seek meaning and happiness in the in-between moments; don’t overlook the importance of small accomplishments; give yourself a little victory to hold on to; and focus on things that matter.
The JA Band performed both the processional and recessional music. Choral Music students presented
“An Irish Blessing (May the Road Rise to Meet You),” while a slideshow displayed each senior’s name, portrait, and college choice on the Jumbotron. The seniors presented a gift of iron benches to JA for the entrance of the Lower School, allowing the kindergartners, or “Alphas,” to sit and remember their seniors, or “Omegas.”
JACKSON ACADEMY CLASS 2025of
Sherrod
Omarean Chavlon
College Choices
Anna Grace Adkins
Mississippi College
Jordan Clay Ashford
University of Mississippi
Ava Rose Bailey
University of Mississippi
Alexander Simon Barrera
Mississippi College
Mamie Carol Barton
Mississippi College
Thomas Ryan Beckett
Furman University
Anna Catherine Bennett
University of Mississippi
Cameron Reese Benton
University of Mississippi
Julia Louise Berman
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Thomas Braden Blanks
Mississippi State University
Elizabeth Lorraine Boykin
Mississippi State University
Aniya Tais Bradley
Spelman College
Mason Jeffrey Brantley
Mississippi State University
Mathias Kamerion ShaMond Bridges
Mississippi State University
Aniyah Gabrielle Brown
University of Mississippi
Sydney Nicole Bryan
University of Mississippi
Logan Mackenzie Burger
University of Alabama
Audrey Kathleen Burnett
University of Mississippi
Caroline Elizabeth Bush
Mississippi State University
Eley Elizabeth Cannady
University of Southern Mississippi
Sherrod Thomas Cauthen
Mississippi State University
Schyler Pierce Chambers
Mississippi College
James Sullivan Chapman
Mississippi State University
Kopelyn Arabella Clark
University of Mississippi
Abagail Victoria Cliburn
Mississippi State University
John Stanton Cole
Mississippi State University
Kirsten Kalila Cornelius
University of Southern Mississippi
Alex Mitchell Davis
Mississippi State University
Kendell Emmanuel Davis
University of Southern Mississippi
Leta Marie Decker
University of Mississippi
Brooke Jazeria Dennis
Mississippi State University
Mary Weathersby Dinkins
University of Mississippi
Joshua Joseph Dockins
Meridian C ommunity College
Aubrey Pines Edmonson
Mississippi State University
Omarean Chavlon Yur’Keith Ellis
East Central Community College
Caroline Grace Flechas
University of Alabama
Caleb Tyree Gaitor
Christian Brothers University
Frank Henry Hadden II
University of Mississippi
Parker Westbrook Halford
Mississippi State University
David McNeil Haraway
Mississippi State University
William Graves Haraway
Mississippi State University
Hayes McClellan Harrell
University of Mississippi
Kennedy Nicole Harris
Northwest Community College
Elizabeth Mae Hederman
University of Mississippi
Sophia Leslie Henderson
New York University
Ellie McInnis Hogue
Mississippi State University
Benjamin Clay Holmes
Mississippi State University
Ian Herrington Hosch
University of Mississippi
Aaron Andrew Howard
Belhaven University
Addison Gray Jeffcoat
L ouisiana State University
Emmely Micayla Johnson
Hampton University
Caroline Rose Johnston
University of Southern Mississippi
Ben Alan Jones
Mississippi State University
Deborah Evadney Kelly
Belhaven University
Lily Elizabeth Lee
University of Alabama
Shamarye Fitzpatrick Lee
Jones C ollege
Ellie Elise Lohmeier
Auburn University
Jacob Patrick Marble
Sabbatical Year
Ava Catherine McManus
University of Mississippi
Jay Foster Meacham Jr.
University of Mississippi
Wilson Davis Meeks
Mississippi State University
Anish Mehta
Mississippi State University
Donna Elizabeth Miller
University of Mississippi
Molly Marie Moody
University of Alabama
Linnie Elizabeth Moon
Auburn University
Ellen Elizabeth Morgan
Mississippi State University
David Alexander Mosal III
Mississippi State University
Sarah Breyden Moulder
Mississippi State University
Henley Carlisle Nance
Mississippi State University
Elizabeth Ashley Nichols
University of Mississippi
Brooke Emerson Ogden
University of Mississippi
Isabella Grace Palomo
Florida Institute of Technology
Robert Taylor Penick
University of Mississippi
Morgan Leslie Pollack
L ouisiana State University
Andrew John Provias
University of Mississippi
Emma Claire Ray
Mississippi State University
Artis Cooper Rayburn
Jones C ollege
Christopher Rhodes Robinson
University of Mississippi
Logan Claire Rohman
Mississippi State University
Sara Kate Rula
University of Mississippi
Natalya Elizabeth Salvo
University of Mississippi
Jacob Montgomery Scarbrough
Mississippi State University
Belle Morgan Shoemaker
University of Mississippi
Meridith Feiler Silverman
University of Southern Mississippi
Nicholas Mavar Spratlin
University of Mississippi
Lawrence Abraham Stanley
Mississippi State University
Lynnzee Alexandria Stapleton
University of Mississippi
Richard Matthes Sumrall
Mississippi State University
Adonis Shane Terry
Mississippi State University
Anna Ballard Tharp
University of Mississippi
Willis Leland Thigpen
University of Mississippi
John Harvey Thomas
University of Mississippi
Matthew Alan Thomas
University of Mississippi
Olyvia Leigh Thornton
Mississippi State University
Hope Lynn Todd
Mississippi State University
John David Travelstead
Mississippi State University
Anderson Grace Ueltschey
University of Alabama
Miller Lee Usry
Vanderbilt University
Micah Josiah Wallace
University of Mississippi
Faith Alexandria Wicks
Tuskegee University
Ethan Atley Williams
Millsaps College
Scholarship Recognition
Jackson Academy proudly hosts days of scholarship recognition to spotlight seniors who have earned scholarships to colleges and universities near and far. During the spring of 2025, The University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University hosted individual signing events, and students attending other Mississippi schools or studying out-of-state were recognized at a third event.
The University of Mississippi
Mississippi State University
Twenty-five Jackson Academy seniors received scholarship recognition during an event honoring students who will attend The University of Mississippi in the fall. Associate Director of Admissions for Mississippi Recruitment Megan Thomas presented scholarships, including the university’s most prestigious award, the Robert M. Carrier Scholarship, awarded to Willis Thigpen.
Twenty-nine JA seniors received scholarship recognition during an event honoring students attending Mississippi State in the fall. MSU President Dr. Mark Keenum spoke to the student body and recognized the recipients, including MSU’s most-selective scholarships, the Presidential Scholarships awarded to Brooke Dennis and Law Stanley and the Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program Scholarship awarded to Ella Boykin.
Other Mississippi and Out-of-State Schools
Jackson Academy was pleased to welcome to campus Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann who spoke to students accepting scholarships from various colleges and universities throughout the United States. Twenty-seven members of the Class of 2025 were presented with scholarship awards at this annual scholarship recognition ceremony.
Lifers
Enrolled from kindergarten to graduation, Jackson Academy’s “Lifers” forge a singular bond with the school. Throughout their formative years, marked by profound social, psychological, and academic development, they return to a constant: a familiar campus and a nurturing community. This fosters a sense of continuity and security as they change and grow into young men and women.
JORDAN CLAY ASHFORD
ANNA CATHERINE BENNETT
CAMERON REESE BENTON
ELIZABETH LORRAINE BOYKIN
MASON JEFFREY BRANTLEY
ANIYAH GABRIELLE BROWN
SYDNEY NICOLE BRYAN
CAROLINE ELIZABETH BUSH
JAMES SULLIVAN CHAPMAN
JOHN STANTON COLE
AUBREY PINES EDMONSON
PARKER WESTBROOK HALFORD
DAVID MCNEIL HARAWAY
WILLIAM GRAVES HARAWAY
SOPHIA LESLIE HENDERSON
ELLIE MCINNIS HOGUE
ADDISON GRAY JEFFCOAT
CAROLINE ROSE JOHNSTON
BEN ALAN JONES
LILY ELIZABETH LEE
ELLIE ELISE LOHMEIER
JAY FOSTER MEACHAM JR.
