USJ Fall Review 2017

FALL REVIEW 2017

W H AT ’ S M O V I N G & SHAKING IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Community................... 4 Athletics........................ 6 Academics.. .................. 10 Arts.. .............................. 12 Faculty.......................... 14 Alumni.. ........................ 17 Annual Report............ 20

USJ’s Mission UNIVERSITY SCHOOL of JACKSON

232/240 McClellan Road Jackson, TN 38305 731.664.0812 • usjbruins.org

BOARD of TRUSTEES Caroline Campbell Lee Driver Anita Hamilton Darrell King James Kirkland Bethany Lawrence Geoffrey Lindley John New Ryan Porter Michelle Prince Sarah Pucek James Robinson Ashby Scott Kathryn Tucker Jeff Watlington John Whybrew

ADMINISTRATION Stuart Hirstein Head of School Benjamin Murphy Upper School Director Don Roe Middle School Director Louise Dunn Lower School Director Kay Shearin Director of Admissions

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We instill a passion for academic, artistic, and athletic excellence while committing to personal integrity, mutual respect, and life-long learning.

Identity Statement USJ is a non-denominational, non-sectarian, college preparatory school dedicated to academic excellence and to our founding principles of faith, service, and scholarship. Based on a heritage grounded in JudeoChristian values, we provide an educational environment where students of all ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds are valued and respected. The faculty, administration, and students are empowered to nurture and embrace the Judeo-Christian values and our operating principles. Through the fulfillment of our mission and adherence to these core principles and values, we prepare our graduates to be responsible and informed world citizens.

USJ Successfully Achieves SAIS Reaccreditation University School of Jackson is now a reaccredited member of the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). To earn accreditation from SAIS, USJ complied with quality standards, was evaluated by an outside group of peer professionals, and implemented a school plan focused on strategic improvement and student performance in accordance with the school’s mission.

A team representing SAIS conducted an on-site visit to review USJ’s self-study, standards compliance, and adherence to its mission. The team was comprised of diverse educational leaders from some of the finest institutions in the Southeast.

“SAIS accredited member schools are part of an international network of accredited schools that have demonstrated success in educating children,” says Head of School Stuart Hirstein. “As such, SAIS accreditation is recognized throughout the world as a symbol of quality in education for students and teachers.”

In today’s world of accountability in education, accreditation serves as a critical component of a school’s demonstrated effectiveness and ability to provide successful schooling for children. An accredited school demonstrates a commitment to a process that requires the school to meet a set of rigorous standards; to engage in a program of continuous school improvement; and to demonstrate quality assurance to its stakeholders through self-evaluation and peer-review.

SAIS accreditation provides schools access to an integrated network of services and technical assistance that supports every school’s ability to identify and meet its goals for improving the teaching and learning process and mission-focused outcomes for students.

SAIS began its organizational life in 1903 as the Mid-South Association of Independent Schools (MAIS). In 1953, another organization began as the Southern Association of Independent Schools, providing a forum for independent school administrators to work with public schools through Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and to contribute to the larger interest in accreditation in the Southeast. MAIS and SAIS merged in 1986 to form the present-day SAIS, which now works at the state, regional, and national levels to serve and strengthen member schools through the promotion of the highest quality educational standards and ethical conduct. The mission of SAIS is to provide leadership, accreditation services, and professional development resources that will strengthen member schools as they fulfill their missions.

USJ’s current term of accreditation is July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2022. A reaccreditation visit is scheduled for the Spring of 2022, at which time it is anticipated that the school will be reaccredited for a five-year period.

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Community

NEWS

Eagle Scout Project Improves USJ Campus Leaders of Boy Scout Troop 102 began talks with their oldest scouts last August to choose ideas for their Eagle Scout projects. Their advice to the boys was to choose something they were passionate about that would benefit a group or organization. Junior Austin Moody began to think about some way to incorporate soccer, a sport he had played since the age of four, into his project.

He then remembered how difficult it was to play soccer during recess at the Lower School when he was younger.

Code for the Kingdom Project Last March, Upper School student Larissa Rose was presented with the opportunity to attend Code for the Kingdom, a hackathon, in Nashville. Her team developed a prototype of a mailbox for homeless people. In order to do so, they used a Raspberry Pi, biometric technology (a fingerprint scanner), and some other miscellaneous objects (such as dental floss and a coffee stirrer).

Their idea was based on the fact that homeless people need a set address in order to receive mail and benefits and apply for work. With this mailbox, they would be able to sign up and have an actual mailing address for clusters of mailboxes placed around homeless shelters. They decided to use a fingerprint scanner instead of assigning keys to the individuals because it would be easier, and the recipients would not have to keep up with a key.

Larissa and her team placed second in the competition.

“The playground had a great space for the soccer field, but it was basically just a dirt field that quickly turned to a muddy field with any rain,” says Austin.

Combining soccer and his love for USJ seemed to be a perfect match. “I feel blessed to be a part of the best school in Jackson. I have received so much from USJ, and being able to give something back to the school just felt right,” he says.

As Austin began to make plans to place sod and redo the nets at the Lower School playground, he understood the magnitude of the project. He quickly realized that even with the help of his troop and family, laying that much sod would take numerous hours.

Austin turned to his USJ high school soccer teammates. Coach Paul Conway didn’t hesitate to give up a day of practice. The team, Coach Conway, and the boys from Troop 102 had all 19 pallets of sod rolled out in an hour and a half.

Coach Peel also generously allowed the boys to use the roller and other equipment to complete the project.

“I’ve always known I could count on my teammates on the field when we play together, but having the team come through and help me complete this project says a lot about what kind of team we have,” Austin says.

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Dancers Take the Stage for Coppélia Three Bruin ballerinas performed in Ballet Arts’ spring production of Coppélia. Jade Jones, Mary Helen Woods, and Mimi Campbell gave fantastic performances in the classic nineteenth century comic ballet.

1st Annual West Tennessee FCA Weightlifting Competition USJ hosted a weight-lifting competition for local high school students in April. Teams from South Side, North Side, Liberty, Trinity, and USJ competed in bench presses, squats, and combine events. This event, which came together through a partnership with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and with the help of local sponsors, featured International Powerlifting Federation World Champion Big Ray Williams as the main speaker. Nick Stamper, USJ’s strength and conditioning coach, was the event coordinator and was excited to bring local students together.

“I had a great time with all of the football players and coaches,” says Coach Stamper. “This event is a measurement of commitment, determination, team work, and confidence. I hope the relationships and memories will last forever for all participants.”

Birthday Donations Put a Twist in Giving KadiBeth Shaw celebrated her 6th birthday party with her friends from Ms. Sarah Pate’s kindergarten class. In lieu of gifts, she requested that everyone bring a donation to give to the Forrest Spence Fund. The students raised $306 to donate to the fund. In addition to Ms. Sarah Pate’s class, Micah Shaw (Cubs), Rone Sewell (10th grade), McCoy Sewell (6th grade), Lewis Lake (5th grade), Justus Lake (3rd grade), Anna Rice (USJ alumni), and Christy Harber (USJ alumni) also contributed.

The Forrest Spence Fund is an official 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2007 in memory of Robert Forrest Spence. The mission of the fund is to assist with the non-medical needs of critically or chronically ill children and their families throughout the Mid-South.

In honor of Forrest, the organization strives to support families dealing with similar difficult situations and to give back to regional children’s hospitals like Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where the amazing medical staff fights for thousands of children each year.

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Athletics N E W S Lady Bruins Finish As Runners-Up At State The Lady Bruins gave a tremendous performance in the state championship basketball game. The final score was 70-54 in favor of Northpoint.

“It’s great to see our five seniors end their careers playing in the TSSAA championship game,” says Coach Tony Shutes. “I’m lucky to get to do what I’ve always wanted to do—coach kids and try to get them to have a common goal and make sacrifices. To see them go out like this is rewarding!”

Baseball Team Finishes As Division II-A Runners-Up After finishing in the sub-state round and losing nine seniors last year, the 2017 baseball team had some big shoes to fill. They did this and more, finishing as state runners-up to Evangelical Christian School in Murfreesboro this spring.

“We knew we were talented, just unproven,” says Coach Jack Peel. “This team had the best clubhouse chemistry I have ever been a part of on a baseball team, from my playing career in high school, college, professional level, and coaching anywhere.”

Track Updated Through Renovations The track around Kirkland Field is one of only two tracks in West Tennessee that is the official size for qualified races. The surface had reached the end of its life, and school officials had to decide between closing the track or updating it. They chose to resurface and contracted with Beynon Sports Surfaces in Nashville. Beynon focuses on surfaces designed for speed and competition, and most importantly, daily training. Local USJ families stripped the track down to its original asphalt before beginning the resurfacing process.

“I am grateful for the support our athletic department receives,” says Jody Evans, Athletic Director. “We wouldn’t be able to complete this $185,000 project without the help of the Bruins Club, who gave us $90,000 toward the track.”

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Brauss Named Mr. Baseball Finalist

Postseason Teams

Eli Brauss was the only West Tennessee athlete named as a finalist for this year’s Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association’s Mr. Baseball awards. He was also named to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association’s All-State and All-District teams.

Baseball

Basketball

Eli Brauss Charlie Darnall Taylor Howell Jake Overton Thaddeus Puzdrakiewicz Gehrig Rabun Cade Sammons Tucker Smith John Stanford Kyle Stanford Nate Wall

Brandon Craig Harrison Homberg Ashton Hulme Anna Jones Kallie Pickens Taylor Tenpenny Morgan Williams

Soccer Jack Edwards Will Pucek

Softball Sydney Fesmire Hailey Goodwin Sarah Hensley Kaleigh Kwasigroh Kallie Pickens

Tennis Morgan Hancock Cade Reasons

Seniors Sign With Colleges Paylor Eubanks Soccer • Bethel University

Rhett Peel Football • Rhodes College

Cade Reasons Tennis • University of North Alabama

Wells Smith Football • Birmingham Southern College Congratulations to our seniors who signed to play collegiate sports during the spring semester.

Craig on the Court Brandon Craig scored his 1,000th career point in January. He was later named to the TSWA All State and All District Teams.

We are ready for his senior season to begin later this year so we can see what’s ahead for the Bruins!

Show Your Bruin Pride!

