UNIVERSITY SCHOOL of JACKSON presents the Class of 2014 ‌
R
hodes. Lipscomb. Mississippi State.
class had an average ACT score of 32; the class
Union. UT Knoxville. Washington
average ACT score was 28. Twelve members of
University at St. Louis. Samford.
the class were named AP Scholars for scores they
Eckerd. From Harvard and Boston College in New
England to the University of Panama in Latin
received on their Advanced Placement tests. Offered more than $6 million in academic,
America, the 67 members of USJ’s Class of 2014
leadership, fine arts, and athletic scholarships,
are attending 28 different colleges.
class members will use more than $2.7 million of
The College Board selected five students for National Merit honors; two were named National Merit finalists. The top 20 percent in the
that money to attend college. Ally Glover is Valedictorian, Govind Bindra is Salutatorian, and Ben Coffman is Essayist.
Below is a sampling of some of the colleges members of the Class of 2014 plan to attend: standing, from left, Zaid Baba, Rhodes College; Ethan Self, Lipscomb University; Ali Graham, Mississippi State University; Claire Jaggers, Samford; Holly Deming, Eckerd College; and Anna Lax, Union University; and seated, Austin Campbell, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; and Monica Subia, University of Panama.
Five National Merit students. Twelve AP Scholars …
UNIVERSITY SCHOOL of JACKSON 2
w Natalie Allen, captain of the varsity basw Austin Campbell, junior volunScholarships ketball team and member of the varsity volteer at Jackson-Madison County Neither Ben Coffman nor Leah Sanders will need to worry about leyball team, was the competition chairman General Hospital, was a member paying for their college educations. Both are attending college on full of Science National Honor Society and treasof Mu Alpha Theta and National scholarships. urer of National Honor Society. She was Honor Society. He received the Based on her resume and application, Leah was invited to apply for president of Operation Smile Club, SADD Honors Biology medal his freshLouisiana State University’s E. Roe Stamps Scholarship, awarded to the Club vice president, treasurer of Internaman year, the Honors Chemistry top five entering freshmen at LSU. She wrote an essay and went through tional Club, junior class president, and editor certificate and Honors Spanish II interviews. She was awarded the scholarship, valued at $184,000. Besides of the 2014 yearbook. A Leadership Univercertificate his sophomore year, paying for books, tuition, and room and sity alum, she graduates with more than 200 and the AP Biology certificate his board, it also gives her $14,000 to study community service hours. Natalie will major junior year. He was a member of in pre-dentistry at University of Mississippi. the varsity football team and the abroad and an extra $2,000 a year for w Eric Arnold was a member of the varsity Spanish Club. Austin was accepted living expenses. Leah plans to study football, basketball, baseball, and track into the Chancellor’s Honor Propetroleum engineering. teams. He was named All-District, All-West gram at University of Tennessee, Ben is attending Tennessee, and All-State for his success on Knoxville. the University of the football field. Eric was in the choir, nuw Hayden Cardwell, a 13-year Alabama at Huntsville merous clubs, and was a volunteer with the USJ student and member of Spanon a full scholarship Down-Syndrome Teen Club of Jackson. Eric ish Club, will pursue a military caworth will major in finance at William Jewell Colreer after graduation. $125,000. lege where he will play football. w Jennylyn Caterina, National He will w Zaid Baba, AP Scholar with Distinction, Merit Commended student and study was a member of Science National Honor AP Scholar with Distinction, was engiSociety, Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, Mu president of Science National neering. Alpha Theta, Social Science Honor Society, Honor Society, and a member of He’ll also and National Honor Society. Zaid was presseveral other academic honor soplay soccer. ident of the Chemistry Club his junior year cieties. She was active in the arts, and was active in Spanish Club and band. chemistry and Spanish clubs, and w Mattie Boyd, AP Scholar, will attend Rhodes. He traveled to Costa Rica with the USJ Spanish participated in the Spanish study abroad program. Mattie was president of National Art Honor Society She also participated in numerous USJ and comstudy abroad program. Zaid