Type above to search JA...
Four Jackson Academy students stood reverently beside a member of “The Old Guard” atop a hill overlooking a lush fall backdrop in Washington, D.C. The guard’s job was to stand sentry and lead a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The students’ jobs were to present a wreath as a memorial to those who gave their lives to defend their country, and who remain unidentified.
Grace Simmons finds purpose in influencing her students to embrace imagination and improvement, making her excited to come to work as a fifth grade teacher at Jackson Academy. “I love JA,” she said. “It’s a very nurturing environment for students, and the faculty is so close. Jackson Academy is exceptional.”
The JA campus community took action last week to beat breast cancer, making Friday’s pep rally a “Pink Parade,” sponsoring a fundraiser, and offering up-to-date prevention details to faculty and staff.
“The reality of obedience is this; it’s less of God saying, ‘Don’t do that,’ and it’s more of God saying, ‘Will you trust me?” Last weekend, Hamilton Harper, Student Pastor at Cornerstone Church in Athens, Alabama, and Christ United Methodist Church’s worship band led 161 attendees and 65 student-leaders to focus on the idea of living fearlessly out of the knowledge that God always has a plan to provide for and protect His children. Throughout the weekend, students spent time in small groups led by upperclassmen and enjoyed several recreational activities, including a Western-themed line dance, basketball, and an eating competition.
On Saturday the traveling and rehearsals all came together on the field of Linn-Mar High School, where JA’s band received fourth place overall against eight other bands. With one competition behind them, the group rode down the road to Marion High School where they won first place band and first place colorguard! Congratulations to the band, and welcome back from a wonderfully full and memorable trip!
Right before the players teed off, our broadcasting class was welcomed to The Country Club of Jackson by PGA Tour Media Official Doug Milne, nephew to Head of School Jack Milne. Milne led the students and his uncle through a maze of trucks and cables to catch a behind-the-scenes look at the Sanderson Farms Championship.
The staff of the Raider Network have been successful in their vision to illuminate the talent of the student body within Raider athletics.
Congratulations to the 2019-2020 Middle School Student Council officers, who were elected after two and a half days of campaigning throughout the division. This year each grade will be led by five elected officers and by volunteer representatives. To be recognized as a representative, a student will attend a minimum of 5 meetings and work on two projects each semester. Participating students gain invaluable experience in leading and organizing meetings and projects, while enriching the Middle School community through their service.
Chapels have been considered places of sanctuary for millions of people since the Christian faith inspired their construction. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the school year, our Performing Arts Center and occasionally our gymnasiums become places of sanctuary from the rush of the school year as students gather to learn more about God. Last week, the Upper, Middle, and Lower Schools all held their first chapel meetings of the year.
River water enveloped their senses – the smell, feel, sight, sound, and, sometimes, the taste of it – as seventh graders fought to navigate the current. The seventh grade took a trip to the Okatoma River last Friday, participating in a day-long canoeing excursion where students are encouraged to develop resilience and teamwork as they overcome challenges with the help of others.