Students Donate 4,292 Pounds of Food to Combat Holiday Hunger
Jackson Academy students took action in November and December, amassing an impressive 4,292 pounds of food and $300 to help community members facing food insecurity during the holidays.
TJ White Named Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year
Jackson Academy linebacker TJ White has been named the Mississippi Gatorade Football Player of the Year, becoming the first football player in school history to earn the prestigious honor. TJ’s award marks the eleventh time a JA athlete across all sports has been named the Gatorade Player of the Year, cementing his place among the elite student-athletes in Jackson Academy’s storied athletic history.
Crystal Gao Named Coca-Cola Scholars Semifinalist
Crystal Gao has been named a semifinalist in the prestigious Coca-Cola Scholars Program. She is among just 1.1 percent of applicants nationwide to advance to this stage of the competition, joining 17 other Mississippi students in this achievement.
Natalie Roberson Honored by National Merit
Jackson Academy senior Natalie Roberson has excelled in academics, athletics, service, and leadership. On Thursday, the National Merit Corporation announced that she has been named a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Morgan Cheatham and Crystal Gao Named National Merit Semifinalists
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced Wednesday that Jackson Academy seniors Morgan Cheatham and Crystal Gao are semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. “Jackson Academy is thrilled that Morgan and Crystal are being recognized. For many years, they have represented the best of Jackson Academy in the classroom and the greater community,” said Head of Upper School Kyle Nichols. “As long as they have attended JA, these students, their families, and Jackson Academy have partnered to foster their pursuit of excellence.”
JA Spirit Squads Earn Top Honors at MAIS Competition
Jackson Academy spirit squads delivered an impressive showing at the MAIS Spirit Competition on Wednesday, September 10, bringing home multiple championships and continuing long-standing traditions of excellence.
JA Students Recognized as Changemakers
Goodwill Industries will honor Jackson Academy seniors Morgan Cheatham, Crystal Gao, and Shelby Grant on August 21 at the Country Club of Jackson as Goodwill Salute Outstanding Youth Volunteers for 2025. Each year, Goodwill recognizes young leaders who positively impact their schools and communities through compassion, leadership, and service.
Valedictorian and Salutatorian Announced
Jackson Academy has named seniors Sophie Henderson and Aniya Bradley valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2025. Both students will address the audience at the Jackson Academy graduation ceremonies to be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 15 in the Brickyard, the outdoor sports stadium, on JA’s campus. The weather site is Christ United Jackson on 6000 Old Canton Road.
MEC Honors STAR Students and Teachers
The Mississippi Economic Council sponsors the Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Program to encourage scholastic achievement among high school students and to recognize the teaching profession. Jackson Academy’s STAR students are Sophie Henderson, who selected Ann Boswell Carlson as her STAR teacher, and Miller Usry, who selected Sara Bannerman as his STAR teacher. STAR students are chosen based on having the highest ACT score in the graduating class, along with other academic achievements.
Brooke Dennis Selected for Gates Scholarship Program
Jackson Academy senior Brooke Dennis has been named a Gates Scholar and member of The Gates Scholarship Class of 2025. She is one of 750 students from a nationwide pool of 48,000 applicants to receive the honor this year. In the award notification, the Gates Foundation noted: “You now belong to an elite group of young leaders—all of whom represent the very pinnacle of academic achievement, service, and commitment.”