Second Quarter Honor Rolls for 2025-2026
Jackson Academy is pleased to announce the second quarter Honor Roll and Academy Honor Roll for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Carson Caraway Named Gatorade Player of the Year
Jackson Academy junior Carson Caraway has been named the Mississippi Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year, becoming the second Raider to earn a prestigious Gatorade title this year. Carson’s award marks the twelfth time in the last thirteen years a JA athlete has been named Gatorade Player of the Year and represents the third time in school history Jackson Academy has produced multiple Gatorade Players of the Year in the same academic year.
JA After School Chess Team Captures State Championship
Jackson Academy’s After School Chess Team recently claimed first place at the K-3 MAIS State Championship, defeating seven other teams in impressive fashion.
Students Learn Skills Through Volunteer Roles
Jackson Academy has a tradition of students participating in the Jackson Symphony League’s Sub Deb Program. Through Sub Debs, students gain experience as volunteers who assist with symphony concerts, support fundraising efforts, and receive professional development training.
JA Teacher Selected as Apple Distinguished Educator
Jackson Academy’s commitment to educational innovation has earned worldwide recognition, as Upper School English teacher Dr. Cassidy Swinney has been selected as an Apple Distinguished Educator for the Class of 2026. Dr. Swinney is the first educator from Jackson Academy to receive this prestigious and selective international honor.
Raiders Rack Up Honors and Milestones Over Break
Several Jackson Academy student-athletes achieved remarkable recognition and personal milestones over the winter break, with several Raiders earning invitations to prestigious national all-star games and others making school history on the basketball court.
Nominations Open for the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award
Is there a JA graduate who consistently impresses you? As you think of all the alumni you know who are deserving of recognition, consider nominating one of them by January 31, 2026, for our Distinguished Alumni Award.
Christmas with the Arts Celebrates Student Talent
Jackson Academy hosted its annual Christmas with the Arts celebration, bringing together students from across the visual and performing arts programs for an evening of festive performances. The Performing Arts Center lobby showcased artwork from Lower School students, including elf creations from second and third graders. Ten of these student-designed elves were brought to life on stage by JA Theatre students in a special performance that connected younger artists with the Upper School performers.
Ordinary Monday Becomes Magical with Polar Express
Second graders arrived at school Monday morning and stepped into pure Christmas magic. Their hallway had been transformed into a scene straight from “The Polar Express,” with decorations adorning every surface from floor to ceiling.
First Graders Keep Connection Alive with College Buddies
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.