During the 2023-2024 graduation ceremony, the ideas of “turning challenges into benefits” and “succeeding in what matters” resonated deeply. For the first time, Jackson Academy honored co-valedictorians, Mallory Brooks and Gautam Ray, who achieved equivalent grade point averages. Mallory and Gautam delivered inspiring speeches, encouraging their peers to pursue meaningful and purposeful lives.

Gautam, a STAR student and National Merit Finalist, used the analogy of a creek and a river to describe how students can grow from something small to something powerful, navigating barriers along the way with the help of those around them, such as the faculty at JA. He asked graduates to look around the auditorium and identify people who had helped them become the best versions of themselves.

Gautam cited examples of challenging tests that prepared students for upper-level math or complex art projects that moved them toward mastering an art form. He characterized obstacles with peers as moments that helped students learn how to interact successfully with others. He encouraged graduates never to feel embarrassed about their traits but to instead be authentic and strive to become their best selves.

Headed to Columbia University, the Hall of Famer and Cum Laude Society member is the second from his immediate family to present a valedictory speech to JA graduates. In 2021, Gautam’s sister Priya Ray presented the valedictory address. 

Mallory Brooks, a Hall of Fame member, Gold Key winner in the Scholastic Art Competition, and member of the Cum Laude Society, spoke of a higher purpose for graduates’ lives beyond social status or fame. She said one’s purpose is the heart of who you really are.

She quoted from the work of author Francis Chan, who wrote about the risk of succeeding in things that don’t matter. Using an analysis from “The New York Times” noted on the Edward-Elmhurst Health site, she described how only 25 percent of the population lives purposefully. Like Alice in Wonderland, she said, the remainder “are asking the Cheshire Cat which way to go and not really caring where they end up.”

Mallory, who will continue her education at Mississippi College, then described a life that seeks a purpose that matters. Citing the Westminster Catechism, she discussed why people were created: “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” Mallory noted that by living a life of purpose centered on Christ, actions will flow from our larger purpose and can have eternal meaning.

She closed with a quote from renowned Christian apologist C.S. Lewis in his book “Mere Christianity.” “Of course we never wanted, and never asked, to be made into the sort of creatures He is going to make us into. But the question is not what we intended ourselves to be, but what He intended us to be when He made us. He is the inventor, we are only the machine. He is the painter; we are only the picture. How should we know what He means us to be like?” Lewis wrote. “We may be content to remain what we call ‘ordinary people’: but He is determined to carry out a quite different plan. To shrink back from that plan is not humility: it is laziness and cowardice. To submit to it is not conceit or megalomania; it is obedience.”

Initially scheduled for JA’s outdoor stadium, the Brickyard, rain moved the ceremony into the Performing Arts Center. Ninety-eight students graduated in the May 16 ceremony.

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Jackson Academy’s first-grade students experienced the SOAR program for the first time last week, participating in a “boot camp” designed to teach teamwork and faith principles. Complementing armed forces classroom lessons, the activities emphasized the “Armor of God,” fostering physical and spiritual growth.

The SOAR program, known for its character-building initiatives, traditionally served older students. Started as a seventh grade rafting trip, SOAR now includes various activities for grades five through twelve, promoting faith, service, and leadership. The first graders’ boot camp marks an exciting beginning for several more years of SOAR adventures.

Led by Dean Arnold, the SOAR director, the boot camp offered interactive challenges each morning from Monday through Thursday at the Brickyard and basketball gym. This approach reinforced classroom lessons and provided a memorable introduction to SOAR, laying the foundation for future participation in JA’s outdoor learning experiences.

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Jackson Academy congratulates all students selected by their grade as beauties, beaus, and class favorites.

Junior Class Favorites 

(From back, left) James Chapman, Micah Wallace, Kendell Davis, Sherrod Cauthen, Josh Dockins, (front, left) Kennedy Harris, Aubrey Edmonson, Weathersby Dinkins, Elizabeth Nichols

Junior Beauty and Beau

(From back, left) Matt Thomas, John Thomas, Rhodes Robinson, Tripp Mosal, (front, left) Anna Adkins, Sophie Sosa, Ellen Morgan, Hayes Harrell

Sophomore Class Favorites

(From back, left) Cash Malouf, Crew Hassell, (front, left) Sadie Sandifer, Rosemary Adams, Ava Barbour (Not pictured: Dereon Albert)

Sophomore Beauty and Beau

(From back, left) Baird Kennedy, Camp Blunschi, Jamison Graham, (front, left) Chappell Lang, Caroline Quin, Madi Brewer

Freshmen Class Favorites

(From back, left) McNeil Meacham, Burwell Barton, (front, left) Liza Benner, Anna Holladay Craft

Freshmen Beauty and Beau 

(From back, left) Steven Hederman, Vaiden Taylor, (front, left) Miley Williams, Simmons Harrell

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Jackson Academy has a tradition of honoring the dedication and loyalty of its employees by acknowledging their years of service. Recognizing milestones in increments of five years, employees are given the chance to designate a contribution from JA to a cause meaningful to them in support of the school. Those who have served for 25 years or more are honored with a plaque and special recognition.

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In a special two-part event, Jackson Academy’s sixth graders teamed up with their first-grade buddies in the beloved “Book Buddies” program. After interviewing with the first graders earlier in the year, sixth graders worked hard to make personalized books, pouring their creativity into every word and picture. This collaborative effort not only honed their literary skills but also fostered lasting friendships across grade levels, echoing JA’s commitment to phonics-based learning – a tradition upheld since its founding in 1959.

