USJ Senior VIP 2016

M EET T H E ME MB E R S O F TH E

2016

Photograph by Moore Studio

University School of Jackson

Class of 2016

The 82 members of the USJ Class of 2016 are college bound. Some are staying true to Tennessee, heading to Rhodes College, the University of Memphis, Union University, and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, to name a few. Others are venturing out into the Southeast, attending Murray State University in Kentucky, Lyon College in Arkansas, the University of Mississippi, Auburn University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Louisiana Tech University, and Costal Carolina University in South Carolina. Still other members of the Class of 2016 are headed farther from home, studying at Texas Christian University, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, the University of Michigan, Boston University, and even Kyushu Art College in Japan.

Two members of the Class of 2016 were recognized by the National Merit Foundation, and the class had 11 Advanced Placement Scholars recognized by the College Board. The Class of 2016 has been offered over $7 million in scholarships. All members of the class were accepted into a college of their choice. The top three graduates are Nate Schwindt, Valedictorian; Summer Basham, Salutatorian; and Parker Lewis, Essayist.

Rachel Aristorenas, a member of the varsity soccer, track, softball, and basketball teams, served as captain of the basketball team for which she received All-District Honorable Mention in 2016, “6th Man Award,” “Defensive Player of the Year Award,” and “The Bruin Award.” A 2016 recipient of the Silver Key Award in the Mid-South Scholastic Art Awards, Rachel was the secretary of the National Art Honor Society. In addition, she was a Lights|Camera|Fashion Top Model in 2015. Rachel will attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and major in marketing and interior design.

Allison Banks, AP Scholar with Honors, will major in biology at the University of Memphis. Allison was involved in theater productions, band, and choir and was named to the All-Northwest Junior High Honor Choir.

She was also a member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Tri-M, and Social Studies Honor Society and participated on the

Our top three graduates are ready to see what’s ahead for them when they head to college this fall. They are (L to R): Summer Basham, Parker Lewis, and Nate Schwindt.

Science Bowl Team and in the National French Contest, Le Grand Concours. She served as vice president of the French Club her junior year and danced with Ballet Arts from 2012-2014.

Summer Basham, Salutatorian and AP Scholar, will major in biology and Spanish at Union University. Summer was involved in numerous theater productions and choir, played varsity soccer, was SGA Historian, and was a member of numerous clubs, organizations, and academic honor societies. Summer was a three-year Homecoming Representative, a six-year member of All-Northwest Honor Choir, a representative at Girls’ State, a Jackson Symphony Ambassador, a Junior Rotarian, and a participant in the USJ study abroad program in Costa Rica. She was voted Miss USJ by the senior class and was recently selected by the faculty to the 2016 USJ Hall of Fame.

Renee Bearb, will attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and major in business. Renee was a member of the National Honor Society and was involved in the Key Service Club, SADD Club, Art Club, and French Club.

Renee received the highest chemistry and English average sophomore year and the highest French average junior year. Renee received her UTK acceptance letter directly from UTK Chancellor Jimmy Cheek when he came to USJ as part of the Big Orange Bus Tour.

Kayla Bircher plans to major in speech pathology at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Tri-M, and Social Studies Honor Society. Kayla also participated in theater productions and choir and served as president of the French National Honor Society and vice president of the French Club. She was named as a Head of School Scholar, maintaining a 4.0 GPA or higher all four years.

Mitchell Bodiford, varsity football captain in 2015, will attend the University of Memphis and major in veterinary medicine. Mitchell played varsity football and baseball and ran track. He was a two-time All-State and All-District Football selection, West Tennessee Sophomore of the Year, The Jackson Sun Super Senior, and All-State Strong Safety.

Mitchell was voted “Most Athletic” by the senior class and was the 2015 Homecoming King.

Kalyn Boyd, a graduate of Leadership University, will attend Murray State University in the fall and plans to major in nursing and minor in psychology. She was involved in varsity cheer and track. Kalyn was a member of the International Club, Key Service Club, Environmental Club, Spanish Club, and Operation Smile Club. She was selected as a Jackson Symphony Ambassador and participated in the Lights|Camera|Fashion Show to benefit St. Jude.

Tricia Burtt plans to study geoscience at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Tricia’s acceptance letter was hand-delivered to her by UTK Chancellor Jimmy Cheek as part of the Big Orange Bus Tour. Tricia was active in the Madison County Teen Court and served as speaker. She was a member of the Science National Honor Society, Art Club, Key Service Club, Spanish Club, served as secretary of Environmental Club, was a USJ varsity cheerleader, and was involved in theater productions. Tricia won the art department’s Photography award in 2014.

Shea Byrum, a USJ Scholar, will pursue a degree in biomedical engineering at Mississippi State University. Shea was involved in theater productions and USJ Concert Choir and was a two-time All-Northwest Honor Choir selection.

He was a three-year participant of the POPS Concert and was a soloist his senior year. Shea devoted many hours to community service in high school, including a mission trip to Ohio. Departmental awards include the French II certificate and participation in the National French Contest, Le Grand Concours.

