2020 True Blue Magazine - Winter Issue

JACKSON ACADEMY

WINTER 2020 | VOLUME XXI

A Publication for Jackson Academy Alumni, Families, and Friends

The secret is out...

JACKSON ACADEMY named Mississippi’s

BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL

BEST TEACHER Sandra McKay BEST FESTIVAL JA Carnival

WINNER

JACKSONACADEMY.ORG

CO N T E N TS

8

East Coast, West Coast, Back at Home Alumni Craft Careers That Fit Their Gifts

F E AT U R E S

IN THIS ISSUE

12

3

Upper School Grandparents Day Creates Precious Memories

MEET THE ADVANCEMENT TEAM

4 EACHING THROUGH THE T GENERATIONS

5 ALL IN THE FAMILY

16

6

New Mentoring Program Takes Shape

LEGACY LOYAL

18 SCHOLARSHIPS

21 ANNUAL FUND

22-23 24

Homecoming Unites JA Family

JAA & BOOSTER CLUB

26 CLASS NOTES

30 MEMORIALS

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JACKSON ACADEMY

WINTER 2020 | VOLUME XXI

EDITOR/WRITER

Patti Wade

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

Jonathan Blackwell Graphic Designer

PHOTOGRAPHER/WRITER

Rachel Lies

Interactive Media Coordinator CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS/WRITERS

Jonathan Blackwell Frances Bussey Lisa Bynum Nell Floyd Martha Grace Gray Matt Hinkle Rachel Lies Ashley Schurch Richard Stafford Suzanne Thigpen Melanie Thortis Patti Wade O F F I C E O F A D VA N C E M E N T

Jim Wilkirson

Chief Advancement Officer

Suzanne Thigpen

Director of Annual Fund

Frances Bussey

Director of Alumni Relations True Blue, a semiannual publication, is published by the Office of Marketing and Communication and the Office of Advancement.

Jackson Academy 4908 Ridgewood Road Jackson, MS 39211

Mentoring other teachers is a natural gift of Dee Ball, center front, who has taught at JA for 31 years. Her former JA students who have returned to become JA faculty and staff include, back, from left, Ann Boswell Carlson ’03, Madi McNair ’14, Bryan Madden ’99, Eddie Wettach ’03, Josh Hinkle ’15, Amy Whittenton ’12, and Sandra Triplett ’09; and front, from left, Courtney Bush ’94, Sarah Kathryn Marley ’12, Sarah Clark ’00, and Suzanne Murray ’91. (Story on Page 4)

If you have alumni news you would like to share, visit jacksonacademy.org/classnotes to submit or update your information.

Submissions may also be mailed to the above address or emailed to Frances Bussey at fbussey@jacksonacademy.org. Photos submitted should be of high quality.

M E ET T H E ADVAN C E M E N T T E AM Jim Wilkirson Chief Advancement Officer In May of 2019, Jim Wilkirson was named Jackson Academy’s chief advancement officer after serving as executive director of the Fondren Renaissance Foundation for 10 years. Wilkirson brings to JA a wealth of experience in nonprofit operations and fundraising, event planning, organizational skills, and building positive relationships.

He has been recognized numerous times for his philanthropic work and has played a vital role with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church, the Jackson Zoo, the American Heart Association, the Diabetes Foundation, and Mistletoe Marketplace. Wilkirson is a graduate of Vanderbilt University. He and his spouse, faculty member Audrey Wilkirson, are the parents of JA sophomore, Fran, and of Hunter ’19 and Clarke ’16. They reside in Jackson.

Suzanne Thigpen Director of the Annual Fund Suzanne Thigpen joined Jackson Academy in August of 2019 as director of the annual fund. She came to JA from Belmont University in Nashville where she was the university’s director of alumni relations. Earlier in her career, Thigpen served in a dual role at the University of Mississippi as the assistant director of university development and the director of annual giving. She is a former director of parents and family programs at Vanderbilt University.

Thigpen is a graduate of the University of Mississippi. She and her husband, Tate Thigpen ’88, are the parents of Kathleen, a JA freshman. The family resides in Flowood.

Frances Bussey Director of Alumni Relations Frances Bussey leads the alumni office at Jackson Academy as director of alumni relations. This is her second academic year in the role, having served JA previously as a K4 and K5 teacher. During her time in the alumni office, Bussey has been instrumental in helping establish the alumni mentoring program and organizing alumni events for homecoming and throughout the year.

She and her husband, John Bussey ’06, are the parents of two sons, Wyc, currently enrolled in K3 at JA, and Banks, who looks forward to being a Raider in the future.

Frances is a graduate of the University of Mississippi. The Bussey family resides in Jackson.

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LEGACY TEACHER

Teaching Through the

Generations

E

ducation has changed a lot in the four decades since Upper School social studies teacher Dee Ball began her career. Ball says students today are more technologically savvy and well-informed. But in the last 45 years, one characteristic has stayed the same.

“Students still want you to love them and care about them,” Ball says. “They want to develop a relationship.”

Ball came to JA in 1989. The bond she has formed with her students over the years has allowed her to stay in touch with them in many ways. Graduates frequently stop by her classroom to pay a visit, which Balls considers a “tremendous compliment that they want to spend time with their old high school teacher.”

Not surprisingly, after 31 years at the school, she has also had the privilege of forming relationships with multiple generations of families.

“I teach a student. Then the younger brother or sister comes through and they want to make sure I know the connection of who they are,” she recalls. “Sometimes I will see smiling eyes in my classroom and think, ‘I’ve seen that expression before.’ Later, I find out that student is the child of someone I’ve taught before.”

Ball says reconnecting with former students is one of her favorite aspects of teaching.

“There is the satisfaction of knowing you’ve played some part in developing a well-rounded, well-educated adult,” she says. “It’s wonderful to be a part of that entire experience.”

Susan Ingram, left, and Colleen Roberts, right, were students of Dee Ball early in her career, and now they teach at JA. 4 TRUE BLUE

LEGACY CONTINUED

ll in the Family J

ackson Academy has been an integral part of Sandra Triplett’s life for almost as long as she can remember.

Sandra’s mother, Gail England, and grandmother, Virginia England, both taught preschool at JA. Triplett’s aunt, Betsy King, still teaches at the school.

Her father, John England, serves on the board of trustees. Her husband, Rob, is a coach and a teacher. You could say Jackson Academy runs in the family.

“My mom became a teacher when I was in K5. My twin sister and I started attending JA when we were four years old. I remember my early days at JA as a student and loving being there,” Triplett recalls. “My grandmother started teaching at JA when I was in high school. Getting to see her around campus every day was very special.”

Triplett graduated from JA in 2009 and attended the University of Mississippi, where she received her degree in 2013.

After graduation, Triplett thought she might like to move away from home to teach. Ultimately, she decided to come back to her alma mater and became a teacher at the Lower School. She teaches fourth grade.

“I remember coming in for my interview and I just loved how it still had the same feeling from when I was a student. I loved how the teachers still knew each child and cared about them,” she said.

After accepting an offer to teach at JA, Triplett called her grandmother to tell her the good news. “Everyone knew I was interviewing, and I had narrowed it down to JA and one other school. When I told my grandmother I accepted the job, she said, ‘I wasn’t going to say anything, but you made the right decision.’”

Her grandmother’s love for the school heavily influenced Triplett’s decision to come back. “I had the opportunity to teach with my grandmother for two years before she passed away.

My kids would see my grandmother coming down the hall and they would say, ‘Oh look, Gigi’s coming!’ That was really special.”

Triplett met her husband at a JA back to school event in 2014. In 2019, the couple welcomed their first child. Even though their daughter has a few more years before she is school age, there is no doubt where the Tripletts will enroll her.

“As a student and as a teacher, I know that you get a great education at JA. But more importantly, I want my little girl to be loved. JA has an environment where students are known and cared for. I want that same experience for her, where people are there for each other and know each other.”