will attend Rhodes and a member of several other honor societies. College. munity theater productions. Jennylyn will attend She was active in the arts and participated in the w Cal Bigford will major in audio engineering at Rockford University. French study abroad program. Founder of an afterBelmont University. Cal was a member of Tri-M, w Rebecca Cloar, a dedicated artist, received first school art program for Hands Up! preschool, a National Honor Society, and French Club, was vice place and honorable mention in the West Tenfour-year emergency room volunteer, and four-year nessee Regional Juried Student Art Competition. president of Photography Club, and was a contributor to the USJ literary magazine. Cal placed eighth Jackson Symphony Ambassador, Mattie graduates Rebecca was named Rising Junior Artist and atwith more than 500 community service hours. in the State French Exam in 2010. He was a Maditended Tennessee Governor’s School for Visual w Chris Burton, an Eagle Scout, was a member of son County Teen Court Officer, 2011-2013. Art. She plans to attend Watkins College of Art and Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, Mu Alpha Theta, w Govind Bindra, class salutatorian, National Design. Tri-M, and National Honor Society. He was histoMerit Finalist and AP National Scholar, was SGA w Will Cobb was a member of Science National rian of Spanish Club and active in numerous clubs. president his senior year, SGA parliamentarian his Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta and was histoChris participated in the Spanish study abroad pro- rian of National Social Science Honor Society. Will junior year, and president of his sophomore class. An Eagle Scout, Govind is a member of several aca- gram. Active in theater and choir, he was in the was selected to the All-West Honor Choir in 20112011 All-State Honor Choir and the All-West Honor 2013 and placed first in the TMTA statistics math demic honor societies. He placed first in the 2011 Choir from 2009 to 2013. He was a member of the competition. He played varsity football and soccer, National French Competition and first in the 2012 varsity cross country team, track team, and soccer TMTA Calculus and Advanced Topics math compeand Jackson Wolves soccer. He was active in First tition. He was a Madison County Teen Court Juror; team. He will major in animation and visual effects United Methodist Youth Group and Young Life. at Savannah College of Art and Design. active in theater, choir and band; and an active Will plans to major in math at Rhodes. member of the Mid-South Sikh Association. A Leadership University alum, Govind was a A Double Major member of the varsity cross Marisa Mariencheck will major in both biology and country, track, and soccer vocal performance at Washington University in St. teams. Govind attended GovLouis. Her education at USJ “has been amazing,” she ernor’s School for Emerging said, adding that she feels quite prepared for the rigor Technology. He will attend Harof courses at the academically selective university. vard College. She took 10 of USJ’s 15 Advanced Placement w Sarah Bond will attend courses. Her defense of her thesis in AP English Jackson State Community ColLiterature taught her how to present herself in lege. She was a Girl Scout and a professional setting, she said. a long-time dancer. Sarah was She uses her 12 years of private piano active in theater and choir, a member of the Spanish Club, instruction and six years of voice lessons to be and a contributor to the USJ both an accompanist and a singer in the USJ fashion show. concert choir. She also teaches Kindermusik
classes at West Jackson Baptist Church.
Needless to say, Aisha Suara, seated, and Govind Bindra are excited about attending Harvard College this fall. Both feel that USJ prepared them well for the rigors ahead. “USJ gave me a well-rounded education,” said Govind. “Teachers motivate you to push for excellence.” Govind took advantage of what USJ offers. He took 12 of USJ’s 15 Advanced Placement courses, earning him the top recognition by the College Board. He ran track and cross country, played soccer, played the saxophone in the band, and learned leadership skills through his involvement in USJ’s many clubs and honor societies. Aisha’s resume also is impressive. She took nine AP courses and was active in student government and other groups. “With my AP courses and other classes, I have a good foundation,” she said. “I will be at the same level as everyone else at Harvard.”