“The many extracurricular activities and service projects I have taken part in at USJ have taught me how important it is to be involved in my community.” — Lauren Hailey

We have a great representation of SEC schools in this year’s class. Some of these students include (back L to R): Catherine Cummings, Gray Northern, Amanda Cooper, and Shea Byrum and (front L to R): Sydney Fendley and Julianna Seals.

Deanne Coley, co-captain of the varsity cheer squad, will major in pre-medicine at Mississippi State University. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the yearbook staff. Deanne was a fiveyear member of varsity cheer and played varsity softball. A member of the Memphis Pride All-Star Cheer Team, 2014-2016 and the three-time nationally ranked USJ competition cheer squad, Deanne was a 2016 International UCA Champion. She was also selected by the senior class as “Cutest.”

Suzanna Camp, an AP Scholar, will attend Texas Christian University in the fall and major in biology. Suzanna served as president of the National Honor Society, secretary of the National English Honor Society, and was a member of the Science National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Social Studies Honor Society. She also completed the Spanish study abroad program in Costa Rica. Suzanna participated in theater and school clubs and played varsity soccer and tennis. She was a member of the 2013 Soccer State Championship Runner-Up team, was selected to the All-West Tennessee Tennis team, and received All-West Tennessee Soccer Honorable Mention. Suzanna was on the State Champion and Region Finalist team in 2013 with Jackson Futbol Club and was named a 2016 Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame Athlete of the Year. She was also recently selected by the faculty to the 2016 USJ Hall of Fame.

Catherine Campbell will study psychology at the University of Mississippi. Catherine was active in Young Life, Key Service Club, International Club, varsity cheer, cross country, volleyball, track, and church league basketball.

Catherine modeled for Lights|Camera|Fashion benefiting St. Jude, was on the nationally ranked cheerleading squad, and was voted “Most Beautiful” by her classmates.

Logan Carey will play baseball for Louisiana Tech University and major in kinesiology. He participated in varsity baseball and football and in theater productions. Logan served as vice president of the Key Service Club and was chaplain of the Make-A-Wish Club.

He was a member of USJ’s 2012 and 2014 state championship baseball teams. He was All-Region Baseball 2014 and 2015, All-State Baseball 2015, All-District 2015, and All-West Tennessee Baseball First Team 2015. Voted “Most Congenial” by the senior class, Logan was recently selected by the faculty to USJ’s 2016 Hall of Fame and received the Richard Fite Student-Athlete Award.

Carrie Cates will attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and major in kinesiology. Voted “Most Quotable” by her classmates, Carrie was yearbook editor her junior and senior year and served as senior class treasurer and captain of the varsity volleyball team. She was active in the Key Service Club, church league basketball, and Young Life. She was selected to the West Tennessee All-Star Volleyball Team in 2015 and received Volleyball Honorable Mention her junior and senior years.

“An ‘education for a lifetime’ was promised, but it has been delivered in ways I never imagined.”

— Julianna Seals

Representing future college athletes who will join the cross country, tennis, soccer, and football teams at their new schools are (L to R): Jack Goodwin, George Markos, Addison Dunn, and Sean Reid.

Amanda Cooper will attend the University of Alabama and major in nursing. Amanda was a member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, Mu Alpha Theta, Tri-M, and Social Studies Honor Society. She was also involved in choir, theater productions, Key Service Club, SADD Club, and Spanish Club.

Amanda visited Costa Rica as part of a full-immersion Spanish language travel study program with USJ. She completed the Leadership University program, to which she was named the 2015 president. As a senior, she placed 4th in the TMTA pre-calculus contest.

Clay Coury will study agricultural business at the University of Tennessee at Martin. He was a twoyear starter on the varsity football team and was involved in the Key Service Club and Spanish Club.

Clay was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and was involved in the Northside United

Methodist Church youth group. Clay was selected as a 2016 2nd-Team AllDistrict Offensive Guard.

David Crockett will major in computer engineering at the University of Memphis. David attended USJ for 14 years. Inducted into the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, he also served as the chaplain of the International Club and was an active member of the Spanish Club.

Catherine Cummings will attend the University of Mississippi and major in pre-dentistry. She was a member of the National Honor Society and Societe Honoraire de Francais. Catherine served as chaplain of the Key Service Club and secretary of the Make-A-Wish Club. A member of the varsity cheer squad, she was also part of the nationally-ranked USJ competition cheerleading squad.

Deborah Lee Day, senior class chaplain, plans to study nursing at the University of Alabama. She served as vice president of the National Art Honor Society and vice president of the Art Club. Deborah Lee received the 2014 Scholastic Art Gold Key Award, the 2015 Scholastic Art Silver Key Award, and Best of Category in the TAEA West Tennessee Regional Art Competition.

She was active in USJ varsity cheer, the Key Service Club, Environmental Club, and Spanish Club and was on the yearbook staff.

