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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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
The University of Mississippi announced at Jackson Academy on Thursday that senior Willis Thigpen is a recipient of the Robert M. Carrier Scholarship. The award is considered the most prestigious offered by the university, according to Jackson Academy College Counselor Amy Bush. The Carrier Scholarship awards $40,000 over four years of attendance.
Athletic Director Brandt Walker announced Thursday that Coach Henry Gantz is Jackson Academy’s new head coach and girls basketball program director. Coach Gantz brings a wealth of experience and a passion for developing student-athletes, both on and off the court.
Twelve Jackson Academy students crossed the Performing Arts Center stage today to receive the Cum Laude Society pin, indicating superior academic achievement. They joined previous student and faculty Cum Laude inductees of JA’s chapter, one of only four Cum Laude charters granted in Mississippi.