Jackson Academy Head of School Palmer Kennedy announced Friday that Marcy McDonald of Jackson will lead the Lower School beginning June 1, 2023. McDonald will fill the role currently held by Head of Lower School Sarah Love, who retires at the end of this academic year.

“I believe Marcy McDonald is going to be an incredible addition to the leadership team at Jackson Academy,” said Kennedy. “She will build upon the rich legacy of primary education that is a hallmark of JA while bringing a high degree of experience in curriculum and fostering excellent learning environments.” 

McDonald comes to JA with experience in the classroom and curriculum development. As an elementary math curriculum specialist for Rankin County School District, she has spent five years leading professional development and supporting teachers and administrators with kindergarten through sixth-grade math curriculum. In the Clinton Public Schools, she taught fourth grade for ten years and was active in school committees, spearheading fundraisers and events. 

A person who values relationship building, clear communication, organization, and time management, McDonald is drawn to how JA helps students grow into well-rounded, productive adults. “Jackson Academy has an excellent reputation for the quality of its teaching and the way it invests in its students from K3 to twelfth grade,” she said. “It is a place where teachers encourage students to reach their fullest potential while fostering growth in academics and other areas.” 

McDonald holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and two master’s degrees in elementary education and educational leadership from Mississippi College. Among her honors are the distinction of being named Clinton Public School District Teacher of the Year and a Metro Teacher of the Year in 2016. “I hope to be able to bring an energy and excitement to the Lower School while continuing the wonderful traditions and work ethic instilled in the students,” McDonald said. “I hope to build upon the foundation set by Mrs. Love and the teachers of an outstanding educational program for students for years to come.” 

A member of Pinelake Church, she has been a small group leader and participant, works with missions and special needs programs, and serves in the choir.

McDonald looks forward to working with the JA community in her new role. “One thing I love about JA is the atmosphere you feel on campus,” she said. “I could not be more excited to become invested in the families here. I will take great pride in calling myself a Raider alongside the wonderful students, parents, teachers, families, and alumni here at JA.”

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The College Board’s National African American Recognition Program has recognized Jackson Academy junior Zyon McDowell for his academic achievements at JA and outstanding performance on the PSAT. His work earned the National African American Recognition Award. The program invites eligible students to apply during their sophomore or junior year to receive the award at the beginning of the next school year.

Zyon says he is honored to receive this recognition and to represent the African American students at JA. “Everyday, I strive to work hard and do my best, and let God do the rest,” said Zyon.

Zyon has been active in show choir and won Most Outstanding Performer in the Deep South Classic. An honor roll student, Zyon was also inducted into the National Honor Society. This year, he will represent the junior class as a homecoming court member on September 23. 

The College Board recognition programs help students connect with universities and scholarships across the country by sharing their achievements in the College Board Student Search Service. About 1,500 four-year colleges use the College Board Student Search Service.

To learn more about this award, visit the College Board website by clicking here.

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The Lady Raider Volleyball team was voted the Best Volleyball Team in Mississippi by MaxPreps. Lakin Laurendine was also named the Best Player in the state of Mississippi. 

Coach Melissa Denson said the team doesn’t discuss accomplishments throughout the year. “I feel like when you focus on the rewards, you’re not getting ready for the next thing,” she said. “The younger ones talked about it and how cool it’s going to be a part of that one day.” But the varsity and JV teams do not talk about it. She says the team tries to focus on the present and work for what’s tomorrow, and she said they’ll talk about the accomplishments once the season is over. 

Denson says too much distraction can be a bad thing. Her girls are type A perfectionists, so she tries not to add any additional pressure, more than they already put on themselves. Denson also recently reached a milestone. She reached 200 wins in her coaching career, during JA’s defeat of Hartfield Academy 3-0 on August 18. These 200 career wins span her two years at Clinton High School and five years at JA. 

Senior Lakin Laurendine has received numerous accolades throughout the season thus far, like Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year. Lakin was named High School Volleyball Player of the Year by SBLive. The senior outside hitter was named a MaxPreps 1st team Preseason All-American. Lakin, among other seniors Mary Grace Foster and Ava Ladner, was named to the AVCA All-American Watch List. 

