Jackson Academy is pleased to announce that Anna Katherine Ray, daughter of Martha and William Ray of Madison, is the Class of 2020 valedictorian. Anna Roberson of Ridgeland, daughter of Stacie Roberson and Gary Roberson, is the Class of 2020 salutatorian. These young women have excelled academically throughout the four years of Upper School and bear impressive resumes of community service, social engagement, and athletic achievement. Most of all, they each hold a unique place in our community as beloved students, teammates, and friends.
“JA has been a home for me since I was three, and I feel so blessed to have grown up in a community as nurturing and giving as Jackson Academy,” said Anna Katherine. “I am truly honored to be named valedictorian, but I could not have done it without my friends, family, teachers, and coaches encouraging me.” Anna Katherine has earned recognition by many prestigious organizations, and is a member of the Cum Laude Society, National Honor Society, and national honor societies for mathematics, science, social students, and Latin. She was recently named a STAR student by the Mississippi Economic Council and was selected as a “Christian Leader of the Future” by Mississippi Christian Living magazine. She has earned awards for leadership, composition, visual art, and athletic prowess, and was selected by WAPT News and BankPlus as a Scholar Athlete. Among her many roles at JA, Anna Katherine has served as chairman of the Honor Council, vice president of the National Honor Society, and team captain of the volleyball team. She has organized blood drives, coached younger athletes, and volunteered with the Mississippi Symphony League and Mississippi Children’s Museum.
“Being the class salutatorian feels very rewarding to me,” Anna shared. “I have put in so much hard work at this school and love it with my whole heart, and I know that I would not be at this point if I did not have such incredible teachers and administrators looking out for me at JA.” Among her many academic awards and accolades, Anna is a member of the Cum Laude Society, National Honor Society, and national honor societies in mathematics, Latin, English, science, and social studies. In 2018-2019, she was awarded the Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award for academic excellence in rigorous science courses. She has served on the Jackson Academy Honor Council, and was selected to act as a junior diplomat for the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce in 2018-2019. She also served as the founder and leader of the SPACE Club at JA. Her extracurricular activities include academic competitions, marine biology research, participation on the Accents dance team, and service alongside Habitat for Humanity.
Congratulations to Anna Katherine Ray and Anna Roberson, our 2020 valedictorian and salutatorian!