Shop in our online Spirit Store for some of your favorite items— like stadium seats, umbrellas, and hats. Other USJ spirit wear items include bucket hats, tote bags, Columbia PFG shirts, and stainless steel tumblers.

To order, look for the link at the bottom of USJ’s website or go to usjstore.com. Let us know if there are items you would like added.

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A

P E E K

I N T O

T H E

C L A S S R O O M :

The World of Middle School Science Four years ago, Billy Hight and Megan Thornton each came to teach at USJ. Billy teaches sixth grade earth science while Megan teaches physical science and chemistry to eighth graders. The department’s seventh-grade life science teacher, Elizabeth Orr, recently moved into this role from fourth grade. The three teachers work independently, collaborate together, and even reach across disciplines and across campus to best educate their students. They see Middle School as a bridge between Lower and Upper Schools and view their role as key in facilitating students’ transitions.

Writing is actually a strong theme in science that the department members want to make sure receives proper attention. In sixth grade, students participate in an earthquake simulation.

As part of the project, students are given a scenario that involves developing a building near the New Madrid Fault Line.

They must submit a plan to the city of Jackson by writing a structural analysis that is basically a “hidden” scientific method to make them analyze their choices and outcomes.

Other components are important to the department, such as group work and the use of technology. The teachers agree that group work provides opportunities for hands-on applications to the real world, gives them chances to make connections themselves, and hones social skills. They use technology in the classroom for research, taking interactive online tests that pair well with their yearly exams, typing lab reports, creating graphics in software programs, and more.

The eighth grade roller coaster project involves a similar process.

“When I get students in sixth grade, their eyes are open wide,” says Coach Hight.

“We start out simple; I provide typed scaffold-style notes, and they have to fill in the blanks. By the end of the year, however, they’re writing lab reports.”

“Something special happens when the students take what they’ve learned from writing and discussing our topics of study and turn it into seeing kinetic and potential energy in action,” says Mrs. Thornton.

While Mrs. Orr is new to the department, she will clearly be a good fit based on her interest in the goals above. “My objective is to incorporate technology and hands-on activities into my lessons to make learning applicable, meaningful, and even fun,” she says.

“By eighth grade, we’re taking an interdisciplinary approach to learning,” says Mrs. Thornton. “Students write a paper in their English class that pairs with the experiment they’re doing in mine, so that way they are learning about the same topic across disciplines.”

“We’re working on our students’ abilities to write a better science conclusion,” Coach Hight says. “Writing in science is more like how? Why? What did you think?”

The department has major plans for the future. Two years ago, administrators had teachers rewrite their curriculum guides schoolwide to make sure that students receive a focused education in each subject. Now, each year, administrators are working through one discipline to perfect the guides.

“The goal is to determine exactly what the Middle School Science Department will look like,” says Coach Hight. “It’s an exciting time to decide what works and how to implement policies to better educate our students.”

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Q & A

Megan Thornton What do you teach?

I teach 8th grade physical science and chemistry.

Where did you go to school?

I attended Union University where I received a B.S. in chemistry and a Master of Education degree as well. Prior to college, I attended USJ. What made you decide to study science?

Honestly, the experience I had at USJ. My chemistry teacher Malea Mullins was one of the best teachers I have ever had. I really enjoyed her class.

What’s your favorite unit to teach?

All of them, really. If I had to choose, I enjoy teaching physics. We do a rollercoaster project after we study forces and energy, and it’s awesome to see the kids turn their knowledge into something tangible.

Tell me about your classroom.

I really try to make my science classroom as fun and interactive as possible. That’s why I painted a mural of general science themes on one of the walls. Also, I really started developing my ISNs last year.

What’s an ISN? That’s short for Interactive Science Notebook.

It’s a composition book that allows students to take notes Cornell-style on one side and tailor the other side to their own learning style with whatever components work for them, such as visual aids like graphics or images.

What else do you do on campus?

I am the head advisor for the Middle School Student Council. Mary Claire Hancock also helps out. I enjoy getting to know students outside of the typical classroom environment. We attend a leadership conference, recycle for the Middle School, and fundraise for a charity (last year we supported the March of Dimes). We also went to Hands Up! Preschool here in Jackson to help out by doing yard work, reading and playing with the kids, and serving breakfast and lunch.

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Academics

NEWS

Literacy at USJ: A Workshop Approach This fall, we are excited to launch a workshop approach to literacy at USJ. This world-renowned method is used in premier schools around the United States and the world.

This approach originated at Columbia University under the guidance of Lucy Calkins, who built on years of research in the development of reading and writing skills in students.

The goal of any literacy instruction is to develop the communication skills of the students. The workshop approach provides students with the opportunity to write every day and for them to understand the writing process through which all writers progress. Additionally, while reading through highly engaging books the students choose, they can meet the instructional goals of their grade level through a text that interests them. Research indicates this student voice has been a significant factor in drawing students into the world of books. No worksheet can engage, inspire, and connect like a great story a child chooses.

As we begin the school year, we are excited to engage in an approach to literacy that holds our students to high standards and builds self-confidence and excitement within even the most reluctant writer or reader.

Essay Contest Winner Adam Tankersley was recently awarded an Agriculture in the Classroom Award in Farm Bureau’s seventh grade essay contest. Great job, Adam!

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Dreams Come True with St. Jude Math-A-Thon Every other year, students in the Lower School at USJ raise funds for patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with a Math-A-Thon campaign. In recent years, USJ has been one of the top donors in the nation, even breaking the all-time Math-A-Thon fundraising record in 2015. USJ continues its tradition of fundraising excellence in 2017— totaling $73,586 in donations.

“We are so incredibly proud of our students and the huge hearts that they have for others,” says Laura Moore, Lower School Guidance Counselor.

Students were excited and ready to begin on February 15 when guests from ALSAC—the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude—joined them for the official Math-A-Thon kickoff. From that time until the final event on March 6, students in Jr. Cubs - 5th grade collected donations in person and online through personalized websites they created at school.

This year’s theme, “Dreaming of a Cure,” teaches students that anyone can make a difference and that a combination of big dreams and hard work makes anything possible: even finding the cure for cancer.

TMTA 2017 The Tennessee Math Teachers Association conducts regional contests each year with the highest scores going to state-level competition. USJ students placed in the top 10 in their respective subjects. Our student teams garnered first-place honors in each category.

Students Take on Canada Upper School French students embarked on USJ’s inaugural Canadian Study Program in Québec during the summer of 2017. Students enjoyed excursions such as whale watching in Tadoussac, a weekend trip to Montrèal, and visiting a real Native American reservation along with other cultural and social activities while taking immersion classes in Québec City.

During the two-week trip, the four students had 40 contact hours of immersion study in French in a collegiate setting at Bouchereau Lingqua International, one of Industry Canada’s Top Three certified training institutions.

Their second language skills improved dramatically as they learned to appreciate another culture.

“This immersion trip is an amazing opportunity for students to experience a new culture without having to cross an ocean,” says Teresa Floch, Upper School French Teacher and trip coordinator. “Not only have they improved their spoken French and increased their confidence in the language, but they have also boosted their own self-confidence and independence.”

Fourth Graders Take a Look at Space Tech Talk Michael Villarreal and Nicholas Weiner kicked off their summer breaks by attending theCO’s Dev Catalyst San Francisco Tech Tour. The Dev Catalyst program, which began in 2013, provides students with the opportunity to build a website, create a web application, learn maker tech, and cultivate marketable career skills. As top-performing students, Michael and Nicholas were awarded all-expenses paid trips to San Francisco where they toured Google, LinkedIn, and Pivotal Labs.

17-18 Ned McWherter Scholarship Recipients Five members of the Class of 2017 were chosen as Ned McWherter Scholarship winners. This highly competitive award is worth $6,000 per academic year. Patrick Ahererra, Page Askins, Keyon Kazempour, Kate Petrinjak, and John Stanford all received the honor, although only those who chose an in-state college were able to accept the award. We are pleased to have such a high number of students selected for this prestigious honor.

Last spring, fourth grade teachers decided to take their students to Huntsville to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center after completing a unit on space in science class. The students studied the rotation and revolution of Earth, solar and lunar eclipses, phases of the moon, and the sun and planets.

“Since the students enjoyed this science unit so much, we thought this field trip would be a great way to end the year by letting them see space in a brand new, real way,” says teacher Elizabeth Orr. The 60 students and their chaperones took a day trip to Huntsville on May 16. While at the space center, the students were able to explore the Saturn V Hall of the Davidson Center of Space Exploration, the Rocket Center and Shuttle Park, and the IMAX® theater. Outside in the park, the students were also given the opportunity to ride on the Space Shot and the G-Force Accelerator rides.

After eating lunch, the students ended the day with an IMAX® movie about Earth in the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s 67-foot Spacedome Theater.

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ARTS

NEWS

Grant Inducted to American School Band Directors Association Congratulations to Tom Grant on his induction into the Tennessee chapter of the American School Band Directors Association. He is one of seven directors from across the state to receive this honor.

USJ Arts Guild Announces 2017 Student Scholarship Winners Each of the following students was awarded $400 to attend arts programs during Summer 2017.

Megan Everson: Theater, Dr. Tammy Grant

Sydney Lofton: Theater, Erica Davidson

Harrison Hamm: Theater, Erica Davidson

Keaton Miller: Theater, Erica Davidson

Vanderbilt Program for Talented Youth: Mathematics in Music

TN Governor’s School for the Arts: Filmmaking

Justin Holt: Art, Libby Lynch

TN Governor’s School for Visual Art

Stratford Shakespeare King’s Company

Open Jar Institute for Musical Theater

Abby Vaughn: Chorus, Dian Eddleman

Camp Jam for Musical Performance

This is a national award recognizing leadership, Master Educator status, and service in the furtherance of instrumental music throughout the United States.

“I am very proud of this recognition for my career and our school and am grateful for the opportunity to serve as chair of the Performing Arts Department at USJ,” says Mr. Grant.

Two Students Recognized

by Honorary Band Annabelle Reese and Tyler Bruno have been recognized by the Amro Music Company of Memphis for their outstanding contribution to instrumental music in West Tennessee and to the band program at the University School of Jackson.