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Addison Avdoyan ’19 and Jo Beth Avdoyan ’85

Ashley Brown ’19, Jackson McHenry ’19, and Brian Brown ’97

Gregory Johnston ’19 and Greg Johnston ’91

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Avery and Erin Hederman ’19 and Robert Hederman ’90

John Porch ’19 and Rob Porch ’83

In the spring of 2019, Jackson Academy graduated 13 students whose families have built a legacy of loyalty to JA. Thank you to these parents and children for their commitment to our community and its ideals throughout the generations.

Latham Nance ’19 and Jan Nance ’89

Lily Waltman ’19 and Trey Waltman ’85

Mary Parker Williams ’19 and Mary Carolyn Williams ’90

Nash Dehmer ’19 and Lindsay ’94 and Dodds Dehmer ’92

Turner Willson ’19 and Ashley Willson ’87

Webb Strickland ’19 and Ashley Nichols ’92

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EAST COAST WEST COAST BACK AT HOME ALUMNI CRAFT CAREERS THAT FIT THEIR GIFTS 8 TRUE BLUE

Japan on a short-term study abroad program. For her Honors College project, the Madison, Mississippi native worked with a Marist College conference called "Leadership in Somali Education and Development."

“Through these experiences, I’ve gained a better understanding of the fashion industry and our world as a whole,” said Ford.

DELVING INTO DESIGN Natalie Ford Natalie Ford ’17 explored the arts in a significant way while at JA. She represented JA’s Speech and Debate Team in national competition and maintained a fashion and lifestyle blog and YouTube channel.

Ford’s pursuit of the arts gained momentum after graduation.

During her time at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, she has interned with Badgley Mischka and Oscar de la Renta. She was the featured designer in the Marist Silver Needle Fashion Exhibition. Ford studied abroad in Florence, Italy, during the fall of 2019, and she has also traveled to

What are you currently studying?

I am a fashion design major with a business minor and fashion merchandising minor.

What does your degree entail?

I am learning advanced garment construction techniques, digital design, patternmaking, and collection development.

What’s the best thing you’ve eaten, and where did you eat it?

Shrimp tempura on a stick. I got it from a food stand in Nishiki Market in Kyoto, Japan.

What is the best self-care you do when not on vacation?

My favorite self-care is to watch my favorite movies with a face mask on or doodle in my sketchbook.

him in high school. Overseeing a staff of approximately 300 personnel responsible for the education and career growth of more than 17,000 financial managers across the globe in the U.S. Army, Moak pursues a life of purpose and significance.

LEADING GLOBAL SUPPORT Jonathan D. Moak “Beyond a shadow of a doubt, my education at Jackson Academy was certainly the foundation for the success I have had in life,” Jonathan D. Moak ’99 said from his office at the Pentagon. Moak serves as the senior official performing the duties of the assistant secretary of the Army (financial management & comptroller).

After graduating from JA, Moak earned degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and then joined the Army. He later earned multiple master’s degrees and worked in the private sector for a time.

Moak was back on campus last fall for the class of ’99 reunion. His journey to managing the United States Army’s budget has changed him, but his friends still recognize the quick humor and loyalty that characterized

What are some highlights of your career at this point?

It is the professional honor of my life to have been selected and appointed to my current role, and I consider it a privilege each day to walk into the building and be afforded the opportunity to make an impact on how the Army conducts its business. In 2015, I deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring FreedomSpartan Shield where my unit conducted sensitive site security operations. In the private sector at Deloitte, I was part of the leadership team for an $800 million contract which supports the U.S. Air Force’s financial improvement efforts—I will always remember that time fondly as it was, and remains, a high-performing team of roughly 300 practitioners.

What is the most exciting sporting event you have ever attended?

While she was four months pregnant with our son, my wife and I traveled to Atlanta for the Georgia vs. Alabama National Championship game in 2018. Roll Tide.

Moak resides in Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife Jessica, 4-year-old daughter, Maeve, and 18-month-old son, Henry.

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You perform often in Mississippi. What draws you back?

It is a combination of seeing family and having history here.

My sister, Beverly Chamblin Harmon, is a 1986 JA graduate.

People know my parents and my grandmother. I have a wonderful shared history that I enjoy—a shorthand. Being away makes me appreciate coming home.

SOUNDS OF HOME Claire Holley Familiar Mississippi sounds represent a form of shorthand for singer-songwriter Claire Holley ’89, who now lives in Los Angeles. In conversation, a simple Southern phrase expressed a certain way is like music to her ears—helping her quickly feel connected. “I know those sounds,” she said.

Holley was in her hometown of Jackson last fall promoting the release of her new album of hymns, Every Hour. While in Mississippi, she performed on the Thacker Mountain Radio Hour at Square Books in Oxford and met students whom she mentors at Jackson Academy. Holley will return to Mississippi this spring to work on compositions for Shakespeare’s The Tempest at Mississippi College.

What is your motivation for mentoring students?

I aspire to be generous and serve with the musical gift I’ve been given. These days, the independent artist is expected to constantly self-promote, which can be a lonely enterprise. When I get out of my own head and into the lives and work of other people (a musical collaboration, mentoring, or even teaching), it makes me remember why I’m doing this.

What is your favorite book?

One of my favorite books from the past few years is The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett. Delightful, funny, smart, and relatively short!

I also liked George Eliot’s Middlemarch, which is definitely not short (and certainly not a typical read for me!), but Eliot’s insights into the human psyche are incisive and revealing.

My Life in Middlemarch by Rebecca Mead is a fun read after Eliot’s novel, too.

Holley and her husband, Chad, have two sons, Jack, 15, and Nate, 11.

Elvie, in New Orleans further introduced Evans to a variety of cuisines, inf luencing the menu he shares at Elvie’s Restaurant, combining Southern cooking with a modern flair.

CRAFTING CUISINE Hunter Evans Owner of the new Jackson eatery Elvie’s, Hunter Evans ’08 knew he wanted a career in the culinary arts before he graduated from JA. After earning a degree in hospitality management at the University of Mississippi, he attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and went on to work as a chef in New York City. He returned to his roots in Jackson four years ago.

Evans watched his parents frequently open their Jackson home to others, cooking meals influenced by his mother’s childhood in Louisiana. Trips to visit his grandmother, 10 TRUE BLUE

“One of the biggest joys is working closely with farmers to source the best produce and meats I can find,” he said.

“Another joy is introducing people to a new food or new preparation and seeing them smile, enjoy it, and have a good time while they are eating, that’s what it is all about.”

What is the best self-care you do when not on vacation?

Definitely yoga. I am bent over a cutting board most days or lifting something heavy, and yoga has been a very beneficial body and mind practice for me.

What is the best vacation you have ever taken, and what made it special?

I am fascinated with wine. Everything about it, how it’s made, where it’s grown, what it tastes like from different regions, and of course how it pairs with food. So probably one of my favorite trips that I have taken was with my wife (Mary Kathryn Evans). For our first year anniversary, we went to Sonoma and Napa, California. It was amazing to sit and taste with winemakers on their property. I can’t wait to go back.

Travelstead’s passion for her work and for the people in her life is evident. As the mother of three boys who attend JA, she is a faithful supporter at athletic and other schoolrelated events. She often mentors students from area colleges and high schools, including Jackson Academy. Travelstead practices in Jackson and is on the executive committee of The Women’s Clinic.

EXCELLENCE IN CARE Dr. Meredith Travelstead Dr. Meredith Travelstead ’89 has made it her life’s work to care for women, championing their physical health and their professional success. Her work as a board-certified OB-GYN has allowed her to support and educate women regarding their health in all stages of life. As a leader in local and state medical associations, Travelstead is an inspiration to others in her field.

In 2019, she served on the inaugural committee of the Mississippi State Medical Association’s Women in Medicine event that celebrated first-time achievements of women physicians in Mississippi. At the event, Travelstead’s former mentor, Dr. Helen Barnes, was honored as the first boardcertified African American OB-GYN in the state.

