Different Approaches Lead to Success in Ropes Course

/ Middle School

“Be encouraging, trustworthy, safe, and have tons of fun,” was the advice of eight-grader Ellen Morgan. Her entire class had just experienced JA’s new Ropes Facility Course at Ashleigh Park. The course is within the school’s Raider Park complex.

Following an orientation Friday morning, eighth-grade students were divided into groups. Forty-five participated in initiative games while three groups of 15 students each began the team-building course. Students rotated through both initiative games and team-building before their lunch break.

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Alumni Award Recipient Encourages Seniors

/ Alumni

His inspiring address in conjunction with Senior Class Awards Day gave upcoming graduates five lessons that were applicable immediately—and are enduring. Calvin Thigpen, M.D., ‘94, who is vice-chair for education for the University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Medicine, associate professor of medicine, and program director for the internal medicine residency program, is the second recipient of the Jackson Academy’s Distinguished Alumni of the Year award. JA’s first recipient was Phillip Bowman ‘86. It is now the tradition that the Distinguished Alumni of the Year recipient presents to the senior class at their annual awards night dinner. Thigpen spoke on April 26 at The South in Jackson.

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Jackson Academy Names Head of Upper School for 2021-2022

/ Upper School

Jackson Academy is pleased to announce that K-12 educator and school leader Brandi Richardson will serve JA as head of Upper School beginning with the 2021-22 school year. From Grand Bay, Alabama, Richardson is currently the Upper School director at Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile. She assumes leadership of JA’s Upper School on June 1, 2021.

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STAR Designation Reflects Students’ Focus, Teachers’ Contributions

/ Upper School

Congratulations to Jackson Academy’s 2021 STAR students, Isabelle Lee and Priya Ray! Each STAR student selects a STAR Teacher, recognizing those individuals who have contributed to their scholastic achievements and personal development. Priya designated former JA foreign language teacher Judy McKeigney as STAR teacher. Isabelle selected chemistry teacher Richard West as her STAR teacher.

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