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The bonds formed through Jackson Academy’s Alpha and Omega buddy program don’t end at graduation. This month, first graders put pencil to paper to reach out to someone who made their kindergarten year special—the seniors they were paired with last year, now navigating their first year of college.
Jackson Academy alumni returned to campus during Homecoming weekend in October, reconnecting with former classmates across multiple days of festivities.
Jackson Academy celebrated Homecoming on Friday, October 17, with a full day of festivities that brought together students, families, and alumni under this year’s theme, “Under the Sea.”
“Sometimes you have to leave home to see how wonderful something is,” said Lenwood Brooks ‘01, the 2025 recipient of the Jackson Academy’s Distinguished Alumni of the Year award. The alumnus who portrayed the Wizard in the school’s “The Wizard of Oz” production years ago was not speaking figuratively. Like Dorothy’s character in that tale, Brooks lived out a story of leaving and returning. Returning to JA, he said, made all the difference in his life.
Dr. Clark Gamblin ’87 believes the body will do what the mind says. The Professor of Surgery and the Vice-Chair for Clinical Operations at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has tested this belief. He will test it again from January 31 to February 6, running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.
Engineering or dance? Dalton Gibson ‘16 wondered, why not both? JA students and alumni are known for doing many things well. Gibson exemplifies that ability.
Andrew Ritter’s story is one of those that sticks with you. In 2009, he graduated from Jackson Academy, where he was already making waves on the football field. His skills as a kicker landed him a spot at Ole Miss, where he played for four years, including a redshirt year. The highlight? Kicking the game-winning field goal against LSU, a moment Ole Miss fans won’t forget anytime soon.
Jackson Academy has awarded this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award to Ashley Edmonson Willson ’87. The award is presented annually to an alumna or alumnus leading a life of purpose and significance through professional achievement, service to the community, or loyalty to JA. Eligible nominees are JA graduates who have been an alumna or alumnus for at least 10 years before being nominated for the Distinguished Alumni Award.
William Trevor “Trey” Carroll ’09 traveled a circuitous route to settle on his career. Along this path, he experienced a surprising health challenge that diverted his course but helped him choose his life’s work. He now helps individuals find a more direct way to a satisfying occupation.
Meredith Montgomery Travelstead, M.D. ’89 has been a champion for women’s health as a Jackson area OBGYN, supporting and educating women in all stages of life.