WILSON DAVIS MEEKS
DONNA ELIZABETH MILLER
MOLLY MARIE MOODY
DAVID ALEXANDER MOSAL III
SARAH BREYDEN MOULDER
ELIZABETH ASHLEY NICHOLS
BROOKE EMERSON OGDEN
ROBERT TAYLOR PENICK
ANDREW JOHN PROVIAS
EMMA CLAIRE RAY
CHRISTOPHER RHODES ROBINSON
LOGAN CLAIRE ROHMAN
JACOB MONTGOMERY SCARBROUGH
NICHOLAS MAVAR SPRATLIN
LAWRENCE ABRAHAM STANLEY
ANNA BALLARD THARP
WILLIS LELAND THIGPEN
JOHN DAVID TRAVELSTEAD
ANDERSON GRACE UELTSCHEY
Scholarships
Endowed scholarships are awarded to current JA students who meet the criteria set by the donor. Criteria may include citizenship, scholarship, extracurricular activities, or other characteristics. Students use the funds for the following school year at JA or in college, depending upon the scholarship type. JA is grateful to all the donors who have made endowed scholarships possible.
The 20th Century Endowed Scholarship Mary Lamar Chustz
The Harmon and Faye Bowman Memorial Scholarship Breck Hines and Liza Benner
The Scott Branning Scholarship Shelby Grant
The Herschel Brickell Family Endowed Scholarship Stone Haraway
The Glenn Cain Scholarship Grace Wicks and Natalie Roberson
The Julie Dyer Collins Leadership Award Baird Kennedy
The Andrew Yoste Defore Scholarship Gus Summers
The Frances Anne Fortner Memorial Scholarship Crystal Gao
The Jane Gibbons Scholarship Alena Asher
The Higgins Family Scholarship Maclure Blanks
The Hallie Houston Keyes Scholarship Marcus Goodloe
The Mary Sprayberry Memorial Art Scholarship Preston Perkins
The Leigh Anne Ward Memorial Scholarship Vivi Taylor and William Lauderdale
Legacy Loyal
Twenty-seven members of the Class of 2025 followed in the footsteps of parents who went before them to graduate from Jackson Academy. Thank you to these families for their legacy of loyalty to JA. We are thankful for the opportunity to continue serving your families throughout generations of growth, change, and cherished traditions.
JORDAN ASHFORD ’25 and parents
Cerissa ’97 and John Clay ’95 Ashford
ANNA CATHERINE BENNETT ’25 and father Russell Bennett ’92
THOMAS BLANKS ’25 and parents Caroline ’95 and Brad ’95 Blanks
MASON BRANTLEY ’25 and mother Ashley Brantley ’95
AUBREY EDMONSON ’25 and father McKie Edmonson ’94
MCNEIL HARAWAY ’25 and GRAVES HARAWAY ’25 and mother Angie Haraway ’96
HAYES HARRELL ’25 and mother Madison Harrell ’99
ELIZABETH NICHOLS ’25 and mother Ashley Belew ’92
BROOKE EMERSON OGDEN ’25 and mother Christie Ogden ’95
MORGAN POLLACK ’25 and father Greg Pollack ’94
NATALYA SALVO ’25 and father Fredrick Salvo ’94
BELLE SHOEMAKER ’25 and father Scott Shoemaker ’92
WILLIS THIGPEN ’25 and father Calvin Thigpen ’94
JOHN TRAVELSTEAD ’25 and mother Meredith Travelstead ’89
ANDERSON UELTSCHEY ’25 and parents Rebecca ’98 and Michael ’98 Ueltschey
CAROLINE BUSH ’25 and mother Courtney Bush ’94
SHERROD CAUTHEN ’25 and mother Allison Cauthen ’01
LETA DECKER ’25 and father John Decker ’94
WEATHERSBY DINKINS ’25 and father John Dinkins ’84
BEN JONES ’25 and father Alan Jones ’90
ELLIE LOHMEIER ’25 and father Jeffrey Lohmeier ’96
TRIPP MOSAL ’25 and parents Elisa ’94 and Dave ’95 Mosal
HENLEY NANCE ’25 and mother Jan Nance ’89
JACOB SCARBROUGH ’25 and parents Jeanne ’93 and John ’92 Scarbrough
ETHAN WILLIAMS ’25 and father Wade Williams ’89
JA Annual Fund Donors 2024-2025
Cornerstone Circle 25,000+
Anonymous
Ergon Foundation, INC.
PPI, INC.*
Jackson Academy Association
Jackson Academy Booster Club
Lisa and Michael ’92 Johnson
Geri Beth and Allen Smith
Specialty Metals*
Triangle Development*
Benefactor Circle 10,000+
Jennifer and McKie ’94 Edmonson
Sharon Martin and Bobby Graham
Jane and Robert Hederman
The James Family Foundation
Trinity Apparel**
Rebecca and Robert Watson
Ashley ’87 and Mark Willson
Honor Circle 5,000+
Linda and Gene Barrett
John Caldwell Jr.
Carson Law Group, PLLC
Patty and Don Clark
Tabitha and Stephen ’92 Clay
First Commercial Bank *
Hillary ’00 and Chesley ’99 James
Kinkade’s Fine Clothing **
Cynthia ’89 and Tim Mahaffey
Schnur Family Foundation
Debbie and Tom Skelton
Sqaure-d Clothing
Sustainer Circle 2,500+
Marsha and Haley Barbour
Donna and Roger Bozarth
Ann and Rick Calhoon
Fresh Cut**
Jie Zheng and Pei Jian Gao
Angie ’96 and Neil Haraway
Amy and Robert ’90 Hederman
Lawrence Crane Theming
Jessica and Jeffrey ’96 Lohmeier
Elizabeth ’93 and Kerk Mehrle
Cherry and Patrick Mullen
Newk’s Eatery**
Jeanne ’93 and John ’92 Scarbrough
Leigh and Scott ’92 Shoemaker
TC’s Uniforms**
Eleanor Wettach
Visionary Circle 1,000+
Albriton’s Jewelers
Kristin and Sidney Allen
Anonymous
Sharon and Jim Armstrong
Rosemary and Les Aultman
Frances and Bob Barker
Aida and Sidney Bondurant
Katie ’11 and Walker ’08 Brown
Lamar Chustz
Amanda and Trey ’02 Clark
Sunday and Thomas Cook
Barbara and Jason Craft
Betty and Rick Davis
Dean Architecture
Annette and Bob Foreman
Rebekah and Josh Gregory
Mary Ann Griesbeck
Billie and Bill Grogan
Pat and Peter Jernberg
Robin and Ed Kennedy
Kathy and Steve Kowalski
Dr. Jeffrey and Mrs. Karen Morris
Clare and George Nelson
Susan and Jojo Payne
Lulu and Scott ’90 Pedigo
Sandy and Charlie Penick
Elizabeth ’99 and Percy Quinn
Martha and Mike Summerford
Lee Ann and Calvin ’94 Thigpen
Meredith ’89 and Joel Travelstead
Robin and Marty Tucker
Sarah and Les White
Loyalty Club 500+
Deborah Allen
Lynn and Leigh Allen
Lind and John Bussey
Leigh ’89 and George Butler
Nena and Steve Carmody
Amy Champagne
Mysti ’96 and Philip ’96 Chustz
Countess and Ray Coleman
Peggy and Josh Davis
Gail and John England
Carrie and Nic Henderson
Abby and Ben ’04 James
Joyce and Tom Jeffcoat
Ken O’Keefe
Julie and Cole Smith
Judy and Crawley Stubblefield
Emily ’12 and Landon ’08 Thompson
Rachel and Walter Towery
Rebecca ’98 and Michael ’98 Ueltschey
Susan and Walter Weems
Kelly ’02 and Louis Wilkinson
Linda and Bob Yeager
Linda Young
Legacy Club 250+
Suzie and Jeff Adcock
Deidre and Austin Barbour
Lilli and E.J. Bass
Stacy ’89 and Chris Bates
Lauren and Maury ’98 Breazeale
Debbie Campbell
Chick-Fil-a County Line**
Marlene Cook
Helen and York Craig
Cross Co.**
Josh Dehmer ’83