What is the best vacation you have ever taken, and what made it special?

Our family trip to Israel in December 2018 was an unbelievable experience in the Holy Land seeing the history of our faith. The Bible truly came alive for me and my family.

I look forward to visiting again.

What is the best self-care you routinely do?

My family knows that every night I have a moment of solitude in a very hot bath to cap off the day and relax the tired muscles!

What is the most exciting sporting event you have ever attended?

The best events have to be seeing my boys play numerous sports at Jackson Academy! There is nothing like it.

Travelstead resides in Jackson, with her husband, Joel. Their three sons, Will ’20, Reed ’22, and John ’25, attend Jackson Academy.

In addition to authoring game stories and updating stats on sports teams, Rippee likes to convey the behind-thescenes life stories of athletes. “I have found that in addition to being athletically gifted, there are a lot of incredible and inspiring people that play college athletics,” he said. “I think humanizing them and telling their stories off the field is important as well.”

TALKING SPORTS Brian Scott Rippee Sports are a significant part of everyday life for Brian Scott Rippee ’13. A former JA basketball player, Rippee has taken his interest in sports and his writing ability and turned them into a career in sports journalism.

Rippee is the Ole Miss beat reporter for SuperTalk Mississippi, based in Oxford. There he attends all practices, games, and press conferences for the three major Ole Miss sports and occasionally other sports. “I do a podcast three days a week in addition to providing written content for SuperTalk’s website,” he said. “It is all highlighted by our radio show called SportsTalk Mississippi that is on air statewide from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday.”

What are a few highlights of your career at this point?

I covered the Cincinnati Reds for MLB.com as part of an internship in the summer of 2018. I appeared on the Paul Finebaum Show in February of 2017 to discuss Ole Miss’ NCAA investigation. I have written several features that have gotten national attention. Really, going to games for a job is a highlight in and of itself. I don’t really ever feel like I am working. I love this job and everything that comes with it.

What is the best book you have ever read?

Andre Aggassi’s autobiography Open is really good and incredibly powerful.

What is the most exciting sporting event you have ever attended?

I was in the Georgia Dome in 2008 for the SEC basketball tournament when a large tornado ripped a hole in the side of the building. I am not sure if that qualifies as the sporting event being cool, but it was pretty crazy.

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UPPER SCHOOL GRANDPARENTS DAY

Creates Precious Memories

T

he inaugural Upper School Grandparents Day at JA on October 25 packed in a lot: opportunities to cheer on the Raiders during a pep rally, to learn something new, to watch a preview of the student production of Newsies—and even more.

Grandparents enjoyed lunch with their grandchildren and their friends, visited with faculty and staff, and renewed acquaintance with other grandparents, some knowing each other from the days when their children attended JA. With all of it, there was a greater purpose: the opportunity to create memories.

“Today, all of you are creating your own indelible memories for your grandchildren whether you’re coming across the street, across town, across the state, or across the continent,” said Head of School Jack Milne, welcoming everyone to the program in the Performing Arts Center. “Just by virtue of you being here you are telling them—and they will remember all their lives— how very precious they are to you and how important their education is to you.”

Credit goes to Caroline Milne, wife of Jack Milne, for advocating for Upper School Grandparents Day and to the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations for implementation. And what a good idea it was, giving more than 200 grandparents and stand-ins for grandparents, such as retired Latin

teacher Judy McKeigney, a reason to visit. JA Grandparents Barbara and Fred Hamilton Jr. made the 650-mile trip from Bluffton, South Carolina, to attend.

EXPLORING HISTORY AND LITERATURE TOGETHER Milne stepped back into his days as a history teacher and gave a presentation about “Lincoln and Fort Sumter: Who Really Fired the ‘First Shot’ of the Civil War?” He recapped how the written word is thought to have influenced decisions made.

“Just by virtue of you being here you are telling them— and they will remember all their lives—how very precious they are to you and how important their education is to you.”

Jack Milne JA HEAD OF SCHOOL

He explained how President Abraham Lincoln, a wordsmith, carefully crafted a notice that read: "An attempt will be made to supply Fort Sumter with provisions only, and that if such

attempt be not resisted, no effort to throw in men, arms, or ammunition will be made without further notice, or in case of an attack on the fort.”

The notice was sent to the governor of South Carolina.

To the Northern reader, the words meant the food was being taken to hungry men, while Southern readers found the words a direct challenge, he said. The Confederate government waited for two days before deciding to attack Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, at 4:30 a.m.

There is no written word by Lincoln that he had maneuvered the Confederates into starting the war, but many compelling commentaries from the time did attribute it to him, Milne said.

Sandra McKay, a member of the JA English faculty, mother of two JA graduates, and grandmother of four JA students, captivated the audience by recalling her chance encounters with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eudora Welty at the Jitney No. 14 grocery store in Jackson.

During the first encounter in 1980, McKay learned that blue was Welty’s favorite color and almost every dress she ever wore was a shade of blue.

A few months later, McKay happened upon Welty shopping for pickles and, at the author’s insistence, scribbled down the recipe that her mother used to make breadand-butter pickles, which required 50 pounds of cucumbers.

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A little rain didn't dampen the enthusiasm of more than 200 grandparents and special friends who joined their grandchildren for a JA pep rally, a musical production, and a picnic lunch, in addition to three academic sessions.

McKay went on to speak about “Love’s Habit of Faith in Eudora Welty’s A Worn Path,” a fitting choice since the main character is a grandmother. The story, considered one of rebirth, describes Phoenix Jackson and her journey to obtain soothing medicine for her grandson who had swallowed lye.

The gallery of the PAC offered the opportunity to view Optimism in Reality, a collection of 18 photographs taken by Welty during the 1930s and on loan for the day from a friend of JA.

POSING QUESTIONS ABOUT POLITICS AND HEALTHCARE Dr. Phillip Gordon Arnold, a JA grandparent, former chair of plastic 14 TRUE BLUE

surgery at the Mayo Clinic; The Honorable Haley Barbour, a JA grandparent, 63rd governor of Mississippi, and past chairman of the Republican National Committee; Dr. Glyn Roy Hilbun, a JA grandparent, general surgeon, who at 27 years old was a member of Dr. James Hardy’s transplant team at the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and The Honorable Chip Pickering, a parent of JA graduates and former member of the U.S. House Representatives, participated in a question-and-answer discussion about “The Future of Politics and Healthcare in America.”

Anne McCaslin Snow ’09, a former 16 WAPT News reporter, served as moderator. JA students Bailey Berry, Gibson Cheney, Priya Ray, Land Gebhart, Miles Johnson, and Anna

THE NEXT 60 CAMPAIGN During the 60th Anniversary school year, the Jackson Academy community gathered to identify and prioritize facility and programming improvements. This community visioning session was led by James O. Kennedy of the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Many of the ideas submitted during the community visioning process were promptly put into place, such as the Alumni Mentoring Program (see pages 16-17), ACT/SAT preparation advancement, and strengthening and expanding SOAR, JA’s signature outdoor and experiential learning program. Other improvements Katherine Ray read questions for the panelists to answer. Questions covered a broad range of topics from the use of robotics in surgery to the need to retain the electoral college.

SHARING A SCHOOL DAY Elizabeth Hilbun, wife of Dr. Glyn Roy Hilbun, said Upper School Grandparents Day was delightful, from the pep rally where she watched her granddaughter, a member of the Accents drill team, perform, to the interaction of the students and the panelists. “The whole morning was perfect,” she said.

Jane Hederman called the program “insightful and broadening,” the talent of students acting and dancing in Newsies “amazing,” and the

opportunity to spend time with her grandson “rewarding.” “I love getting to see him when he is with his friends and teachers,” she said.

Hederman said she especially enjoyed visiting with people she knew when her three sons attended JA. “We all worked together to promote the school,” she said.

