Show Choirs Complete Seasons

March 27th, 2018

Both Showtime and Encore show choirs have had very successful competition seasons.

Directed by Amy Arinder, Showtime opened its season at the Jackson Prep Showchoir Masters where the group earned first runner-up. Next, Showtime competed at the Opelika Southern Showcase where the group won Best Visuals, Best Overall Effect, Best Vocals, and Grand Champion. At the West Jones Showchoir Invitational, Showtime took home first runner-up, and at the Oak Grove Magnolia Invitational the show choir was awarded second runner-up. Congratulations on a great season, Showtime!

Encore, under the direction of Katie Shores, opened its season at the Jackson Prep Showchoir Masters where the group earned first place in the large mixed division and Best Costumes. In finals, Encore was awarded Best Visuals, Best Overall Effect, Best Vocals, and Grand Champion. Next, the group competed at the Opelika Southern Showcase where the show choir earned second runner-up in the Championship Division. At the West Jones Showchoir Invitational, Encore took home second runner-up in the large division and in finals, as well as Best Costumes. At the Auburn Showchoir Show Down the group was awarded second runner-up in both the large division and in finals. Encore also earned Best Set Crew at Auburn. Encore concluded its season at the Heart of America competition in Orlando, Florida, on March 24.

Both Encore and Showtime will be holding auditions for the 2018-19 school year on May 7-9. There will be an informational meeting regarding show choir auditions held on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the PAC. Please contact Katie Shores at kshores@jacksonacademy.org or Amy Arinder at arinder@jacksonacademy.org for more information.

STAR Student and Teacher Selected

March 27th, 2018

Congratulations to Dolph Maxwell, who has been named Jackson Academy’s STAR Student for the 2017-2018 school year by the Mississippi Economic Council M.B. Swayze Foundation, sponsor of the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program. This prestigious award is granted on the basis of academic excellence demonstrated through ACT scores and scholastic averages.

Established by the Mississippi Economic Council in 1965, the purpose of the STAR program is to recognize outstanding students and teachers in Mississippi. Each STAR student selects a STAR Teacher. Dolph designated English teacher Schuyler Dickson as STAR teacher in recognition of Dickson’s significant contribution to Dolph’s scholastic achievements.

Dolph will be honored during the annual Education Celebration on April 12, 2018, at the Jackson Convention Complex in downtown Jackson. Mississippi’s ALL-STAR Scholar for 2017-2018 will be named at the celebration, winning the $24,000 Cook Foundation Scholarship.

Jackson Academy Students Step Up as Youth Leaders

March 27th, 2018

Serving as youth leaders across the Jackson metro area are (from left) Logan Thomas, Gabrielle Morris, Charlie Gautier, and Lacey Irby. Not pictured: Preston McWilliams.

 

Each year, Jackson Academy is proud to have several students selected for participation in youth leadership programs across the Jackson metropolitan area. This year Preston McWilliams and Gabrielle Morris have been selected for the Madison County Youth Leadership Class. Charlie Gautier, Lacey Irby, Gabrielle Morris and Logan Thomas have been named Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce Junior Diplomats.

“Volunteering in your community is really fulfilling,” said junior Gabrielle Morris. “We live in this city, so we want it to be the best it can possibly be.” Participation in the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce Junior Diplomats program and the Madison County Youth Leadership Class opened her eyes to the many ways students can serve in their communities. Both leadership programs offer a variety of workshops, seminars, and community-service projects to develop students’ awareness and ability to lead and to serve with character and wisdom.

After Kosovo, Schade Family Reunites at JA

March 20th, 2018

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Jackson Academy parent, Lieutenant Justin Schade, wanted to surprise his family. He succeeded, and he received a nice surprise in return.

The Army lieutenant with the 1st-185th Aviation Unit had been granted leave to return a few days early from Kosovo. He surprised his wife by showing up at home one night while the children were asleep. Melanie Schade quickly joined in on the surprise for their children and helped her husband stay hidden until the children were dropped off at school the next morning. The original plan was to check the children, Molly, second grade, and Amelia, K-3, out early and surprise them at home.

But when JA teacher Amanda Cross found out about the early check out, she and fellow faculty members suggested another, and larger, plan. They arranged a gathering of the entire Preschool and second grade in the Preschool Gym to officially welcome Lieutenant Justin Schade home.

Photo by Charlotte Barry

As music teacher Holly Collums announced a special guest, both girls showed shock and surprise as their dad entered. After lengthy hugs and tears, and a few moments to reconnect, the Schade family was serenaded by 250 children and adults singing “God Bless America” in Lieutenant Schade’s honor.

Lieutenant Schade had been gone since May 11, with one visit home at Christmas. This was his first deployment, although not his first extended trip away from family. Previous training had required travel and separation from the family when Molly was 4 years old (photo right).

The Schades planned a fun afternoon of lunch and play, which Amelia quickly seconded. Molly, though, had other ideas. She wanted to come back after lunch for STEM class.

New Members Inducted to Cum Laude Society

March 20th, 2018

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Established to recognize scholastic achievement in secondary schools, the Cum Laude Society has granted charters to only four schools in Mississippi. Jackson Academy’s chapter welcomed these new members in an induction ceremony this morning: (from back, left) Lucy Clement, Camille Couey, Avery Hederman, Sam Ciaccio, Burkette Moulder III, Columbia Holeman, Kit McCormack, Hadley Brennan; (front) Blaine Bowman, Hannah Collums, Anna Claire Williams, Allie Perkins, and Erin Hederman.