Merit Finalist, and AP Scholar with Honor, attended Tennessee Governor’s School for Emerging Technology. He received the Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology and the Bill Moss Memorial Book Award, and was an American Legion Boys State delegate. Ben placed first in the TMTA Regional mathematics competition in 2011, 2012, and 2014, and first in the American Mathematics Competition in 2012 and 2014. Co-captain of the varsity soccer team, Ben was named to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association 2013 All-State Soccer Team. Ben will major in engineerw Nikki Duckworth was a varsity cheerleader ing at University of Alabama in Huntsville and play and member of the track team. She was also a soccer. member of the International, SADD, Art, Spanish, w Will Cooper will attend Mississippi State University. Will was a member of National Honor Soci- Operation Smile, and Photography clubs. She is active in Young Life and her church youth group and ety, Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, and Mu Alpha is a volunteer with Runway for a Cure. Nikki plans Theta, and was treasurer of Science National to attend Birmingham-Southern College where Honor Society. He played football and ran cross she will run track. country and track. He attended the Christian Leadw Isabella Edwards, president of Photography ership Institute and the National Young Leaders Club, was a member of International Club, Art Conference. Will organized the logistics for the Club, Environmental Club, and Spanish Club. She is record-setting 2014 RIFA food drive. a freelance photographer and after-school art inw Jansen Cupples, member of Mu Alpha Theta, structor. She placed third in the Congressional Art received the CP mathematics award his freshman Competition. Isabella was a Vacation Bible School and junior years. He was a member of the choir, leader with her church. She will major in clinical International Club, and Spanish Club. Jansen will psychology at UT Knoxville. major in mechanical engineering technology at w Katie Exum was a member of Key Service University of Arkansas in Little Rock. Club, SADD Club, and Spanish Club. She played w Haley Daugherty was secretary of Societe Honoraire de Francais, French Club chaplain, and a varsity basketball and softball. Active in Young Life, Katie is a member of Englewood Baptist Church. member of National Honor Society, Tri-M, choir, Katie will attend Murray State University. SADD Club, Operation Smile Club, and DSA Buddy w Jessica Garland, member of National Art Club. She was involved in the USJ fashion show Honor Society, was involved in the USJ Art Show and was a co-captain for the junior varsity volleyand USJ Fashion Show. She was captain of the ball team. She earned a top ten ranking on the varsity cross country team, and was named to state level in the National French Contest in 2011 the All-State team in 2011 and 2012. She placed and 2012. Haley will major in bio-chemistry and third in the 2012 TSSAA State Cross Country pre-pharmacy at UT Knoxville. w Holly Deming, member of the National Honor Society and vice president of the Na‘I Want to Help People’ tional French Honor Society, participated in Haley Daughtery will the French study abroad program in attend UT Knoxville and France. Holly was chairman of the Student study biochemistry and Affairs Committee and secretary of the pre-pharmacy. She wants Honor Council. She was a volunteer at Barn to find a career doing Cat Rescue and a peer tutor. Holly will douresearch for the U.S. ble major in marine biology and French at Food and Drug Eckerd College. Administration to help w Jacob Denbrock, winner of the Jackpeople who have son Chamber of Commerce “This is My diseases that Jackson” video contest, will major in cannot be video production at Middle Tennessee cured. “I State University. Jacob played varsity football and tennis. He received All-District want to help Honorable Mention in football and was people,” named to the All-West Tennessee Team. Haley He served as production assistant for Vasaid. cation Bible School at Englewood Baptist Church and served on a mission trip in the Virgin Islands.
Meet. Jessica has completed a semester of college through dual enrollment at Jackson State and will major in environmental engineering at UT Knoxville. w Ally Glover, USJ’s 2014 valedictorian, was the founder and president of USJ’s Down Syndrome Association Buddy Club. An AP Scholar with Honor, Ally was awarded Top Research Presentation in Chemical Engineering at the University of Tennessee High School Introduction to Engineering Systems. She also was named the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Scholar Grade Representative. A varsity softball player, Ally was named an All-State Player in 2011 and 2013, was a member of the 2010 and 2012 TSSAA State Championship softball teams, and was named to the TN Softball Coaches Association All-Academic Team. Ally will major in chemical engineering and minor in French at UT Knoxville.
UNIVERSITY SCHOOL of JACKSON
w Ben Coffman, class essayist, National
Harvard Bound
Continued…
A Future NFL Reporter Meredith Maroney will major in journalism and electronic media and Spanish at UT Knoxville. She was the color commentator for USJ varsity football on Grace Network and a statistician and broadcaster for varsity football and basketball on WNWS News Talk 101.5 FM. She also gives sports analysis with Dan Reeves on the station’s weeknight talk show, The Cheap Seats. Meredith’s goal is to become a sideline reporter in the NFL. “I’ve done a lot of theater at USJ, which has helped my communication skills and performing skills,” she said.