Bruins in the Big Apple In February, USJ Choir students performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of MidAmerica Productions’ choral showcase series.

of them to be able to perform at the renowned Carnegie Hall, on a stage where so many incredible musicians have performed.”

MidAmerica Productions’ concerts feature choral groups singing oratorios, accompanied by a full orchestra—the New England Symphonic Ensemble. The group performed a number of classical pieces, including Handel’s Coronation Anthems, HWV 258, 260, 261, and Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy, Op. 80.

As part of their trip, the West Tennessee-based group was exposed to the full spectrum of fine arts in New York City. Immediately following the concert, the students were treated to a midnight cruise on the Hudson River.

Students attended performances of Aladdin the Musical on Broadway and Sleeping Beauty at the New York City Ballet in Lincoln Center. They also spent a day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They concluded the trip with shopping on Fifth Avenue and a visit to Times Square.

“The group worked so diligently on these pieces,” says Dian Eddleman, director of the Upper School choir.

“It was a dream come true for many 12

Color of Music 2017 Congratulations to the following students for having artwork selected to compete in the Color of Music Art Contest. The Jackson Symphony League sponsors this event, which is open to students in public, private, and home school groups in Crockett, Gibson, Hardeman, Madison, and Weakley counties. Students listen to selections provided by the Jackson Symphony and draw or paint to interpret the music.

Middle School: Skyla Ziegler (not pictured), Sophia Karg, Efosa Osayamen, Claudia Amos, Caroline Wilkerson, Stephanie Nnaji, Julie Wagner, Jenna Leigh Sammons, and Abby Porter First grade: Miller Haltom, Britt Knight, and Lily Williams Kindergarten: Sara Bridgeman, Hadley Higgs, and Sam Thompson

Disney’s High School Musical

Shrek the Musical JR.

Disney’s High School Musical proved to be a great onstage experience. The show involved 75 students ranging from grades 6-12, as well as faculty members and Lower School students who joined in for a mash-up of songs at the end of the show.

Shrek the Musical JR. was the third musical the Middle School has done at the request of Music Theatre International, which is working to add orchestras to JR. musicals. The show had great music with an abundance of personality in the script and on the stage with 41 students in grades 6-9 participating. The combination of stage veterans and new actors wowed the audience.

Middle School math teacher and assistant football coach, Bryce King, played the role of Coach Bolton, giving an outstanding performance in his role as the boys’ head basketball coach. Erica Davidson, who choreographs the school’s shows as well as teaches drama and elementary Spanish, played the role of Ms. Darbus, a high school drama teacher with a flair for theatrics. Mr. Tom Grant directed the student orchestra, rounding out the school-wide production.

The show concluded a busy season for USJ theatre. With Disney’s High School Musical in March, Little Mermaid JR. in April, and Shrek the Musical JR. in May, students enjoyed several great shows last spring.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES The Branchman Student Original Play

Thursday, September 21 – 7 p.m.

Friday, September 22 – 7 p.m.

Sunday, September 24 – 2 p.m.

Zombie Prom School Wide Musical

Saturday, November 4 – 7 p.m.

Sunday, November 5 – 2 p.m.

Monday, November 6 – 7 p.m.

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Faculty

NEWS

USJ Announces New Head Football Coach Michael Stroup, former head coach of Scotts Hill High School, was the new leader of the USJ Bruins when they took the football field this fall.

New Golf Coach Joins USJ Shelby Sain has been selected as the new USJ Golf Coach and Lower School Guidance Counselor.

Ms. Sain began coaching golf this summer and will assume the additional responsibility of Lower School Guidance Counselor in January following the transition of Laura Moore from Lower School Counselor to Director of Admissions.

Coach Stroup, a Mississippi native, had been the head football coach at Scotts Hill for the past four years.

He led the program to its first-ever winning season and a Class 2A quarterfinals appearance in 2016.

The USJ golf teams will also now use the Jackson Country Club as their home course.

The 2016 All-West Tennessee Coach of the Year has major plans for the season. “I’m excited to begin establishing relationships with my players,” Coach Stroup says. “We’re going to build on traditions and the standard of excellence already in place at USJ.”

Ms. Sain played golf for the University of Memphis, where she also graduated with a Master of Science in School Counseling degree. She is ready to get to work, both as a coach and a counselor. “I am excited to have an opportunity to do two things that I love,” says Ms. Sain.

Dr. Ron Kirkland Named Director of Development Beginning in mid-March, Dr. Ron Kirkland took over as Director of Development at USJ. Dr. Kirkland, a retired ENT physician from The Jackson Clinic, has recently been assisting with development for the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Dr. Kirkland has been a vital member of the USJ community since the school’s conception.

He was a founding member of the Board of Trustees when the school formed from the consolidation of Old Hickory Academy and Episcopal Day School.

All four of Dr. Kirkland’s children graduated from USJ, and he now has grandchildren at the school. While he has served USJ in multiple capacities including his responsibilities with the Board and his role as president of the Bruins Club twice over, this is his first time to work with the school in this capacity.

The Donald Newman Endowed Chair of Mathematics Established When your name is synonymous with the subject you teach, you are pretty special. Newman math has been taught at Old Hickory Academy and USJ by Mr. Donald Newman for 32 years. Many of his students recall how beneficial it was to be a student of Newman math. They are always well prepared for the rigors of college-level math.

Seniors often say that Mr. Newman not only taught them math but how to think. They also speak of not wanting to disappoint him and wanting to make 14

him proud, and they state emphatically that he got the very best out of all of his students. To those lucky enough to have had Mr. Newman, he also instilled a work ethic and grit that is an intangible asset that has served his students well.

To honor Mr. Newman and to thank him for all he has meant to the USJ community for the past 32 years, USJ has established The Donald Newman Endowed Chair of Mathematics. This endowment will help ensure USJ’s ability to hire and retain outstanding faculty in mathematics like Mr. Newman.

We hope you will join fellow students by making a donation to The Donald Newman Endowed Chair of Mathematics. Please know that you are truly making a difference at the University School of Jackson by preparing students for the challenges of college level math, as well as their professional futures. To make a donation, please contact Cathy Garrett at cgarrett@usjbruins.org or visit usjbruins.org/give and indicate Newman Endowment in the notes.

Welcome New Faculty

MIDDLE SCHOOL Richard Kemper

LOWER SCHOOL Michelle Boykin

Elizabeth Orr

Jr. K. Teacher

Kelly Breazeale Fourth Grade Teacher

Kellie Byrd L ead Teacher in our Infant/ Toddler Program

Laura Byrd Kindergarten Assistant

Kaye Cash Assistant in our Infant/ Toddler Program

Dr. Louise Dunn Lower School Director

Jamie Fuqua Assistant in our Infant/ Toddler Program

Kim Garland Assistant in our Infant/ Toddler Program

Loretta Jones L ead Teacher in our Infant/ Toddler Program

Tracy Rasbach

History (6th)

Jr. K. Assistant

Science (7th)

Susie Sadler

Don Roe

Assistant in our Infant/ Toddler Program

Middle School Director

Shelby Sain

PE and Head Football Coach

Head Golf Coach / Lower School Counselor (beginning in January 2018)

UPPER SCHOOL Whitney Meriwether

Brittney Sellers Jr. K. Assistant

Kelly Singleteary Assistant in our Infant/ Toddler Program

Holly Stroup Third Grade Teacher

Janet Thomas Lead Teacher in our Infant/ Toddler Program

Megan Travis Assistant in our Infant/ Toddler Program

Lauren Yancey Jr. K. Assistant

Michael Stroup

English (11th)

Dr. Jason Strandquist U.S. History

Bekah Williams Middle and Upper School Volleyball Coach

ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL Dr. Ron Kirkland Director of Development

Laura Moore Director of Admissions (beginning in January 2018)

Pamela Stanfield Director of Community Outreach

Wenesday Ketron Jr. Cubs/Cubs Assistant

USJ Announces New Director of Admissions Laura Moore has been selected as the new Director of Admissions beginning January 1, 2018, following the retirement of Kay Shearin who has served the school in this role for thirty years.

Laura has been with USJ since 2004.

She spent eight years teaching fourth grade before assuming her current role as the Lower School Counselor. She has also done a wonderful job as the St. Jude MathA-Thon coordinator. Under her guidance, USJ has continually been at or near the top of all schools nationwide in raising funds for the children’s hospital.

To help ensure a smooth transition to her new role, Laura will spend some of the first semester shadowing Kay Shearin.

Hardegree Inducted Into Hall of Fame This spring, 2016-2017’s Interim Middle School Director Jim Hardegree was named a member of the 32nd class of the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame. He was inducted on April 20 for his accomplishments in coaching football in West Tennessee.

“It is truly an honor to be included in the Jackson-Madison County Hall of Fame,” says Coach Hardegree. “It is a credit to all of the players and coaches I have had the opportunity to work with over the years.”

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Retirements Cindy Fisher

Marcia Moss

Lower School Teacher 26 Years of Service

Middle School Teacher 26 Years of Service

“I witnessed Cindy Fisher’s love for her profession, her students, and our school firsthand when she taught my daughter years go. I have known Cindy professionally and personally for many years and can say that working with her here at USJ has been an honor. I wish her all the best with her new endeavors in her retirement.” -- Kay Shearin

“Marcia Moss has been a loyal member of the USJ faculty for many years. She joined the faculty as a permanent substitute before moving to the Middle School division to teach life science where she made her classes interesting, particularly through her dissection labs. Her dedication and commitment to the students and their education have endeared her to all in the school community.” -- Billy Hight

Debbie Ford Lower School Director 25 Years of Service

“The name of Debbie Ford is synonymous with USJ. She has been a beloved teacher, guidance counselor, and director at the Lower School for 25 years. She has touched the lives of so many with her loving heart created for children. Mrs. Debbie will be missed by so many, and we all wish her well on her retirement.”

