Sometimes history seems far removed from current experience, but for JA seniors, meeting a WWII veteran yesterday brought the war that changed the world a bit closer. Seniors and chaperones visited the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, which is the official WWII museum of the United States. In addition to visiting with a veteran, students toured exhibits about the Road to Berlin and the Road to Tokyo in the new Campaigns of Courage Center as well as about D Day in the Louisiana Pavilion. At the Boeing Center, students saw WWII aircraft, jeeps, and tanks, and participated in a survey of ethical questions faced by the “greatest generation.” The seniors saw the Higgins Boats, used in amphibious invasions including D Day, and learned that they were built in New Orleans. After lunch at the American Sector Restaurant or the Soda Shop, they watched the 4D film Beyond All Boundaries, which was produced by Tom Hanks.

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The Black History Program Committee organized an event that remembered the past and looked to the future. Entertainment was provided by Tevin McGuire, a Murrah High senior who has been singing and writing since age 5. The Power Academic and Performing Arts Dance Group presented a performance that was followed by a drama called Take Me Back by Jackson State University’s MADDRAMA, a group that produces plays that reflect the African American experience. JA student Reggie Fullwood offered a poem that encouraged working together to create a better future. With each segment of the program, members of the committee offered historical perspective about the traditions of dance, poetry, drama, and music as means of expression.

Committee members were Taylor Tucker, chairman; Symone Davis, co-chairman; Tevin McGuire, Kelsey Ford, Heather Molden, Madison Stanton, Brianna Cry, Hayley Murphy, Reggie Fullwood, Bryant Miller, Tosh McGee, Zykeyous Hawkins, Jamieson Banks, Deja Bradford, Joyia Petty, Will April, Lauran Sheriff, and Chelsea Francios. The committee thanked BankPlus for sponsorship of the program.

View all the photos from the program here.

(From left): Kathryn Butler, Caroline Watson, Ken O’Keefe, Abbie Knighton, and Emma Ward.

When Ken O’Keefe spoke to students at Lunch to Lead February 16, he was clear to point out that the world needs more than just leaders who can accomplish amazing goals no matter the cost. The world needs leaders with great character. So what are the qualities of a leader of greatness who possesses great character?

A leader of great character…

• is authentic and true where their private life matches their public life.
• shines light where there is darkness.
• inspires others to greatness.
• puts themselves last to serve others.
• is willing to lay down his or her life for others.
• shows fortitude against overwhelming odds to keep their promise.
• doesn’t seek attention.
• dedicates his or her life to helping others.

O’Keefe shared examples of people who have demonstrated these qualities, from Winston Churchill, whose character has stood the test of time, to modern day Victoria Leigh Soto, a teacher who gave her life protecting her first grade class at Sandy Hook Elementary.

He urged students to be attentive to teachers, coaches, administrative team, and support staff who are serving them in ways that make them a better person. He encouraged students to model their lives after traits of greatness and authenticity they observe and then to become models of greatness for others.