Thirteen Jackson Academy students crossed the Performing Arts Center stage Wednesday to receive the Cum Laude Society pin, recognizing their superior academic achievement. They joined previous student and faculty inductees of JA’s chapter, one of only four Cum Laude charters granted in Mississippi.
Jackson Academy first earned its charter from the Cum Laude Society on May 12, 2005, following submission of a comprehensive study spanning 2001-2004. The application documented Advanced Placement scores, high school faculty credentials, the quality of the school’s support systems, and JA’s long-range strategic plan. Peter Jernberg, now President Emeritus, led the school during this milestone, with numerous faculty and staff members gathering the research necessary to support the application, according to current Cum Laude President Dee Ball.
A Mark of Distinction
The presence of a Cum Laude chapter at a secondary school signifies more than academic excellence—it demonstrates that superior scholastic achievement is celebrated, recognized, and honored as one of the school’s most enduring values. Students inducted into Cum Laude have challenged themselves to maintain high academic standards throughout their high school years, exhibiting strong GPAs, taking the most rigorous coursework available at JA, and scoring exceptionally well on standardized exams.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Cum Laude chapter at JA exemplifies the truth of an ancient saying Jernberg often quoted: “We drink from wells we did not dig.” Today’s students benefit directly from the dedication and hard work of faculty, staff, and administrators who, two decades ago, pursued this distinction for Jackson Academy. Their vision and effort created a legacy that continues to recognize and inspire academic excellence in every generation of students who walk these halls.
