APRIL 18 ISSUE / 2022-2023

Seniors Hear Words of Encouragement on Signing Day

Last week, an Academic Signing Day took place for the seniors who are attending colleges and universities throughout the United States. Of the 22 students who participated in this signing day, six had also signed athletic scholarships. Each spring, JA holds a series of signing ceremonies for students who accept academic scholarships at universities and colleges in the state and outside of the state.

Former U.S. Representative Gregg Harper, who served Mississippi's 3rd Congressional District from 2009-2019, spoke to the Upper School students Wednesday, sharing life advice to seniors who are embarking on their college careers soon. He reminded the students that God directs their paths, and with great opportunity comes great responsibility.

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Perfect Weather Boosts Spirits at Field Day

This year’s Lower School Field Day was a great success. The event was hosted on Friday, April 14. Kindergarten through fourth grade students met on the football field for activities that challenged their strength, speed, balance, mind, and endurance. The day brought perfect weather for the excited Raiders to spend some time in the sun. 

Students, faculty, and parents were on hand for the highly anticipated event. The games started around 9:00 a.m. with first through fourth graders. Games included throwing a football, a relay race, a balloon pop, a three-legged race, an egg and spoon race, and tug-of-war. 

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Raiders Assist with Tornado Relief in Rolling Fork

A group of Jackson Academy Raider athletes and coaches assisted friends in need in Rolling Fork last week. JA parent Austin Barbour worked with the city to connect the JA group with families who had requested assistance with tornado damage at their homes.

The students and coaches moved trees and metal buildings, repaired fences, bagged at least 30 bags of trash, and moved debris to pick-up locations. Of the seven families assisted, three were disabled, three were elderly, and the other was already working multiple jobs and didn't have time. 

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Click to view the full 2022-23 school calendar

At Jackson Academy, There's Always Someone to Look Up To

Jackson Academy has pioneered many signature programs in its nearly 65 years, striving for a balance of tried-and-true methods of education and innovation. JA’s stable, experienced educational environment, filled with teachers who truly care about students individually, helps explain why so many parents choose JA for their families. Within JA’s nurturing and spiritual community, the school seeks always to inspire and equip students to live lives of purpose and significance.

Lemonade at Carpool Brightens the Day

Last Wednesday’s afternoon carpool was sweeter than ever. On April 12, Raising Cane’s on County Line Road and Jackson Academy Student Ambassadors joined together to deliver refreshing lemonade. So at pick-up time, parents were greeted with their happy Raider and lemonade. Thank you, Raising Cane’s!

Students Learn about Animals' Habitats

The second grade had an animal parade last week. Each student had an animal and created the habitat where their animal lives. The entire Lower School gathered around the playground for a little trip to see animals around the world. 

Students Face Faculty for Project Impact

Last Wednesday, the Middle School Student Council brought back a student-faculty competition with a fundraiser at break. Middle School participants challenged faculty to an egg roll, where they rolled an Easter Egg with a spoon in their mouths from the 40 yard-line across the 50. No hands were allowed. The MSSC had donation baskets to pass around at the event. Upper School students joined to watch the event. The money collected will go to a local program--Project Impact--that works with families who have autistic children.

Video Highlights Spring Retreat

JA senior Samuel Long captured highlights of the JA Spring Retreat, which returned this year. The student organizers who helped bring back the JA Spring Retreat were Gracie Drew Pratt, Kendall Ross, Landry Lester, and Adams Kennedy. Then, there were many junior and senior leaders and families who provided host homes for the weekend event. For a taste of the experience students enjoyed, watch this video produced by Samuel.

The Letter "T"

Our youngest Raiders learned about the letter “T” last week. To conclude the week of all things “T,” they had to check out the Raider Network truck. The Raider Network team showed the Preschoolers the equipment inside the truck and informed them how the equipment is used.

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JA Celebrates Gatorade Player of the Year

Join JA Friday at 10 a.m. in the gymnasium for a gathering to celebrate senior volleyball player Lakin Laurendine’s selection as a Gatorade Player of the Year. Lakin is a two-time recipient of the honor, which recognizes students who excel in a sport and also academically. She is an Auburn commit.