-- Beth Hudson Richard Waddell Bolivar Bus Driver 9 Years of Service

“Richard loved doing his job. He had a great relationship with students; making sure they were safe was his top priority. He always talked about how he appreciated his relationship with the parents of the students on his route. Richard kept the interest of the students in his care at heart.” -- Sue Thearp

Donald Newman Upper School Teacher 32 Years of Service

“I have always told my students: ‘when I grow up, I want to be Don Newman.’ Don has a passion for math and for sharing his knowledge with students who want to master this subject. As a teacher, Don taught me student learning is always the priority. His impact in the field of mathematics education is immeasurable.” -- Carla Roach We offer our heartfelt thanks to each of these individuals for their commitment to our institution, our students, and the USJ community. When faculty and staff spend so many years on our campus, they are doing much more than working; they are investing in our school and living out our mission. Their presence on our campus has made a tremendous impact for good. We wish them all the best in their new endeavors!

Staffing Changes for 2017-18 We are pleased to announce Cathy Garrett’s acceptance of the Director of Alumni Relations position. Cathy already serves as the Assistant Director of Development for the school.

“The fusion of the two positions seemed like a natural progression as we continue to engage our alumni families in the development of USJ,” says Mr. Hirstein.

Cathy is the parent of two USJ alums, Anna and Alex. Her husband Charlie is a past chairman of the board of trustees.

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Melissa Zerfoss, who previously handled alumni relations, will continue her roles as Assistant to the Head of School and Director of Summer Programs. Dana Simmons, seventh grade English teacher, will add Assistant Director of Summer Programs to her duties. These changes will allow staff to best meet the growing needs of these departments.

We encourage all alumni to make sure we have your most recent mailing and email addresses. We also ask that you share your latest news. Contact Cathy Garrett at cgarrett@usjbruins.org to update us.

Alumni Updates Colonel Yancey S. Cowen (‘90) will assume command of the 71st Mission Support Group at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Col. Cowen is returning from serving in Korea where he was Director, J1 United States Forces Korea. He was honored at a Change of Command Ceremony on June 29, 2017.

Ted Boggs (‘92) is residing in Durham, NC where he is a Systems Programmer for the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University. His wife, Sharon, is a Sr. Financial Management Analyst for Duke Health Systems.

Shelby Jordan (‘12) graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science in Kinesiology from Mississippi State University in May 2016. Shelby saw her NCAA, Division I collegiate soccer career conclude with her recognition as the Frances H. Newsom MSU Soccer Scholar-Athlete for 2016, as well as being voted the Mississippi State University Women’s Soccer Co-MVP by her teammates her senior season. She was on the SEC Academic Honor Roll every semester of her college career, captained the soccer team her junior and senior seasons, and was selected as the female 2016 Southeastern Conference H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete of the Year for Mississippi State University, for which she received a postgraduate scholarship.

Shelby was recently accepted into the University of Evansville Doctor of Physical Therapy program and started classes in June 2017.

Leah Sanders (‘14) served as SGA Treasurer her senior year at USJ. Leah has continued her involvement in student government by serving as a senator for Louisiana State University during her sophomore year and now as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Student Body President.

WEDDINGS Best wishes to Sara Muir (‘10) and Danny Smigielski (‘09) who were married on March 11, 2017.

Congratulations to Abbey Orr (‘11) and Mark Wilkens who were married on June 17, 2017. After honeymooning in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, they will make their home in Medina where Abbey is a 6th grade math teacher at Medina Middle School and Mark is the men’s basketball coach at South Gibson High School.

Best wishes to Tyler Hardin (‘13) and Ashlee Hall who were married on May 14, 2017 at Hardin Baptist Church in Hardin, Kentucky, just outside Murray where they recently graduated from Murray State University.

BIRTHS Worth Eubanks (‘06) and his wife, Natalie, welcomed Samuel Ashworth Eubanks on October 4, 2016. Sam weighed 5 lbs, 1 oz and was 18.75” long.

The family resides in Bells, TN. Congratulations to Caleb Meriwether (‘04) and his wife, Whitney, on the birth of James Henning Meriwether on December 6, 2016. Henning weighed 8 lbs, 8 oz. and was 21 inches long. Caleb and Whitney have recently relocated back to Jackson where Caleb is an attorney with Rainey Kizer Reviere & Bell PLC, and Whitney has returned to teach English at USJ. Congratulations to Mallory Yancey Whitman (‘09) and her husband, Lisle, on the birth of Thomas Christopher Lisle Whitman III on April 5, 2017, weighing 7 lbs and measuring 20” long.

Alumni

NEWS

IN MEMORIAM The USJ family was devastated by the tragic loss of the Crenshaw family.

Tenth grader Jacob and eighth grader Jillian, along with their parents Joseph and Jennifer, lost their lives on March 25, 2017. Our deepest sympathy goes out to their family, friends, and members of the USJ Class of 2019 and Class of 2021.

We are saddened by the loss of Peggy Elizabeth “Beth” Henley Hale, OHA Class of 1982, who passed away on February 11, 2017. While at OHA, she was on the Honor Roll, was a Library Aide, and played basketball. In May 1991, she married Chris Hale. Beth was a stay-athome mother and was an avid reader and loved cheering on the Lady Vols.

She was an active member of New Life Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Kelly Ann Nelson Gaffney (‘07) who passed away on April 19, 2017. Kelly played soccer and tennis at USJ and went on to play soccer at the University of Dallas, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 2011. In 2014, she earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She practiced Physical Therapy at Therapy & Learning Center in Jackson, TN and was also involved in weekly therapy sessions for special needs children at Rein-bow Riding Academy in Lexington, TN. Kelly married Timothy Edward Gaffney in April 2015, and they settled in Jackson.

We extend our sympathy to the family of Tyler Jean Morganti (‘08), who passed away on April 20, 2017 at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital after a long, hard-fought battle with leukemia.

Tyler is the son of Jace and USJ faculty member, Karen Morganti, and brother of Austin Morganti (‘13). Tyler loved all sports, especially the Tennessee Vols, Indianapolis Colts, Memphis Grizzlies, and St. Louis Cardinals. He had begun studying to become a Physical Therapy Assistant at Jackson State Community College. Tyler attended Englewood Baptist Church.

Alumni: update your mailing and email address or tell us your latest news! Go to usjbruins.org/alumni or contact Cathy Garrett, Director of Alumni Relations, at cgarrett@usjbruins.org.

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Baseball Alums Face Off on the Diamond Ryan Rolison and Logan Carey, both Class of 2016 grads and former Bruin teammates, saw each other from a different viewpoint this spring. Ryan, who pitches for Ole Miss, and Logan, who played for the University of Alabama, met on the field as opponents for the first time. The rivalry only lasted on the field, however; the two met up for dinner after the game.

Alumni Spotlight: Matthew Medearis Matthew Medearis (’97) grew up in Lexington, Tennessee, the son of a public school system superintendent and a special education teacher.

He attended school in the system where his parents worked. During his second year of high school, Matthew participated in a regional math competition that changed his life in a big way.

“I thought I was pretty good at math, but I got smoked by students from USJ,” he remembers.

This sparked an idea for the high school sophomore; he wanted to change schools. With his parents’ support, Matthew started to explore his options. He made a decision and began the steps of transferring to USJ. He attended an open house, where he remembers meeting Carol Kirkland who became one of his biggest champions.

Matthew began his junior year as a Bruin. While he did not know anyone, he made friends quickly. Mr. Newman had him repeat a math course to get up to speed, and he soon won the same math competition he had lost so badly the previous year. Matthew, who had previously dreamed of attending the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, began to dream big and was accepted into Yale.

“I wouldn’t have gotten into Yale without my experience at USJ,” he says. While there, he majored in Ethics, Politics, and Economics and received his Bachelor of Arts degree.

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His career began on Wall Street with an investment banking job at Salomon Smith Barney. He went on to Lehman Brothers, where he developed his interest in real estate investments. Next, he took a position with Citigroup where he served as Vice President, working in Hong Kong and Tokyo before working at Apollo Management’s Hong Kong Office.

Matthew also received his Executive MBA from Duke University during his time with Citigroup. He returned to the states in 2012 to join Berkshire Realty Ventures in New York City, where he serves as Senior Vice President.

“I’ve had some fantastic opportunities come my way,” Matthew says. “I owe a tremendous amount to USJ and am very grateful for the school and the start that I received there.”

USJ Alumni Achieve Together in College Conner Adkins, Peyton Vaughan, James-Roland Markos, and John Pierce started kindergarten together at the U in 2000.

Seventeen years later, they all walked across the Ole Miss stage. They continued to put their service-minded and academic focus to work during their time there.

Three of them were in Honors College, three were inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, and two were selected for Who’s Who, among many other honors. All four were members in Sigma Nu Fraternity. Between the four of them, the USJ alumni participated in mission trips to Haiti, Peru, and Nicaragua through an on-campus organization called OleMissions.

Through their fraternity, the alums supported Charity Bowl, the largest Greek philanthropy project in the nation. This is a full-contact football game played each year to honor the late

Ole Miss football great, Chucky Mullins. This past year, the group broke their previous record, raising over $150,000.

Connor, Peyton, James-Roland, and John also worked to begin a chapter of Coaching for Literacy at Ole Miss. This is a nonprofit that allocates funds to literacy programs. They partnered with an organization in Oxford called Leapfrog to take advantage of volunteer tutor opportunities, purchase school supplies, and provide young students with the opportunity to serve as “assistant coaches.”

The group credits their USJ education for preparing them to accomplish so much while in college. They have left a legacy at both USJ and Ole Miss, and we are excited to see what’s next for each of them.

Markos Heads to Med School This fall, James-Roland Markos (’13) headed north to the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota, to pursue his M.D. and Master of Public Health degrees in preparation for a career as a clinical physician. With an acceptance rate below 1.8%, it is the most selective medical school in the nation, filling a class of only 46 students. James-Roland also received their $200,000 four-year scholarship.

“My USJ experience challenged me to grow each day and molded me with the knowledge, abilities, and mindset necessary to succeed wherever this life takes me,” says James-Roland.

With faculty like Donald Newman, teachers become thoughtful and impactful mentors. The opportunities

USJ provided outside of the classroom through tennis, choir, and leadership positions helped him grow in college.

James-Roland graduated summa cum laude from the University of Mississippi in the spring with B.A. and B.S. degrees, completing a triple major in Public Policy Leadership, Biological Sciences, and Biochemistry along with four minors. He was the Student Director of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and a Trent Lott Leadership Institute Scholar. James-Roland served as the UM Interfraternity Council president his junior year and president of Sigma Nu Fraternity as a senior. He received Sigma Nu Fraternity’s national Man of the Year and Scholar of the Year awards.

