Alumni News

Distinguished Alum Credits JA with Helping Redirect His Life

/ Alumni

“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.

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JA Alumnus Takes on 2025 World Marathon Challenge

/ Alumni

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. 

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Andrew Ritter’s Journey: Football, Faith, and Family

/ Alumni

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.

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Alumni Award Recipient Models Dedication to JA

/ Alumni

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.

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Alumnus Brad Edwards Speaks About Sports Broadcasting Career

/ Alumni

Endeavors students pursue in high school and college can lead to opportunities they cannot foresee, said Brad Edwards ’89. That’s how he sees his career trajectory. Edwards visited Jackson Academy’s broadcasting class Wednesday while on tour for his recently released book, “Dynasty by the Numbers,” a historical perspective of the University of Alabama’s 13-year dominance in collegiate football.

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JA Begins Sign-ups for 2022 Study Abroad Trips

/ Alumni

The Book of Kells at Trinity College in Dublin is a treasured series of lavishly illustrated Latin manuscripts of the Gospels. The Greek island, Oia, is one of the most photographed places on the planet. These iconic sights are on the itineraries of JA’s two upcoming study abroad trips.

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