Denson says Lakin is an unreal player, and she can do it all. “She’s just one of those kids you’re going to miss as a person,” she said. “Yes, we’ll miss her athletically, but she has just grown into a strong, confident young lady who is friends with everyone and talks to everyone,” Denson says. Denson also says that Lakin is generally a positive person, and she’s easy to coach. Lakin cares about making those around her better, Denson explains. 

This past weekend, the team played in the SECIS tournament at the University of West Georgia, finishing 4-1 on the weekend to finish in second place in gold. The Lady Raiders will be in Tampa, FL, this Labor Day weekend, playing in the Nike Tournament of Champions.

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Associate Head of School for Student Life Jimmy Messer has announced the hiring of Jackson Academy’s director of the SOAR Outdoor Program. This initiative offers experiential out-of-classroom learning opportunities. Dean Arnold will begin his role leading JA’s signature program on September 7.

Arnold comes to JA with a Master of Science in sport and human performance and a Bachelor of Science in recreational administration from Delta State University. While completing his graduate degree, he served as a graduate assistant for communications in the DSU Athletic Department. He currently serves as the alumni engagement coordinator for DSU and previously was an admissions recruiter for the university.

“I’m very excited to add Dean Arnold to our staff,” said Messer. “His enthusiasm for the outdoors is contagious, and he has several great ideas that he feels will help us grow our SOAR program. Dean is a high-energy guy who can’t wait to get involved at JA.” 

JA’s SOAR Outdoor Program began as a seventh-grade rafting trip more than 40 years ago. The program has expanded to encompass outdoor activities from fifth through twelfth grade. 

The SOAR Outdoor Program provides a series of safe, adult-supervised activities that hone character, confidence, and competence. Students experience team building, develop leadership abilities, make new friends, and often step out of their comfort zones to take on new challenges. Students also deepen their spiritual life through immersion in God’s creation and leading and hearing devotions. 

The sense of adventure that students enjoy when they participate in SOAR activities isn’t merely for the outdoors. When students engage in SOAR Outdoor, they strengthen emotional and mental muscles that later translate to take on the challenges of adult life. 

Arnold will assume the position previously held by W.T. Taylor, Ph.D., who moved to the North to be closer to his family and new grandchild. Please join the JA community in welcoming Dean Arnold as JA’s new director of the SOAR Outdoor Program!

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Jackson Academy’s new Director of Choral Music, Garrett Lindsey, began preparations this summer for the showchoir and choral music seasons and the academic instruction accompanying them. In his role, he oversees Upper School choral music programs and the Upper School showchoir, Encore. Lindsey will direct the Middle School showchoir, Showtime, until the arrival of incoming Middle School Choral Director Emily Greene in January. 

Lindsey spent the last eight years at Jasper High School and Junior High School in Jasper, Alabama. During his tenure, he took the showchoir program into the competitive world of showchoir. He also established the Jasper Foothills Show Choir Classic, JHS’s regional showchoir competition.

Additionally, Lindsey advanced the school concert choir program, receiving numerous superior ratings during state assessment and having students selected for all-state choir and all-state show choir. Part of this success was due to Lindsey’s work with sixth through eighth grades, giving growth to the overall choral program.

In 2019, he was named the JHS Teacher of the Year for changing the culture and expectations of what a choral music program can be and for building the most diverse group of students on campus. His main daily goal is for his students to achieve more today than they thought possible yesterday. He holds the “hard work pays off” philosophy and always expects students to do their best simply because they can. At JA, he has observed a culture of mutual respect and a desire for everyone to succeed and be their best.

“I am thoroughly excited about coming to a place that values and expects excellence from every person, organization, and activity on campus,” he said. “A colleague of mine once said, ‘High expectations are a form of respect. People who do not expect respect from you do not respect you.’ This has stuck with me. Here at JA, I feel a culture of not just mutual respect but a desire for everyone to succeed, be their best, and make the best of it along the way. The support for the arts is second to none.”