He was the Editor-in-Chief and co-

founder of the UM Undergraduate Research Journal, a yearly, peer-reviewed publication of undergraduate student research. James-Roland researched with the Sufka Psychopharmacology Lab to prevent opioid addiction, which has resulted in a patent and publication, and he held a National Institutes of Health internship. James-Roland received the Taylor Medal, the University’s highest academic award, and was one of 10 seniors inducted into the 2016-17 Hall of Fame, the highest honor afforded to an Ole Miss graduate.

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2016 2017

ANNUAL REPORT

University School of Jackson’s success might best be characterized through our tradition of a strong academic program and co-curricular opportunities for our students.

Our commitment to improving an already robust program was realized with our launching of a new strategic plan in August 2016 entitled Inspiring Learning and Leadership. This bold plan will guide us in the coming years and provide a roadmap for USJ’s future.

The educational landscape is changing rapidly. We know more today because of things like brain research and the impact technology has on our classroom environment.

We are facilitating conversations amongst our faculty, staff, and board around topics like pedagogy, curriculum development, and campus master planning. If the educational landscape is evolving, we want USJ to be seen as a leader, and we definitely want a seat at the national table.

Our strategic plan has priorities that are conducive to this change: • E nhance and refine our academic program to best in class standards in the Southeastern United States.

•R ecruit, retain, and develop extraordinary faculty, staff, and administrators.

• Ensure our financial sustainability.

Your generosity this past year helped us complete the soccer wall project and remodel the early childhood playground to include much-needed shade for our little ones. It helped us purchase books and materials needed for our new literacy program in the Lower School. Your gifts helped us send teachers to professional development training all over the country. Your support helps us reach our aspirations for our school and our students. We will never take your willingness to help for granted and are so appreciative of your time, talents, and resources that are used to make USJ the very best we can be.

I would also like to thank so many of you that give of your time to our Parents Club, Bruins Club, and the Arts Guild.

Without your willingness to serve, our school would not be as successful as we are.

Please accept our most sincere gratitude. By making USJ your philanthropic priority, you help ensure our wonderful school community will thrive today and into the future.

Sincerely,

Stuart Hirstein Head of School

2016-2017 BUDGET INCOME Tuition & Fees................................................ $9,751,927 Auxiliary (Buses, cafeteria, etc.)...............$759,000 Annual Fund......................................................$160,000 Gifts to Operations ...................................... $115,000 (Budgeted $ from Support Groups) Total.........................................................$10,785,927 EXPENSES Salaries & Benefits........................................$7,182,749 Debt & Capital Expenses............................$782,548 Operational Expenses...............................$1,765,000 (Utilities, maintenance, grounds, insurance) Educational Expenses..................................$980,000 (Books, classroom supplies, athletics, etc.)

Administrative Expenses............................$490,000 (Business office, marketing, development) Total.........................................................$11,200,297

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DONATIONS RECEIVED FROM SUPPORT GROUPS Bruins Club ........................................................................................... $20,000 Parents Club .......................................................................................$146,000 TOTAL GIFTS RECEIVED IN 2016-2017 Annual Fund .................................................................................... $117,019.57 Annual Fund Designated ........................................................$104,965.00 Restricted Giving (Special gifts & projects) .....................$28,077.58 INCOME

EXPENSES

Tuition & Fees Auxiliary Annual Fund Gifts to Operations

Salaries & Benefits Debt & Capital Operational Educational Administrative

Annual Fund Contributors Tax-deductible gifts to the Annual Fund make up the difference between tuition income and operational needs. Your gifts to the fund help USJ keep its tuition one-third lower than peer, independent schools in the Southeast.

Founders Society ($10,000+) Whitney & John Overton Tiffany & Wes Overton USJ Society ($5,000+) Sherri & Chris Brauss Lolly & Stephen Eldridge Amy & Robert Hite Melissa & Jason Hutchison Camille & Ralph Jones Sarah & Kelly Pucek Molly & Ryan Roy Jamie & Jason Sullivan

Legacy Society ($2,500+) AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP BancorpSouth Mona & Jim Campbell Jennifer & Joseph Crenshaw Lee & Todd Driver Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, Inc. Ginger & Adam English Mary Ann & Chris Giampapa Fiona & Jonathan Harlan Mimi & Stuart Hirstein Misty & James Kirkland Amy & Paul Koerner Mary Jane & Mike McWherter Allison & Preston Miller Ginger & John New Amanda & Richard Newman Kimberly & William Preston Lesley & Samuel Rickman Chana & Alan Sallee Jennifer & Jason Sammons Michelle & Andrew Sellers

Laura & Eric Sievers Torri & Karl Studtmann Sara Jane & Ruste Via Jennifer & John Whybrew

Red & Blue Society ($1,000+) Maliha & Tanveer Aslam Teresa & Richard Ayers Shelly & Spencer Barnes Jessica & Louis Bosco Mark Burden Carlock Automotive Group Rebecca & Jason Cherry Leigh & Dale Conder Joni & Jim Craig Jennifer & Kenneth Edwards Garrett Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. Cecilia & Stephen Hammond Lynn & William Harmon Jones Family of Companies King Tire Co. Bethany & Peter Lawrence Ben Murphy Kelle & Mark Northern PAL Basketball San & Mike Pearson Kathy & Darrion Prewitt Molly & Wesley Richardson Staci & Casey Rushing Ashley & Trey Teague Sharyn & Chuck Thompson Sally & Jimmy Wallace Kim & Ned White Williams Steel

Leadership Society ($500+) Trey Antwine Elizabeth & Kyle Atkins Denise & Jack Billings Emma Lee Bond Caroline & Jeb Campbell Pat & Don Coffey Jennifer & Timothy Davenport Lee & Brian Davis Jonathan W. Ellis Sarah & Dewayne Faulkner Cathy & Charlie Garrett Courtney & Jason Goolsby Beth & Doug Haltom Anne & Doug Hudson Missy & Tim Ivy Shirley & Larry Jones Cindy & Scott Kirk Rhonda & Wesley Klipfel Taylor & David Laird Frances & Jake Lawhead Rebecca & Clay Lilienstern Lisa & Robert Lincer Rachael Linney Betsy & Brad Little Kristen & Alex Londe Karen & Jason Martin McCoy’s Heating & Air, Inc. Denise & David Miller Ruth Ann Morrison Bob Pate Rock N Dough Pizza Company LLC Tommy Shaffer Gina & Todd Smith State Farm Companies Foundation Kathryn & Johnny Tucker Kristy & Bill Willis Jennifer & Wesley Wolfe

Bruin Society ($250+) Patricia & Michael Booher Janet & David Brown Krista & John Buie Traci & Trey Carney Heather & Jerry Corley Paulette & Andy Coy Emily & Brian Dunn Lynn & Jimmy East Paige & Jody Evans Summer & Barry Ferguson David Garey Jennifer & Kreg Hamm Paige & Ben Hays Martha & Rodney Hines Patsy & Jim Hollman David Hooper Lucille Ingram Spring & Tom Johnson Tracey & Darrell King Patricia & William Lawrence Carrie Lewis Alisa & Geoffrey Lindley Elizabeth & Steve Maloan Holly & Steve Maroney Mary Katherine & Peter Mascolo Kimberly & Brian Melton Amy & Gregg Mitchell Kim & Corey Persons Michelle & Ronnie Prince Gail & Robert Reynolds Emily & Mike Richards Kathleen & Alan Sallee Helen & Michael Saridakis Neal Sellars Charlene & Larry Shaffer Kay & Butch Shearin Whitney & Daniel Sikes Letha Smith Continued on next page...

Dr. Ryan & Molly Roy

U Why Do

GIVE

Parents

Why USJ? If we were to make a list of what the ideal school for our daughters would offer, it would include: a top-notch faculty that loves their students, world-class academics, an inspiring fine arts program, the introduction of foreign language classes at a young age, and a science and technology program that encourages learning beyond the classroom.

USJ offers all of this and so much more. USJ is an encouraging, yet challenging, environment where students are able to develop their minds and talents not only in the classroom but also in the science lab, the computer lab, on the stage, in the art studio, or on the ball field.

Why do you give to the Annual Fund?

We give to the Annual Fund because we know the USJ Faculty go above and beyond for our children and giving to the Annual Fund is one way to help support our great school.

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Annual Fund Contributors ( C O N T I N U E D ) Mona & Richard Smith Southern Electric & Controls Angela & Nathan Spencer April & Timothy Sweo Janet & Mike Tankersley Michael Taylor Janet & Dale Thomas Lauren & Chip Trammell Brenda & Joseph Venable Carol & Kirk Venable Kim & David Villarreal Melissa & Matt Zerfoss

Support Partner ($1+) Anonymous Amber & Jason Anderson Miriam & Ricardo Anawate Debra & Michael Anton Kelly & David Barnes Edie & Matthew Barnett Judy & Mike Baskin

Stacy & Jeffrey Bazemore Cindy & Larry Bell Sylvia Bell Pam & Steve Bowers Danielle Boyd Rusty Bradley Kathy & Eugene Brandt Anita Jo & Joe Byrd Kellie Byrd Jennifer & Jimmy Carey Kay & Robert Carney Del Carraher Lisa & Robert Cates Cindy McKnight Channell Bridget & Danny Clark Paul Conway Judy Cooper Christyn & Ray Courtney Jennifer & David Craig Heather & Ashley Dalton Erica & Bradley Davidson

Kathy & Keith Davis Heather & Michael Dolan Martha & Tom Dolinak Vickie Downing Lina Ellis Lisa English Anna & Lanier English Teresa & Paul Floch Debbie Ford Mary Neal & Tom Glass Julie & Jimmy Glosson Christie & Scott Golden Christie & Jimmy Goolsby Tammy & Tom Grant Peggy & Bill Graves Beth & Todd Haltom Danice & John Haltom Anita & Steve Hamilton Mary Claire Hancock Adair & Jim Hardegree Linda & Mike Hawks

Annie & Miller Hayes Melissa & Brad Hayes Christi & Joel Haynes Jimmy Higgs Beth & Buck Hudson Verda & Charles Jarmon Shilpa & Prasann Jinturkar Holly & Gary Johnson Cathy Jordan Farzaneh Kaveh Zohreh Kazempour Amanda & T.J. King Carol & Ron Kirkland Jo Ann Latimore Molly & Eric Lee Virginia Long Pat Lyerly Libby & Shane Lynch Lisa & Mickey Marley Heidi McDaniel Donna & Pat McGrath

Honorariums/Memorials & Restricted Gifts The strength of University School of Jackson lies in its support from school families and friends. USJ offers many opportunities for support.