Last Wednesday, at the PAC amphitheater, it all came together as sixth graders happily met up with their first-grade friends. They shared the books they made—filled with stories inspired by their younger buddies’ imaginations. The event showed how Jackson Academy brings students together to enjoy reading and friendship, no matter what grade they’re in.

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Family, teammates, fellow students, coaches, and faculty joined senior Lucy Lee this past week as she signed to continue her academic and athletic career at Sewanee – The University of the South. Her signing makes the eighth athletic signing for the senior class and more than 200 in JA history.

Currently ranked No. 3 in Girls 18s in Mississippi, she won the 6A singles title this year and served as captain of the JA varsity tennis team. She was the 6A doubles champion in 2022 and 2023. Lucy has been playing tennis for three years at JA. 

Lucy received the George Wilkinson Memorial Award from USTA Mississippi for exemplifying the qualities of composure under physical stress and emotional discipline in recognition of desire, integrity, perseverance, maturity, character, conduct, and appearance. In the classroom she has been on the honor roll and a member of the JA ACT 29+ Club.

Congratulations, Lucy!

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One of the most impactful JA senior ceremonies is JA’s Senior Chapel, which was held today. Seniors don caps and gowns and process into the Performing Arts Center holding hands with their Alpha & Omega buddies. 

The Alpha & Omega program pairs kindergarteners with seniors for mentoring and learning activities during the entire year, fostering lasting friendships. During chapel, kindergartners sang “Graduation (Friends Forever)” to the senior class. JA alumnus John Sharp Kirk ’15 delivered the chapel message. 

The Class of 2023 enjoyed a highly-anticipated senior week in April. On April 23, students received honors at Senior Awards Night on campus, followed by a dinner at the Country Club of Jackson. At the dinner, JA’s Distinguished Alumni of the Year award recipient John Scarbrough ’92 spoke to seniors about being wise decision makers.

Jackson Academy’s 98 seniors will participate in commencement ceremonies May 16 at the school’s outdoor stadium, The Brickyard. Ceremonies start at 7:30 p.m. Valedictorian Mallory Brooks and salutatorian Gautam Ray will address the senior class.

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Jackson Academy recently welcomed 25 middle school students and their families from Heritage Academy, Cathedral School, and Oak Hill Academy for the Spring 2024 JA Middle School Scholars’ Bowl Invitational. Scholars’ Bowl is an opportunity to test general knowledge in a competition setting. Coached by Brandon Richardson and Dawn Duncombe, the Middle School Scholars’ Bowl team has been preparing, practicing, and competing for the entire 2023-2024 school year.

The two JA teams totaled twelve sixth and seventh grade students, consisting of two captains, six players, and four alternates. The “A” Team was led by seventh grade captain AJ Duncombe, and the “B” Team was led by seventh grade captain Carson Lester. Each team participated in three lightning rounds, with four teams advancing to the semi-finals and two teams advancing to the finals.

The Scholars’ Bowl team participated in tournaments in Mobile, Alabama, at the MAIS state tournament in Pearl, Mississippi, and hosted the JA Spring Invitational. The team placed in the top 10 at the state competition and finished 3rd in the JA invitational.

Congratulations to the Middle School Scholars’ Bowl team on a fantastic year!

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Jackson Academy acknowledges and honors its Teachers of the Year every spring. The recognition is particularly noteworthy this year as it falls during National Teacher Appreciation Week. During the final chapel program on Tuesday, administrators called four teachers to the PAC stage where they formally expressed gratitude for the teachers’ dedicated service to the school. Faculty members vote for Teachers of the Year from among their peers by division.

Congratulations to the 2024 Teachers of the Year:

Upper School

Dee Ball
AP US Government
and AP History Teacher
35 Years of Service

Lower School

Jamie Wright
Second Grade Teacher
22 Years of Service

Middle School

Sarah Clark
Eighth Grade
History Teacher
11 Years of Service

Preschool

Courtney Bush
K4 Teacher 
8 Years of Service

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One of the anticipated evenings each year at JA is Senior Awards Night, held this past Tuesday. At this event, JA announces members of the Hall of Fame, Most Beautiful, Most Handsome, Beauties and Beaus, Mr. and Mrs. JA, and Class Favorites, among other academic, service, and student life awards. 

Awards were presented in the Performing Arts Center. The ceremony is followed by an evening at the Country Club of Jackson, where students enjoy a meal and hear a presentation from the Distinguished Alumni of the Year award recipient.

Jackson Academy welcomes eleven new seniors into the Hall of Fame based upon leadership, versatility in activities, service to JA, scholastic achievement, and an exemplary standard of integrity in all areas of school.

Miss Jackson Academy is Liles Williams, who received a pearl necklace from Albritons Jewelers, and Mr. Jackson Academy is Zyon McDowell, who received a custom made suit from Kinkade’s Fine Clothing. 

JA Most Beautiful is Lindsey Johnson and JA Most Handsome is Owen Bates.

Beauties and Beaus: (from left) Anna Kate Lucas, Rett Stringer, Lindsey Johnson, Owen Bates, Addison Tatum, Fisher Waldrop, Farrah Wilson, Charles Baker, Abby Fielder, Harper Mars

Senior Favorites: (from back, left) Danielle Wallace, Morgan Turner, Darbie Brewer, Mary Hampton Walker, Susanna Everett, Landry Lester, Kate Frost, Vivian Baker, Kendall Edmonson, Mallory Brooks, (front, left) Ford Childress, Tack Mahaffey, Bryan Eubank, Samuel Chustz, Zyon McDowell, Turner Denton, Lowe Sims, Nicholas Harris, Dre Terry, Baker Ebner (standing)

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