In January, Emily Greene will begin her role as Middle School choral director. Greene has served as a choreographer for middle school, high school, and college showchoirs, including the University of Alabama, Albertville Middle School, Jasper High School, Tuscaloosa County High School, and Donelson Christian Academy. Greene served in 2022 as an instructor of fifth and sixth-grade participants in Summer Show-Offs. 

She will complete a Bachelor of Science in vocal music education in December from the University of Alabama. While there, she performed with the university’s showchoir, Resonance, and served as the group’s president in the 2019-20 school year. During her ninth through twelfth grade years at Jasper High school, Greene was taught by Garrett Lindsey while a member of the Jasper Encore Showchoir. She served as the group’s president.

At JA, she will teach fifth-grade music and work with the fall musical in addition to directing Showtime. “We are very excited to add Emily to our team,” said Associate Head of School for Student Life Jimmy Messer. “During the interview, we were impressed with her knowledge and energy. Our students will love her enthusiasm for showchoir and working with young people.” 

“Emily Greene will make a wonderful addition not only to the choral department but to the JA family,” said Lindsey. “Her energy, excitement, and passion, combined with her skill and expertise in music, make her stand out. I am very excited about the chance to work alongside her!”

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Jackson Academy is pleased to announce the basketball gym court that is currently being refurbished will now be named the Jan Sojourner Court. Work is underway and will continue throughout the month. This well-deserved honor for Coach Sojourner acknowledges her illustrious JA career of 37 years in which she has mentored and coached so many students, resulting in 1,000-plus wins.  

“We felt it only fitting that Coach Sojourner begin this next season with this special designation, and we look forward to our students, alums, parents, friends, and the athletic community at large celebrating with a formal dedication of the ‘Sojourner Court’ at the start of this year’s basketball season,” said JA Chair of the Board of Trustees Robert Hederman. “We plan to announce this date in early summer.”

Congratulations Coach Jan Sojourner, and go Raiders!

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Jackson Academy is excited to announce the hiring of Aubrey Blackwell as its new head football coach. Coach Blackwell spent last season at Benjamin Russell High School. Before Benjamin Russell, he built the program at Montgomery Catholic in Montgomery, Alabama, into a championship contender. Coach Blackwell led Catholic to a 54-19 record over six seasons, including appearing in the state championship game in 2020. Before he arrived at Catholic, the Knights had recorded only two winning seasons in 19 years. During his tenure, Coach Blackwell led the team to the playoffs his last five seasons and had seasons of 10, 11, and 12 wins. He also served one year as head baseball coach at Montgomery Catholic.

Associate Head of School for Student Life Jimmy Messer had these thoughts on the hiring of Aubrey Blackwell: “This is not just a home-run, this is a grand slam! I have known Aubrey for 12 years and worked with him for three years at St. Paul’s. He is not only an outstanding coach but a great human being. He helped totally change the culture at Montgomery Catholic during his time there while also winning football games. Our team will benefit from his influence on the field, in the weight room, in the classroom, and in the halls. He will be focused not only on coaching athletes in the game of football but also on preparing them for the game of life. I believe exciting times are ahead for JA Raider football and our entire athletic program!”

Before Catholic, he served as offensive coordinator at St. James in Montgomery for two years, leading the team to an 8-3 (6-1 region) record during his second season. Coach Blackwell also served as an offensive and defensive assistant at St. Paul’s in Mobile for three seasons, helping lead them to 32 wins in three years while also serving as an assistant varsity baseball coach. He has led offenses that have set records for overall offense, passing offense, and rushing offense during his career. Coach Blackwell has received numerous coach of the year awards.

Before returning to high school coaching, he spent time at the University of Montevallo and Campbell University as assistant baseball coach. He played college baseball at Central Alabama Community College and The University of Montevallo, where he was recently inducted into their athletic hall of fame. He is also a member of the hall of fame at Robert E. Lee High School, where he played quarterback and was a key member of the school’s baseball program.