“Upper School Grandparents Day showcased academic, artistic, and athletic talent and the camaraderie of the JA family,” said Sandra Ashford, a grandmother of two JA students and mother of two JA graduates.

“I was overwhelmed with gratitude that they would do this for grandparents,” she said. “I hope it becomes an annual event.”

identified have received additional input from faculty and administration, who participated in a survey this fall.

Under the leadership of the JA Board of Trustees, the school is now pressing forward with prioritizing these initiatives, including those that require capital investment. This phase involves developing a capital campaign strategy under the guidance of the JF Smith Group. The top initiatives identified will be considered for funding.

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ALUMNI MENTOR PROGRAM

New Mentoring Program Takes Shape JA Connects, a mentoring program that kicked off this fall, provides Upper School students an opportunity to explore their individual career interests.

Top: JA seniors Sydney Morris, center, and Kayla Shepherd, right, observed surgery alongside Dr. Meredith Travelstead.

Inset: Dr. Travelstead’s surgical team provided the students with other examples of career choices in medicine.

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The new program pairs students with mentors, who are either JA alumni, parents, or friends with a connection to the school, and allows them to learn more about a profession that they may want to pursue. Students expressed interest in numerous professions, ranging from medicine to engineering, financial services to marketing, and agri-business to the music industry.

Sydney Morris and Kayla Shepherd, both JA seniors, spent a day shadowing Dr. Meredith M. Travelstead, a Jackson-area OB-GYN, and even had the opportunity to observe surgery.

Travelstead graduated from JA in 1989 and is the parent of three JA students. “This opportunity gave me the chance to see what goes on in the daily life of

“ They may shadow someone and love what they do, or they may not like it and decide to strike that career off their list.”

- Frances Bussey, JA Alumni Coordinator

Above: Claire Holley of Los Angeles, a JA alumna who is a singersongwriter, visited the JA campus while she was in Mississippi for an appearance on the Thacker Mountain Radio Hour.

Left: Gabe Bradley and Courtney Francois, center, JA seniors interested in careers in the music industry, met with Holley, who is mentoring them. With the group are Chief Advancement Officer Jim Wilkirson, left, and Mandy Robertson from JA’s counseling office.

an OB-GYN and allowed me to make sure this would be a good career fit for me,” Morris said. “As of now, I’m planning on being a doctor.”

community of fellow artists. Take some risks. You have got to put yourself in a position to fail.”

during the school’s 60th anniversary.

“This was one of the things they wanted to see established,” she said.

Courtney Francois and Gabe Bradley, JA seniors interested in careers in the music industry, met their mentor, Claire Holley of Los Angeles, a JA alumna who is a singer-songwriter, while she was on campus.

Frances Bussey, JA alumni coordinator, said the idea is to connect students with career options before they attend college. “They may shadow someone and love what they do, or they may not like it and decide to strike that career off their list,” she said.

During its introductory year, the program is for both juniors and seniors.

Starting with the 2020-2021 academic year, the program will be offered only in the junior year.

She advised them: “Have some trusted friends and collaborators...people you can play your songs for. Build your

The motivation for the program grew from a planning session that included parents, alumni, students, and faculty

JA extends its sincere thanks to Reid Lester ’94 and Dr. Meredith Travelstead ’89, who envisioned the mentoring program that has now become JA Connects.

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S C H O L AR S H I PS

Lizzy Childress Named First Recipient of Frances Anne Fortner Scholarship “Take a chance on friendship” was one of the first lessons Jackson Academy senior Elizabeth “Lizzy” Childress learned from the late Frances Anne Fortner, ’18.

Lizzy and a classmate were the two brave tenth graders who tiptoed into newspaper class in the 2017-18 school year. Lizzy’s first reaction when they entered the class made up of all seniors was, “Get us out of this class!” Lizzy admits she and her friend were initially intimidated by the talented, auburnhaired JA Chronicle editor, senior Franny Fortner.

What Lizzy learned from Franny, among many things, was to be open to developing relationships with people who were new to her. You don’t have to already know people to develop friendships, she found. The members of the newspaper class became fast friends, often going to eat together after a newspaper was finished. Lizzy was also inf luenced by Franny’s generosity toward others. “She was always so nice,” Lizzy said.

In April 2019, Lizzy’s parents were called by JA to ensure their presence at awards day. Lizzy and her family

The Frances Anne Fortner Scholarship was established in 2018 by Franny’s parents, Tom and Laurilyn Fortner.

Franny died from injuries sustained in a car accident as she traveled to graduation practice May 17, 2018.

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SCHOLARSHIPS

“ She was always so nice.

It (the scholarship) is a good way for her to be remembered.”

– Lizzy Childress expected an academic award, perhaps.

Lizzy was shocked to hear her own named called as the first recipient of the Frances Anne Fortner Scholarship, established by Tom and Laurilyn Fortner in memory of their daughter. “I had no idea,” Lizzy explained, thinking that the award would go to someone gifted in art as Franny was.

However, the qualities that were evident in Franny’s life, and are part of the scholarship requirements, pointed to Lizzy. She exhibits kindness to others and enjoys including everyone.

She speaks to those she does not know and welcomes new people. She likes to lead, relishing the opportunity to plan and help others. This year she is editor of the print version of the JA Chronicle and a captain of the Accents. Creativity, curiosity, and maturity of thought are also qualities the scholarship acknowledges in the student who best emulates the character and values of Franny.

“We were pleasantly surprised that Lizzy was the first recipient because she was a good friend of our daughter’s, and as time goes by that might not happen again,” said Laurilyn Fortner.

“Franny and Lizzy have in common a certain quality—we call it ‘girl boss’— that’s not required of the recipient but it speaks to their ability to take charge of a situation and lead.”

Top Left: A self-portrait painted by Frances Fortner while she was a student at JA was re-created as a mural on the Fondren Corner building in Jackson’s Fondren neighborhood.

Lower Left: The first Frances Anne Fortner Scholarship recipient, Lizzy Childress.

The Butterfly Effect Husband and wife team Lyle and Patricia Wynn, members of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, designed a copper sculpture based on Frances Fortner’s mixed media “Butterfly Effect.” The sculpture, made possible by memorial gifts, has been installed beside the entryway of the Performing Arts Center. A dedication is being planned this spring.

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SCHOLARSHIPS

2019 Endowed Scholarship Recipients Harmon & Faye Bowman Memorial Scholarship

Hallie Houston Keyes Memorial Scholarship

Reed White Son of Sarah and Les White

Brent Butler Son of Leigh ’89 and George Butler

Isabelle Lee Daughter of Dianna and Preston Lee

Jane Gibbons Memorial Scholarship

Emma Ray Daughter of Craig Ray

The Herschel Brickell Family Endowed Scholarship

John Wicks Son of Felice and John Wicks

Julie Dyer Collins Leadership Award

Azaria McDowell Daughter of Linda and Al McDowell

Andrew Yoste Defore Annual Scholarship

Anna Carlisle Nichols Daughter of Ashley Belew ’92

The 20th Century Endowed Scholarship

Katie Carter Daughter of Catherine and Jon Carter

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Scott Branning Scholarship

Walker Barnes Son of Marty Barnes

The Higgins Family Scholarship

Weathersby Dinkins Daughter of Ali and John Dinkins ’84

Mary Sprayberry Memorial Art Scholarship

Terran Demeritte Daughter of Teresa and Jeffery Demeritte

The Leigh Anne Ward Memorial Scholarship Mya Coins Daughter of Marietta and Jimmie Coins Newell Eatherly Son of Carrie Ann and Wilson Eatherly

ANNUAL FUND

Participation Matters:

Building and Supporting the JA Community As a community, we joined together last fiscal year to make a $451,230 investment in Jackson Academy. The JA Annual Fund is focused on raising unrestricted dollars and designated gifts for special projects to meet the budgeted needs of the school. Your generosity allowed us to enhance our safety and security measures by creating more secure points of entry, improving our visitor identification systems, and purchasing a new campus security vehicle. We also upgraded the Lower School playground, purchased two additional buses, and built a new tennis viewing deck at Raider Park.