Harriett and Mark Eppes
Valerie and Larry Fair
Kathy and Nelson Gibson
Jim Higginbotham
Ellen Hontzas
Brandon and Foster ’98 Kennedy
Lucy and Seth Knight
Debra and Carroll LeBlanc
Missy and Mike McMullan
Janet and Mike Moll
Cheryl Johnson and Tom Payne
Steve Ray
Mandy and Brad ’97 Reeves
Marsha and Ken Revere
Betsy and Joey Samuels
Jacob Scarbrough ’25
Natalie Sheehan
Emily ’12 and Peyton Spring
Aqfa Sultana and Azad Bhuiyan
Melanie Wadlington
Century Club 100+
Suzanne and Jim Almas
Henry Anderson
Aplos**
Catherine and Peter Arnold
Judy Arnold
Betty and Shellie Bailey
Kathleen and John Barnett
Nancy and Dwayne Barrett
Leslie and Joel Bobo
Lorraine and Smith Boykin
Carter and Glenn ’96 Breazeale
Cheryl Chapman
Marimae Coleman
Phyllis and Donnie Collins
Patrina and Glen Dace
Sheila Dickard
Donna Dye
Carol and George Evans
JA Annual Fund
Donors 2024-2025 (continued)
Hilda Margaret and Bobby Gill
Robin Hall
Ann Harper
Portia Harris
Loicka and Heyward Hodges
Meredith and Michael Hogue
Martha and Eric Holland
Nancy and Bill Howard
Mary and Bill Ikerd
Jackson Academy Class of 2025
JJ Brothers LLC++
Erin and Troy Johnston
Victor Jones
Caroline and Steve Korte
Jane and Larry Lee
Lindsey and David Lynch
Denise Lynch
Marilyn and Rickey Mann
Toni and Ed Manning
Judy and Norton McKeigney
Kay and Richard McRee
Sandra and Ken Meacham
Melissa Meacham
Molly and Brad Moody
Vikki and Alexander Mumford
Julie Murray
Jan ’89 and Wen Nance
Clare and George Nelson
Performance Therapy
Robyn and Greg ’94 Pollack
Linda and Gus Purviance
Michael Robbins
Dana and Bill Robertson
Rosa Lee and Joe Robinson
Lisa and Bill Schroeder
Barbara and Ed Sentell
Terri Smith
Mandi and Bob Stanley
Becky and Art Stevens
Nancy and John Studdard
Martha Tyson
Ginger ’94 and Ben Wallace
Rose Washington
Ruth Watts
Cindy Winston
Anniversary Club 50+
Michelle and James Baquie
Claire ’97 and Charles Belknap
Malinda and Reagan Brown
Michelle Cooper
Terri ’93 and Steve ’92 Hederman
Ann Harper
Ruth Johnson
Beth Keeler
Suzanne ’90 and Scott Lindsey
Jodie ’98 and Jeffrey Lockhart
Sarah Love
John Luckett
William Majure
Pat and Alex Malouf
Judy and Larry Marett
Courtney and Michael McKeating
Verlena Peters
Christi and Richard Price
State Farm Matching Gifts Foundation
Leigh and Daniel Thomas
Torres Investments LLC
Law Stanley ’25
Nancy Stevens
Ray Edward ’15 Stevens
Drury Stevens
Virginia and Richard Warren
Clarke Wilkirson ’16
Hunter Wilkirson ’19
Fran Wilkirson ’22
Scholar Club 15+
Sharron and Joe Belew
Banks Bussey ’37
Beverly and Ben Fatherree
Tonya and Larry Favreau
Parker Harris
Carson Heard ’37
Larry Marett
Michael McKeating
Leyton Pharr ’37
Gerre and Robert Moak
Hux Schnur ’37
Taqueria Hernandez LLC
Charlene and Ron Taylor
Mary Hampton Walker ’24
Yonnie and Don Waller
Erica Watson
Diane Worsham
Donors from June 1, 2024–May 31, 2025
* Children’s Promise Act
** Gift in Kind
+ Combination of in-kind donation and financial contributions
++ Combination of Children’s Promise Act and financial contributions
Faculty & Staff Donors 2024-2025
Honor Circle $5,000+
Reagan and Alan ’90 Jones
Visionary Circle $1,000+
Angie and Brad Antici
Pat and Peter Jernberg
Karen and Palmer Kennedy
Mary Clay and Matt Morgan
Lynn and Ben Watson
Brittany and Eddie ’03 Wettach
Audrey and Jim Wilkirson
Mary Carolyn ’90 and Brad Williams
Loyalty Club $500+
Esther Benson
Theresa and Adam Berman
Beth Anne and Corey Dickerson
Kathryn and Garrett McInnis
Patti Wade Magee
Jennifer and Brandt Walker
Legacy Club $250+
Carol and Trey Brister
Frances and John ’06 Bussey
Jamie and Richard Byrd
Andi Ferguson
Mimi and Andrew ’07 Heard
Gloria and Stephen Hirn
Susan Ingram
Sandra and Mike McKay
Marcy and Blake Rall
Jacob Sullivan
Sharon and Chris Tucker
Century Club $100+
Elizabeth Adams
Catherine and Peter Arnold
Dee Ball
Taylor and Justin Beard
Beth and Jonathan Blackwell
Bronwyn ’83 and Chris Burford
Hope and Bob Burford
Amy and Bill Bush
Emilie and Andrew Byrd
AB ’03 and Chris Carlson
Catherine and Jon Carter
Becky and Bobo Clarke
Amanda and Myles Cross
Courtney and Walt Denton
David Duggan
Dawn Duncombe
Andrea and Aaron Edwards
Susan Elliott
Cyndi ’92 and Bryan Eubank
Ashlee Flechas
Rebecca and Parker Fowler
Patricia Frazier
Jane and Mark Hinkle
Sarah Lambert and Josh ’15 Hinkle
Krysten ’06 and Jay ’06 Jernigan
Colleen Jones
Laura and Corey Latham
Christopher Lloyd
Lisa and Steve Lofton
Michele and Mark ’97 Markow
Melodi and Tim McNair
Emily and Scott Melichar
Austin and Martin ’05 Miller
Jennifer and Robert Miller
Sheri and Clint Moody
Kayla and Seth ’00 Mosal
Beth Murray
Vickie and Robert Neal
Erin and Max ’06 Neely
Hannah and Kyle Nichols
Laurie ’97 and Brandon Parker
Shelle and James Pinkard
Molly and Travis Pollet
Jennifer and Cliff Powers
Laura Pressler
Mary and Andy Prince
Taylor ’11 and Tyler Reeves
Mary-Crosby ’06 and Walker Roberts
Melanie and Justin Schade
Madi ’14 and Austin Scott
Kerri and Jim Smith
Richard Smith
Jan Sojourner
Zoubir Tabout
Candice and Todd Taylor
Kristy Trejo
Avery and Matt Truitt
Cheryl Griffin and Richard West
Beth and Greg Williamson
Patrice and John Worley
Anniversary Club $50+
Ashley and John Adcock
Brooke and Scot Akins
Walter Archie
Sara Bannerman
Jackye Barbour
Christian ’16 Burford
Helen Ann and Bill Campbell
Nancy and Bill Cheney
Andrea Coleman
Jennifer and John Conway
Bethany Cooley
Abbie and Sam Cox
Nan and Glen Dear
Melissa and Josh Denson
Carrie Ann and Wilson Eatherly
Kimbrell ’05 and Erick Evans
Jennifer Funderburg
Katrice and Jeff Hadley
Jennifer and Rawland Hall
Evelyn and Marcus Harris
Roxie and David Hood
Chloe and Patrick Hudson
Charlee Hulsey
Erica and Rabun Jones
Lisa Kimbriel
Castlen King-Rogers
Beckie and Josh Lee
Evan McCarley
Christina and Wes McManus
Jennifer and Robert Miller
Joy and Colin Miller
Gloria Morris
Allison ’97 and Jess ’98 New
Wanda and Randy Pearcy
Sydney and Christian Pinnen
Elaine Low and Ed Retumban
Bronwyn and Danny Robertson
Ronnie Rogers
Kerri and Michael Sanders
Leanna and Mike Shay
Sarah ’16 and Davis ’16 Simmons
Lori Snider
Caroline Stewart