Addison Dunn, captain of the soccer team and Head of School Scholar, will play soccer for Union University and major in nursing and minor in Spanish. Addison served as SGA secretary and president of the Key Service Club.

Selected as the recipient of the Richard Fite StudentAthlete award, Addison was inducted into numerous academic honor societies and was selected to the AllState Soccer team. Addison was also a Wendy’s Heisman State Finalist. In addition, she was a TSCA All-Academic honoree and a 2016 member of the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame. Voted “Most Athletic” by the senior class, Addison was selected by the faculty to the 2016 USJ Hall of Fame.

R.M. English, an Eagle Scout and Head of School Scholar, will attend Samford University and major in pre-law. He was involved in theater productions, band, International Club, Chemistry Club, Spanish Club, and served as vice president of the Environmental Club. R.M. was inducted into the National Honor Society, Tri-M, and Social Studies Honor Society. In 2013 and 2015, R.M. was awarded USJ’s Best Supporting Actor award. He was voted by the senior class as “Most Likely to be Remembered.”

Aaron Evans, AP Scholar with Honors, plans to attend Sewanee: The University of the South and study biochemistry. He was inducted into the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Societe Honoraire de Francais, Mu Alpha Theta, Tri-M, and Social Studies Honor Society. Aaron was active in theater productions, varsity football, Chemistry Club, choir, band, and the French study abroad program. He was awarded second in the nation and first in the state in the National French Contest. Aaron also completed training to become a Certified International Yacht Crewman and Camp Counselor.

Sydney Fendley, yearbook editor and USJ Scholar, will attend Auburn University and major in nursing. She was a member of the International Club, SADD Club, Spanish Club, Operation Smile Club, and played varsity softball. Sydney was also selected as a Jackson Symphony Ambassador and a three-time Homecoming Representative and was involved in Young Life. In 2015, Sydney was recognized for having the highest Spanish III average.

“Leaving my ‘home’ of 13 years will be difficult to do, but I know every time I return to USJ to visit, the school will always be there to welcome me back.” — Molly Maroney Blake Garner, a 15-year USJ student, will pursue a degree in business at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He was involved in the International Club, Key Service Club, SADD Club, Art Club, Environmental Club, Spanish Club, and Operation Smile Club. Blake was also a member of the National Art Honor Society.

Alex Garrett, voted “Most Dependable” by his classmates, will play baseball at Rhodes College and major in commerce and business. He was selected to the National Honor Society, Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, and Mu Alpha Theta.

Alex was active in the Key Service Club, SADD Club, and Spanish Club. He also completed the USJ study abroad program in Costa Rica. Alex received 2015 All-District honors, All-Region honors, and The Jackson Sun All-West Tennessee Team Honorable Mention in baseball. He was a member of the 2014 USJ state championship baseball team.

Loukas Georgiou, Head of School Scholar, will study physics at Rhodes College. He was a member of the National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and served as treasurer of the Science National Honor Society. Loukas received Scholastic Art and Writing Honorable Mention in 2015, “Judges’ Pick Award” in the 2014 Arts @ The U Fashion Show, 3rd place TMTA Algebra I Award in 2013, and 1st place TMTA Geometry Award in 2014. He was also involved in the Key Service Club, International Club, SADD Club, Art Club, and was a Science Bowl participant.

Jack Goodwin, Head of School Scholar, will run cross country and track at Christian Brothers University and will major in civil engineering. He was selected to the Social Studies Honor Society and served as president of the National Art Honor Society. Jack was a four-time All-Region and All-State Cross Country selection, was 2014 West Tennessee Runner of the Year, and was named AllRegion Track, 2013-2015. In 2016, Jack was awarded the Gold Key in the Scholastic Art Show. He was also a 2015 Junior Volunteer at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital and was a member of numerous clubs and organizations at USJ.

Evan Griggs, AP Scholar with Honors, plans to attend Coastal Carolina University and study marine biology.

Evan was a member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Tri-M, and Social Studies Honor Society. Evan was involved in theater productions and choir and was named to the AllNorthwest Honor Choir for four years. He completed a total of 312 community service hours during high school.

Garrett Guymon will play baseball at Harding University and major in business. He was active in the Key Service Club, Spanish Club, and played varsity baseball. Garrett was co-captain of the baseball team, received All-State Baseball honors in 2015, and was named All-District/All-Region his sophomore and junior years. Garrett was a member of the 2014 USJ state championship baseball team.

Lauren Hailey, a 15-year USJ student, will major in education at the University of Tennessee at Martin. She was selected to the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and National English Honor Society.

Lauren was involved in theater productions, International Club, Key Service Club, SADD Club, Spanish Club, and was secretary of the DSA Buddy Club. She also represented USJ as a student ambassador.

Alec Hardin, voted “Cutest” by the senior class, will play baseball at Oklahoma Wesleyan University and major in business. In 2015, he was recognized for the highest average in his physics course. He was a five-year member of the varsity baseball team and also played varsity football. He was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life, theater, Key Service Club, and SADD Club. Alec was also a member of the 2014 USJ state championship baseball team.