Volunteers Needed for Senior Field Day

Come have fun and assist with Senior Field Day. The field day will be a blast! Be on the lookout for an update on times. Email darnold@jacksonacademy.org if you are interested in helping out!

Senior Field Day | May 9 | Raider Park

Raiders in the Community

Mary Peyton Barnette was selected to be a member of the Mayor’s Youth Council for the city of Gluckstadt. Members of the Mayor’s Youth Council work to strengthen their community while developing individual leadership skills. Working with adult mentors on various initiatives, they contribute a young person’s perspective to projects, learn how local government works, and get a taste of serving alongside municipal leaders. The Gluckstadt Mayor’s Youth Council was established in 2022. Congratulations, Mary Peyton!

Look for more upcoming stories about JA student leaders in the community.

Indoor Obstacle Course Makes Rainy Days Fun in K3

Rainy days don't take the Raider play away. Last week, the Preschool building was full of excitement and cheer. This indoor obstacle course is a favorite for all the students.

Summer Camps Registration Now Open

Jackson Academy Summer Camps have something for everyone, from rising sports or stage stars to future artists and scientists. With more than 30 camps to choose from, there is fun to be had by all rising K4 through twelfth graders. Camps are open to JA and non-JA students. Lunch Club is also available for campers attending both a morning and an afternoon camp.

Visit jacksonacademy.org/summer-camps to see all the camps we have planned this year. Sign up by May 1 and get 5% off with the code EarlyBird at checkout! Walk-ups are still accepted, but we encourage you to sign up early to guarantee your spot.

You're Invited to a Band Concert!

Monday Brings Mugs for Cum Laude Students

This Monday, Cum Laude students were honored with mugs that included their names. During break by the flagpole, doughnuts, juice, and coffee were given out to show JA’s appreciation for these extraordinary students. Congratulations, Cum Laude members!

Fun Monday in French Class

Yesterday, students joined in groups to show their prepared French sandwich, the baguette. The sandwiches were toasted up in a small oven, sliced, and served to see who had prepared the best French dish. Faith Wicks prepared the winning sandwich, and is joined here by French teacher Zoubir Tabout, and the judge, Head of Upper School Brandi Richardson.

Senior Skirts for College

On Friday, these senior girls proudly displayed their future college imprinted on their JA uniform skirts. JA is so proud of all of the seniors! Senior week starts next week!

Don't Miss the Spring Play This Weekend

Rising Senior Parent Meeting: May 7

There will be a Rising Senior Parent Meeting on Sunday, May 7, at 4:00 p.m. in the Learning Commons. The meeting will cover important senior dates, special events, senior portraits, senior fees, volunteer opportunities, a new website dedicated to senior year, and more. Please see the email sent out this morning for more information.

Save the Date: A Blue & White Night on Saturday, August 12, 2023

Join us for A Blue & White Night on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at the Country Club of Jackson. This is a special evening of fellowship and fundraising to help our school achieve its academic goals. This year's event will be sure to impress! The fun night will feature 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!

Class Notes

JA is currently collecting information for Class Notes in the next issue of True Blue. The Class Notes section features milestones in the lives of our many alumni. Click the button below to submit your Class Notes online. For samples from past issues, check out the JA magazines here.

Alumni Spotlight

It was a big weekend for JA alumni. Our graduates were recognized by America’s most prestigious academic honor society, named to top honors at their universities, and achieved notable athletic success!

Phi Beta Kappa inducted three 2019 JA graduates into the chapter at Ole Miss: Skylar Alexander, Camille Couey, and Gabrielle Morris. The honor is considered selective, with only 10 percent of U.S. colleges and universities granted a chapter and fewer than 10 percent of students on that campus invited to join.

The University of Mississippi inducted Logan Thomas '19 and Preston McWilliams '19 into the university’s Hall of Fame (watch video).

Dakota Jordan '22 delivered a walk-off at the MSU-Ole Miss baseball game. No. 42’s two-run single in the ninth inning, which cinched the 8-7 win for the Bulldogs, occurred on Jackie Robinson Day (watch video).

Alumni news can be sent to Frances Bussey at fbussey@jacksonacademy.org.