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UNIVERSITY SCHOOL of JACKSON 4
The Class of 2014: future engineers, wildlife biologists, journalists, educators,
w Ali Graham, voted Miss USJ by her peers, was chaplain of her class, president of Key Club, concert choir accompanist, editor of The Paw school newspaper, and active in many organizations at USJ. Also an active volunteer, she tutored at RIFA’s Adult Literacy Center and organized Jeans for Jared and the record-breaking USJ RIFA food drive. Ali, a Leadership University alum, was a Volunteer Girls State delegate her junior year and was selected as a Girls State counselor her senior year. She also ran cross country. Ali will major in early childhood education at Mississippi State. w Haley Hall, co-captain of the 2014 varsity basketball team, was selected as the USJ Female Athlete of the Year in the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame. She was named Varsity Softball All-State 2012, All-District 2011-2013, and All-West Tennessee 2012, and Varsity Basketball All-District and All-Region 2012-2013. She also ran cross country and played volleyball. She was a member of National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta and was yearbook coeditor. Haley will attend University of Alabama. w Laura Harmon was a member of National Honor Society, Tri-M, and Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica. She participated in the Spanish study abroad program in Costa Rica. She was active in choir, Spanish Club, and DSA Buddy Club. Laura will major in nursing at UT Knoxville.
w Hunter Harrison, member of National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, was a 2013 All-District Honorable Mention football player. He participated in International Club and Spanish Club, and was a member of the varsity track and varsity baseball teams. Active in West Jackson Baptist Church, he played church league basketball. Hunter will attend UT Knoxville. w Charlie Hughes played varsity baseball and football, receiving an All-Region Honorable Mention. An AP Scholar, he was a member of National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, and Mu Alpha Theta. He was involved in theater productions and was junior class vice president, Boys State delegate, and a participant in the Spanish study abroad program. Charlie will play football at Rhodes College. w Logan Hughes will attend Mississippi State University. He participated in theater and choir productions, was a member of the French Club, and played varsity golf and varsity baseball. He received a 2013 All-West Tennessee Honorable Mention for his performance on the baseball field. w Claire Jaggers served as SGA vice president, National English Honor Society president, Tri-M treasurer, National Honor Society service chairman, and Key Club historian. Claire also was co-editor of the USJ literary magazine, founder of the USJ Spirit Store, and a Volunteer Girls State delegate. She was
active in Young Life and Fellowship Student Ministries. Claire was selected to the All-Northwest Honor Choir from 2010 to 2014, All-State Honor Choir in 2012, and Quad State Honor Choir in 2013. She was a member of the nationally-ranked USJ varsity cheer squad in 2012. Claire helped develop the “Be a Better U” anti-bullying assembly series. She will major in journalism at Samford University. w Kody Kilburn, treasurer of SADD Club, played varsity football, basketball, and baseball. In 2012, Kody received All-District Honorable Mention and was named to the All-West Tennessee Second Team in football. In 2013, he was selected to the All-District, All-West Tennessee Team, and to play in the West Tennessee All-Star game. He also received AllWest Tennessee Honorable Mention in baseball. Kody will major in kinesiology at UT Knoxville. w Cody Kinniburgh, AP Scholar, was a member of National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Science National Honor Society. He was active in International Club, Chemistry Club, and Spanish Club. He received the English II Honors award, Algebra II Honors award, and Geometry Honors award. Cody will major in mathematics at UT Knoxville. w Kesley Kirk was a member of the Spanish Club and a four-year member of the varsity football team. He was named a D-II West All-District Football Player in 2013. Kesley will attend UT Knoxville where he plans to major in pre-medicine.
w Maddie Koester will major in general business at Austin Peay State University. She was the Art Club secretary her junior and senior years, a Spanish Club member, and a contributor to the USJ art show. She won third place for her artwork in the West Tennessee Regional Juried Art Competition. Maddie was a member of the TSSAA State Championship soccer team and a volunteer at Hands Up! preschool’s after-school art program. w Anna Lax, choreographer of the dance portion of USJ’s “Be a Better U” assembly, was a performing member and a senior council member of Ballet Arts, Inc. of Jackson, and participated in Ballet Rejoice.
