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In first grade, Sandon Guild remembers being fascinated by how software programs worked. This year, the Jackson Academy senior has created two apps that have been granted copyrights and are in the App Store with a third app submitted for approval.
When JA eleventh grader Olivia Claire Williford began looking for summer internships, she never imagined she would end up in Quantico, Virginia at the FBI National Academy Associates’ Youth Leadership Program.
Rising junior Jeffrey Gao of Madison has been named a Jernberg Scholar for the 2021-2022 school year. Jackson Academy awards this scholarship to current and incoming students who enhance their school community through academic excellence and character. The scholarship honors JA President Emeritus Peter Jernberg, who significantly influenced independent education during his career in education that included 26 years at JA.
JA conducted graduation ceremonies in the Brickyard for the second year in a row, a location that was precipitated by the pandemic, but quickly was asked to become a tradition. At 7 p.m., the ceremony opened with Faculty Member Chris Tucker carrying the school banner onto the field. Administrators, faculty members, and seniors followed, processing from the west end of the field to the east before taking their seats.
For Senior Chapel each spring, the graduating students don their caps and gowns for the first time and, holding their Alpha and Omega friends by the hand, parade into a school chapel service for the last time. There’s nothing like this mentorship program. JA kindergartners have the opportunity to engage people older than them, which provides priceless self-confidence and many fun memories. Meanwhile, the seniors remember their experiences from elementary school and see the proof that they’ve grown into young men and women who are ready for the next chapter of their lives.
The Book of Kells at Trinity College in Dublin is a treasured series of lavishly illustrated Latin manuscripts of the Gospels. The Greek island, Oia, is one of the most photographed places on the planet. These iconic sights are on the itineraries of JA’s two upcoming study abroad trips.
Priyadarshini “Priya” Ray is no stranger to accolades. The Jackson Academy Class of 2021 valedictorian won a place in the JA Hall of Fame, as a National Merit Finalist and STAR Student, and now adds recognition as a Jackson Free Press Amazing Teen to her growing resume of accomplishments. Having reaped the rewards of academic excellence throughout her years at JA, Priya continually reflect the spotlight directed at her toward classmates and teachers she leaned on and supported.
Jackson Academy’s Ducks Unlimited Chapter took top awards at the annual Ducks Unlimited Banquet Friday evening at McLain Lodge. The Duck Bowl is a fundraising competition held throughout the year between Jackson Academy and Jackson Prep. JA’s chapter raised more than $23,000 for Ducks Unlimited through its annual banquet and spring raffle. Ducks Unlimited uses funds raised for wetlands preservation, conservation, and education throughout North America.
“What is your favorite breed of moose?” Interesting questions filled the amphitheater last week as fourth graders interviewed Upper School Sports Broadcasting students as a part of their writing curriculum.
Jackson Academy is pleased to announce that K-12 educator and school leader Brandi Richardson will serve JA as head of Upper School beginning with the 2021-22 school year. From Grand Bay, Alabama, Richardson is currently the Upper School director at Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile. She assumes leadership of JA’s Upper School on June 1, 2021.