Brandon Hauswald transferred to USJ his junior year and will play baseball at Trevecca Nazarene University and will major in nursing. He played varsity baseball and football at USJ. In 2015, Brandon was named 2nd Team All-District Football and All-District Baseball.

Holland Hawks will pursue an engineering degree at Mississippi State University where he will play football. He was a four-year member of the varsity football, basketball, and baseball teams. Holland received All-District Football honors, All-District Basketball honors, and 2nd team AllDistrict Baseball honors. He also played in the 2015 West TN All-Star Football Game. Holland was also involved in the choir and SADD Club and was treasurer of Key Service Club. While in high school, Holland volunteered on a mission trip to Haiti.

Savannah Head, class of 2008 Scholarship Award Winner, plans to major in music business at Middle Tennessee State University. She was a member of the National English Honor Society and Tri-M and was treasurer of the Social Studies Honor Society. Savannah was involved in the International Club, Key Service Club, Spanish Club, was chaplain of SADD Club, and graduated from Leadership University. Savannah received the 2013 Director’s Award and was Student of the Month in August 2015. The USJ faculty selected Savannah as a member of the 2016 USJ Hall of Fame.

Ethan Hooper will study business at the University of Memphis. He was a member of the varsity cross country and track teams and was co-captain of the cross country team in 2015. Ethan ran in the Cross Country state championships in 2014 and 2015. Recognized for having the highest Spanish II average, he was also active in the Key Service Club, Spanish Club, and SADD Club.

Heather Hooper, voted “Most Changed” in the senior class, will attend the University of Alabama in the fall and major in fashion merchandising. She was involved in theater, Key Service Club, Environmental Club, Operation Smile Club, SADD Club, Young Life, and DSA Buddy Club.

Heather was a finalist in Lights|Camera|Fashion to benefit St. Jude and served as a Jackson Symphony Ambassador.

Nour Nabhan is traveling to the Northeast to study economics at Boston University.

This year’s class had seven baseball players who signed to play in college. They are (back L to R): Alec Hardin, Logan Carey, Alex Garrett, and Brandon Hauswald and (front L to R): Ryan Rolison, Garrett Guymon, and Seth Rohlwing.

Austin Lea will attend the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in the fall. A USJ student for 15 years, he was a member of the varsity soccer team and was active in the Spanish Club. Austin received multiple awards in Broadcasting during his time in high school. He also accomplished over five times the required amount of community service with 272 service hours and traveled to Brazil three times while working to build a chapel.

Andres Leon attended USJ for four years and was Walter Hudson, voted “Most School Spirited” by the

T.J. Johnson was a member of Mu Alpha Theta and the

senior class, plans to attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and pursue a degree in marketing. He was a four-year member of the varsity basketball team and was involved in the International Club, SADD Club, and Spanish Club and was Historian of the Key Service Club.

Walter received the 2015 Xerox Award for Innovation & Technology. He also served as a Jackson Symphony Ambassador for four years.

National Art Honor Society. T.J. participated in the French study abroad program and Arts @ The U and was active in theater and numerous clubs. As an AP Art student, T.J. was awarded a Silver Key in the Scholastic National Art Competition and a Gold Key in the Scholastic Regional Art Competition and was voted Best in Category for Digital Arts in the West Tennessee Regional Art Competition.

T.J. was the starting center his junior and senior years, and he was part of the Tennessee National Guard All-State Academic Team his junior and senior years and the AllDistrict Second Team Offense his senior year. He was a member of the varsity track team. T.J. plans to major in communications with a concentration in broadcasting at Mississippi State University.

Yuri Isomura will major in art at Kyushu Art College in Japan. She was a member of the National Art Honor Society and the Art Club. Yuri was an Arts @ The U contributor in 2015 and 2016; she participated in the Briarcrest Regional Art Competition and the West Tennessee Regional Art Center Juried Art Competition.

In 2016, she placed 1st in the Re:book Art Competition.

Payton Jett will attend the University of Alabama and study pre-law. She was captain of the basketball and track teams in 2016 and was a member of USJ’s nationallyranked competition cheer squad in 2012-2013. Payton was involved in theater and the All-West Honor Choir. She was active in Tri-M, International Club, Key Service Club, SADD Club, Spanish Club, Operation Smile Club, DSA Buddy Club, Young Life, and served as a Special Olympics Volunteer. She received All-State Basketball Honorable Mention 2014-2015 and 2015-2016.

Deric Johnson, who transferred to USJ his junior year, plans to major in mechanical engineering at the University of Memphis. He was a member of the varsity football and track teams. Deric was selected to Mu Alpha Theta and was active in the SADD Club and Key Service Club. Deric was named All-District 2nd Team Defense in football.