The collective generosity of our JA families, alumni, faculty, grandparents, and friends made these projects and others possible.

relatives, and special friends in attendance and an all-alumni pregame reception during Homecoming 2019.

Both events built a renewed sense of community while showcasing what a Jackson Academy education can provide. Two additional initiatives launched this fall include an alumni mentoring program and the Raider Cup Challenge. The Raider Cup Challenge will replace the February Face Off to create a sense of competition among our reunion classes leading up to Homecoming. The reunion class with the highest fundraising percentage

by December 31 will receive a trophy that will reside at JA. The goal is to inspire renewed camaraderie and competition among classes in support of the school.

The Advancement and Alumni Relations team has a special interest in creating more opportunities to connect our external community to the JA experience. They hit the ground running this year by hosting JA’s inaugural Upper School Grandparents Day with over 200 grandparents,

The Advancement and Alumni Relations team is grateful for the leadership of our 2018-2019 JA Annual Fund Chairs, Amy and Robert ’90 Hederman, and our Alumni Chair, Landon Thompson ’09. Our 2019-2020 Annual Fund Chairs are Kristin and Patrick Malouf.

Kristin and Patrick Malouf 2019-2020 Annual Fund Chairs

Amy and Robert ’90 Hederman 2018-2019 JA Annual Fund Chairs

TEACHER APPRECIATION AWARD The Jackson Academy Teacher Appreciation Award recognizes the school’s valedictorian and the three teachers who have most influenced their lives at JA. The valedictorian and teachers each receive a $1,000 stipend from the JA Annual Fund. Recipients for 2019 were: Jan Sojourner, Erin Hederman (valedictorian), Sarah Shaw, and Judy McKeigney.

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A M E S SAG E F RO M T H E JAC K S O N ACAD E MY AS S O C IAT I O N

Dear Jackson Academy Community, It’s an exciting time to be a part of the JA family and to be involved with the JAA. The JAA is passionate about its mission to support our children, teachers, and staff through volunteering and fundraising. Our 2018-2019 year was fantastic, and we couldn’t have done it without our incredible parents who gave of their time and resources to improve JA every year. We anticipate that this year’s efforts will match and even surpass the successes of last year.

A Blue and White Night and the JA Carnival are the primary means we use to fundraise. It takes an army of volunteers to pull off these events, and we cannot thank our parents enough for selflessly serving our school. These events help to provide funds for all of the programs that we run throughout the school year.

Many are one-time projects, while others are annual services that we provide for JA. Some examples of recent projects are: One-time Projects: • • • •

New football turf New sound system for the PAC Upgrades to custodial spaces and closets Nearly $19,000 in Teacher Grants awarded in 2019 to aid teachers in grades K3 through twelve. These grants are awarded every other year.

• Provided ten scholarships toward eighth grade Washington, D.C. trip Annual Services Provided: • • • • • • • • •

Back to School week meals for faculty and staff Host family program for new JA families Yearly prayer walk and Moms in Prayer program Divisional open houses for current and prospective families Uniform exchanges School supplies drive Vision and hearing screenings Periodic meals and treat days for faculty and staff College Fair, Upper School Awards Day, Graduation, Cum Laude, and Grandparents Day support

We accomplish so much together, and it is never too late to get involved with the JAA. We desire to see every parent engaged in making JA what it is—a family.

Blessings, Mysti Chustz ’96 JAA President 2019-2020

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

A M E S SAG E F RO M T H E AT H LET I C B O O ST E R C LU B

Dear Raider Families, We sincerely appreciate the tremendous membership support that the JA community has shown for our Jackson Academy Booster Club this year. We have over 160 family memberships from all divisions on campus, from K3 through twelfth grade. Athletic events bring our Raider Family together, with our youngest Raiders cheering on and looking up to our varsity athletes.

One of the most rewarding programs our Booster Club sponsors is Athletic Buddies in football, basketball, and baseball. All of our first, second, and third grade students enjoy time touring athletic facilities and crafting encouraging cards for their athletic buddy. At each event, students are matched with a varsity athlete for a day and, in some cases, a pep rally. The children receive snacks and a signed JA athletics poster from their athletic buddies. The varsity athletes enjoy the opportunity to develop leadership and mentoring skills.

With the support of many parent volunteers, our Booster Club serves in our concession stands to provide refreshments at games for our families and guests while also providing a critically important revenue source for key projects. Our impressive Sports Information Guide not only provides sponsorship but also celebrates each student athlete and each individual Raider athletic team.

Finally, in the spring our annual Color Me Raider run promotes the Raider Park facilities as well as school spirit

and fellowship for the Lower, Middle, and Upper School divisions. The race raises funds for the Booster Club to use in improvement projects throughout our facilities.

The revenue raised by the 2018-2019 Athletic Booster Club and the Jackson Academy Association funded the installation of a new synthetic turf field. This space not only provides a sustainable playing surface for multiple sports, but also serves our school on a daily basis for Lower and Middle school P.E. classes and many schoolwide events. The 2018-2019 Booster Club also helped provide upgrades to the baseball field’s dugout and lighting, funded championship signage at Raider Park, tennis court maintenance, Raider Hall upgrades, and other miscellaneous needs of our athletic programs.

At Jackson Academy we are blessed to have a wide variety of team sports and spirit teams for students to participate in, developing valuable characteristics of leadership and collaboration. These characteristics, and the opportunity to cultivate them, are a key part of the overall educational experience at JA. Thank you for your continued support of the Booster Club and Raider Athletics.

Go Raiders!

Katie and Jamie Chustz ’92

JA and the Athletic Department are pleased to announce the installation of the new viewing bleachers for tennis at Raider Park. Rising 10 feet above the ground, the aluminum structure seats 57 fans and directly overlooks courts 3 and 4, providing a great view of all of the action.

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The 2019 Homecoming Court was presented during a morning pep rally after a breakfast held to honor the students and their parents in the PAC lobby.

The CLASS OF 1989 celebrated its 30-year reunion November 1 and 2. Cynthia and Tim Mahaffey hosted the Friday night gathering at their home, and on Saturday the group met again at SoulShine Pizza in Flowood.

Above: Kennedy Nations was crowned 2019 Homecoming Queen by 2018 Homecoming Queen Kate McDowell, who was escorted by Cameron Albriton ’04. Kennedy is the daughter of Kristen and Lee Nations, who graduated from JA in ’95 and in ’93, respectively. She has studied at JA since she entered K4.

Right: Former JA Headmaster Glenn Cain waves to the crowd during halftime recognition of those involved in the Transcontinental Games of 1989 and 1990.

UNITES JA FAMILY Each year, JA alumni gather at Homecoming and class reunions to reconnect with old friends and reminisce about their days at JA. Class reunions are a time to celebrate the changes that

intervening years have wrought while enjoying the familiar comfort of the JA community. This year, the Office of Advancement invited the classes of 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009,

and 2014 to gather for reunions. During the fall and early winter, the classes of 1989, 1994, 1999, and 2009 met for class reunions in homes and restaurants across the Jackson-metro area.

The CLASS OF 1999 held its 20-year reunion at Cathead Distillery, which is owned by class member Austin Evans.

More than 75 alumni from the CLASS OF 2009 gathered to celebrate their 10-year class reunion with a dinner at Lou’s Full-Serv, owned by ’95 alumnus Louis LaRose.

HIGHLIGHTS Before the team rushed onto the turf for the Homecoming football game, 300 alumni and their families came to campus for a country fair-themed tailgate supper.

Alumni received game passes, and alumni children enjoyed playing on the newly renovated Preschool playground.

To kick off the evening’s game against East Rankin Academy, John Wright ’09 sang the national anthem and David Hederman ’98, lead pastor at Grace City Church, offered a prayer.

