The Jackson Academy Association (JAA) is the parent organization of the school that raises funds to support classroom and extracurricular activities. One of the JAA’s fundraising events, A Blue & White Night, will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023, at the Country Club of Jackson.

During the ABWN silent auction, families bid on a wide array of items, such as art, clothing, jewelry, decor, trips, and creative experiences. Two students recently participated in the creative experiences offered through the silent auction – serving as Head of School for the Day and Lower School Assistant Head for the Day.

Tybell Steadman, second grader, was the Lower School Assistant Head for the Day last week. She greeted students before school, read the morning message over the intercom, met with Head of School Palmer Kennedy, and helped with afternoon carpool. 

Mason Reeves, second grader, was the Head of School for the Day today. He started the day greeting students at carpool with Palmer Kennedy, visited the Head of School’s office, ate lunch together, then accompanied the Head of School, who spoke to his class. 

Through ABWN and other events, the JAA raises funds for the entire school. The ABWN committee invites all JA families to come together on August 12 for an amazing silent auction, fabulous food, and the first-ever corn hole tournament (more information on how to sign up for this fun tournament is forthcoming).

Sponsorship opportunities are now available by clicking the button below. We thank you for your support of the JAA and hope to see you there!

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Dear Jackson Academy Community, 

It’s a great time to be a Raider! Over the past few weeks, JA hosted our largest-ever JASI Show Choir Invitational, the Quiz Bowl team won the Mississippi Academic Competition and advances to the National Competition in May and June, both boys and girls Junior Varsity basketball teams won the MAIS 6A state championship, and SOAR students went rock climbing on a trip to Oxford. Then last week, JA formally announced the expansion of our school’s offerings to include a K2 program. All of this and more happened while incredible learning took place – as it does each and every day.

As our facilities improve and grow, we all know that our greatest asset and resource is our faculty and staff and the work they do to serve our student-centered mission. JA looks to build upon its stellar reputation as the preferred educational leader not only in the Jackson metro area but in our state and region as well. 

As Head of School, I have three mission-centered considerations at all times.

• Respect and preserve our culture and the foundational elements of our past
• Ensure that every student is known and loved as we seek excellence for the here and now
• Prepare for a changing and challenging future

With these thoughts in mind, I am most happy to announce that Brandt Walker and Aubrey Blackwell will soon assume co-leadership for our athletic programming as Director of Athletic Operations and Director of Athletic Enrichment. Both of these character-filled men appreciate the role that athletics play in the lives of our young ladies and gentlemen and have a deep understanding for the interdependence of all academic and co-curricular programing. 

Brandt previously coached football and track and taught Upper School history at Copiah Academy and Jackson Prep. Currently in his sixth year at JA, he has served in a variety of coaching and administrative capacities, including overseeing the daily operations of JA’s athletic department the last two years.  

Aubrey joined Raider Nation this year as our varsity football head coach. Prior to coming to JA, Aubrey served in roles as varsity head football coach and Athletic Director in Alabama. Aubrey will continue to lead our varsity football team in addition to teaming up with Brandt. 

At Jackson Academy, we seek to offer a transformational experience for all levels of athletics and focus on both the short game, the varsity experience, and the long game – to provide the enthusiasm and structure for youth development that enhances a sense of community and builds a strong program for years to come.

Under this new structure, Coaches Walker and Blackwell will be responsible for all athletic endeavors ranging from the expansion of our existing programs to new and innovative programming unique only to JA. Both recognize the importance of having clarity and delineation of the primary roles and responsibilities. For insight into this new structure and their thoughts and vision for Raider Nation, visit GoRaiders.org (scroll down to the Featured section) for an in-depth interview with these coaches led by Bryan Eubank.

Detailed information concerning changes in leadership in JA’s Student Life and Performing and Visual Arts programming will be announced in the coming weeks. These past few months have identified a heightened understanding of these areas alongside the sheer talent and drive of our students and faculty in these areas. Be assured that we are laser focused on these mission-critical areas of our school as they are an integral part of JA’s bright and bold future. 

I am truly excited about what is in store for our community and I will finish where I started. The state of Jackson Academy is exceptionally strong, and I thank you for your trust and support. My best to you and your family as we finish this school year and prepare for exciting years ahead at JA!

Go Raiders!

Palmer Kennedy
Head of School

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Students look forward to moments when teachers allow them to be leaders. Today at Jackson Academy, third grader Caroline Reeves served as the leader, not just for her class but for the whole school. 

Caroline’s day as head of school came about through the Jackson Academy Association’s event, A Blue & White Night, where JA constituents bid on items in a silent auction. One auction item is the experience “Head of School for the Day.”

Caroline’s leadership began early, greeting JA’s Preschool and Lower School students as they arrived in the car pool. Actual JA Head of School Palmer Kennedy modeled how to meet others, look them in the eye, smile, and wish them a great day! Caroline then visited the administration building, meeting staff and learning about divisions that advance the school through financial management, fundraising, alumni relations, recruitment, and marketing. These behind-the-scenes areas manage the resources needed to enable faculty to offer an exceptional academic environment and product.