Jessica Johnson, a fourteen-year USJ student, will attend Union University and major in education. She was involved in the Key Service Club and SADD Club and was a charter member of the Drama Club. An active member of Malesus Baptist Church, Jessica was a VBS teacher.

In addition, she volunteered at the Regional Inter-Faith Association and the Dream Center.

William Jones was recently selected by the faculty to USJ’s 2016 Hall of Fame and was awarded USJ’s Principal’s Leadership Award. As a four-year member of the Honor Council, he served as speaker his senior year, was a Boys’ State Delegate, a Junior Rotarian, and was voted Mr. USJ by his peers. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Social Studies Honor Society, and served as Historian for the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica. William also participated in the Spanish Study Abroad Program and was a member of the International Club, Key Service Club, SADD Club, and Spanish Club.

Captain of the varsity football team, he was selected to the All-District Football team and played varsity baseball. William will attend Texas Christian University in the fall.

Holden Kirk, a four-year member of the varsity golf team, served as the varsity golf co-captain his senior year. He was also a member of the 2014 TSSAA Golf State Championship Runner-Up team. While at USJ, he served as a halftime commentator on 101.5 FM USJ Football’s radio halftime show and was also a member of the varsity soccer team. Holden participated in the Key Service Club, SADD Club, and Spanish Club. He will attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and will major in journalism and broadcasting.

a member of Mu Alpha Theta, Key Service Club, and Spanish Club. Andres was also a four-year member of the varsity soccer team, active in theater, and participated in the Spanish study abroad program. In the fall, Andres will attend Samford University and will major in biology.

Parker Lewis, the 2016 Essayist, was awarded the Don Coffey Character and Leadership Award. Selected by the faculty to USJ’s Hall of Fame, Parker, an AP Scholar, was a member and held leadership roles in a number of academic honor societies. Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior Class President, he was active in theater, participated in the Spanish study abroad program and the Science Bowl, and was a Junior Rotarian and Boys’ State Delegate. Parker is a four-year member of the USJ Combined Choirs and is a three-time selection to All-Northwest Honor Choir. Voted “Best to Take Home to Parents” by his peers, he was the 2015 recipient of the Sewanee Excellence in Writing Book Award. Parker will study pre-med at Union University in the fall.

William Jones and Suzanna Camp are off to the Lone Star State to study at Texas Christian University this fall.

At USJ, many of our students develop a passion for STEM. Some who plan to pursue degrees in science and engineering include (L to R): Aditya Thota, Clara Mariencheck, Deric Johnson, David Crockett, and Caitlin Nycum.

Sybil Mandle was a USJ Scholar, served as Senior Class Secretary, was co-captain of the varsity football cheerleading squad, and was a member of the UCA Top Ten nationallyranked 2013 and 2015 USJ Cheerleading squads.

Voted “Wittiest” by her peers, Sybil earned almost 200 community service hours during her high school years and completed three mission trips to Haiti. She was also an active member of a number of clubs, including USJ’s Young Life and the Homecoming and Spirit committees. Sybil will attend the University of Mississippi in the fall.

Clara Mariencheck, an AP Scholar with Distinction, served as president of Tri-M, vice president of the National English Honor Society, chaplain of the Science National Honor Society, was secretary and parliamentarian for the Chemistry Club, and was a member of numerous honor societies and clubs. She was a four-time All-State Honor Choir selection, an All-Northwest Honor Choir five-year member, and was also selected to Quad State Honor Choir. Chosen as a Volunteer Girls’ State Delegate and voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by her peers, Clara was active in theater, yearbook, and the Science Bowl. Clara will attend Washington University in St. Louis and will major in philosophy, neuroscience, and psychology.

George Markos was active in theater, choir, and the International Club and Spanish Club.

George was a two-time All-State tennis selection, a two-time Individual Doubles State Champion, a three-time State Team Runner-Up, and was The Jackson Sun 2014 West Tennessee Tennis Player of the Year.

An All-District basketball selection his senior year and an All-District Honorable Mention and All-West Tennessee Honorable Mention his junior year, he was chosen as one of nine West Tennessee Basketball Super Seniors by The Jackson Sun. Voted “Most Quotable” by his peers, George was also selected as a 2015 Homecoming Representative. George plans to play tennis at the University of North Alabama and major in business.

Paul Markos was a member of the SADD Club and Spanish Club and was a member of the varsity golf and tennis teams. Paul was selected to the 2014 All-West Tennessee Boys’ Tennis Team and was a two-time State Team Runner-up. He received an award for academic excellence in World Issues in 2013. Paul plans to attend Mississippi State University, where he intends to join the Army ROTC program and will major in international business.

Molly Maroney, a Headmaster’s Scholar, was recently selected by the faculty to the USJ 2016 Hall of Fame and was the 2016 Alumni Scholarship recipient. Molly served as president of the National English Honor Society, vice president of the Social Studies National Honor Society, secretary of the Science National Honor Society, and vice president and treasurer of the Environmental Club. The recipient of the 2015 Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony Award in Social Sciences, Molly is a member of numerous academic honor societies and clubs. Active in USJ theater, Molly has been selected for the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress awards. Molly was a six-year All-Northwest Honor Choir award winner and was a Quad State Honor Choir and All-State Honor Choir selection.