She was Senior Mentoring assistant coordinator, active in the arts, and a member of the International, SADD, Art, French, and Spanish clubs. Anna plans to major in biology at Union University. w Ely Mandle will major in geological engineering at Ole Miss. President of his senior class and Key Club officer, Eli was a member of the Spanish Club and played on the golf team five years. He played in the TSSAA State Championship for three years. Eli was selected for the All-Northwest Honor Choir his freshman year. Ely was a 2013 Homecoming representative and was voted Most School Spirited by his peers.
w Marisa Mariencheck, National Merit Commended Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction, was vice president of Tri-M, treasurer of National English Honor Society, secretary of National History Honor Society, a member of several other honor societies, and held offices in several clubs. An avid musician, she received the Six-Year Award for her performances in the All-Northwest Honor Choir, and placed in the All-State Honor Choir twice. She was selected to the NAfME National Mixed Choir, placed in University of Tennessee’s piano competition, and was selected to participate in the Vocal Performance Summer Program with the director of Opera at the University of Notre Careers in the Arts Dame. USJ’s fine arts program covers a broad spectrum, from Marisa will photography, band, and video production classes to theater, double major in biolchoir, and visual arts. Several USJ graduates will pursue ogy and careers in the arts. This includes, from left, Spencer Poole, who vocal perwill study music business at Belmont University; Jennylyn formance at Caterina, who will study theater and math at Rockford Washington University; Chris Burton, who will attend the Savannah University in College of Art and Design and study animation; and St. Louis.
Jacob Denbrock, who will major in video production at Middle Tennessee State University and who then plans to transfer to Belmont to complete his degree.
Continued…
UNIVERSITY SCHOOL of JACKSON
nurses, physicians, businessmen and women, musicians, and psychologists
5
Collectively, USJ graduates were offered more than $6 million in college scholarships
UNIVERSITY SCHOOL of JACKSON 6
w Meredith Maroney, AP Scholar with ‘Be a Better U’ Honor, was a member of National Honor Society and Sociedad Honoraria HispanCarlee Workman won a “Be a Buddy Not a Bully” ica. She was president of Social Science scholarship from the Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover Honor Society, vice president of Spanish Foundation for her artwork that raises awareness about Club, secretary of Tri-M, and chaplain of bullying. She also donated two of her pieces to raise money National English Honor Society. Meredith for the organization. Carlee was one of the leaders of the participated in the Spanish study abroad USJ Student Government Association’s “Be a Better U” program. Active in choir, she received campaign, which sought to end bullying and promote Solo Ensemble Superior Rating four accountability and character on campus. “People don’t times. She was first chair in the 2013 Allrealize the effects of their words and actions,” she said. “I West Honor Choir, and received a Sixjust wanted to put my artwork out Year Award. She was a participant in the there and let it speak for itself.” 2013 NAfME All-National Honor Choir Carlee will attend UT Knoxville and the 2012-2014 WTVMEA All-State where she will major in preHonor Choir. Meredith was a co-orgapharmacy and minor in art. nizer of the “Be a Better U” assembly series and the lead actress in several USJ musicals. Meredith will major in journalism and electronic media at UT Knoxville. w Banks Mayo, who plans to study English in college, is undecided about his college choice. Banks was active in theater and was a member of the French Club. w Semaye Mengistu was president of Environmental Club, treasurer of Mu Alpha Theta, and senior class treasurer. He also was a member of Science National Honor Society, Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, National Honor Society, and several USJ an accomplished soccer player both at USJ and in club league. Christophe was selected to the clubs. He was a Science Bowl participant. Semaye All-Region Soccer Team, Best of the West All-Tourwill major in biology/pre-medicine at Rhodes. nament team, and the Olympic Development