At the October 24 JA Community Service Fair, Upper School students will learn about area community partners where they can volunteer. The event is from 9:45 a.m.–10:30 a.m. in the Performing Arts Complex.

During this time of focus on community service, three students reflected on previous service and what they learned from serving others.

Two years of volunteering at Stewpot and the Natural Science Museum have given JJ insight into why it is important to volunteer. “Everyone should volunteer because you want to—not because somebody told you to or for recognition,” he said. “I volunteer to help the community because there are some people less fortunate than us.”

At Stewpot, JJ serves lunches and passes out drinks to people who don’t always get a meal on a regular basis.

He is also a museum summer camp counselor, helping with exhibits and giving tours.

“It is fun to teach others about the animals and the environment,” JJ said. “Volunteering makes me feel good because I am helping others.”

As a volunteer camp counselor working with children on a daily basis, Kaylan realized that the counselor is considered a role model for campers.

“Serving the community was an eye-opening experience for me because it showed me how much responsibility I was held to,” said Kaylan. “It also showed me how many children and parents look up to me and see me as a role model, meaning that my actions are words. Moreover, the experience really taught me leadership skills and more responsibility for others and myself.”

Not only does serving make Kaylan feel good because people are benefitting from her service, it also reminds her to be thankful. “It keeps a spirit of gratitude in my heart to continuously be thankful,” she said. She suggests students look for an organization with a mission that interests them to make the experience meaningful and fun. She also has learned the value of volunteering somewhere that is different and somewhat uncomfortable to break out of our natural comfort zone. “Get a group of friends together and go volunteer because the community needs us to make it a better place,” she said.

This summer through the WH&OH Missionary Department, Carneilus set up a distribution station and handed out food and clothing to homeless citizens in Poindexter Park. He also worked with Cathedral Church outreach ministry serving meals to homeless women and children at Flowers House.

“When volunteering at Poindexter, I was shocked to see how many homeless people are in need in our surrounding areas. It made me realize that there are so many people out there who need our help. This experience lit a match that starting a burning desire in my heart to further help the city of Jackson as much as I can,” he said.

“Serving the community makes me feel like I am a part of something bigger than myself that is making a major difference in my community. I feel very happy and heart warmed when I see the smiles on the people’s faces that I serve, and it makes me want to never stop helping,” said Carnelius.

Carnelius believes when students volunteer they get to be a part of something that helps people who really need it. “It is a life changing experience,” he said. “You learn things about yourself that you would have never discovered if you had not embarked on this journey. Every little action helps. There is nothing you can do that is too small or not important.”

JA does not currently require volunteer hours, but sees many students developing servant hearts naturally through their experiences at school and in the community. The school designs the Community Service Fair to help more students connect with the many service opportunities available. Questions about the Community Service Fair can be directed to Audrey Wilkirson at awilkirson@jacksonacademy.org or 601-613-1555.

“Even though JA does not require you to get volunteer hours, volunteering is a great way to hang out with your friends and have fun while also improving the community around you,” said Carneilus.

Jackson Academy senior Emma Ward has been named a Commended student in the 2018 National Merit Corporation. Emma is a student who exemplifies more than academic prowess. A talented soccer player, Emma is most importantly known for her character. Sincerity, courage, honesty, and kindness are just a few of the traits that she has been recognized for among her peers and by Portico magazine’s “25 Students Who Will Change the World.”

With character and a strong work ethic, Emma has succeeded in her many academic and extracurricular endeavors. “I have seen Emma make some very hard decisions throughout her high school years that have led to her success in the classroom, in athletics, and in school government,” says Dean Steven McCartney. “She has a knack for figuring out what needs to happen to accomplish her goal and following through.”

About 34,000 students were commended by the National Merit Scholarship Program for their exceptional academic potential this year. Emma and other commended students place among the top 50,000 scorers within a pool of more than 1.6 million students who entered the 2018 competition. As Emma looks forward to graduation and college, she took a few minutes to look back at her time at JA.

How have the teachers at JA influenced your life? Which teachers have been most influential?

The teachers at Jackson Academy have always been extremely personable and that congeniality often radiates through to the students. Their interest in the areas that they teach is contagious, and they make us excited about the class, too. If I had to pick, I would say that my favorite teachers are Mrs. Ball and Mr. Dickson.

How has JA helped prepare you for academic success?

JA is always updating its teaching styles, and our school’s participation in education using technology has been really beneficial to me personally. Also, JA has high expectations for all its students, so being able to see other students participating in and achieving great things serves as inspiration to push yourself.

What classes are you taking this year?

AP English Literature, AP Calculus, AP Government, AP Art, Spanish II, and Soccer

Which has been your favorite class, and why?

Mr. Dickson’s AP English classes have been some of my favorite because we are always studying new writing styles, and he lets us form our own opinions about the writing.

Why do you like the challenge presented by a rigorous class?

I like being challenged and being able to learn something that I had not previously known, so the rigorous classes at JA are perfect opportunities to work collectively with your classmates and teachers to learn some really complex concepts in a way that interests the students.

What things do you do outside of class, and which is your favorite?

I play on the soccer team in the fall and run on the track team in the spring. I am in charge of the Upper School student council and  also participate in quiz bowl tournaments and math competitions. I would have to say that my favorite activity would be photography, which I practice in my free time. I take photos of my friends constantly and also shoot senior portraits.