At the Spring Faculty Appreciation Luncheon, the JAA awarded $13,000 in C.A.R.E. grants, recognized 28 teachers for years of service to the school, Teachers of the Year for each division, and launched spring break with an uplifting gathering. “Welcome to the JAA 2021 Spring Faculty Appreciation Luncheon,” JAA President Allison New said at the opening of the annual event. “It is an honor for us to spend this time together sharing a token of our appreciation for the remarkable job you all do.” Mysti Chustz gave the invocation, and the fun began!
Every other year the JAA presents C.A.R.E. grants to teachers. C.A.R.E. stands for Classroom Academic and Resources Enhancement, and the grants are provided by the JAA every other year to classrooms for projects, equipment, materials, field trips, and programs. The grant program is one of many ways JA’s parent association contributes to the school’s academic excellence. Teachers from every division stood to receive certificates and instructions for bringing innovative ideas to life in the classroom!
Head of School Jack Milne and Associate Head of School and Academic Dean Matt Morgan, joined by the Heads of each division, came to the stage to announce awards for years of service and teachers of the year. JA recognized the following teachers for five years of service: Whitney Allen, Phillip Buffington, Courtney Bush, Courtney Denton, Carney Harkins, Nancy Kilpatrick, Wanda Pearcy, Danny Robertson, Mandy Robertson, Grace Simmons, Todd Taylor, and Amy Whittenton. With ten years of service: Ann Boswell Carlson, Lisa Perkins, Paula Pratt, Kellie Rhodes, and Audrey Wilkirson. For 15 years of service: Cathy Chinn, Holly Collums, Jane Hinkle, Ana Tucker, and Susan Whitfield. Head of the Upper School Steve McCartney was recognized for 20 years of service to the school. Suzanne Murray, Jana Ragland, Bruce Sumrall, and Dorothy Williams received medals and plaques in appreciation of 25 years of service to the school. For an incredible 35 years of service, JA recognized Harriett Eppes. The Teachers of the Year are voted for by their peers and were announced next in the program. The Preschool awarded K4 instructor Amanda Cross. The Lower School recognized third grade teacher April Foster. The Middle School selected social studies teacher Kay Lane. The Upper School chose chemistry teacher Richard West.
Once the applause died down, a new round of awards began. JAA President for 2021-2022 Angie Haraway and JAA volunteers drew names and presented door prizes to staff and faculty throughout the PAC. Allison New closed the program with poignant comments before dismissing everyone for lunch, saying, “School brings normalcy to our children, and that in turn brings normalcy to every one of our families! Thank you for your courage and strength this year to provide that for all of us. We have all learned so much this year, and I am sure I speak for each parent at our school when I say thank you, thank you.”
Like so many events this year, the luncheon looked different. Instead of sitting together at tables laden with food, staff and faculty spread throughout the PAC and picked up boxed lunches catered by Amerigo. However, the spirit of gratitude and support for one another and Jackson Academy permeated the event, unchanged by the past year’s circumstances.