Shannon Stone
Cassidy and Seth Swinney
Stacy Taylor
Sandra ’09 and Rob Triplett
Brooke and Michael Turner
Haley and Zeb Whatley
Samantha and Forrest White
Jeanette ’93 and Ken Yung
Scholar Club $15+
Catherine ’17 Burford
Cindy and Mike Bailey
Rex M. Bradshaw
Jacob Butzin
Alesha and Stuart Cary
Holly and Webb Collums
Ashley ’16 and Matthew Elmore
Caroline Gipson
Tammy Hodgins
Neely Holland
Charlee Hulsey
Anelyse and Robert Jacobs
Chappell F. Kettleman
Thomas Martin
Lynda Morse
Suzanne ’91 and John ’83 Murray
Ashly and Zach ’01 New
Aimee and Justin Odom
Christy and Chris Richardson
Kathy ’82 and Richard Sheffield
Mamie and Zach Taylor
Katharine Todd
Meri Scott and Hank ’09 Waterer
LaDonna and Steve Whitney
Bonnie and Gray Wiggers
Alumni Giving 2024-2025
Kathy Cockayne Sheffield
1983
Bronwyn Caves Burford
Josh Dehmer
John Murray 1987
Ashley Edmonson Willson
1989
Stacy Bozarth Bates
Leigh Barrett Butler
Cynthia Burney Mahaffey
Jan Laws Nance
Meredith Montgomery Travelstead
1990
Robert Hederman
Suzanne Lobrano Lindsey
Alan Jones
Scott Pedigo
1991 Suzanne Kinnard Murray
1992
Stephen Clay
Cyndi Tomlinson Eubank
Steve Hederman
Michael Johnson
John Scarbrough
Scott Shoemaker 1993
Terri Smith Hederman
Elizabeth Warren Mehrle
Jeanne Moak Scarbrough
Jeanette Burke Yung
McKie Edmonson
Greg Pollack
Frederick Salvo
Calvin Thigpen
Ginger Van Skiver Wallace
Glenn Breazeale
Mysti Futral Chustz
Philip Chustz
Angie Stubblefield Haraway
Jeffery Lohmeier
Ray Edward Stevens
Ashley Sanders Elmore
Davis Simmons
Breazeale
Sarah French Simmons Clarke Wilkirson
Pharr
Hux Schnur
JA Annual Fund
Grandparent Society 2024-2025
Deborah Allen
Lynn and Leigh Allen
Suzanne and Jim Almas
Suzie and Jeff Adcock
Sharon and Jim Armstrong
Rosemary and Les Aultman
Marsha and Haley Barbour
Frances and Bob Barker
Linda and Gene Barrett
Nancy and Dwayne Barrett
Stacy ’89 and Chris Bates
Sharron and Joe Belew
Aida and Sidney Bondurant
Leslie and Joel Bobo
Sidney Bondurant
Donna and Roger Bozarth
Lind and John Bussey
Ann and Rick Calhoon
Debbie Campbell
Wanda Carmichael
Cheryl Chapman
Patty and Don Clark
Becky and Bobo Clarke
Phyllis and Donnie Collins
Marlene Cook
Sunday and Thomas Cook
Helen and York Craig
Betty and Rick Davis
Sheila Dickard
Donna Dye
Susan Elliott
Gail and John England
Harriett and Mark Eppes
Carol and George Evans
Valerie Fair
Beverly and Ben Fatherree
Larry Favreau
Annette and Bob Foreman
Patricia Frazier
Jennifer Funderburg
Billie and Bill Grogan
Mary Ann Griesbeck
Ann Harper
Portia Harris
Jane and Robert Hederman
Jim Higginbotham
Loicka and Heyward Hodges
Ellen Hontzas
Nancy and Bill Howard
Jim Higginbotham
Mary and Bill Ikerd
Paula and Randy James
Joyce and Tom Jeffcoat
Ruth Johnson
Carol and Vic Jones
Robin and Ed Kennedy
Lucy and Seth Knight
Debra and Carroll LeBlanc
Jane and Larry Lee
John Luckett
Denise Lynch
Marilyn and Rickey Mann
Toni and Ed Manning
Judy and Larry Marett
Pat and Alex Malouf
Sandra and Mike McKay
Missy and Mike McMullan
Kay and Richard McRee
Sandra and Ken Meacham
Janet and Mike Moll
Vikki and Alexander Mumford
Beth Murray
Clare and George Nelson
Verlena Peters
Rosa Lee and Joe Robinson
Betsy and Joey Samuels
Lisa and Bill Schroeder
Kathy ’82 and Richard Sheffield
Debbie and Tom Skelton
Terri Smith
Judy and Crawley Stubblefield
Nancy and John Studdard
Martha and Mike Summerford
Charlene and Ron Taylor
Daniel Thomas
Martha Tyson
Melanie Wadlington
Yonnie and Don Waller
Virginia and Richard Warren
Rose Washington
Rebecca and Robert Watson
Ruth Watts
Susan and Walter Weems
Eleanor Wettach
Cindy and Scott Wintson
Diane Worsham
Linda and Bob Yeager
Linda Young
JAA
True Blue Raiders 2024-2025
Susannah and Cameron ’04 Albriton
Kristin and Sidney Allen
Lindsey and Matt ’99 Armstrong
Lindzey and Jeremy Arnold
Anna and Fred Asher
Lilli and E.J. Bass
Taylor and Justin Beard
Lauren and Frank Benner
Lyndsey and Chris ’00Carlton
Haley ’06 and Rob Carpenter
Chris Champion
Bonnie and Jim Chapman
Mysti ’96 and Philip ’96 Chustz
Amanda and Trey ’02 Clark
Lindsay ’94 and Dodds ’92 Dehmer
Beth Anne and Corey Dickerson
Jamie and Alex Eaton
Jennifer and McKie ’92 Edmonson
Suzanna ’04 and Jeff Evans
Kelli and Matt ’02 Ferrell
Mary Margaret and Kevin Gay
Morgan ’08 and Ryan ’07 Geary
Neeli and John Graham
Anna ’00 and Jacob ’99 Haralson
Angie ’96 and Neil Haraway
Joel and Jill Harris
Missy and Mack Heidelberg
Mallory ’03 and Michael Henry
Dana and Warren Herring
Martha and Eric Holland
Courtney and Chad ’96 Hosemann
Quinn and Bradley ’99 Kellum
Rhoshunda and Michael Kelly
Brandon and Foster ’98 Kennedy
Lauren and Reid ’94 Lester
Jessica and Jeffrey ’96 Lohmeier
Hana and John Lucas
Mae and Clark Luke
Ann ’01 and Chris Lutken
Stephanie ’00 and Collin Maley
Ruthie and Will Massey
Tara and Tyson McCoy
Jordan and John ’07 McGowan
Mary Margaret McKinnon
Katie and Chris Monsour
Katie and Matt Monsour
Miles and David Munn
Caroline and Jack Nowell
Sandy and Charlie Penick
Elinor and Jack Phillips
Mandy and Brad ’97 Reeves
Mary-Crosby ’06 and Walker Roberts
Dana and Bill Robertson
Audrey and Jeremy Rodden
Jocelyn and T.C. Rollins
Keira and Daniel Rushing
Vanessa ’95 and John Petty Sandifer
Scarlet and Darrington Seward
Natale and JJ Sheehan
Keyla and Christopher Spankovich
Liz and Art Spratlin
Brandi and George Stinson
Helen and Clay ’94 Summerford
Charlotte ’06 and Jeremy Taylor
Lee Ann and Calvin ’94 Thigpen
Carmen Thrash
Rebecca ’98 and Michael ’98 Ueltschey
Holly and Matt Vollor
Jordan and Tyler Walker
Meri Scott and Hank ’09 Waterer
Lynn and Ben Watson
Emily and Daniel Webb
Kyla and David ’00 Weems
Brittany and Eddie ’03 Wettach
Alexa and Steven Wier
Meredith ’00 and Harrison ’97 Young
Catie Carlyle and Bo Zimmerman
ACADEMY
Drs. Allison and Austin ’99 Barrett
Cole Facial Clinic*
Fresh Cut Catering and Floral*
Tatum ’00 and Gray Goodman
NAVY
After Five Designs*
Albriton’s*
BankPlus
Jill and Burwell Barton
Ben Nelson Golf and Outdoor*
Betsey Mosby Interior Design*
Courtney Peters Interior Design*
Dean Architecture
Hammett Gravel Company, Inc.