At USJ, she served as a Student Ambassador and peer tutor. Molly, a recipient of the Rotary Youth Leadership Award and a Volunteer Girls’ State Delegate, will attend the University of Mississippi’s Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and will major in public policy and business.

Madison Martin, the senior class president, was voted as “Most School Spirited” by her peers. A Homecoming Representative and manager of the volleyball team, she was a member of the varsity cheer and basketball teams. Madison’s art was accepted into the University of Tennessee Juried Art Competition. She participated in Arts @ The U and was a Lights|Camera|Fashion model. Madison will attend Mississippi State University in the fall and will major in kinesiology.

Ally McFarland was awarded

Caroline Miller served as co-captain

Leadership Jackson’s Judy Renshaw Leadership Award. Ally served as the Student Government Association parliamentarian, National Art Honor Society treasurer, Key Service Club vice president, and Art Club historian. Ally attended the Tennessee Governor’s School for Visual Art. The 2015 Miss Softball of the West, Ally won the 2016 Madison County Sports Hall of Fame’s J. Bradley Hancock Scholarship. Ally will attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and will major in business, accounting, and marketing.

of the varsity cheerleading squad and was recently selected by the faculty as a member of USJ’s Hall of Fame. Voted “Most Dependable” by her peers, Caroline served as chaplain of the Student Government Association, vice president of the National English Honor Society, and was president of the Down Syndrome Awareness Buddy Club.

Caroline also served as a class officer her sophomore and junior years, was vice president of the DSA Buddy Club her junior year, and was a Girls’ State Delegate and counselor. She was active in theater and choir, participated in the Spanish study abroad program, was a Junior Rotarian, and was a Leadership University graduate. Recipient of the 2015 Rhodes Scholar Book Award, Caroline was a founding member of the Peer Tutoring program at USJ. Caroline will attend Samford University in the fall and will major in communication sciences and disorders.

Matt McGee will attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

He is a member of the National Honor Society, International Club, Key Service Club, SADD Club, and Spanish Club.

Matt is also a member of the varsity soccer team. While at USJ, he received Algebra I, Spanish I, Accounting, and Spanish III certificates.

USJ is well-known for having a fantastic theater program. Some of this year’s graduating thespians are (Back L to R): R.M. English, Seth Weiss, and Aaron Evans and (front L to R): Caroline Miller, Caroline Sammons, Molly Maroney, and Molly Morris.

Will Miller was a member of the varsity golf team and attended USJ for 10 years. He was a USJ Scholar and was also a member of the International Club, Key Service Club, SADD Club, and Spanish Club. Will plans to major in pre-law in the fall at the University of Memphis.

Allison Mitchell graduates with almost 90 hours of community service. While attending USJ, she was a member of the Chemistry Club and was an Arts @ The U and Recycled Fashion Show contributor. An active member of Malesus Baptist Church, Allison was a VBS teacher and played church league basketball. Allison will attend Jackson State Community College in the fall.

Elijah Moore served as captain of the football team and was a two-time First Team All-District Defensive Lineman.

He also played varsity baseball. An active member of USJ’s theater program, he also participated in the Spanish study abroad program. Voted “Most Handsome” by his peers, Elijah received the All-Northwest Honor Choir Five-Year award, was awarded “Singer of the Year” his freshman year, and was a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Elijah will play football at the University of North Alabama in the fall.

Molly Morris served as president of the Student Government Association and vice president of the National Honor Society and was a two-year co-captain of the varsity cheerleading squad. She was awarded the Faculty Founder’s Award, which is considered USJ’s highest honor. She was also selected by the faculty as a member of the USJ 2016 Hall of Fame and was voted “Best to Take Home to Parents” and Senior Class Homecoming Representative by her peers. She served as vice president of the Freshman and Sophomore class and was a member of numerous clubs and honor societies. She also served as SGA Recording Secretary, head of the Spirit Committee, was Senate Chair, and was Head of the General Assembly and Executive Council. Molly will attend Mississippi State University in the fall and will major in accounting with a concentration in international business.

Nour Nabhan will attend Boston University in the fall and major in business. A member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, she organized a kids’ coat drive and volunteered at IRAP, the Institute for the Rehabilitation of Audio-Phonetics in Lebanon. She was active in theater and choir, participated in the Spanish study abroad program, and was junior class chaplain. As a member of the varsity soccer team, she was selected for the 2015 West Region All-Tournament Soccer Team and played on the 2013 State Runner-Up Soccer Team. She was also a member of the 2013 Jackson Futbol Club State Championship team.