Prow Brette Moore, president of the French Club, gram soccer team. Christophe will major in participated in the French study abroad program. pre-medicine at Boston College. She is a member of the Art Club and Operation w Gram Northern, a member of several acaSmile Club, and was a contributor in the USJ fashdemic honor societies, will major in chemical engiion show. She runs a social justice blog and particineering and minor in business and Spanish at UT pates in online activism. Brette will major in Knoxville. Gram was treasurer of the Spanish Club wildlife biology at Mississippi State University. and participated in the Spanish study abroad prow Christophe Nabhan, AP Scholar with Honor, gram. Gram ran cross country and was captain of was president of Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica the USJ inline hockey team. Co-captain and MVP and was a member of several other honor sociof the Germantown Red Devils ice hockey team, eties. Christophe was active in theater and choir, Gram was the 2013 Mid-South Ice Hockey High selected for All-West choir twice and All-State School League scoring leader. Choir. He has a black belt in tae kwon do and was
w Harrison Norton will attend MTSU. He was a member of the 2013 TSSAA State Championship runner-up varsity tennis team and was also the individual TSSAA State Championship tennis runner-up. Harrison was a member of the USJ choir and played church league basketball and inline hockey. w Austin Orr, who was voted Mr. USJ by his peers, was captain of the varsity football team, speaker of the Honor Council, president of the Spanish Club, new student ambassador, and participant in the Spanish study abroad program. He was named to the All-State Honor Choir twice. Successful in football, baseball, and basketball, he was the USJ Male Athlete of the Year in the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame. Austin was named the 2013 D-II West Offensive Football Player of the Year and selected to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association AllState Football Team. Austin will play baseball at Union University, where he will major in premedicine. w Joseph Patterson was varsity football cocaptain and Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. Also succeeding in varsity baseball and basketball, Joseph was voted “Most Athletic” by his peers. He was a member of the 2012 TSSAA State Championship baseball team and the 2011 state championship runner-up football team. Joseph was named to the Tennessee Sports Writer’s All-State Team, the Division II-A West All District Team, and the All-West Tennessee Team in 2012 and 2013. Joseph will play football at Mississippi College. w Spencer Poole, an avid musician, will major in music business at Belmont University. Spencer was active in the choir, band, and Spanish Club, and was a contributor to the USJ literary magazine and USJ fashion show. He is often hired to play guitar professionally at events. Spencer was selected to the All-West Jazz Band for guitar and attended Governor’s School for the Arts in classical guitar. w Drew Presson, a member of the varsity golf team, plans to major in computer science at Jackson State. He was instrumental in media production with Lighthouse Church and aided with video production upgrades in his USJ broadcasting class. Drew amassed more At Your Service community service hours than any Mattie Boyd, who will attend Rhodes College, graduates USJ with more than 500 hours of community other USJ senior and will receive the service. She is a four-year emergency room volunteer and Jackson Symphony Ambassador. Mattie also founded Community Service Award. the after-school art program at Hands Up! preschool. “We try to teach the children about different styles of w Lauren Randolph will major in painting, as well as artists and movements in the art world,” she said. “Some of them have really developed a English and minor in French and art great passion for the arts.” Her goal is to become a surgeon and live in France. at Rhodes. She is a three-year representative on the Honor Council, vice president of the National French Honor Society, co-editor of the yearbook, and president of National French Honor Society. Lauren received a Silver Key in the 2014 Scholastic Art Competition, and she attended Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts. She served on the Jackson-Madison County Youth Court.