Lisa and Michael ’92 Johnson*
Geri Beth and Allen Smith
The Woman’s Clinic
Lynn and Delbert Hosemann*
Lost Pizza Co.
Jennifer and Chris ’93 Mathison
Mississippi Urology Clinic
Southern AgCredit
SILVER
Jessica and Mohit Ahuja*
Aplos
Hope and Chris Baker*
Annie Laurie and David ’04 Barrett*
Tamika and Richard Bradley
Ashley and Michael Borne
Capital Ortho
Tabitha and Stephen ’92 Clay
Barbara and Jason Craft
Caroline and Jonathan Compretta
Hillary ’00 and Chesley ’99 James
Dr. Ashley and Mr. Brian Johnson
Lindsay and Jon Mark Jordan
Kinkade’s Fine Clothing*
Blann and Poteat Lutken
Kristin and Patrick Malouf*
Majestic Metals
Nancy Price Interior Design
Porter and Malouf, P.A.
Christie and Ashley Ogden
Erica and Jeremy Ory
Elizabeth ’99 and Percy Quinn
Renova Roofing and Construction
Ken Revere*
Sunbelt Sealing, Inc.
The Triangle Companies
Trustmark
Van Life Rentals*
Athletics Booster Club 2024-2025
Kathy and Larry Accardi
Natalie and Todd Adkins
Lynn and Scot Akins
Rekettsia and Van Alexander
Ginger and Dennis Allen
Kristin and Sidney Allen
Anna and Fred Asher
Lisa and Craig Bailey
Deidre and Austin Barbour
Allison and Austin ’99 Barrett
Annie Laurie and David ’05 Barrett
Lilli and E.J. Bass
Lauren and Frank Benner
Caroline ’95 and Brad ’95 Blanks
Shannon ’01 and David ’99 Blanks
Ashley and Michael Borne *
Lorraine and Smith Boykin
Courtney and Andy Brien
Ashley and Joey Bronzi
Claurice and Eric Buckley
Aleida and Marcus Burger
Brandi and Alan Callison
Jennifer and Steven Capistran
Lauren and Ricky Caraway
Bonnie and Jim Chapman
Mysti ’96and Philip ’96 Chustz
Tabitha and Stephen ’92 Clay
Mindy and Steve Cliburn
Karen and Jep Cole
Barbra and Jason Craft
Andrea and Jay Criddle*
Henrene and Ken Davis
Emily and John ’94 Decker
WHITE
Mary Kathryn ’04 and Bo ’99 Allen
Anna Anderson*
Sharon and Jim Armstrong
ASJ Interiors*
Lindsey and Daniel ’04 Benefield*
Shannon ’01 and David ’99 Blanks
Dr. Shelby Brantley*
Lauren and Maury ’98 Breazeale
Courtney and Andy Brien*
Brooks Collection Vault*
Allie and Marcus Burger
The Can Man
Lauren and Jordan ’05 Cantrell
Carson Law Group, PLLC
The Club at Township*
Countess and Ray Coleman
Lindsay and Dodds Dehmer
Tiffany and Alwin Dockins
Jennifer and McKie ’94 Edmonson
Brooks and Thomas Elfert
Cyndi ’92 and Bryan Eubank
Erika and Gillian Goodloe
Bethany and Preston’03 Gough
Neeli and John Graham
Lee Ann and Brad Griffin
Shannon and Jeff Grimsley
Claire and Stephen Griner
Price and Robert Halford
Kristen and Bo Harwell
Camille and Barry Hassell
Terri ’93 and Steve ’92 Hederman
Missy and Mack Heidlelberg*
Heather and John Kyle Hewlett
Laura Hillman
Brooke and Robbie Hogue
Beth and Jason Hosey
Linda Carol and Tom ’93 Hudson*
Hillary ’00 and Chesley ’99 James
Maggie Jones
Quinn and Bradley ’99 Kellum
Rhoshunda and Mike Kelly
Brandon and Foster ’98 Kennedy
Lauren and Reid ’94 Lester
Ramsey ’02 and Brian Long
Ann ’01 and Chris Lutken
Stephanie ’00 and Collin Maley
Kristin and Patrick Malouf
Faith and Jacob Mann
Tracy and Mike Mason*
The District at Eastover
Fertile Ground Beer Company*
Sally and Joseph ’06 Gex
HM and Bobby Gill
Grantham Poole CPA’s*
Rebekah and Josh Gregory
Frank L. Hadden, III
Price and Robert Halford
Harmony Dental Care
Highland Village Chevron
The Insurance Mart
Abby and Ben ’04 James
Leisel ’05 and Nicholas ’04Jew
Janna and Will ’03 Lampton*
Lavish Fleur*
Lynch Law, PLLC
Jennifer and Chris ’93 Mathison
Kellen and Bo Maurer*
Melissa Meacham
Lauren and Nick Miller*
Sheri and Clint Moody
Elisa ’94 and Dave’95 Mosal
Lynn and David Mosal
Farrah and Troy Newman
Christie ’95 and Ashley Ogden
Georgia and Nick Olier
Christy and Shannon Orr
Sandy and Charlie Penick
Robyn and Greg ’94 Pollack
Elizabeth ’99 and Percy Quinn
Donald Ray
Kecia and Corey Ray
Audrey and Jeremy Rodden
Kristie and Chris Rohman
Jennifer and Frederick ’94 Salvo
Morgan and Aaron Samuels
Jeanne ’93 and John ’92 Scarbrough
Leigh and Scott ’92 Shoemaker
London ’98 and Joseph Simpson
Geri Beth and Allen Smith
Nikki and Adam Smith
Mandi and Bob Stanley
Celina and Richard Sumrall
Candace and Walker Tann
Lee Ann and Calvin ’94 Thigpen
Audrey and Ryan Thomas
Sarah and Britt Thomas
Rachel and Walt Towery
Rebecca ’98 and Michael ’98 Ueltschey
Rivers ’97 and Shaun Walker
Rose Washington
Julia and David Whitt*
Alexa and Steven Wier
Melissa and Jason Word
Catie Carlyle and Bo Zimmerman
Construction and
BankPlus
Capital Ortho
Clarke Beverage Group, Inc.
C Spire
Fowler Buick GMC
Gallagher Insurance
Mississippi Smart Homes Performance Therapy
Chad Mars Art*
Matt Malouf Custom Clothier
Elizabeth ’93 and Kerk Mehrle
Milling Pediatric Dentistry
Mississippi Express Health
Mississippi Federal Credit Union
Betsey and Will ’04 Mosby
Austin and Joel Nutt
Red Square Clothing*
Old Capital Inn
Kwanza Price-Young and Donovan Veasley and Family
Morgan and Aaron Samuels
Jeanne ’93 and John ’92 Scarbrough for Paul Moak Honda Subaru
Drs. Morgan and John Shaughnessy
Tiffany and B.T. Steadman
Candace and Walker Tann
Ingird Taylor* TEC
The Terrell House*
Dr. Meredith ’89 and Joel Travelstead
The Usry Family
Walt Denton Marketing*
Waring Oil Company, LLC
Paula and Scott Werne
Kelly ’02 and Louis Wilkinson
Drs. Melissa Scholes-Williams and Brian Williams
*In-kind donation
Class Notes
1994
FREDERICK SALVO and wife, Jennifer, live in Jackson with their three children, Natalya ’25, Olivia ’26, and Frederick ’31. Frederick and Jennifer are both attorneys with Baker Donaldson.
