Krenis Chosen to Work with Peers to Advise on Issues Affecting Youth In Jackson

Lexi Krenis was chosen to represent the University School of Jackson on the Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC). MYC is comprised of approximately 10 high school juniors, one chosen from each high school. The council’s purpose is to gather opinions on community issues. MYC enables local officials to be more representative of the community as a whole and improve services that directly affect young people.

“If I could change one thing about our city, it would be the poverty percentage,” said Krenis. “During a recent presentation at my school, the president of United Way of West Tennessee came and spoke about Jackson’s increase in families living in poverty. If I could, I would create more projects and organizations similar to ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), and the Angel Tree Project to benefit those in need, and to achieve an overall decrease in poverty throughout the city.”

The council was sworn in on February 7th at City Hall.

“I’ve been so impressed with the caliber of students who have participated in this council over the last four years,” said City of Jackson Mayor Scott Conger. “We’ve learned so much from them about how city government can adapt to serve all residents - regardless of age. The future of Jackson, Tennessee, is bright. I hope that these students will choose to call Jackson their home after graduation and invest their talents locally.”

Nine Students Join Honor Council

In early September, the University School of Jackson Upper School student body swore in nine new members of the Honor Council.

Members included Laura Kate Prater, Kendall Morris, Corben Howard, Paul Jones, Berkley Pettigrew, Abe Stonecipher, Chester Evans, Max Kilburn, and Charlie Redden.

The council consists of two representatives from each grade and a speaker. Students must maintain a 3.5 grade point average to serve on the council.

“The honor council has been a successful program at the school,” said faculty advisor Jame Ramer. “We have high expectations for our students that revolve around trust, support, and integrity. The honor council helps communicate those ideals when issues arise. The program fosters accountability from our student body and empathy from our honor council.”

The goal of the Honor Council is simple: to hold students accountable for lying, cheating, or stealing while encouraging character development and an honest learning environment at USJ. Any student who is reported to have violated the Honor Code goes before the Council, which consists of a jury of his or her peers. After hearing the details of the case, which are kept highly confidential among members, the Council suggests a recommended course of action to the administration.