Gray Northern, an AP Scholar with Distinction, was voted “Most Dependable” by his peers. He served as president of the Spanish Club, vice president of Mu Alpha Theta, and historian of the Chemistry Club. A member of numerous clubs and honor societies, he served as vice president of the Spanish Club his junior year. He was a four-time Tennessee Mathematical Teacher’s Association Competition and American Mathematics Competition participant. Selected as an SGA Student of the Month,

Gray participated in the Spanish study abroad program, was active in choir, and was a Governor’s School for Engineering alternate. An avid hockey player, he was a member of the Championship Hockey Team Blue Division Predators. Gray will attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and will major in mechanical engineering. Gray’s acceptance letter was hand-delivered by UTK Chancellor Jimmy Cheek on the Big Orange Bus Tour.

Caitlin Nycum served as treasurer of the National English Honor Society and secretary of Mu Alpha Theta.

Caitlin was also a member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Social Studies Honor Society. She participated in the Spanish study abroad program, was active in theater, and was a member of the DSA Buddy Club and Key Service Club. Caitlin will attend the Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall and will major in chemical engineering.

Anna Pearson will attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and will major in occupational therapy. Anna served as president of the Art Club and was a member of the National Art Honor Society. Anna was awarded first place in the Sculpture Division of the 2016 University of Tennessee at the Martin Juried Student Art Competition.

Anna was a four-year member of the varsity soccer and softball teams. In soccer, she was a 2015 All-West Tennessee Honorable Mention. Anna was also a two-time All-District, All-Region, and 2015 All-State softball selection.

Sydney Phelan was a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Art Club, Key Service Club, SADD Club, and Spanish Club. Sydney was active in theater and was the recipient of the 2015 Advanced Theater award. She also served as co-captain of the varsity cheerleading squad. Sydney will attend the University of Alabama and will major in media production.

Kristen Pickens, a USJ Scholar, was selected as the Class of 2006 Scholarship Award recipient and was voted “Most Congenial” by the senior class. Kristen served as co-captain of the varsity softball team, vice president of the senior class, and class secretary her freshman and sophomore years. She was also a member of the varsity basketball team, was selected as a Homecoming Representative, and was active in theater. As a five-year member of the varsity softball team, Kristen was a twotime All-District and three-time All-Region selection. She was a member of the 2012 State Championship softball team and was also selected to the All-Academic Softball Team in 2015 and the All-West Tennessee Honorable Mention Team in 2013. Kristen will major in pre-physical therapy at Union University in the fall.

Sean Reid was a member of the DSA Buddy Club, Key Service Club, SADD Club, and participated in the Spanish study abroad program. He was also a member of the varsity football team and was an All-District Second Team selection. He will continue his football career at the collegiate level at Lyon College, where he will major in pre-physical therapy.

Anna Rice will attend the University of Tennessee

Evan Griggs plans to study marine biology at Coastal Carolina University.

was a member of the French Club. She was a five-year member of the varsity softball team, was a member of the 2012 State Championship softball team, and was an All-District, All-Region, All-West, and All-State selection.

Seth Rohlwing, a four-year member of the varsity baseball team, will continue his baseball career at Rhodes College where he will major in kinesiology. A member of a number of national honor societies and clubs, Seth served as chaplain of the National Honor Society, the treasurer of the SADD Club, and the vice president of the Science National Honor Society.

Additionally, he was a pre-calculus finalist at the TMTA math competition. Seth’s senior classmates selected him as their representative on the USJ Honor Council.

Ryan Rolison, a five-year member of the varsity baseball team, has signed to continue his baseball career at the University of Mississippi. Selected as The Jackson Sun 2015 Pitcher of the Year, Ryan is a Team USA gold medalist and played in Japan as a member of Team USA. In addition to being the recipient of numerous All-District and AllTournament baseball accolades, Ryan was a member of the Key Service Club and Spanish Club and was a varsity football player. Ryan, voted “Most Changed” by his classmates, plans to major in sports business.

Caroline Sammons, a five-year member of USJ’s honor choir and co-captain of USJ’s championship cheer squad, will major in elementary education at Union University.

Caroline enjoyed being part of USJ’s theater productions and was Dorothy in this year’s production of The Wizard of Oz. Selected as a member of the All-West Honor Choir from 2012-2015, she was a member of numerous clubs and service organizations.

at Martin and will major in occupational therapy. She participated in the French study abroad program and

“Beyond the academic rigor with which USJ has prepared me, I have been taught time management skills, given leadership opportunities, and encouraged to pursue excellence in all that I do.” — Nate Schwindt

From media production to communications to music business, a group of our graduates plans to learn how to merge technology and entertainment to create exciting careers. They are (back L to R): Walter Hudson, T.J. Johnson, and Sydney Phelan and (front L to R): Jordan Stewart and Savannah Head.

Nate Schwindt, Valedictorian and a member of the 2016 USJ Hall of Fame, is the recipient of USJ’s Class of 1983 Athlete-Scholar award and was selected by the faculty to receive the Woodmen of the World Award.

His classmates voted him “Most Likely to Succeed.”