Players, cheerleaders, Accents, fans, trustees, organizers, and past JA headmaster, Glenn Cain, gathered

on the field to be recognized for their part in the Transcontinental Game. In 1989, a group of sports enthusiasts coordinated a game between Jackson Academy and a ranked public school in San Marino, California. A year later, that same team from California brought the gridiron game home to Jackson.

C L AS S N OT E S

1984

1992

1995

Mississippi State Medical Association member, LUKE LAMPTON, M.D., FAAFP, of Magnolia, received the prestigious MSM A Community Service Award, which recognizes a physician for significant participation in civic activities that improve the community. This award is presented to a physician who actively engages both in the practice of medicine and in community service.

ELIZABETH ROSS HADLEY is a shareholder in the Austin, Texas, office of the global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP. She practices primarily in the government law and policy, and litigation practice groups representing clients before the Texas state legislature and executive branch, as well as in state and federal courts throughout Texas and Mississippi. Elizabeth was elected chair of the Legislative and Campaign Law section of the State Bar of Texas for 2019-2020 and was chosen as a Super Lawyer in Texas this year. She is an active member of the Junior League of Austin and serves on the board of Dress for Success Austin. Elizabeth and husband, Bryan, have three children, Hudson, Bennett, and Caroline.

RACHEL HENDERSON HARRIS and husband, Matt, live in Terry, Mississippi.

Matt is an administrative nurse.

1988 RACHAL WISKI and husband, Rich, have two daughters. Rachal works for a local hospital health insurance company, and Rich runs The Rustic Birdhouse and is also a graphic designer. They live in Murphy, Texas.

1989 M E R E DI T H MON T G OM E RY TRAVELSTEAD, M.D., is active with the Mississippi State Medical Association and was president of Central Medical Society. She was on the inaugural committee of the Women in Medicine Gala, which celebrates women who were “firsts� in their areas of medicine. Meredith is pictured with her mentor Helen Barnes, M.D., who was the first board certified African American female OB-GYN in the state of Mississippi.

Dr. Meredith Travelstead, M.D., with her mentor, Dr. Helen Barnes, M.D. 26 TRUE BLUE

Rachel Henderson Harris

1996 ASHER STREET BEAM and her husband, Jim, live in Ridgeland. Jim is an attorney, and Asher is the program director and assistant professor of the Master of Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program at the Department of Radiologic Sciences, School of Health Related Professions, UMMC.

1998 Elizabeth Ross Hadley Family

1994 ANDY CUNNINGHAM is the lead pastor for the Fair Haven campus of Chapelwood United Methodist Church. Andy gives oversight, vision, preaching, and care to the Fair Haven campus of Chapelwood UMC. This multi-site church of 8,000 members seeks to make disciples in various contexts in Houston, Texas. Andy and his wife, Kaisi, have two children, Ella and Ryvers.

FOSTER KENNEDY serves as first vice president in commercial lending at Trustmark Bank. He and his wife, Brandon, have two children, Adams and Baird, who attend JA. JIM MORRISON is the associate provost at the University of Notre Dame. Jim and his wife, Mitzi, live in South Bend, Indiana, and have five children, Mia, Ty, Allie, Macy, and Miles.

2000 K EITH ST U DDA R D lives in Washington, D.C. and is vice president of Jeffrey J. Kimbell, a lobbying firm.

CLASS NOTES

KATIE QUAKA DEWEESE and husband, Clay, live in Oxford with their two sons, Rhett and Tison. Katie is a special education teacher in the Lafayette County School District.

Clay is owner/broker of Nix-Tann and Associates and is a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives.

Dr. Alexis Bridley, live with their four children in the District of Columbia.

BRITTANY ALLEN HOLTMANN and husband, John Michael, along with son, Mac, welcomed a daughter, "Allie" Tatum, on June 24, 2019.

2001 WILL MORGAN lives in Madison, Mississippi with his wife, Sarah, and their son, Henry. He was recently promoted to a senior research analyst cover ing business-to -consumer messaging for Keypoint Intelligence InfoTrends, a world-renowned market research and strategic consulting firm based in New England serving the digital imaging, document solutions, and customer communications industries.

Will Morgan Family

2003 RYAN BRIDLEY is an active-duty Army Major. His previous assignments include serving for one year in Iraq as a rifle infantry platoon leader, two years in Korea as a company commander, and one year in the Pentagon as a liaison for 20 foreign embassies. He is currently an analyst on Middle East politics and military affairs. He is a graduate of West Point, Ranger School, and the Army’s Parachutist and Air Assault schools. He and his wife,

Brittany Allen Holtmann Family

and knee replacement fellowship at Anderson’s Clinic in Washington, D.C. He and wife, Kellie, live in Washington, D.C. STEPHANIE HENSON MCNAB and husband, Jamie, currently serve on the board of the Mindich Child Health and Development Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Stephanie joined the Junior League of Greenwich and is planning a fundraising dinner with keynote speakers Barbara Bush and Joan Lunden. Jamie enjoys serving on the Tiger Foundation board and as assistant treasurer of Stanwich Congregational Church (Greenwich, CT). Big brother, James, helped welcome “Riley” Ann McNab who was born on November 25, 2019.

SUSAN LOVE opened a private counseling practice in Tucson, Arizona. Her focus is working primarily with individuals in recovery from eating disorders and traumarelated disorders. In August 2019, she was chosen to serve on the board of the International Association of Eating Disorder ProfessionalsTucson Chapter. Additionally, she has embarked on a new professional adventure as an EMDR Therapist at Sierra Tucson, a premier residential treatment center in the Sonoran Desert.

2004 JENNIFER VIRDEN CRISSEY and husband, Chris, live in Madison.

Jennifer teaches geometr y at Germantown High School. She gave a presentation on "Making Number Talks Matter in High School Math" at the National Council of Teachers of Math conference in San Diego, California, last April. Jennifer is currently working on a doctorate in science and math education at the University of Southern Mississippi.

WILL JOHNSON recently completed his orthopedic surgery residency at UMMC. He is completing a hip

Stephanie Henson McNab Family

MARY KATE SIMS WHELEN and husband, Josh, live in Oxford with their three children, Jack, Mamie, and Frances. Mary Kate is a speechlanguage pathologist at North Mississippi Outpatient Therapy, and Josh is vice president of Petrus Consulting.

2005 MARION KEYES GOWDEY and husband, Andrew, live in Meridian with their daughter, Millie. Andrew is a urologist.

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CLASS NOTES

2006

2008

HALEY CROSBY CARPENTER and husband, Rob, along with big brother Neel, welcomed Crosby Noble Carpenter on December 7, 2019. The Carpenters live in Jackson. Haley is a legal recruiting coordinator. Rob is with Carpenter Properties.

Merry Grace and ANDERSON BUSSEY welcomed a baby boy, Robert "Anderson," on July 2, 2019.

Jody and WILL GEARY, along with big sister, Jennie, welcomed a baby girl, Kathleen Bess, on October 13, 2018.

They live in Memphis. Jody owns Stovall Collection, and Will is vice president at Solutions Engineering at ReTrans, Inc. ALEX BARRAZA TAYLOR and PERRY TAYLOR, along with big sister, Greer, welcomed another baby girl, Barr Marie, on November 1, 2018. The Taylors live in Jackson where Alex is a nurse practitioner at Batson Children’s Hospital and Perry is an attorney at Balch and Bingham LLP. Frances and JOHN BUSSEY, along with big brother Wyc, welcomed James "Banks" Bussey on November 13, 2018.

Frances is JA’s alumni coordinator and Wyc is a K3 student.

ALEX MCCASKILL COOPER and husband Chase, along with big sister McCay, welcomed a baby boy, Chase Traicoff Cooper Jr. on February 16, 2019.

The Coopers live in Jackson.

ERIN COLLINS ESCADÉ and CLAY ESCADÉ, and their son, William, welcomed Clay Walker on January 14, 2019. They live in Greenville.

