Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced this month that Jackson Academy seniors Bess Borne and Macy Garrard are semifinalists in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
“Bess and Macy represent the kind of academic curiosity and discipline that defines Jackson Academy students,” said Head of Upper School Kyle Nichols. “This recognition reflects years of hard work, and our whole faculty is celebrating alongside them.”
“The National Merit process is rigorous. It rewards strength in reading, writing, and math built up over years, not just one test,” Nichols said. “Bess and Macy are tremendous students who contribute greatly to the culture of our school, and we are so proud of all their accomplishments.”
Bess and Macy have maintained a consistent course load of Advanced Placement and Honors courses, earning recognition as AP Scholars with Distinction. They have posted standout ACT scores, with Macy at a 36 ACT Composite and Bess at a 35 ACT Composite with a 36 Superscore. Both were inducted into the Cum Laude Society, an honor society present at only four schools in Mississippi.
Active in numerous co-curricular programs that supplement their academic pursuits, they are also highly involved in sports and service to their community and school.
Bess Borne
As co-president of the JA Interact Club and an active volunteer, Bess has been instrumental in leading fundraisers, coordinating food and nutritional supplement drives, reducing stigma surrounding mental health, and tutoring youth. She has worked with programs such as Cancer Kids First Club, the City of Ridgeland Mayor’s Youth Council, the Mississippi Prenatal Nutrition Project, and Vision Walk for the Fighting Blindness Foundation. Her volunteerism earned her a Goodwill Salute Volunteer Award.
Other leadership includes serving on campus as a JA Student Ambassador and a weekly tutor of Middle School students, and off campus with the Mississippi Children’s Museum President’s Leadership Circle and as a page at the Mississippi State Capitol.
JA’s focus on blending academic excellence with well-rounded pursuits has influenced her. “I love the balance between academics and athletics at JA. I enjoy studying around my friends in the morning for a test, then going to a packed baseball game later that night,” Bess said. “I have loved the various experiences JA has had to offer me, and I would encourage a younger student to get involved with as much as possible and take school seriously because it pays off! I have developed a strong work ethic, and my teachers have stimulated and encouraged me to work and do my best.”
Retired faculty member Dee Ball’s AP U.S. History class had a major impact on Bess. “I love Mrs. Ball, and I learned so much from her class as someone who has always enjoyed history,” she said.
Bess has been part of five state championships as a JA Accent, and she was elected an officer by her peers her senior year. She helps choreograph routines for her team and the JV team, and she’s been honored as an MAIS All-Star in dance.
“My favorite activity at JA is being a part of the Accents, especially this year as an officer,” Bess said. “The excitement of marching out at halftime and winning state championships at the Coliseum are feelings I will never forget.”
Macy Garrard
Macy Garrard’s academic experience at JA has been shaped by the school’s college-preparatory environment built to challenge students academically while developing the whole person. Active in teams such as the MSMS Mathematics Competition Team and Mu Alpha Theta Math Competition Team since eighth grade, she now serves as president of Mu Alpha Theta. Macy provides leadership at school through roles such as the Student Ambassadors, the JA Honor Council, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Lead Team.
Faculty member Jacob Sullivan and his AP Biology class have been especially influential for Macy, shaping her future plans. “He makes everything interesting, and he’s such a genuinely kind and encouraging person that it makes you want to do well in his class,” Macy said. “He’s a major part of the reason I’m interested in majoring in some sort of biology-related field in college.”
JA’s ability to emphasize three important experiences of education — academics, arts, and athletics — makes it a special place for Macy. “I love the balance,” she said. “Everyone has a place, and the staff at JA put a lot of effort into making sure each student can become the best version of themselves, whether it’s as an athlete, student, or performer!”
The community benefits from Macy’s energy as she tutors kindergarten-through-sixth-grade students each Monday in downtown Jackson. As a member of the advisory board for Harbor Day School Youth, she connects with families of children with special needs and also assists with fundraisers. She currently serves as president of Cancer Kids First Club, which has brought relief to pediatric cancer patients through fundraisers, toy drives, care packages, and awareness events.
She offers her time to numerous other service organizations, both on and off campus. “I love volunteering with Education Matters Tutoring at Stewpot and being able to witness JA students’ impact on the younger kids,” Macy said.
Macy can be spotted across JA’s campus as a vocalist on JA’s Chapel Worship Team and in soccer, Accents, track and field, and cross country. On the varsity soccer team since seventh grade, she’s had the joy of being part of the MAIS Futures All-Star Team and an overall state championship. In dance, she’s been named an MAIS All-Star and has been part of several Accent state championship wins. Being part of the soccer and Accents teams ranks among Macy’s favorite experiences at JA. The long practices, bus rides, and games have brought the teams close, giving her a built-in support system.
Macy’s advice to a younger student: Your high school experience is what you make it. “If you want it to be truly fulfilling, you have to go out and get involved with teams, friends, and activities,” Macy said. “Doing this is a win-win because high involvement also means more ways to fill up your college resume!”
Semifinalists have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $24 million awarded next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition.