Caroline also met Associate Head of Student Life Jimmy Messer and Head Fastpitch Softball Coach Tyler Parvin, who gave her some batting tips. At the Raider Dome, Caroline talked with Head Girls Basketball Coach Jan Sojourner and basketball players.

The day was quite full and provided Caroline with a good idea of what it’s like to be in charge of an organization. After a busy first day as head of school, Caroline had learned and practiced one expression a senior leader sometimes says when asked for a decision on the spot: “I’ll think about it.”

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Jackson Academy supporters gathered Thursday evening to honor Head of School Jack Milne and his wife Caroline for their service to the school. The group gathered at 6:30 in the Performing Arts Center Gallery for hors d’oeuvres. During the gathering time, the group looked at initial renderings of the proposed building projects for JA’s capital campaign, “Investing In Our Mission,” currently in the leadership phase.

Following the viewing of upcoming school enhancements, guests enjoyed a dinner held on the stage of the PAC. JA’s 2017-19 Board of Trustees Chair Greg Johnston commented about Milne’s time at JA, including his accepting the Board’s invitation to become the head of school at the beginning of 2018, after initially coming to JA in 2017 to serve as vice president and dean of the school.

Current Board of Trustees Chair Scott Pedigo closed out the evening with comments about accomplishments during Milne’s leadership of JA, which included his emphasis on character development that resulted in the creation of an honor code and student-led Honor System.  He also oversaw the school through a flood threat and guided JA’s return to in-person learning after distance instruction during the current pandemic. Pedigo presented a vintage hunting duck decoy in appreciation for Milne’s service to JA to add to Milne’s collection. 

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The Board of Trustees of Jackson Academy announced Thursday that W. Palmer Kennedy has been named the next Head of School. He will join JA in July of 2021.

Kennedy’s 36-year career as an independent school educator encompasses roles as headmaster of Advent Episcopal School in Birmingham and St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Mobile, and as Director of Upper School at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Mobile, in addition to administrative, athletic director, and teaching roles at St. Paul’s.

He holds a Master of Arts in history from the University of South Alabama and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Mobile. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in economics and history from the University of South Alabama and completed the British Studies Program at the London School of Economics.

Click to read more about Kennedy, his family, and the Head of School search.

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Right before the players teed off, our broadcasting class was welcomed to The Country Club of Jackson by PGA Tour Media Official Doug Milne, nephew to Head of School Jack Milne. Milne led the students and his uncle through a maze of trucks and cables to catch a behind-the-scenes look at the Sanderson Farms Championship. The students toured the NBC Sports broadcast truck, learning from Director Jesse Wesp about the day-to-day work of coordinating coverage for the PGA TOUR. Over 100 people work together for NBC to produce the golf tournament coverage that plays across screens worldwide. Wesp described several unique challenges that golf presents in sports broadcasting, from the length of the tournaments to the length of the courses, which often stretch across 10-15 square miles! When tournaments happen in Hawaii, the broadcast trucks must be shipped across the ocean one month ahead of time. Upon hearing about what Raider Network allows students to learn and practice, Wesp said, “We’d love to have you guys out here. We’re always looking for people.”

After seeing the broadcast truck, Milne led the students to the media room, explaining how information flows from the golf course to the TV screen as the group walked. In sharp contrast to the hard work of the camera crew spread throughout the course in the heat, reporters sit quietly in the cool of the media room to write and fact-check. While showing the students the media room, Milne told them that he had not intended to work in golf broadcasting. Early in his career, he was hired by the newly formed PGA tour department at NBC. Twenty-eight years later, he has served in the roles of writer, producer, and media official with the tour, and says “It’s a great time to be in this industry.”

The students enjoyed their visit to the PGA event, and glimpsed the vast number of jobs that exist within the world of professional broadcasts. Representatives from the media spoke highly of Raider Network, which presents our students with the opportunity to make informed decisions if they choose to pursue careers in the field of broadcasting. NBC Director Jesse Wesp left the students with one final piece of insight, saying, “It’s not what you know in TV, it’s how hard you work. People notice that.”

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Head of School Jack Milne stepped back into his role as history teacher last week when he brought to fourth grade classes a 227-year-old deed signed by Thomas McKean, who also signed the Declaration of Independence. The students were in the midst of a history unit on George Washington and the Revolutionary War. Milne, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Vanderbilt University, showed them the document and discussed George Washington’s role in the war. He also brought copies of the Declaration of Independence with him, challenging students to find Thomas McKean’s signature. “Maybe he misspelled his name,” one student exclaimed during their search. Students eventually found McKean’s signature on the declaration, spelled “ThoMcKean.”

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“I am honored and excited about this new opportunity,” Jack said. “I sincerely believe that the best years of Jackson Academy are ahead, and I look forward with great anticipation to playing a part in helping advance the mission of the school in working with students to develop lives of purpose and significance.”