KRYSTEN KEYES JERNIGAN and JAY JERNIGAN along with big sister, Lynnon, welcomed a baby boy, James Harris, on September 23, 2019.

ASHLEY CIRILLI FARLOW and husband, Ryan, with their daughter Alys and son Eli, welcomed a baby boy into their family through international adoption. Rivera Cirilli Farlow, “Riv,” was born July 16, 2018, in Bogota, Colombia; the adoption was finalized in May 2019.

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Ashley Cirilli Farlow Family

MARK MCKINNON and wife, Alice, live in Washington, D.C. In September, Mark was appointed as special assistant to the undersecretary of defense for intelligence by President Donald Trump.

2007 A NDR EW K ENNEDY married Ashley Davis on April 14, 2018. They reside in Memphis. Andrew works in the software industry, and Ashley is a registered nurse with Semmes Murphey Neurological Clinic.

Mimi and A NDR EW HEA R D welcomed a baby boy, Andrew Carson Heard Jr., on October 4, 2018. They live in Jackson where Andrew is with Hemphill Construction and Mimi is a K4 teacher at JA. The Rev. ELIZABETH QUEEN HENRY of Jackson is the program director of Thriving in Ministry, a new, ecumenical program offered by the Center for Ministry a Millsaps College that will support clergy women across the South. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Baylor University, a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School, and a Master of Social Work from the University of North CarolinaChapel Hill.

ELLEN ELLIOTT BLEVINS and STEVEN BLEVINS welcomed their son, Smith McDaniel Blevins, on July 3, 2019.

KIRBY THOMAS HARVEY is a human resources generalist at International Paper’s Vicksburg Mill.

Her husband, TAYLOR HARVEY ’08, is in his fourth year of medical school at UMMC. MARY BLAIR JOHNSON married Ben McCreary on May 19, 2018 at Oxford-University United Methodist Church in Oxford. They live in Nashville, Tennessee. Mary Blair works for Triumph Bank, and Ben is vice president of Green Mountain Transportation, Inc. BOBBY PETERSON is the Challenge Program Lead for JH Ranch. Bobby and his wife, Mimi, live in Birmingham with their two children, Anne Harper and Olivia.

2009 DAVID MILLS is a 2019 graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University. He is associated with the Scenic Hills Veterinary Hospital in Pensacola, Florida.

David Mills

CLASS NOTES

SANDRA ENGLAND TRIPLETT and husband, Rob, welcomed Elizabeth Virginia on July 17, 2019. Sandra teaches fourth grade at JA, and Rob is a math teacher and junior high football coach at JA. ANDREW RITTER and wife, Haleigh, welcomed their first baby girl, Lillian Lovelace "Lilly Love", on January 31, 2019. They currently live in Jackson where Andrew works for Puckett Machinery and Haleigh is the assistant director of admissions at JA.

LAKIN THOMAS is a CPA with KPMG in San Francisco. His wife, Olivia, is a chemical engineer with Volero.

MATTHEW KENNEDY completed his physics degree at the University of Mississippi in 2015. He works in Jackson as a software engineer and data scientist focusing on predictive analytics for the healthcare industry.

REGAN ARNOLD M A XWELL and husband, JOSEPH MAXWELL, recently graduated from medical school at UMMC. They live in Asheville, North Carolina, where Joseph is a resident in psychiatry and Regan is a resident in family medicine.

2012 Andrew Ritter Family

2011 ALEX COCKAYNE lives in Dallas, Texas, where she is a labor and delivery nurse at Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health.

TAYLOR IRBY graduated from UMMC with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy in May 2019. She lives in Frisco, Texas and is a physical therapist with Texas Orthopaedic Associates.

She is engaged to Graham Collins.

CHRISTINE BOWMAN MURRAY and JACK MURRAY ’05 live in Nashville, Tennessee. He works as a hospitalist physician at St. Thomas Midtown, and Christine is employed at a marketing agency called Zeta Global. Christine is active in the Junior League of Nashville and serves on the gala committee. They attend Midtown Fellowship Church and are involved in the Ole Miss and Mississippi State Nashville Alumni Groups.

JORDAN COCKAYNE married Forrest Short on November 17, 2018 in Jackson. The couple resides in New York, New York, where Jordan is a registered nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit at The Mount Sinai Hospital. Forrest is an investment banking analyst with Guggenheim Securities.

WILLIAM MOAK received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Southwest Baptist University in May.

2013 TAYLOR THOMAS is an industrial engineer for International Paper in Memphis.

MARY MARIE PEARSON married Matthew Bernardini on June 15, 2019, at First Baptist Church Jackson. Mary Marie and Matt live in Southaven, Mississippi.

Mary Marie teaches kindergarten at Center Hill Elementary in Olive Branch, and Matt is a manager for Enterprise Truck Division in Memphis.

SARAH WADE completed a Master of Science in Medical Anthropology at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland in 2018. She is the assistant director

of visitor services at the Mississippi Museum of Art. She recently performed with New Stage Theatre and sings with the Mississippi Opera.

2014 DANIEL KENNEDY graduated cum laude from the Barksdale Honors College at the University of Mississippi in May 2018. He is in his first year of medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical School.

2015 MATT WHITFIELD is a 2019 mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Mississippi. He works at Integration Innovation. Inc. in Huntsville, Alabama. Matt married Emma Hendren on June 1, 2019.

2016 HANNAH MCCOWAN was awarded a Taylor Medal and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Hannah is in the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College at the University of Mississippi. She will graduate in May 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry. She plans to apply to medical school.

ROBYN HADDEN is among the 77 charter members of the newest Phi Beta Kappa chapter in the state. She attends Mississippi State University.

The Phi Beta Kappa Society is the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society.

CAROLINE NALL has been accepted to attend the University of Mississippi School of Medicine.

Class Notes printed here were submitted since JA’s Summer 2018 issue.

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M E M O R IALS Memorials and memorial scholarships printed here were submitted during Jackson Academy’s fiscal year ending May 31, 2019.

CLYDE ADAMS Friend of the Lipscomb family Leslie and Lewis ’90 Lipscomb SIDNEY ALLEN, SR. Grandfather of JA student Perry Allen ’29 Pat and Peter Jernberg BUBBA ARNOLD Father of JA alumna Ashleigh Arnold Dehmer Dee Ball Frances and Roy Braswell Sophie Braswell Lamar Chustz Marimae Coleman Gail and Arthur Doty Gay and Joe Drake Janis and Richard Edmonson Mary Lene and Newt Harrison Millie and Ray Higgins Ellen and Thomas Hontzas Pat and Peter Jernberg Beth and Harper Keeler Oliver Kingsley Julie Murray Ann and Jim O’Quinn Sandra and Dennis Perkins Edwin Sallis Rosemary and Don Seago Jan and Andrew Townes Ashley ’87 and Mark Willson ASHLEIGH PARK Frances and Roy Braswell Sophie Braswell Chris and Bronwyn ’83 Burford Mary Kay ’83 and Wendell ’84 Catchings Mrs. Lamar Chustz Gay and Joe Drake Mary Lene and Newt Harrison Ellen and Thomas Hontzas Kathy Ingram Beth and Harper Keeler Oliver Kingsley Suzanne ’91 and John ’83 Murray Jim and Ann O’Quinn Edwin Sallis Jan and Andrew Townes Tricia Weissinger ’84 Betty and Erskine Wells