Ally Glover, class valedictorian, founded the Buddy Club, which provides opportunities for students to volunteer with the Down Syndrome Association of West TN. She said it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. “I’ve sought to encourage students to dignify others, and that is truly what the club has been about from day one,” she said. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the hearts of USJ students; they have shown such an enthusiasm at every event and meeting the club has had.” Ally will major in chemical engineering and minor in French at UT Knoxville. w Patrick Richardson, a member of the varsity track and cross country teams, was active in choir, Chemistry Club, Spanish Club, and DSA Buddy Club. He was a member of Science National Honor Society, Socidedad Honoraria Hispanica, Mu Alpha Theta, and National Honor Society. Patrick plans to major in pre-medicine at Rhodes. w Austin Rogers, a Leadership University alum, was a member of the Science National Honor Society, Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, and several clubs. He placed second in the TMTA math competition. Austin was an active member of his youth group at West Jackson Baptist Church. Austin, a varsity football player, was named All-District in 2013. He will major in premedicine at Union University. w Kayla Rohlwing plans to major in pre-dentistry at Mississippi State. She was active in SADD, Art, French, Operation Smile, and DSA Buddy clubs, and was involved in the USJ fashion show. Kayla was a member of National Honor Society and was chaplain of National French Honor Society her junior year. w Sheffiga Rose was a member of National Art Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. She was involved with theater productions and the USJ art and fashion shows. Chaplain of Operation Smile Club her junior year, Sheffiga was a member of several clubs. Sheffiga will major in biology at University of Alabama at Birmingham. w Hannah Russell, AP Scholar, will major in biomolecular engineering/pre-medicine and minor
College Football and Baseball Players Each year, several graduates sign to play sports at the college level. College athletes this year include, from left, Charlie Hughes, who will play football at Rhodes College; Eric Arnold, who will play football at William Jewell College; Joseph Patterson, who will play football at Mississippi College; and Austin Orr, who will play baseball at Union University.
in Spanish at UT Knoxville. She was president of National Honor Society, treasurer of Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, chaplain of Tri-M, SGA historian, secretary of her junior class, and vice president of the DSA Buddy Club. She was a Madison County Youth Court Juror. Hannah participated in the Spanish study abroad program. An enthusiastic musician, Hannah was a four-year WTVMEA Solo Ensemble Superior Vocalist, a fouryear Fall Festival Excellent/Superior Pianist, and a four-year member of the All-Northwest Choir. w Leah Sanders was an AP Scholar, SGA treasurer, yearbook business manager, Chemistry Club president, vice president of National Science Honor Society, and active in other USJ organizations. She was a member of Madison County Teen Court. Leah placed first in the HITES engineering competition at the University of Tennessee and was chosen to attend the MITE engineering program at the University of Texas. Leah plans to major in petroleum engineering at Louisiana State University where she received the Stamps Scholar Award. w Ethan Self, an Eagle Scout, will major in law, justice, and society at Lipscomb University. Ethan was president of SADD Club, vice president of Operation Smile Club, and treasurer of International Club. He was a member of National Art Honor Society and the Key Service, Art, and Spanish clubs. He was a designer in the USJ fashion show and a co-editor of the USJ literary magazine. Ethan was active in Fellowship Student Ministries.
w Hunter Smith, varsity basketball captain and volunteer basketball coach for a youth team, was named Most Improved Player and Most Congenial. He was a member of International, Key Service, SADD, Spanish, and Operation Smile clubs. He was active in West Jackson Baptist Church youth group and Young Life. He will attend UT Knoxville. w Whitson Smith was president of Tri-M, a member of Science National Honor Society and several clubs, and active in band and theater. Whitson was captain of the cross country team and co-captain of the track and field team. He was active in Fellowship Student Ministries. Whitson will major in pre-law at UT Knoxville. w Jessi Smith was a member of several clubs and served on the yearbook staff. Co-captain of the varsity basketball team, she received All-District Honorable Mention. She played varsity volleyball and ran track, and was active in Young Life and West Jackson Baptist youth group. Jessi will attend University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.
Earning Money for College Isabella Edwards, president of USJ’s Photography Club, has juggled her school activities and studies with a part-time job to earn money for college. During the school year, she worked for M and M Consignment. She’s also a freelance photographer and a volunteer, after-school art instructor. This summer, she will be a full-time teller at a local bank. Isabella will attend UT Knoxville and major in clinical psychology. ”USJ is a great school,” she said. “It gives you so many opportunities to do what you want to do.”
UNIVERSITY SCHOOL of JACKSON
The Buddy Club
Continued…
A Foreign Exchange Student
Lucas Ortega, a foreign exchange student from São Paulo, Brazil, also will go through graduation with the class. He will return to Brazil in July after spending a year in the United States. He plans to go to college in São Paulo next year. At USJ, Lucas played soccer and made several friends. “My life has changed,” he said. “I’m a better person. But I miss my family and friends. It’s been a long time.”
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Community Service
Their Blood Runs Orange!