Coach Blackwell is known for building great cultures in his programs and producing young men who learned the game of football and the game of life. He has overseen facility improvements at each of his stops, including helping to raise funds while doing much of the work himself. He is in high demand as a speaker on issues of coaching, faith, and culture and was selected in 2016 as one of Montgomery’s Outstanding Young Leaders by RSVP Magazine. He was also chosen as the University of Montevallo’s Kinesiology Alumnus of the Year for 2015.

When Coach Blackwell left for Benjamin Russell High School, Daniel Veres, athletic director at Montgomery Catholic said: “I would like to thank Coach Blackwell for all he has meant to Montgomery Catholic over the last six years. Everyone knows he is a fantastic football coach, but beyond that, he is the kind of man every single parent in this world would want to mentor their student. He is a great man, a great coach, and a great friend. I wish him all the best in the next step in his coaching journey.”

Coach Blackwell shared these thoughts about leading Raider football: “I am honored and excited to begin this new journey with the Jackson Academy family! I look forward to working diligently with our faculty, coaches, and community to help build a strong family atmosphere. Brandi, Will, Kayla, and I are ready to build relationships and be an integral part of the Raider community. I will strive daily to do all the small things necessary to develop young men of character, integrity, toughness, and faith. Together as one, we will develop a life-giving culture that we all will be very proud of and want for years to come. I look forward to meeting all of you very soon! Go Raiders!”

We are looking forward to introducing Coach Aubrey Blackwell, his wife Brandi, his son Will (fifth grade), and daughter Kayla (fourth grade) to the Jackson Academy family!

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On Jackson Academy’s campus, Kayla Vaughn Mosal is one of the school’s most familiar faces. As the director of admission, Mosal most days can be seen leading tours of visiting families throughout the 38-acre campus, which has been described as one of the finest school environments among the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools. She takes great care to convey the spirit of JA in all her communication with prospective students. 

Her work and community involvement were recognized April 28 when the Mississippi Business Journal announced its Top 40 Under 40. This annual program highlights the contributions of individuals in the state who have made a significant impact early in their careers. Mississippi Business Journal organized a luncheon at the Old Capitol Inn where recipients were honored.

Besides being a familiar face at Jackson Academy, Mosal exudes excitement about all things JA, genuinely striving to help prospective families determine the best fit for their children. As a leader of the admission team, she strives to model positivity, teamwork, and a strong work ethic, setting clear goals and priorities for the team. The staff members work with all matters of admission and retention, including event planning and execution, tours, and enrollment management strategies and tasks.

Mosal joined JA in 2012 as associate director of admission, a position she held until being named director in 2017. Before JA, Mosal was a teacher at another independent school. She also choreographed for the dance team there and has continued that work. Since 2007, she has choreographed and coached for more than 30 schools and private associations across Mississippi, including Rhonda Whitehead’s Studio of Dance, Mississippi Cheerleading Academy, Brandon High School, Germantown Middle School, and numerous independent schools and Distinguished Young Women programs.

Mosal completed a Bachelor of Science in elementary education at Mississippi State University and a Master of Science in health education at Mississippi University for Women. While at MSU, she was a member of the Mississippi State Pom Squad where she was captain in 2005 and 2006, a member of Phi Mu Sorority, and president of the MSU Reading Council.

Mosal is a member of Christ United Methodist Church, the Junior League of Jackson, and the Madison County Young Professionals. She has served as a volunteer for organizations such as the McLean Fletcher Grief Counseling Center, Stew Pot, and Jackson Public Schools reading and Backpack Buddies projects.

Originally from Kilmichael, Mississippi, Mosal and her husband, Dr. Seth H. Mosal, have two daughters who attend JA, second-grader Eva and first-grader Clara.

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Meredith Montgomery Travelstead, M.D. ’89 has been a champion for women’s health as a Jackson area OBGYN, supporting and educating women in all stages of life. As a leader in local and state medical associations, Travelstead has influenced those beyond her immediate practice of medicine. At JA, she has served as a mentor for students interested in medicine and as a role model and speaker for JA’s Upper School girls’ Bible study.

Last night, Jackson Academy honored Travelstead, naming her its most recent recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. Distinguished alumni are recognized annually at Senior Awards Night and address the graduating class at the awards banquet. Travelstead is the third recipient of the award.