1998
MICHAEL and REBECCA GOUGH
UELTSHEY live in Jackson with their four children, Anderson ’25, Taylor ’27, Tanner ’29, and Liv ’38. Rebecca is the co-owner of Smitten Gift Boutique, Michael serves as an Area Senior Vice President in insurance and risk management at Gallagher Insurance.
2002
JONATHAN THOMAS lives in San Antonio, Texas. He is the chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral sciences and full time faculty member at St. Philip’s College. “On days when the going gets tough and I have momentary doubts about my abilities, I ask myself, ‘What would Mr. Tucker do?’ It has never failed me!”
2004
1 JENNIFER VIRDEN CRISSEY and her husband, Chris, live in Madison with their two-year-old son, James. Jennifer is currently
teaching at Germantown High School. She recently completed her Ph.D. in Science and Mathematics Education at USM. Chris is the owner of Ray Ray’s Lawn Service, LLC.
ANNELISE STRIGEL FEIGIN lives in New York with her husband, Michael, and two-year-old Charlie. Annelise works for XD Agency.
JAY FOWLER lives in Raymond with his wife, Fran. They have two daughters, Katherine and Carter. Jay owns Fowler Construction, Inc.
WHITNEY EILAND HARRIS lives in Canton with her husband, Daniel, and two children, Syliva and Henry. Whitney is an aesthetician with Blackledge Face Center. Daniel is a project manager for Suncoast Infrastructure.
2 COLE HAWKINS and wife, Morgan, live in Ridgeland with their two children, Gwen and Lou. Cole is president of Archer Health.
KE JI lives in Bethesda, Maryland with her husband, Josef Skoldeberg, and two children, Naomi and Grace. Ke is the Deputy Director, Office of International Trade with the US Department of Treasury. Josef is in governmental affairs.
Charlotte Taylor ’06, Sandra Tripplett ’09, and Emily Monsour ’08 were among the Ole Miss alumni to be honored in the university’s 40 Under 40 Class for 2025.
Class Notes printed here were submitted since JA’s Summer/Fall 2024 issue.
WILL JOHNSON and wife, Kellie, live in Madison with their three children, Liam, Larsyn, and Mae James. Will is a physician with MS Sports Medicine. Kellie is an interior designer.
3 ASHLEY ANDERSON LANCASTER lives in Jackson, Missouri, with her husband, Kurt, and their five children, Evy, Liam, Lynley, Luke, and Ruby. Kurt is an anesthesiologist.
4 STEPHANIE HENSON McNAB and husband, Jamie, live in Greenwich, Connecticut, with their three children. Jamie is in investment management.
5 CAROLINE MOONEY OSTENSON and husband, Tommy, live in Madison with their two children, Thomas and Luke. Caroline sells pharmaceuticals with Boehringer Ingelheim. Tommy is a tennis pro at Rivers Hills Country Club.
ROBERT PARROTT lives in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is an attorney with Adams and Reese LLP.
PARKER SMITH lives in Jackson where he works as a CPA. He is engaged to Autumn Breeden.
ANNA WATSON lives in Ridgeland. She is an attorney with Butler Snow, LLP.
6 REBECCA LATSON WOODS lives in Madison with her husband, Matt, and their two-year-old daughter, Cora Jane. Rebecca is a secondary art teacher at Madison County Schools. Matt is an elementary teacher.
2010
FRANKLIN and RACHEL DAVIS KEYES live in Madison with their son, Davis. Rachel is the Senior Director of Development at Make-A-Wish Mississippi, Franklin is an insurance agent at Southern Insurance Specialists.
2016
AARON DALLARIE lives in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a laboratory technician at the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District.
DREW and SAM RHODES
THOMAS live in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Sam is the Senior Project Manager of Infrastructure & Development at Alys Beach. Drew is the Development and Construction Assistant Project Manager for The St. Joe Company.
2017
7 EMILY IUPE MAY married Austin May in Orlando, Florida. Emily is currently working at Burnett Therapeutic Services as their Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
8 ALEXANDRA BARLOW WARREN married Carter Warren in Jackson in January 2024, and currently live in Ridgeland. Alexandra is a registered nurse and currently pursuing her nurse practitioner degree while also working as a dance instructor and manager at House Studio Dance. She also coaches Jackson Prep’s middle school dance team. Carter works as an estimator for Rotolo Consultants, Inc.
Malon Stratton ’17 and Kathryn Butler Navarre ’17 graduated in May from UMMC School of Dentistry. Stratton will begin a periodontics residency at LSU School of Dentistry. Navarre is a dentist at Tutor Family Dentistry in Pearl.
2018
2019
9 ILANA DALLAIRE POLO and husband, Anthony, live in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Ilana is a registered nurse and Anthony is a fighter pilot for the US Navy. They are expecting a child in October.
10 Second Lieutenant COLEMAN DINKINS graduated from West Point in May where he served as lead Army Mule Rider. He is stationed at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona, for military intelligence training and then will move to Savannah, Georgia, to work in the 3rd Infantry Division of the U.S. Army.
2020
HARRIS McLEMORE received his Bachelor of Accountancy in 2024 and MBA degrees from the University of Mississippi and has accepted a position at KPMG in Houston, Texas.
2021
11 DREW ANTICI was recognized as a Stephen D. Lee Scholar during Mississippi State University’s May 2025 commencement ceremonies. This prestigious honor is awarded to graduates who have maintained a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA throughout their college career. Drew earned a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from MSU’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He continues his academic journey this fall at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine.
Five JA Alumni in UMMC White Coat Ceremony
The University of Mississippi Medical Center White Coat Ceremony serves as a significant milestone for medical students, marking the beginning of their journey, which symbolizes the privilege and responsibility of caring for others. In August, five Jackson Academy alumni participated in this ceremony: Skylar Alexander ’19 , Drew Antici ’21, Sophie Hayes ’21, Burkette Moulder ’19, and Elizabeth Pedigo ’21.
Raiders in DC! Members of the Class of 2022 served as Congressional Interns this summer: (from left) Ridley Dehmer, Maggie Koury, George Giddens, Ellis Tharp, Mary Gibson Lundy, Banks Whittington, Caroline Courtney, and Barton Boyll.
Scott Branning
Susan Elliott
Lee Ann and Calvin ’94 Thigpen
Caby Edward Byrne
Clare and George Nelson
Sara Helen Wade Byrne
Clare and George Nelson
Glenn Cain
Helen and York Craig
Patti Wade Magee
Wanda Cain
Judy Arnold
Tripp Arnold ’87 and Family
Pat and Peter Jernberg
Ann Caves
Judy Arnold
Tripp Arnold ’87 and Family
Mysti ’96 and Philip ’96 Chustz
Josh Dehmer ’83
Steele Dehmer ’08
Sydney Dehmer Fields ’10
Susan Ingram
Missy and Mike McMullen
Gerre and Robert Moak
Julie Murray
Jackson Academy Class of 1983
Pat and Peter Jernberg
Susan and JoJo Payne
Linda and Gus Purviance
Patti, Rachel ’10, and Sarah ’13 Wade
Yonnie and Don Waller
Ashleigh Arnold Dehmer
Beth Keeler
Suzanne ’91 and John ’83 Murray
David Dyess
Susan Ingram
Lauren Gough Elmer ’95
Mysti ’96 and Philip ’96 Chustz
Virginia England
Suzanne ’91 and John ’83 Murray
Teresa Stratton Fountain
Kathy and Nelson Gibson
Mary Henderson
Stacy ’89 and Chris Bates
Mysti ’96 and Philip ’96 Chustz
Sarah Love
Audrey, Jim, Clarke ’16, Hunter ’19, and Fran ’22 Wilkirson
Phillip Hester
Jackson Academy Association
Jamie Hubbard
Judy Arnold
Tripp Arnold ’87 and Family
Lee Ann Kantor
Stacy ’89 and Chris Bates
Jean King
Judy Arnold
Susan Ingram
Julie Murray
Pat and Peter Jernberg
Patti, Rachel ’10, and Sarah ’13 Wade
Stancie Ley
Dee Ball
Stacy ’89 and Chris Bates
Bronwyn ’83 and Chris Burford
Leigh ’89 and George Butler
Mysti ’96 and Philip ’96 Chustz
Tonya and Larry Favreau
Susan Ingram
Pat and Peter Jernberg
Julie Murray
Patti Wade Magee
Audrey and Jim Wilkirson
Ann Moore
Judy Arnold
Dee Ball
Mysti ’96 and Philip ’96 Chustz
Donna Dye
Susan Elliott
Pat and Peter Jernberg
Caroline and Steve Korte
William Majure
Missy and Mike McMullen
Julie Murray
Charlene and Ron Taylor
Leigh and Danny Thomas
Patti, Rachel ’10, and Sarah ’13 Wade
Audrey, Jim, Clarke ’16, Hunter ’19, and Fran ’22 Wilkirson
Liz Neely
Lisa and Bill Schroeder
Memorials
Avery Nejam ’10
Pat and Peter Jernberg
Holly Stubblefield Powell ’90
Suzanne Lindsey ’90
Susan and JoJo Payne
Virginia and Richard Warren
Janet Quayle
Susan and JoJo Payne
Marcus Allen Reese
Jackson Academy Association
Blue Reeves
Jackson Academy Association
Judge Stuart Robinson
Pat and Peter Jernberg
Andrew Seago ’96
Susan and JoJo Payne
Donald Seago
Susan and JoJo Payne
Rosemary Seago
Susan and JoJo Payne
Josie Shanks
Judy Arnold
Tripp Arnold ’87 and Family
Pat and Peter Jernberg
Sue K. Spitchley
Judy Arnold
Tripp ’87 and Kim Arnold
Raymond R. Stevens, Jr.