•U nrestricted Giving: Gifts to the Annual Fund offset USJ’s greatest need for extra support. The Annual Fund’s unrestricted giving allows the school to decide how to use the money and keep school tuition affordable.

• Restricted Giving takes on many forms at USJ. For example, this past year, donations purchased library materials in memory of a loved one, helped pay for upkeep of the prayer garden, and bought walkway bricks in honor of someone they considered special. Restricted Giving also includes funds to USJ’s several endowments, planned giving, and to our parent support groups.

Endowment Gifts General Endowment Fund Kathryn & Johnny Tucker Alumni Endowment Fund Erie Kate McCord The Donald Newman Endowed Chair of Mathematics Matthew Medearis Carol & Ron Kirkland

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Annual Fund Honorariums/Memorials Pat & Don Coffey i n memory of Brian Martin Judy Cooper i n memory of the Joseph Crenshaw Family Martha & Tom Dolinak i n honor of Mrs. Jimmy C. Bond & in memory of Mr. Jimmy C. Bond Lina Ellis in honor of Donald Newman Mary Neal & Tom Glass i n honor of Frances, Nicole, & Jack New Christie & Scott Golden in honor of Tina Anderson, Sherri Brauss, Jenny Carey, Cindy Fisher, Jessica Platt, Emily Richards, & Jennifer Sammons Spring & Tom Johnson in honor of Conner McCarver Camille & Ralph Jones i n memory of the Joseph Crenshaw Family Frances & Jake Lawhead in honor of Donald Newman Mary Katherine & Peter Mascolo i n honor of Wells & Andrew Smith Debbie & Harold Nerren i n honor of Bryant & Elizabeth Sue Barnes Jacque & Lawrence Nicola i n honor of Lauren & Carson Nicola Sarah & Dan Pate i n honor of Edie Barnett, Chantel Bridgeman, Tiffany McSwain, Tracy Rasbach, Brittney Sellers, & Reading

Volunteers: Jane Ferguson & Kelley Walker Sarah & Kelly Pucek i n honor of Debbie Ford & Mickey Marley and in memory of Courtney Ellis, Bettie Jean “BJ” Jones & Tyler Morganti Neal Sellars i n honor of Cole, Cade & Curt Sammons Lindsey & Todd Siroky i n memory of Dr. Ronald Asbir Homra Ashley & Trey Teague i n memory of Mark Lashlee & Jim Vinson USJ Parents Club in memory of Paula Johnson Brenda & Joseph Venable i n honor of Will & Reid Venable Kim & David Villarreal i n memory of Suzanne Middleton Sandra & David Watlington i n honor of Katie & Caleb Watlington Karen & David Welch in memory of Chuck Childers Kathy & Bob Wood i n memory of James Laughlin Oakes, Sr. Prayer Garden Anonymous in memory of Luanne Winn Kathy & Keith Davis i n honor of Amber Smith & Kelly Barnes and in memory of Tyler Morganti

Patsy & Jim Hollman in honor of Molly Lee & Amy Ragon and in memory of Tyler Morganti Elizabeth & Greg Orr in honor of Carolyn Gwatney Patey & Tracy Rasbach and in memory of Tyler Morganti Celeste & Christopher Pope in honor of Wilbur Pope USJ Parents Club in memory of Courtney Ellis Walkway Bricks Miriam & Ricardo Anawate in honor of Caroline & Isabela Anawate Anonymous in memory of Jacob & Jillian Crenshaw Edie & Matthew Barnett in honor of Ali Butler Lisa English in honor of R.M. English III & Mary Helen English Christi & Joel Haynes in honor of Chris, Caroline, & Chandler Haynes Rhonda & Wesley Klipfel in memory of Teresa Henson and in memory of Tyler Morganti Tammi, Will, & Ty O’Neal in honor of Nathan Spencer & Bob Smith, Bears Football 2016 Jack Peel i n honor of Rhett Peel Lana & Bryan Tygart in honor of Jack Stephen Tygart

Ann & Sam McLemore Laura Micetich Kim & Ricky Moody Laura & Baker Moore Bridget McMahon Moore Karen & Jace Morganti Marcia Moss Debbie & Harold Nerren Jacque & Lawrence Nicola Julie & Kevin Nolen Tammi & Will O’Neal Elizabeth & Greg Orr Nice & Bill Panthofer Sarah & Dan Pate Gina & Don Pearson Jack Peel Paula & Georgios Peftoulidis Jessica & Robert Platt Celeste & Christopher Pope Jane Ramer Katie & Justin Ramer Tracy & Benjamin Rasbach

USJ Arts Guild in honor of Christi Haynes USJ Parents Club in memory of LaShunda Craig Kim & David Villarreal in honor of Michael Villarreal Kristy & Bill Willis in honor of Ashley Willis Financial Aid Anonymous Cindy McKnight Channell in memory of Tommy McKnight Elaine & Larry West Lower School Christie & Jimmy Goolsby in honor of Graham Goolsby Annie & Miller Hayes Verda & Charles Jarmon Elizabeth & Steve Maloan Tiffany & Wes Overton Molly & Ryan Roy Kay & Don Thomson in honor of Debbie Ford Lower School Library Jennifer & Timothy Davenport Holly & Gary Johnson in honor of Michelle Boykin, Maurie McCain, Julie Messer, & Sara Jane Via Carol & Ron Kirkland in memory of Teresa Henson Jessica & Robert Platt in honor of Julie Hooper, Melissa Hutchison, & Molly Roy, Room Parents, and in honor of Ryan Porter & Mandy White Middle School Helen & Michael Saridakis Jackie & Bobby Sellers Charlene & Larry Shaffer

Elaine & Eugene Reese Jennifer & Robert Reynolds Marlie & Jamie Richardson Carol Riley Caitlin Roach Carla & Eddie Roach Alicia & James Roberts Anna & Phil Robertson Melinda & Don Roe Carol & Phillip Ryan Jessica & Graham Salonus Jennifer & Robert Sammons Judy & Richard Sanderson Leslie & David Scott Amelia & David Self Brittney & Matthew Sellers Jackie & Bobby Sellers Aimee Sherrod Julie & Vance Shoaf Dana & Oliver Simmons Lindsey & Todd Siroky Lisbeth & Brooks Smith Dorothea Spates

Jayme & Justin Spencer Lisa & Steve Spurlin Pam & Daniel Stanfield Sarah & Steven Swanson Christie & Matt Thomson Kay & Don Thomson Kit & Matt Thomson Megan & Daniel Thornton Lana & Bryan Tygart USJ Arts Guild USJ Parents Club Mary Anne Ward Sandra & David Watlington Judi & Steve Welch Karen & David Welch Elaine & Larry West Mary Jane & Jesse Wheeler Shannon & Ronald Whisenant Vicki & Greg Wilson Kathy & Bob Wood Sandra & Matthew Wright Shay & Gary Young

Tommy Shaffer in honor of Bryson Shaffer Upper School Pat Lyerly in honor of Caroline Grace Williams & Virginia Steele Williams Whitney & John Overton Amelia & David Self Neal Sellars i n honor of Cole, Cade, & Curt Sammons Lisa & Steve Spurlin April & Timothy Sweo Upper School Library Ann & Sam McLemore i n memory of the Joseph Crenshaw Family Kim & David Villarreal i n memory of Suzanne Middleton Fine Arts Cathy Jordan in memory of Jamie Jordan Carla & Eddie Roach in memory of Carolyn Haynes Christie & Matt Thomson Technology Dorothea Spates Athletics Trey Antwine Patricia & Michael Booher Sherri & Chris Brauss Janet & David Brown Krista & John Buie Anita Jo & Joe Byrd Mona & Jim Campbell Carlock Automotive Group Heather & Jerry Corley Paulette & Andy Coy

Joni & Jim Craig Jennifer & Joseph Crenshaw Heather & Ashley Dalton Lolly & Stephen Eldridge Jonathan W. Ellis David Garey Lucille Ingram Missy & Tim Ivy Amy & Paul Koerner Taylor & David Laird Lisa & Robert Lincer Kristen & Alex Londe Virginia Long Karen & Jason Martin Donna & Pat McGrath Denise & David Miller Ruth Ann Morrison in memory of Teresa Henson Kelle & Mark Northern Whitney & John Overton PAL Basketball Michelle & Ronnie Prince Gail & Robert Reynolds Anna & Phil Robertson Rock N Dough Pizza Company LLC Chana & Alan Sallee Neal Sellars in honor of Cole, Cade, & Curt Sammons Charlene & Larry Shaffer Tommy Shaffer in honor of Bryson Shaffer Gina & Todd Smith Mona & Richard Smith Southern Electric & Controls Michael Taylor Ashley & Trey Teague Kristy & Bill Willis Shay & Gary Young in memory of Teresa Henson

In-Kind Gifts USJ Society ($5,000+) Gail & Robert Reynolds Visionary Society ($2,500+) Garrett Plumbing and Heating Co., Inc. Red & Blue Society ($1,000+) Amy & Robert Hite Ranee & Brandon Jones Dana, Marshall, & Tom Talkington Leadership Society ($500+) Cary Henson Bruins Society ($250+) Torri & Karl Studtmann Support Partner ($1+) Mark Burden Marigene & Matthew Hughes Rhonda & Wesley Klipfel Elizabeth & Steve Maloan Jane Ramer

Soccer Field Improvement Project Maliha & Tanveer Aslam AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP Teresa & Richard Ayers in honor of Will Ayers (‘05) & Sarah Ayers (‘08) Rebecca & Jason Cherry Leigh & Dale Conder Jennifer & David Craig Vickie Downing Emily & Brian Dunn Jennifer & Kenneth Edwards Ginger & Adam English Mary Ann & Chris Giampapa Christie & Scott Golden Beth & Doug Haltom Martha & Rodney Hines Amy & Robert Hite Patsy & Jim Hollman Anne & Doug Hudson Melissa & Jason Hutchison Amanda & T.J. King Rachael Linney Betsy & Brad Little Kimberly & Brian Melton Allison & Preston Miller Kim & Ricky Moody Ginger & John New Amanda & Richard Newman Tiffany & Wes Overton Kim & Corey Persons Kimberly & William Preston Sarah & Kelly Pucek Lesley & Samuel Rickman Lisbeth & Brooks Smith Jamie & Jason Sullivan Carol & Kirk Venable Kim & Ned White 23

Parents Club

Income: Holiday Mart..............................$253,730 Total Income..............................$253,730

The USJ Parents Club is an organization for all USJ parents. We provide volunteer and financial support to the school in many ways. Our main fundraiser this past school year was the Holiday Mart, a long-time event in the Jackson area. The Parents Club promotes academic life, teacher support, parental involvement, volunteering time and talents, and raising funds.