Travelstead’s comments centered around making decisions. She discussed how parents and guardians had made careful choices for the seniors as they grew up. In the future, many choices will be theirs to make. She encouraged seniors to consider three crucial decision points: being thankful, using their struggles for good, and investing in others.

Decide to be thankful.

“Look at your past and appreciate all the many blessings given to you,” Travelstead encouraged. Give back, and make the world a better place, she said.

Decide to use your limp.

Travelstead referenced the Biblical story of Jacob, who wrestled with an angel of the Lord all night and, afterward, walked with a limp. She mentioned Job, who trusted God through struggle and loss, and Paul, who prayed that God would take away a “thorn in the flesh.” She advised students to seek wise counsel during struggles and learn from their experiences, using their own limp acquired during struggles to help others.

Decide to invest in people.

Travelstead encouraged students to look for divine appointments throughout their lives. She told a story where her family met a 20-year-old man who had become connected to City Church as a boy through a weekend food ministry at his apartment complex. After years of friendship, they discovered through his mother that Travelstead had been the doctor who delivered him. Ultimately, he greatly influenced her family and others at the church. 

“Sometimes, if you are looking, you can see God working in divine ways in your life,” she said. “Even more importantly, you can ask him to show you those divine appointments. You see them often by just being present, willing, and obedient.”

A Jackson native, Travelstead completed her undergraduate degree at Millsaps College, then earned her medical degree at the University of Mississippi Medical School. She also completed her internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology. She practices at The Woman’s Clinic in Jackson. Travelstead is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Medical Association, the Mississippi State Medical Association, the Central Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Mississippi Perinatal Association, and the Mississippi State Medical Association. Recently, Travelstead was named a Surgeon of Excellence in Robotic Surgery. She is a leader in her community, involved with organizations such as First Baptist Church and City Church.

She and her husband, Joel, have two current students at Jackson Academy, one senior, Reed, and one freshman, John, and a 2020 graduate, Will.

Click here to read Meredith Travelstead’s full speech.

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Associate Head of School for Student Life Jimmy Messer has announced that Jesse Taylor has been named head coach for varsity boys basketball at Jackson Academy. For the past three seasons, Taylor has coached seventh through twelfth grade boys basketball at JA as assistant varsity coach and as head coach for the junior high and junior varsity teams. 

“We are very excited that Jesse Taylor has accepted the role of head boys basketball coach,” said Messer. “Jesse is a talented basketball coach who has been very successful with our JV program. But more than that, he is a builder of young men. He lives out our mission statement every day as he nurtures, inspires, and equips our student athletes to be the best basketball players they can be, and as a spiritual leader, he helps them discover their purpose. We believe Jesse is the right individual at the right time for JA basketball.” 

Taylor earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mississippi College, where he was a starter with the Choctaws, leading the conference three point percentage and serving as captain of the MC basketball team. At Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee, he was also team captain, the three-point leader for the conference, and a top six scorer among the community college teams in the state. 

During his college years, he was named Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, to Phi Theta Kappa, and was a Dean’s List honoree. He earned additional scholar-athlete awards, including one for holding the highest grade point average. He is a graduate of McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

During his years coaching at JA, Taylor has led the JV basketball team to a 54-14 record, with two consecutive JV state championship appearances and a 2020-21 JA state championship win. His work with the varsity team included positional skill training, preparation of game plans, defensive strategy and offensive guard floor coaching, and organizing camps. 

“Jackson Academy has a passion for excellence in academics and athletics that is second to none,” said Taylor. “My core belief is that basketball is the platform God has given me to lead youth into adulthood.” Taylor sees his role as one that models a life of faith, shepherds student-athletes as they grow into young adults, and brings them together to work toward the common goal of winning games. 

“My chief aim is to carry on the Raider tradition of passion, dedication, and leadership in the basketball program for years to come,” said Taylor. “It is an honor to be a Raider.” 

Please join JA in welcoming Head Coach Jesse Taylor and his family as he assumes this new role at Jackson Academy.

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