Nancy, Ray Edwards ’15, and Drury Stevens
James Michael Taylor
Patti Wade Magee
Dr. Pat Taylor
Stacy ’89 and Chris Bates
Leigh ’89 and George Butler
Sarah Love
Pat and Peter Jernberg
Patti Wade Magee
Ashley ’87 and Mark Willson
Audrey and Jim Wilkirson
Jackie Thompson
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Reno
Becky and Art Stevens
Audrey and Jim Wilkirson
Dara Walker
Jackson Academy Association
Audrey and Jim Wilkirson
Carol Sue Whitwer
Jan ’89 and Wen Nance
Ashleigh Park
Judy Arnold
Tripp Arnold ’87 and Family
Bronwyn ’83 and Chris Burford
Josh Dehmer ’83
Steele Dehmer ’08
Sydney Dehmer Fields ’10
Jackson Academy Class of 1983
Scott Branning Scholarship
Judy and Norton McKeigney
Memorials from June 1, 2024–May 31, 2025
Honorariums
Nancy Alford
Susan and JoJo Payne
Perry ’29 and William ’33 Allen
Deborah Allen
Sidney and Kristin Allen
Anna Catherine Bennett ’25
Beverly Fatherree
Julia Berman ’25
Susan Ingram
Thomas Blanks ’25
Archie McKeating ’37
Aniya Bradley ’25
Susan Ingram
Carol and Keith Branning
Susan and JoJo Payne
Mathias Bridges ’25
Susan Ingram
Michael Brinson
Jacob Scarbrough ’25
Aniyah Brown ’25
Tatum Watson ’37
Sydney Bryan ’25
Your Senior Party Hostesses
Susan Ingram
Caroline Bush ’25
Mary Carolyn ’90 and Brad Williams
Bill, Jackson ’34, and Olivia ’36 Campbell
Debbie Campbell
Ann Boswell Carlson ’03
Melissa Meacham
Kopelyn Clark ’25
Your Senior Party Hostesses
James Chapman
Frances and Bob Barker
Michelle Cooper
Sarah Clark ’00
Alesha Cary
Schyler Chambers ’25
Susan Ingram
Nan Dear
Melissa Meacham
Brooke Dennis ’25
Susan Ingram
Christi Price
Weathersby Dinkins ’25
Mary Carolyn ’90 and Brad Williams
David Duggan
Jacob Scarbrough ’25
Aubrey Edmonson ’25
Mary Carolyn ’90 and Brad Williams
Ashley ’87 and Mark Willson
Omarean Ellis ’25
Leyton Pharr ’37
Caroline Flechas ’25
Susan Ingram
Austin Fortenberry
Jacob Scarbrough ’25
Ashley Googe ’11
Law Stanley ’25
Hayes Harrell ’25
Your Senior Party Hostesses
Sophie Henderson ’25
Susan Ingram
Margaret ’37 and Henry ’40 Holland
Martha and Eric Holland
J.T Hontzas ’37
Stacy ’89 and Chris Bates
Donna and Roger Bozarth
Ellis Hontzas ’40
Stacy ’89 And Chris Bates
Donna and Roger Bozarth
Bennett Ingram ’40
Stacy ’89 And Chris Bates
Donna and Roger Bozarth
Jackson Academy Class of 1989
Stacy ’89 and Chris Bates
Jackson Academy Class of 2025
Becky and Bobo Clarke
Erin and Troy Johnston
Aqfa Sultana and Azad Bhuiyan
Jackson Academy Teachers
Morgan Pollack ’25
Addison Jeffcoat ’25
Clayton Moody ’36
Lola Moody ’38
Pat and Peter Jernberg
Patty and Michael Robbins
Caroline Johnston ’25
Troy and Erin Johnston
Mrs. Katrice and Mrs. Holly’s Fish Class
Katrice Hadley
DJ Kelly ’25
Susan Ingram
Sara Kate ’26, Anna Caroline ’28, and Ainslie ’30 Long
Carol and Vic Jones
Cash ’26 , Avery ’28, and Peirce ’36 Malouf
Pat and Alex Malouf
Melodi McNair
L aw Stanley ’25
Sandra McKay
Law Stanley ’25
Foster Meacham ’25
Melissa Meacham
DeDe Miller ’25
Lisa and Michael ’92 Johnson
Ellen Morgan ’25
Malinda and Reagan Brown
Lynda Morse
Jacob Scarbrough ’25
Tripp Mosal ’25
Hux Schnur ’37
Jim Wilkirson
Henley Nance ’25
Amelie Baquie ’30
Elizabeth Nichlos ’25
Sharron and Joe Belew
Bella Palomo ’25
Amelie Baquie ’30
Andrew Baquie ’29
Andrew Provias ’25
Amelie Baquie ’30
Andrew Baquie ’29
Mike Quayle
Susan and JoJo Payne
Natalya Salvo ’25
Jennifer and Fredrick ’94 Salvo
Sandra Salvo
Kate ’30 and Caroline ’32 Samuels
Betsy and Joe Samuels
Jacob Scarbrough ’25
Susan Ingram
Law Stanley ’25
MIchelle Cooper
Mandi Stanley, Class of 2025 Class Mom
Class of 2025
Jack ’26 and Stone ’30 Skipper
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Grogan
Thomas Stinson ’37 and The Stinson Family
Jacob Scarbrough ’25
Jacob Sullivan
Jacob Scarbrough ’25
Richard Sumrall ’25
Susan Ingram
Adonis Terry ’25
Amelie Baquie ’30
Andrew Baquie ’29
Anna Ballard Tharp ’25
Your Senior Party Hostesses
Dr. Calvin Thigpen ’94
Law Stanley ’25
Willis Thigpen ’25, Raiderman XXV
Jim Wilkirson
John Thomas ’25
Carson Heard ’37
Matt Thomas ’25
Banks Bussey ’37
Susan Ingram
John Travelstead ’25
Susan Ingram
Lucy ’29 and Benjamin ’24 Watson
Mary Ann Griesbeck
Richard West
Law Stanley ’25
Faith Wicks ’25
Susan Ingram
Ethan Williams
Susan Ingram
Honorariums from June 1, 2024–May 31, 2025
Jackson Academy acknowledges gifts made in memory of faculty, staff, and JA family members each year in True Blue. To submit a memorial or honorarium, contact Frances Bussey at fbussey@jacksonacademy.org or mail your memorial to Jackson Academy c/o Frances Bussey, 4908 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211.