Expenses: USJ General Fund..................... $146,000 Holiday Mart................................$82,816 Teacher Gifts................................$18,200 Prayer Garden................................$5,950 Hospitality...........................................$46 Luncheons......................................... $640 Supplies.............................................$1,771 Awards............................................. $7,457 Art Guild Donation....................$13,000 Assemblies/Banquets.................$4,734 Miscellaneous............................... $2,464 Total Expenses.......................... $283,078

Holiday Mart Sponsors & Patrons Star Sponsor ($7,000) BancorpSouth Special Events Sponsors ($3,000) FMY Orthodontics West Tennessee Bone & Joint West Tennessee Pediatric Dental Group Platinum Sponsors ($1,500) Milton Smylie Ronnie Tacker Wallace Company DBA Hamilton Hills Shopping Center Woman’s Clinic, P.A. Gold Sponsors ($1,000) Bank of Jackson Sandra Boxell Mona & Jim Campbell Christian Family Medicine Core Heart & Medical Center First South Bank, Lynn & Ed Woodside Judy & Bob Graning Jackson Surgical Associates, P.A. JMS Russel Metals Corp.

Jones Family of Companies King Tire Co. The Jackson Clinic OB/GYN

Silver Sponsors ($500) Best One Tire First Tennessee Henson Construction Services, Inc. Home Medical Products, Inc. Hunley Resources - Printco Jackson Urological Associates, John Carraher, M.D. & Peter G. Lawrence, M.D. Law Offices of Morrison & Barnes Debbie & James Newmon R Jones Underground, Inc. Springer Medical Associates Teel & Maroney, PLC Watlington Brothers, Inc. Williams Steel Bronze Sponsors ($300) Blue Hawaiian Pool Dee Dee & John Crowder Dermatology Clinic of Jackson Drs. Harrison & Tucker Family Dentistry Express Employment Professionals Kathy & Richard Fite Flippin & Crider Garrett Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. Greg Hooper Logging, LLC Cecilia & Stephen Hammond HORNE Rhonda & Brett Krasner Land Office Realtors Leaders Credit Union

Jessica Platt

Oral Surgery Associates of West TN Peggy Graves Team Rainey Enterprises, Inc. Rainey Kizer Reviere & Bell, PLC Regional Dental Associates Mary Anne Rodriguez & Conrado Sioson Siroky Law, PLC Smith’s Floor Covering & Interior Design Southern Electric & Controls Stallings Clinic Lisa & Randy Terry The Children’s Clinic, P.A. University Parkway Animal Hospital Wild Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, LLC Patrons ($150) Legacy Society Members Elizabeth & Kyle Atkins Teresa & Richard Ayers Pam & Steve Bowers Mark Burden Pam & Johnny Burleson Alejandrina & Norberto Celarie Davis Plumbing Service DJ 5 Productions Carolyn & Michael Epps

Parent, Faculty, and Alumni

Why USJ? “I’ve never considered not being a part of the USJ family. I have taught at several schools, and nothing else compares. I am completely confident in the education that my son is receiving here.”

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Debbie & Buster Ferguson Janis & David Fite Cathy & Charlie Garrett Mary Ann & Chris Giampapa Anita & Steve Hamilton Hub City Group Shirley & Larry Jones Claudia Bulnes & Martin Karg Alice & Carl Kirkland Martha & Jerry Kizer Holly & Steve Maroney Ben Murphy Judy & Tom Reed Carla & Eddie Roach Dana & Oliver Simmons Lisa & Steve Spurlin Gary & Lisa Taylor Janet & Dale Thomas Melissa & Matt Zerfoss

Why do you give to the Annual Fund?

“As a faculty member, giving to the Annual Fund is how I show I believe in our school.

As a parent, I give to make sure my son has everything he needs to learn.”

Arts Guild The Arts Guild supports USJ’s visual and performing arts. A steering committee administers the operational affairs of the Guild and gives the Fine Arts Department financial resources and volunteer support. Our main financial support is through families who become Patrons of the Arts and our Arts Guild Corporate Partners. Our funds help pay for theater productions and other fine arts events, provide scholarships for summer enrichment, buy supplies and equipment, and advertise our productions and fine arts achievements. All families and friends of the arts at USJ are invited to support the arts through a Guild membership by becoming a Patron of the Arts or a Corporate Partner.

Corporate Partners & Patrons of the Arts Platinum Partners Sondra & Gregory Bruno Rebecca & Jason Cherry First Tennessee FMY Orthodontics, P.C. Frix-Jennings Clinic HCI Supply Jackson Clinic Hospitalists Vickie & Joe Richardson Amy & Pierce White Gold Partners BT Redi-Mix, Inc Angie & Brad Box Jennifer & Timothy Davenport Pamela & Paul Evans Mary & Michael Hartup Henson Construction Services, Inc. Hunley Resources - Printco Rhonda & Brett Krasner Rachael Linney Lynn & Brad Lofton Denise & David Miller & Neta McKnight TB Lighting, LLC (in-kind) Teel & Maroney, PLC Wade Norris Logging, LLC West Tennessee Pediatric Dental Group Silver Partners Joe & Janie Albright Alpha Med, Inc. Angela & Michael Badgett Patricia & Michael Booher Jessica & Louis Bosco Craig Orthopedic Clinic Jamie & Scott Davenport Dottie & Bruce Dorris Christine & David Everson Faulkner Auto Group, LLC Summer & Barry Ferguson Christina & Donald Glenn Elizabeth & David Hailey Beth & Doug Haltom Jennifer & Kreg Hamm

Cecilia & Stephen Hammond Julie & Hunter Hooper Lisa & Troy Houston Allison & Jerry Jones Claudia Bulnes & Martin Karg Catherine & Ron Kwasigroh Lifestyle Health Advisors Melissa & Bill Lofton Joan & Curtis Mansfield Tina Wilson & Wilson Mathai Heather & Mark Miller Sonya & Tommy Miller Ami Naik & Christopher Mitchell Elise & Mike Nelson Robin & Nick Nicola Tammi & Will O’Neal Lana & Greg Petrinjak Kathleen & Alan Sallee Keata & Jason Snider Betty Ann & John Tanner Think & Thread T-Shirts to Treasures Wall Street Grill Cynthia & Henry West Melissa & Matt Zerfoss Patrons of the Arts Legacy Society Members Jill Appleton Elizabeth & Kyle Atkins Teresa & Richard Ayers Debra & Michael Badgett Sylvia Bell Bonnie & Bob Boyce Mark Burden Pam & Johnny Burleson Pat & Don Coffey Terri & Chris Crider Tina & Bert Crump Jennifer & Larry Daniel Tricia & Ed Darby Erica & Bradley Davidson Emily & Brian Dunn Lisa English

Income: Corporate Partners & Patrons of the Arts .....................$39,954 Plays..................................................... $33,885 Parents Club.......................................$13,000 Merchandise Fund Raisers............... $11,730 Concessions............................................ $949 Arts at the U........................................ $2,921 Miscellaneous...................................... $1,305 Total Income.....................................$103,743 Expenses: Advertising.......................................... $2,056 Contracted Services......................... $13,623 Conferences/Workshops..................$1,739 Equipment Purchases.......................$8,087 Arts Guild Awards............................. $5,568 Art Supplies.......................................... $1,964 Music Supplies...................................$10,850 Drama Suppies................................... $37,748 General Supplies..................................$1,740 Miscellaneous..........................................$156 Total Expenses.................................. $83,530

Carolyn & Michael Epps Debbie & Buster Ferguson Jane & Bob Ferguson Janis & David Fite Kathy & Richard Fite Debbie S. Ford Clay Fuller Cathy & Charlie Garrett Phyllis & Bill Gayton Sejal & Tony Ghodadra Julie & Jimmy Glosson Tammy & Tom Grant Anita & Steve Hamilton Terri & Andrew Head Rachel & Billy Hight Beth & Buck Hudson Shirley & Larry Jones Alice & Carl Kirkland Martha & Jerry Kizer Kimberly & Randy Larkins Carol Jan & Bill Liles Betsy & Brad Little Libby & Shane Lynch Holly & Steve Maroney Ben Murphy Katie & Justin Ramer Judy & Tom Reed Anita & Robert Roy Jennifer & Robert Sammons Jackie & Bobby Sellers Pam & Daniel Stanfield Darlene & David Tanner Gary & Lisa Taylor Janet & Dale Thomas Sharyn & Chuck Thompson Sally & Jimmy Wallace Mary Kaye & John Woods 25

Bruins Club The Bruins Club supports the athletic programs at USJ through volunteer support and financial assistance. Our purpose is to provide supplemental funding not covered by the general budget.

The Bruins Club generates funds through our annual Super Booster campaign, concessions, and special events, such as program ads, tournaments, and stadium sponsor signs.

The Bruins Club is committed to all USJ athletic programs, dedicating funds to a variety of capital improvement projects over the past years. We also contribute to the annual budget and help with special projects.

Each family is urged to become a Super Booster and to volunteer in the concessions stands and with other projects.

