A whirlwind of events made homecoming weekend one of the most exciting times on the JA campus as the school acknowledged its 65th anniversary. Throughout the week, students dressed in themes leading up to Friday’s Spirit Day and homecoming festivities.
Friday morning the Upper School students competed in the first Clash of the Classes, a field day type activity to raise funds for Children’s of Mississippi.
Following that, K2-twelfth, faculty/staff, and families gathered for the pep rally, where maids, escorts, and attendants entered The Brickyard on decorated golf carts. Each set was presented to a theme of a historical time period, such as the 1920s, 1940s, and the future. First grade court attendants, cheered by their first grade classes, accompanied the maids and escorts.
Festivities continued that evening as everyone enjoyed house parties and a homecoming parade on Sheffield Drive. Maids and escorts rode from Raider Park to the main campus, accompanied by JA’s spirit teams, ending the parade at The Brickyard.
Members of the football team of 2004 joined the Raiders on the field for the coin toss. Team members present were David Barrett ‘05, Kenny Ellis ‘06, Jay Jernigan ‘06, Brian Monaghan ‘06, Martin Miller ‘05, and Will Russell ‘05. Kick-off was at 6:30 as the Raiders met Madison St. Joe. At halftime, JA presented the homecoming court. Crowned as queen was Anderson Ueltschey, who was escorted to the field by her father, Michael Ueltschey ‘98 on the field by fellow senior Sherrod Cauthen.
The Raiders defeated Madison St. Joe 56-7. After the game, tenth through twelfth grade students enjoyed a homecoming dance at The Old Capital Inn.
During the weekend, alumni gathered at the game and also for reunions and tours of the campus. Tours gave alumni a view of the many changes since their days at JA, including the new Middle School building, the Tech Center, the Plaza, and the Performing Arts Center.
To get a feel for the atmosphere and community of a JA Homecoming, watch the highlight video!