In Memoriam
ANN CAVES First Grade Teacher
Assistant Head of Lower School Mary-Crosby Roberts ’06 remembers how her first-grade teacher, Ann Caves, would light up when teaching. “When Mrs. Caves would read a book to us, it was like the book came alive, the way she read and captivated her audience of first graders,” Roberts said.
Elizabeth Ann White Caves, of Madison, passed away on December 2, 2024. She was born in the Hope Community of Neshoba County. After attending East Central Community College, she earned her bachelor’s degree in home economics from the University of
Southern Mississippi and a master’s degree in early childhood education at Mississippi State University. She and her husband, Roy, settled in the Jackson metro area with their daughter, Bronwyn. Now, Bronwyn Caves Burford ’83 serves as the Library Media Specialist at JA. Her grandchildren, Elizabeth ’15 and Catherine ’17, also graduated from JA. Catherine Burford serves as a JA Admissions Coordinator.
Caves taught first grade at Jackson Academy for 25 years, where she worked one-on-one with each student to help them reach their full potential. She enjoyed making each child feel like they were her “favorite.”
“Ann Caves had a gift to make each student feel a part of the community she built in her classroom,” said Roberts. “She had firm expectations and high standards and brought out the best in each of her students year after year. Mrs. Caves continued to have an impact on us way beyond first grade, as those expectations for ourselves grew into inner confidence through our formative years.”
The home economics background, combined with her love of hosting
and cooking, inspired a longlasting JA tradition. She originated JA’s first-grade Thanksgiving feast, now known as Grateful Day. Students bring dishes from home to share with classmates and complete creative activities that convey their thankfulness.
She is also remembered for her faithful service at Broadmoor Baptist Church throughout her time in Madison, where she taught, worked in the preschool, and ultimately directed Broadmoor’s kindergarten and daycare.
She and her husband enjoyed traveling, visiting all U.S. states and numerous countries. They continued to connect with Neshoba County through their Neshoba County Fair cabin and with Mississippi State University through sporting events, particularly baseball.
“Mrs. Caves is definitely one of the reasons I knew I wanted to be a teacher early on in elementary school,” said Roberts. “Her ’magic’ is something I hope I carry with me as I work with young people each day!”
JEAN KING Upper School Math Teacher
“Jean King always had a smile on her face,” said Preschool Physical Education Teacher Bonnie Wiggers, “and her eyes would gleam at you when she was talking with you. I loved walking from the parking lot to school with her some mornings when she was subbing, and we would have a good time catching up.”
Jean Sanders King, of Madison, died Friday, February 14, 2025, at home. Born in Louisville, Mississippi,
she taught math in public and private schools for more than half a century. She and her husband, Coach Bill King, were active members of the Jackson Academy community for many years.
King began teaching at JA in 1998, becoming known as someone you were always glad to be around, said retired JA Preschool Music Teacher Marsha Revere. “I just remember her kindness and caring
MARY HENDERSON First Grade Teacher
Teachers remember Mary Katherine Henderson as an efficient classroom manager who inspired first graders to love reading. Born in Jackson, she passed away in the summer of 2025 at age 77. The funeral service was June 8 at the Natchez Trace Funeral Home Chapel with internment at the Natchez Trace Cemetery. Henderson’s son, Ryan, his wife Leanna, and their daughter live in Madison.
“What I remember most about Mary was her excellent classroom management!” said Lower School Bible and Spanish Teacher Jennifer Hall. “Her
for her students and her devotion to JA. She would show up with a smile and always be helpful. She was just one of those people who brought the sunshine with a quick wit and a good vibe,” said Revere. King retired in 2009, then took a few years off before returning to teach part time from 2012-2018.
Wiggers remembers how the Kings touched many hearts at JA. They valued being at the same school. Jean loved teaching math and is remembered for reading “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books to her class.
classes were always very wellbehaved. It was really amazing!”
Young learners developed a strong work ethic in her classroom. “Mrs. Henderson’s students loved her, and they knew she loved them! She was strict, but she was very kind and very fair,” Hall said. “She expected a lot out of her students, but they wanted to please her, and they worked hard to meet her expectations.”
Lower School Second Grade Teacher Catherine Carter felt honored to teach with her. “I was double blessed by Mary Henderson as she was a colleague of mine, but she was also my own children’s (Katie ’20 and Owen ’23) first grade teacher. Over the years, I have heard so many children (including my own) saying how much they loved hearing Mrs. Henderson read from her ‘Junie B. Jones’ books. She definitely instilled a love of reading and listening with her students!”
She earned a degree in education from Mississippi College, followed by a master’s and specialist degree in education. She taught for seven years at JA after a 38-year career with the Jackson Public Schools.
“They knew she cared about them at the end of the day,” Wiggers said.
King was a member of Broadmoor Baptist Church for more than 50 years, influencing others with her faith. “Jean King was one of my very close friends,” said Advanced Placement and Honors Calculus Teacher Gloria Hirn. “She was also my spiritual mentor. She would always bring our Lord, Jesus Christ, into everything she did and talked about. The students loved her because they knew she loved and respected them. They will always remember
Once retired, she treasured encounters with former students.
“Mary was a truly remarkable teacher. Her wisdom and passion for learning left a lasting mark on every life she touched,” remembers Lower School First Grade Assistant Jane Hinkle. “Her lessons went far beyond the classroom. She loved to bring in current events and life lessons into her classroom.”
Jamie Wright, who taught first grade at JA with Mary Henderson and later taught second grade, echoed her colleagues’ sentiments: “Mary Henderson was a remarkable teacher. She left an impact on her students because she not only taught them well in first grade, but she followed them throughout their time at JA. She was always at the fifth- and sixth-grade football games to cheer on the players and cheerleaders. Then, she cheered them on through high school. I admired Mary Henderson in so many ways. Her class discipline was extraordinary. She knew the subject matter so well and worked until everyone understood. She was a wonderful friend and always looked for ways to help others. She is greatly missed.”
her southern drawl. Jean and her husband Bill loved JA and spent many years here making a difference.”
She loved reading good books and enjoyed traveling with her sister, often exploring the back roads—and sometimes getting lost—in a spirit of adventure. Jean’s caring nature, faith, and dedication left a lasting impression on those she met.
“She was a true Southern Belle with so much charm and grace,” said Wiggers. “She will be missed by her family and many friends who loved her.”
ANN MOORE Ninth Grade Social Studies Teacher
Ann Prichard Moore is remembered at Jackson Academy as a teacher whose Southern graces endeared her to students. She would remind her “sweet angels” that they needed to keep quiet during study hall in a gentle and joking manner that was enough to draw erring students back to their studies.
Ann Moore passed away peacefully April 11, 2025. Her
former student, the Rev. Jody Schmelzer, pastor at Pinelake Church Oxford, officiated the service at the Chapel of Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison.
Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Moore grew up in the Delta town of Lula where she played guard for her high school basketball team. She was elected Miss Lula Rich. She attended Millsaps College, the University of Mississippi, and McNeese State in Louisiana, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in history. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority.
Moore and her husband, Roy Fulton Moore Jr. had one daughter, Shannon Moore Dye, who is married to Hamp Dye. Moore served as a homemaker during her daughter’s school years, then returned to teaching at Woodland Hills Baptist Academy, followed by Jackson Academy. She began her work at JA in the 198990 year and continued through her retirement in 1998. After that time, she continued to regularly
substitute at JA, touching the lives of many students across campus for more than another decade. Her grandsons Nathan ’08 and David Dye ’11 graduated from JA.
“Ann Moore was an amazing teacher,” said Advanced Placement and Honors Calculus Teacher Gloria Hirn. “She wanted each student to feel special and to know that they mattered. She was a mother to them all and yes, they were all darlings to her. She would always make sure each student had a date to any dance. She was the ninth grade matchmaker. Ann taught all three of my children, and they still remember her till this day.”
She and her family were active members of First Baptist Church Jackson, and in her later years, they were members of Broadmoor Baptist Church. She demonstrated her love of Jesus through her attention and care to JA students and faculty and is remembered for her consistent expression when a student sneezed: “God bless! And He does.”