Many students go way beyond USJ’s requirement of 50 hours of community service to graduate. Among them are Leah Margaret Strope, from left, Drew Presson, and Nikki Duckworth, who collectively have 1,736 hours of community service. Drew, with 822 hours, spent most of that time videotaping services at Lighthouse Church. Leah Margaret, who has 532 hours, has been a camp counselor and a volunteer for her church, First Baptist in Bolivar, and helped raise money for several causes. Nikki, with 382 hours, has spent much of her time volunteering at Hollywood Club Canine. “I just like helping people and animals,” she said.
For Gram Northern and Hannah Russell, UT Knoxville is a family tradition. “I have more than 25 family members through four generations who have either graduated or are currently enrolled in UTK,” Gram said. “I was raised a Vol and always will be one, and I am very grateful to my parents for exposing me to this passion.” Hannah’s parents, grandparents, aunt, uncle, cousin, and brother have graduated from UTK, and her sister is a junior there. “I guess you could say I have orange in my blood,” she said. “Since I can remember, I have been in orange shirts and screaming, ‘Go Vols!’ I really feel at home there, even though it’s five hours away. I’m so glad I can carry on the tradition.” Gram will major in chemical engineering and minor in business and Spanish. Hannah will major in bio-molecular engineering and pre-medicine and minor in Spanish.
Singer, Soccer Player w Leah Margaret
UNIVERSITY SCHOOL of JACKSON
Christophe Nabhan is a great example of a student who has explored USJ’s opportunities. One day, he’s a stand-out varsity soccer player, who also was named to Tennessee’s Olympic Development Program team. The next day, he’s starring as Tarzan in the Upper School musical. He also was involved in several USJ organizations. “I’ve really tried to take advantage of all the activities at USJ,” he said. Christophe will study pre-med at Boston College.
Strope, varsity cheerleading captain, was named a 2012 All-American Cheerleader and was a member of the 2010-2012 Regional Cheerleading Championship team and won other accolades as a member of the cheerleading squad. Leah Margaret served as secretary of her class, vice president of Key Club, historian of DSA Buddy Club, and secretary of National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and SADD Club. Leah Margaret will major in communication sciences and disorders at Ole Miss. w Aisha Suara, AP Scholar with Distinction, was vice president of Mu Alpha Theta, a member of several academic honor societies, SGA parliamentarian her senior year, and SGA recording secretary her junior year. Aisha was the percussion section leader in the USJ band. She was a Volunteer Girls State delegate and attended Governor’s School for Emerging Technologies. She received the 2013 University of Rochester Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony Award. Aisha volunteered at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital and was a member of her youth group with Muslim Youth Network of Tennessee. Aisha will major in chemistry at Harvard College. w Monica Subia was a member of the Art Club, French Club, and Photography Club. She ran cross country and track. Monica was a contributor in the USJ fashion show. She plans to major in predentistry at the University of Panama.
Ready for College Sheffiga Rose figures that with the challenging academics she has had at USJ, she will find success in college. A student at USJ since seventh grade, Sheffiga will attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her passion, she says, is medicine. She wants to become a cardiologist.
w Graham Taylor, a Tennessee American Legion Boys State delegate, will major in accounting at UT Knoxville. He was a member of Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica and Mu Alpha Theta. He was captain of the football team. Graham was named an All-State tennis player, was the TSSAA State Championship doubles runner-up, and was a member of the TSSAA State Championship runner-up team. w Hensley Underwood transferred to USJ her senior year. She is a Leadership University alum and member of Mu Alpha Theta. Hensley is active in Young Life. She will major in diet and nutrition at Ole Miss. w Alyssa Willis was a member of SADD, Art, French, Operation Smile, and DSA Buddy clubs, and was involved in the USJ fashion show. Alyssa was a member of the varsity track team and the volleyball team, receiving All-West Tennessee honorable mention. Alyssa will major in athletic training at MTSU. w Carlee Workman was vice president of Na-
tional Honor Society, SGA secretary, National Science Honor Society chaplain and National Art Honor Society chaplain, and a member of Mu Alpha Theta. She attended Governor’s School for the Arts. Carlee was a contributor in the USJ art and fashion show. She was a varsity cheerleader and ran track. She will major in pre-pharmacy at UT Knoxville.
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West Tennessee’s College Preparatory School