Jackson Academy seniors Sara Madalin Brown and Lucy Jones have been named finalists for Mississippi Christian Living’s 2026 Christian Leaders of the Future, earning a feature in the magazine’s March issue. They were selected from a competitive statewide pool of more than 250 high school students who completed applications, including essays about their Christian faith. A panel of Christian community leaders judges the program, now in its 18th year of honoring young Christian leaders.
Sara Madalin Brown
Sara Madalin has pursued her personal potential across many dimensions of life—in her faith walk, in the classroom, as an equestrian, as a musician, and in her community. Her service includes participation in the Interact Service Club, Pre-Health Club, and Jackson Symphony League Sub Debs. Sara Madalin has devoted significant volunteer hours to organizations including the Praying Pelican Belize Mission Team, the Reclaimed Project Mission Team to Marks, Mississippi, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Sciences, First Baptist Jackson’s Acteens, nursery, orchestra, and Vacation Bible School programs, Canva Church Ministries Canada, Winterview Farm Horsemanship Camp, and Stewpot Community Services, among others.
Academically, she earned membership on the ACT 29+ wall, which recognizes students who score 29 to 36 on the ACT. She is a member of the Latin Honor Society and the JA Honor Roll. In equestrian competition, Sara Madalin has earned impressive honors, including MHJA 15-17 Equitation Over Fences Champion and MHJA 15-17 Equitation on the Flat Champion. She has been a member of the school’s Equestrian Team since sixth grade, serving as team captain in her senior year. She’s also been a member of the Mississippi Hunter Jumper Association (MHJA) since sixth grade. A member of the Marching and Concert Band since sixth grade, Sara Madalin plays trumpet and served as Section Leader in her eleventh and twelfth grade years.
Lucy Jones
Lucy Jones has balanced the demands of academic achievement, leadership, athletic competition, professional development, and community service throughout her JA years. Since ninth grade, Lucy has been part of JA’s chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has dedicated volunteer hours to the Mississippi Children’s Museum, Highlands Presbyterian Church, JA Accents and Cheer Kiddie Camp, Jackson Symphony League, Make-A-Wish, Mission First, and Education Matters Tutoring, and others.
Lucy has earned membership on the ACT 29+ wall, which recognizes students who score 29 to 36 on the ACT. An Honor Roll student, she enrolls in challenging honors and AP coursework and has been inducted into the National Latin Honor Society. She earned the Chemistry Subject Award in tenth grade. Lucy’s leadership gifts extend both on and off campus. She serves as JA Student Body Treasurer and a Student Ambassador, and has distinguished herself through the Mississippi Children’s Museum President’s Leadership Circle, where she has served as Public Relations Officer. In eleventh grade, she earned the Mississippi Children’s Museum Outstanding Service Award. Her leadership development extends into the workplace as well. Lucy began working at River Hills Club of Jackson in ninth grade, advancing to certified lifeguard in her junior and senior years. In her senior year, she added responsibilities as Social Media Manager for SeaCat Threads. She furthered her leadership development through Ross & Yerger professional training courses in customer service, leadership, stress management, conflict resolution, and workplace sustainability, and holds CPR and First Aid certification. She earned a Varsity Track and Field Raider Award in tenth grade, and was part of the Accent dance team that performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York this year.