Jack and his wife, Caroline, live in the Sheffield community. “Caroline and I are so grateful for the enthusiastic welcome and support we have received from parents, staff, students, and our Sheffield Drive neighbors. We give thanks daily for our decision to come here to this great school and community.”

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Jack Milne assumed the role of Jackson Academy Head of School January 1. Jack came to JA on June 1 as Vice-President and Dean of School. Over the summer, he was named Head of School by the Board of Trustees following the announcement that former Head Cliff Kling had accepted an offer to lead the Gulliver Schools in Coral Gables, Florida.

“I am honored and excited about this new opportunity,” Jack said. “I sincerely believe that the best years of Jackson Academy are ahead, and I look forward with great anticipation to playing a part in helping advance the mission of the school in working with students to develop lives of purpose and significance.”

Jack and his wife, Caroline, live in the Sheffield community. “Caroline and I are so grateful for the enthusiastic welcome and support we have received from parents, staff, students, and our Sheffield Drive neighbors. We give thanks daily for our decision to come here to this great school and community.”

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Chair of the Jackson Academy Board of Trustees, Gregory M. Johnston, announced yesterday that school President Cliff Kling has accepted the position as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Gulliver Schools effective January 1, 2018. Jack F. Milne has been unanimously selected by the Board of Trustees to succeed Kling and lead Jackson Academy as Head of School beginning January 1.

Gulliver is the fifth largest school in the National Association of Independent Schools serving over 2,200 students on four campuses in Coral Gables, Pinecrest, and Miami, Florida.

“It is a testament to the high caliber of Jackson Academy’s leadership team that our President would be selected to lead one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious independent schools,” said Johnston. “We wish Cliff the greatest success in his new position.”

Kling has served Jackson Academy for over 17 years, first as Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel, and he is currently serving in his fourth year as President. His contributions to the school have been immense and include spearheading land acquisition to double the size of the main campus; overseeing the design and construction of over $25 million of campus improvements; providing financial leadership to facilitate the implementation of JA’s Apple one-to-one program; implementing a STEM curriculum and installing three STEM labs; leading the processes of creating a new mission statement, branding identity, and a new crest; negotiating the refinancing of JA’s bond indebtedness at a savings of $165,000 per year; and working with the development office staff to raise record amounts in the JA Annual Fund, including over $420,000 this past school year.

“I am so grateful for my many years at Jackson Academy, and I will always love this school,” said Kling. “JA has afforded me such incredible opportunities for both personal and professional growth. I’ve had the privilege of working with the finest colleagues anyone could hope to have. Our school is blessed with great students, wonderful families, and an incredible faculty and staff. Heather and I are especially grateful for the many teachers who have nurtured, inspired, and equipped our daughters who have attended JA since they were three years old.”

Milne joined JA June 1 as Vice President and Dean of the School, the senior administrator overseeing academics, arts, athletics, and student life.

“Jack Milne was the obvious and clear choice following so closely after the national search process that we conducted last year, which resulted in our hiring him for the role of Vice President and Dean of the School. We considered many high-quality candidates during our search, including sitting heads of school. Even with such outstanding candidates, Jack stood out head and shoulders above the other candidates. We recognized when we hired Jack that he has the skills, qualities, and attributes to lead a school as Head of School. More than that, we recognized what a great fit Jack is for JA, and his time on campus since joining us has certainly confirmed that,” said Johnston. “Jackson Academy is in an enviable position of leadership succession with its next Head of School already on campus, which will allow Cliff to spend this semester working with Jack to continue to orient him to Jackson Academy and the responsibilities of leading the school.”

Milne came to Jackson Academy after serving as a teacher, Middle School Head, and Associate Head at the Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida where he served for 17 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Vanderbilt University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida College of Law.  The Bolles School is a selective boarding and day school serving 1,750 students in grades PK to 12 on three campuses. He taught Economics, Economics and the Law, and U.S. History for four years before becoming Associate Head of School for Student Life. After 10 years as Associate Head, during which time he continued to teach, he was tapped to lead the Middle School campus. In 2004, he was awarded The Bolles School Dewan Teaching Fellow Award. Among numerous areas of service, he was faculty sponsor of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, board member of the Boy Scouts, president of the Jacksonville Historical Society, chair of the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board, vestry of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and trustee and chair of the Board of Trustees for St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School.

“When Caroline and I first set foot on the Jackson Academy campus, we could immediately sense that this was an energetic, progressive, caring, student-centered school,” said Milne. “I am grateful and deeply humbled at the trust that has been placed in me by the Trustees. I have learned a great deal under Cliff’s leadership and look forward to the next several months working with him in preparation for this critically important role. Caroline and I have been made to feel so welcomed by JA and the broader Jackson community and are excited about our future years with the school and in our new hometown.” Milne and his wife Caroline reside on Sheffield Drive near the school. They are the parents of three adult children.

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