Gov. Phil Bryant and Kelvin Gardner

At least four JA students took part in the inauguration festivities of Gov. Phil Bryant this month, serving in volunteer roles for the day, for the evening, or during the week leading up to the event.

Kelvin Gardner, a JA eight grader, served as a greeter at the inauguration. He was among five students selected for this role by Kathy Henry, an educator who has held committee and board appointments from three Mississippi governors and currently serves on the Mississippi Parole Board. While serving as a greeter, Kelvin had the chance to meet the governor. He also helped with organizing, packing gifts, checking tickets, and assisting in the VIP room, which hosted small groups of guests such as college presidents. Henry says when recommending students for these volunteer roles, she looks for students with potential and encourages all teens to be involved in their communities, try different things, and meet new people.

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From back, left to right, Tyler McClellan, Dalton Gibson, Reid Fracchia, Davis Rippee, Kyle Kantor, Mac Temple, Steven Winford, Parker Kennedy, Nathan Lucas, Nic Beddingfield, Brennan Canton, Ben McDowell, Cory Tirman, Caroline Nall, Hannah McCowan, Amanda Ray, Glennis McWilliams, Annalee Purdie, Rose Maxwell, Madison Carroll, Georgia Gibson, Robyn Hadden, Clarke Wilkirson, Sydney Hays. Not pictured are Rebecca Nosef and Bryn Noble.
ACT scores among Jackson Academy students are showing an upward trend in several categories. The class of 2015 averaged a composite score of 25.3, up from the past two years and above JA’s recent five-year average of 25. The state average is 19 and the national average is 21.

Two particular categories of JA test takers demonstrate notable figures. Students attending JA since Lower School averaged 26.2 this year. Students in advanced curriculum averaged 30 in 2014 and 2015.

Overall, 28 percent of seniors have already scored 29 or above to date, making them eligible for Mississippi’s Eminent Scholars Grant, a $2500 per year grant awarded to in-state residents pursuing their first degree at an approved post-secondary institution in Mississippi. Recipients of the grant also must have maintained a high school cumulative grade point average of 3.50 on a 4.0 scale. Testing dates remain for this ACT testing cycle, so additional Eminent Scholars are expected. Juniors are also scoring 29 and above at a rate similar to the senior class.

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Jackson Academy is dedicated to preparing all students to reach their highest potential and succeed through the college years and beyond. The challenge lies in discovering each student’s unique set of talents and understanding how those talents will drive college major, career, and even life choices. In fall of 2015, the counseling office partnered with YouScience, creator of the innovative new tool called the YouScience Profile.

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