Bruins Club Income Super Booster.............................................$56,948 Concessions.................................................. $54,129 Program Sales............................................... $6,995 Signs................................................................ $13,250 Other............................................................. $35,929 Total Income............................................... $167,251 Bruins Club Expenses USJ General Fund...................................... $20,000 USJ Sports.....................................................$37,902 Contracted Services..................................... $4,710 Concessions................................................. $24,623 Repairs/Field Maintenance......................$27,781 Equipment/Uniforms................................$22,201 Signs..................................................................$2,322 Supplies............................................................. $400 Programs......................................................... $6,471 Other...................................................................$695 Total Expenses............................................ $147,105

Corporate Sponsors & Super Boosters Corporate Sponsors Coyote Blues First Bank MG Construction Woman’s Clinic, P.A. Super Boosters Legacy Society Members Betsy Akin Shirley Allen Jill Appleton Kim & Jeffrey Askins Elizabeth & Kyle Atkins Teresa & Richard Ayers Angela & Michael Badgett Debra & Michael Badgett Jennifer & Rob Barham Lynne & Jim Barker Vickie & Ronald Barker Kelly & David Barnes Maelene & Bill Barnes Shelly & Spencer Barnes Judy & Mike Baskin Sylvia Bell Paige & Brent Bledsoe Emma Lee Bond Patricia & Michael Booher Angie & Brad Box Sandra Boxell Jeff Boyd Michelle & Grant Boykin Roseanne Brauss Gari & Shaun Brown Janet & David Brown 26

Lesley & Jason Buchanan Mark Burden Pam & Johnny Burleson Laura & Bryan Byrd Marc Cain Caroline & Jeb Campbell Linda & Larry Campbell Martha & Jonathan Campbell Mona & Jim Campbell Lou Anne Carlock Traci & Trey Carney Rachelle & John Carraher Lisa & Robert Cates Rebecca & Jason Cherry Bridget & Danny Clark Diana & Robert Clark Russell Clarkson Pat & Don Coffey Leigh Ann & Dale Conder Hope Cooper Paulette & Andy Coy Jenny & Ruffin Craig Joni & Jim Craig Pat & James Craig Terri & Christopher Crider Sandi & Scott Darnall Cayce & Johnny Davis Kathy & Keith Davis Lee & Brian Davis Catherine Dean Jenny & Chesley Dennison Amy & Brian Dougan Lynn & Bill Duncan Emily & Brian Dunn

Lynn & Jimmy East Jennifer & Kenneth Edwards Beverly & Pat English Ginger & Adam English Carolyn & Michael Epps Paige & Jody Evans Pamela & Paul Evans Debbie & Buster Ferguson Summer & Barry Ferguson Janis & David Fite Kathy & Richard Fite Melanie & Matt Fite Debbie Ford Clay Fuller David Garey Cathy & Charlie Garrett Mary Ann & Chris Giampapa Christina & Donald Glenn Christie & Scott Golden Courtney & Jason Goolsby Judy & Bob Graning Mandy & Jay Hall Beth & Doug Haltom Anita & Steve Hamilton Jennifer & Kreg Hamm Cecilia & Stephen Hammond Jan & Eddie Hanna Marian & Jeff Harbin Adair & Jim Hardegree Deirdre & Kevin Hatcher Becky Haynes Paige & Benjamin Hays Janna & Jeff Hellums Sonya & Jeff Helms

Cary Henson Rachel & Billy Hight Martha & Rodney Hines Amy & Robert Hite Kenya & Haynes Holt Denise & Eric Homberg Julie & Hunter Hooper Kathy & Steve Horn Lisa & Troy Houston Teryn & Ben Howard Lori & Joseph Howell Melissa Howell Anne & Doug Hudson Beth & Buck Hudson Marigene & Matthew Hughes Stephanie Hulme Kimberly & Kevin Hunley Melissa & Jason Hutchison Dawn & William Ing Lucille Ingram Shay Ingram Jerry Ivey Missy & Tim Ivy Dana & Steven Jett Craig Johnson Camille & Ralph Jones Jody & Tom Jones Ranee & Brandon Jones Shannon & Travis Jones Shirley & Larry Jones Vicki & Donald Jowers Allison & Daniel Kayal Sherri & Kurt Kilburn Alice & Carl Kirkland

Misty & James Kirkland Martha & Jerry Kizer Cindy & Stan Knievel Rhonda & Brett Krasner Catherine & Ron Kwasigroh Kimberly & Randy Larkins Bethany & Peter Lawrence Patricia & William Lawrence Carrie Lewis Carol Jan & Bill Liles Lisa & Robert Lincer Marisa & Ray Lincer Rachael Linney Betsy & Brad Little Kristen & Alex Londe Sean Long Erica Lusk Ruth & John Mann Holly & Steve Maroney Mary Katherine & Peter Mascolo Kay & Henry Massler Jason McCarver Michelle & Jim McFarland Donna & Pat McGrath Jenny & Marvin McKenzie Neta McKnight Peggy & Roger Mileham Denise & David Miller Heather & Mark Miller Michele & Tom Miller Amy & Gregg Mitchell

Deanie & Jackie Montieth Betty & Bob Moore Hope & Raybon Moore Janet & Kent Moore Laura & Baker Moore Ben Murphy Amanda & Richard Newman Robin & Lawrence Nicola Northwestern Mutual Foundation Peggy & Billy Pate Nancy & Donnie Patterson Jack Peel Linsey & Jody Pickens Michelle & Ronnie Prince Ashley & Heath Rabun Kim & Rob Rainey Katie & Justin Ramer Tracy & Benjamin Rasbach Shelley & Payton Redden Judy & Tom Reed Emily & Mike Richards Molly & Wesley Richardson Lesley & Samuel Rickman Anna & Phil Robertson Kim & James Robinson Nell Rushing Carol & Phillip Ryan Chana & Alan Sallee Kathleen & Alan Sallee Jennifer & Jason Sammons Larry & Joyce Sanders

Sara Jane Via

Jennifer & Robert Seals Brittney & Matthew Sellers Michelle & Andrew Sellers Charlene & Larry Shaffer Tommy Shaffer Doris & Sam Shaw Aimee Sherrod Dana & Oliver Simmons Lindsey & Todd Siroky Amy & Robert Sloan Amber & Arthur Smith Gina & Todd Smith Henry Smith Kelly & Alex Smith Mona & Richard Smith Keata & Jason Snider Angela & Nathan Spencer Jayme & Justin Spencer Lisa & Steve Spurlin Kelly & Phil Stafford Latricia & Ben Stallings Heather & John Stanford Jennifer & David Steele Stephanie & Scott Stonecipher Torri & Karl Studtmann Linda & Jim Swope Shanna & Mike Tabor Betty Ann & John Tanner Beth & Jack Taylor Gary & Lisa Taylor Piper & Jackie Taylor Ashley & Trey Teague

Parent

Why USJ?

U Why Do

GIVE

Carlene & Wayne Tenpenny Mark Tenpenny Lisa & Randy Terry Janet & Dale Thomas Sherry & Barry Tignor Linda & Bill Timbes Jayne Tribble Martha & Danny Underwood Betty & James Upchurch Amy & Bas van Buuren Jane & Fred Vinson Lynne & Jim Waddell Wade Norris Logging, LLC Anne & Billy Walker Kelley & Jack Walker Meredith & Taylor Walker Sally & Jimmy Wallace Nikki & Jeff Watlington Sandra & David Watlington Nicholas & Kelly Wiggins Hayley & Chris Wilkerson Kim Willis Kristy & Bill Willis Jennifer & Wesley Wolfe Mary Kaye & John Woods Janice & Joe Yarbrough Candace & Alan Yates James Youmans Young Life Melissa & Matt Zerfoss

“We love USJ! Eight years ago, we started our first of four children in kindergarten at USJ. Now all four of our babies are enrolled.

I have to admit I was hesitant in the beginning because I felt that we ‘wouldn’t fit in’ for different reasons—we lived outside of town, we were not USJ alums, we had no ties to the school except for a few friends whose children attended the school. Much to my surprise, this old cliché was quickly erased. From day one, we have felt it was the best decision we could have ever made.

We have always felt like part of one big family. We chose USJ initially because it is by far the most academically superior school in West Tennessee. However, as the days quickly passed, other reasons we ‘belonged there’ became evident. Not only does USJ build a strong overall academic foundation, but it also fosters family in every sense of the word. From the top to the bottom, we love every teacher we have had, and fellow students and their families have become

an integral part of our lives. I would say the key to our love for USJ has been getting involved. It is not just a one-way street. In order to receive, you must give...of your time, energy, and resources. I promise, the rewards will be exponential. USJ was the best decision we could have ever made!”

Why do you give the Annual Fund?

“Two years ago was our first year to give to the Annual Fund. I must admit I had been hesitant at first because I felt we had already ‘given’ through our tuition. However, the more I became involved at USJ, the more I realize that it takes much more in order to offer all that USJ offers and to keep the cost at a minimum in comparison to other competitive programs across the state. Knowing you are able to better the entire school is a blessing. USJ is a family, and it takes all parts working together to make a whole.”

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Save the Date!

Homecoming

September 29, 2017 Alumni and senior families tailgate starting at 5:30 p.m.

Walk of Champions at 6:30 p.m.

Football game at 7 p.m.

Holiday Mart

November 17-19, 2017 Carl Perkins Civic Center Alumni and former parents: Please provide your email address to receive an invitation for tickets to the Preview Party and the Jingle Belle Mingle, as well as for general admission. Email alumni@usjbruins.org to provide your information.

Bid & Boogie

Basketball Homecoming

Friday, February 2, 2018 Alumni and senior family hospitality room will be available in the cafeteria starting at 6:30 p.m.

Parents of Alumni Luncheon Friday, April 20, 2018 | 11:30 a.m.

USJ Weekend April 20-21, 2018

Graduation 2018 Saturday, May 12, 2018

Upcoming Reunions

Check out the website for updates to our reunion page as details are finalized for this year: usjbruins.org/reunions.

Saturday, January 20, 2018 Join your friends for this fundraising event with dinner and live music, plus live and silent auctions. For more information, contact Cathy Garrett at cgarrett@usjbruins.org.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL of JACKSON

232 McClellan Rd. | Jackson, TN 38305

Parents of Alumni: If your publication is addressed to your son/daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Alumni Office of his/her new mailing address by emailing cgarrett@usjbruins.org

Jackson, TN Permit #845