Nate is the recipient of numerous departmental awards and is a three-time award winner at the TMTA math competition. Active in many USJ clubs and service organizations, in addition to serving in numerous leadership roles when he was an underclassman, Nate was selected as president of the Chemistry Club and Mu Alpha Theta and vice president of the Science National Honor Society during his senior year. An AP Scholar with Distinction and, National Merit Commended, Nate is the recipient of a number of academic, athletic, and service commendations, including Volunteer Boys’ State, the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame, and the Yale Book Award. He ran both cross country and track and was named USJ’s Male Athlete of the Year. Nate will attend Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and major in chemical engineering.

Julianna Seals was a three-year member of USJ’s championship competition cheer squad. A four-year USJ Scholar, she is the recipient of the 2014 chemistry certificate. In addition, she was voted by her classmates as a senior Homecoming Representative. She also represented her community as the 2015 West Tennessee Strawberry Festival Hostess Princess. In addition to her participation in a number of clubs, Julianna was the 20152016 yearbook editor. She will major in pre-dentistry at the University of Arkansas.

Lydia Smith will major in business at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. During her junior and senior years, Lydia served as USJ’s yearbook editor and was the recipient of the 2014 Yearbook Medal. A four-year member of the varsity volleyball team, Lydia participated in six Haitian mission trips and Young Life. A member of numerous school clubs, Lydia also served as part of the Frontier Ranch work crew. An active member of Fellowship Bible Church, she participated in church-league basketball. Lydia was elected Homecoming Representative for both her sophomore and senior years and was Homecoming Queen her senior year.

Gabbie Stevens, an AP Scholar, was secretary of the National Honor Society and chaplain of the National English Honor Society. As part of the National Honor Society, she and the other officers raised over $2,200 for Project 541, the club’s service project. A 2014 and 2015 AllState cross-country runner, she also ran track and played varsity golf. Her cross-country teammates and coaches selected her as “Best Attitude” and “Best Senior.” Gabbie will attend Union University.

Jordan Stewart will major in illustration or painting at Middle Tennessee State University. A two-year Award for Art Excellence winner and a recipient of the Silver Key for painting at the Scholastic Art competition, Jordan attended the Governor’s School for the Arts and received a scholarship to attend the Appalachian Center for Craft’s summer program. Named Student of the Month for March 2016, Jordan volunteers as an after-school art teacher at Hands Up! Preschool.

Samantha Strube will major in computer engineering at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. An active member of USJ’s pep band and orchestra, she has been part of four USJ musicals. Samantha is a member of a number of academic honor societies and school clubs, serving as the 2015 vice president of the French Club and the 2016 chaplain of Mu Alpha Theta. A recipient of U.S. History, English III, and Honors French Certificates, Samantha served as a Junior Marshal at the 2015 graduation ceremony.

Maddie Studtmann, voted “Most Talented” by her classmates and selected as the 2016 Outstanding Student of the Arts, will attend the University of Alabama, where she will major in medical & forensic illustration. A varsity cheer captain and parliamentarian of the National Arts Honor Society, Madison was the first place winner of the Arts @ The U competition for two years running. She has completed five mission trips to Haiti and is the recipient of USJ’s Community Service Award.

Liana Testaert, an exchange student from Ghent, Belgium, attended USJ her senior year. After Liana completes high school in Belgium, she will go on to major in marketing at a Belgian university. Liana, a soccer player and state champion swimmer, says that her host family, the Sherrod family, made her time in the U.S. a wonderful experience.

Oliver Trigony, a trombonist in the USJ band and the manager of the USJ men’s basketball team, was a member of the French and Chemistry Clubs and enjoyed participating in theater productions. A volunteer with Operation Christmas Child and the Bernie Sanders campaign, Oliver’s classmates selected him as “Most Likely to Be Remembered.” Oliver will attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where he will major in history.

Easton Underwood, an All-District Quarterback and a participant in the 2015 West Tennessee All-Star Game, was a member of USJ’s varsity football and track teams, as well as the Key Service Club. Easton, voted “Wittiest” by his classmates, will play football at Mississippi State University.

He plans to major in business law.

Seth Weiss will attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and major in chemical engineering. Seth, an AP scholar, is the recipient of numerous academic awards.

In addition, during his junior and senior years, he was the captain of the men’s varsity soccer team. He participated in a variety of school clubs and service organizations, where he was elected to a number of leadership positions. A regular participant in USJ plays and musicals, Seth also served as a Symphony Ambassador for the Jackson Symphony.

Aditya Thota, an AP Scholar with Distinction and a member of numerous national honor societies, served as the junior class treasurer, historian of the National English Honor Society, and president of the Social Studies Honor Society. The USJ faculty selected Aditya as a member of the 2016 Hall of Fame. Additionally, Aditya was selected to attend the Lott Leadership Institute, the Hugh O’Brian Leadership Program, and the Governor’s School for International Studies. Aditya will major in pre-medicine at the University of Michigan.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL of JACKSON

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