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HILTON BALL Husband of JA Upper School teacher, Dee Ball Judy Arnold Catherine and Peter Arnold Joe Ball Mrs. Lamar Chustz Janie and Frank Criddle Kathryn and Steve Edwards Patty and Chris Ethridge Kathy Nelson and Georgia Gibson Stacy ’89 and Chris Bates, and Ana Kelly Hontzas Gloria Hirn Reagan and Bo Hrom Debbie and John Hrom Susan Ingram Pat and Peter Jernberg Ann and Frank Kinard Suzanne and Greg Laird Stancie, Kristen ’03, Jennifer ’07, and Michelle Ley ’12 Julie Murray Jan and Wen Nance Beth and Steve Orlansky Colleen and Stan Roberts Patti, Frank, Sarah ’13 Wade, and Rachel Wade Hudson ’10 Chief Justice and Mrs. William L. Waller, Jr. Patrice and John Worley SCOTT BRANNING Jackye Barbour Charlotte and Temple Barry Tommy and Wendi Blair Susan Elliott Kay and Robert Lane Bryan Madden ’99 Lee Ann and Calvin ’94 Thigpen Tricia Weissinger ’84 W. GARNER CHENEY SR. Grandfather of JA alumnus Garner Cheney ’18 and JA student Gibson Cheney ’22 Stacy ’89 and Chris Bates BART CLARK Father of JA alumni Andy Clark ’87 and Rusty Clark ’86 Judy Arnold, Tripp Arnold ’87, and Family Lynn and Charles Witt

DENNIS CONKLIN, SR. Father of JA teacher, Dennis Conklin II Susan Ingram Pat and Peter Jernberg MRS. JOHNNIE RODGERS DAVIS Mother of Bonnie Wiggers, Assistant P.E. teacher Shirley Fortenberry Sarah Love AB DEWEESE Relative of Bonnie Wiggers, JA teacher Lorraine and David Blount THEO DINKINS Father-in-law of Lower School librarian Ali Dinkins. Grandfather of Bonner Dinkins ’20, McNeill Dinkins ’21, Coleman Dinkins ’21, and Weathersby Dinkins ’25 Judy Arnold Stacy ’89 and Chris Bates Laura and Derek Dyess BRAD DYE Father of Hamp Dye, former JA board chair Millie and Ray Higgins Pat and Peter Jernberg VIRGINIA ENGLAND Suzanne ’91 and John ’83 Murray LESLIE REID FLETCHER, SR. Grandfather of JA alumni Daniel Fletcher ’15 and Blake Fletcher ’19 Ruth and Spence Fletcher ELAINE FORTENBERRY Cam, Frannie, and Joy Hillyer FRANK FORTENBERRY Husband of Preschool secretary Shirley Fortenbery Millie and Ray Higgins Pat and Peter Jernberg Sarah Love Patti and Frank Wade FRANCES ANNE FORTNER JA Alumna Class of 2018 Catherine and Peter Arnold JA Class of 2018

MEMORIALS

Sandra McKay Caroline and Jack Milne Julie Murray Wanda Pearcy Lee and Jana Ragland Nancy and David Sykes Tricia Weissinger ’84

ELSIE HAWKINSON Mother of JA staff member Cathy Chinn and grandmother of JA alumni Carley Chinn ’13, Casey Hawes ’08, Courtney Peters ’01, and Conley Chinn ’17 Patti and Frank Wade KIRK LADNER Father of JA students, Zoe Ladner ’21 and Ava Ladner ’23 Kate and David Bowman BEN CLOVER LUNDY Father of JA trustee, John Lundy.

Grandfather of Eliza ’15, Anne Marie ’19, and Mary Gibson Lundy ’22 Pat and Peter Jernberg HELEN MCGEE Former staff member Judy Arnold Sandra and Dennis Perkins

NAN MERRELL Mother of JA Alumni Bentley Harvey ’10 and Miles Merrell ’17 Gail and John England Pat and Peter Jernberg ROY MOORE Husband of JA staff member Anne Moore Judy Arnold Dee and Hilton Ball Mrs. Lamar Chustz Millie and Ray Higgins Pat and Peter Jernberg Jane and Larry Lee Nancy and David Sykes Patti and Frank Wade CLAY PEDIGO Father of trustee and JA alumnus Scott Pedigo ’90, grandfather of Walker Pedigo ’18 and Elizabeth Pedigo ’21 Pat and Peter Jernberg DOROTHY “DOTSIE” ROBERTS Mother of JA grade teacher Jamie Wright Sarah Love JOHN STAUFFER Grandfather of JA alumna, Frances Fortner ’18 Daisy and Bob Carr

BOBBYE SOJOURNER Mother of JA basketball coach, Jan Sojourner Judy and Tripp Arnold Sydney Fields ’10 and Steel Dehmer ’08 Kate and David Bowman Gail and John England Kathy and Nelson Gibson Louise and John Hartlein Susan and Pete Hays Susan Ingram JAA JA Booster Club Whit and George Johnson Irene and Lawrence Long Sarah Love Suzanne and Greg Laird Nancy and John Studdard Nancy and David Sykes Patti, Frank, Sarah ’13 Wade, and Rachel Wade Hudson ’10 Bonnie and Gray Wiggers

STENNIS WELLS Father of JA student Elizabeth Wells Mildred Ridgway

Memorial Scholarships FRANCES ANNE FORTNER SCHOLARSHIP Angie and Brian Adair Judy and William Adams Mignonne and Brian Ashworth Sandra Babb Douglas Bacon Dee and Hilton Ball Stacy ’89 and Chris Bates Lynda and Eric Balfour Lauren and Frank Benner Kate and David Bowman Liz and Bill Brister Jimmy Burton Debbie and William Campbell Kathi, John, and J.T. Carney ’18 Daisy and Bob Carr The Clement Family Abby Covington Marybeth and Sean Culhane

Ruth and Spence Fletcher Laurilyn and Tom Fortner Patricia and Lane Frazier Jan and Glennan Grady Lawrence and Kelly Haber Susan Hollandsworth Jennifer and Rafe Hudson Jackson Academy Association JA Class of 2016 JA Class of 2017 JA Lower School Jackson Preparatory School Jason and Nicole Jenkins Castlen King Paul Lewis Haley and John Lundy Kathleen and Nick Matthews Rosanne and Joe Maxwell Kay and Richard McRee Robert G. Morris

Kenneth O’Keefe Charles O’Mara Laura, Michael, and Reese Phillips UMMC Dept. of Otolaryngology Upper School Student Council Patti and Frank Wade Shawn and Rod Ward Ebony Welch

SCOTT BRANNING SCHOLARSHIP Shirley Fortenberry Bebe and John Sumner Susan Whitfield MARY SPRAYBERRY Sarah Clark ’00 Debra Hastings Brenda Sullivan Jamie and Ellis Wright TRUE BLUE 31

H O N O R AR I U M S Honorariums printed here were submitted during Jackson Academy’s fiscal year ending May 31, 2019.

PERRY ALLEN JA Student Class of ’29 Kristin and Sidney Allen BILL CAMPBELL, JR. Operations coordinator Debbie and Bill Campbell, Sr. KATIE CHUSTZ 7th grade science teacher Kathryn and Chris Nutter CHARLES JACKSON CRUMP Husband of JA alumna Julie Crump Julie Evers Crump ’84 SUSAN INGRAM Upper School art teacher Patricia and Lane Frazier JA CLASS OF 1984 Tricia Weissinger ’84

PETER AND PAT JERNBERG President Emeritus and his wife DeLeslie and Rob Porch ’83 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Robbins Paula and Randy James BECKIE LEE 6th grade social studies teacher Katie Chustz TIM MCWILLIAMS Former director of development Sarah Love DeLeslie and Rob Porch ’83 Nancy and David Sykes HELEN PAGE Mother of JA director of marketing and communication, Patti Wade Patti and Frank Wade

JANA RAGLAND 3rd grade teacher Pam and Jon Turner KERRI SANDERS Upper School theatre teacher Anonymous JAN SOJOURNER JA girls basketball coach 2018-19 girls basketball team and parents CHRIS TUCKER Upper School social studies teacher Katie Chustz AMY WHITTENTON ’12 Upper School choral director Anonymous

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

32 TRUE BLUE

JACKSON ACADEMY Named Mississippi’s

BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL

by Mississippi Business Journal

4908 Ridgewood Road Jackson, Mississippi 39211

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

TRUE BLUE | WINTER 2020 | VOLUME XXI

JACKSON ACADEMY