USJ Fall Magazine & Annual Report

USJ’s Mission

We instill a passion for academic, artistic, and athletic excellence, while committing to personal integrity, mutual respect, and lifelong learning.

Identity Statement

USJ is a non-denominational, non-sectarian, college preparatory school dedicated to academic excellence and to our founding principles of faith, service, and scholarship. Based on a heritage grounded in Judeo-Christian values, we provide an educational environment where students of all ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds are valued and respected. The faculty, administration, and students are empowered to nurture and embrace the Judeo-Christian values and our operating principles. Through the fulfillment of our mission and adherence to these core principles and values, we prepare our graduates to be responsible and informed world citizens.

Board of Directors Letter

Dear USJ Family:

In the academic calendar, fall brings a sense of new beginnings: a new school year, new classes, new athletic teams, new artistic endeavors, and the opportunity to welcome new Bruins: teachers, students, and administrators. Fall is also a time for Thanksgiving. And this year we have so many new blessings on campus for which to be thankful: new driving lanes, parking lots, sidewalks, a new football entrance, and the dedication of the new John H. Weston, Jr. Golf & Tennis Center. Moreover, with more than 1,100 Bruins on campus, we have our largest enrollment in more than seven years. What an exciting time to be a Bruin!

It is noteworthy that most of the new buildings and development on our campus over the last four years are the result of our IMAGINE More Capital Campaign which has now brought in more than $7 million! Thank you to all who have given and who have been instrumental in the fundraising process, including the chairs of the Board of Trustees Development Committee during this time, Kathryn Tucker, and Trey Teague, as well as our Chief Development Officer Russ Ellis and the Board’s immediate past Chair John Whybrew. And thanks is also due the Board’s Building and Grounds Committee and its chairs over the past several years of the recent campus development, Jeff Watlington and Brian Dougan, who have worked tirelessly in making sure that the building projects come in on time and on budget. Lastly, a special thank you to our Board Chair for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 school year, James Kirkland, whose vision, leadership, and hard work have been as instrumental as anyone’s in the beautiful additions to our campus and who still serves on Board committees and works to see projects completed successfully.

Additionally, this school year has already brought:

· the Parent’s Club 51st Annual Holiday Mart;

· the implementation of USJ’s new 5-year strategic plan focused on retaining teachers, growing students, and further securing our financial future;

· new athletic teams pursuing championships, such as the Upper School girls’ soccer and the girls’ tennis team seeks to defend their championships;

· new productions from choral, band, and theatre students;

· The beginning of USJ’s reaccreditation process with the Southern Association of Independent Schools; and so much more!

Lastly, after serving eight years on your Board of Trustees, I have assumed the role of Board Chair for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 academic years. I am both humbled and excited about the trust that the USJ community in general and the Board in particular have put in me by placing me in this position of service. I will endeavor to follow in the footsteps of those who have come before me while working with the current Board and our Head of School Don Roe to seize the new opportunities before us.

Thank you, God bless, and Go Bruins!

Lower School Hosts Spring Fling

What is traditionally the Fall Festival was held in the spring last school year because of uncertainty regarding Covid numbers at the start of the 2021-2022 school year. The event returned to the fall this year.

This is a Parents Club event that was started to give teachers a little extra money for their classrooms to use however they’d like. The event gives students the opportunity to see their teachers in a different setting than the classroom and dunk them in the dunking booth or throw a pie at the principal’s face. This is also a chance for parents to meet each other and socialize while their kids are having fun. The Spring Fling featured dunk booths, jumpers, balloon animals, games and prizes, and arts and crafts. This is a schoo-wide event; Upper School students volunteer to get service hours, and cheerleaders paint faces.

Students in the Lower School also collected food for RIFA’s Pack the Backpack program as a part of the Spring Fling. The student who brought in the most food threw a pie in Mrs. Cindy Kirsch’s face. More than 2,000 pounds of food were collected for RIFA through this event!

4th Annual Bruins Booster Golf Classic

On Monday, May 16, 2022, USJ sports enthusiasts and supporters laced up their golf shoes for the 4th Annual Bruins Booster Golf Classic held at the Jackson Country Club. A packed field on a sunny day was the perfect combination for a successful tournament. When the dust cleared (or more appropriately the divots replaced), USJ Boosters raised more than $24,000. Those dollars will continue to be used by the Bruins Club to meet the needs of all USJ sports programs.

Tournament Chair Jonathan Campbell was more than pleased with the turnout. “I think this is the most successful tournament we’ve had to date. It says a lot about the generosity and passion of the USJ community.”

Along with Campbell’s Raymond James Sponsorship, other top sponsors included Bob Payne and Morgan Steele, Kathryn and Johnny Tucker, Brittney and Tripp Tucker, the Uniform Source, and Graham Snack Foods. Thanks to these sponsors and all of the golfers, teams, volunteers, and students who help each year with this event.

Mark your calendars for the 5th Annual Event to be held on May 15 at the Jackson Country Club.

If you would like to register your team to play contact Russ Ellis at rellis@usjbruins.org.

Study Group Hosts Book Drive for Star Center

Every club and interest group at USJ is required to fulfill a service project. In the spring, Study Group decided to do a book drive in support of the Star Center. Study Group members collected elementary-level books from April 14 to April 22. It is important to read regularly from an early age, so the Star Center helped deliver these books to families in need to help supplement their children’s/reading at school. The Study Group not only promoted learning by mentoring and tutoring middle school students, but also in the community as a whole by giving children the necessary resources to develop a love of reading. The Star Center was picked because they focus on encouraging and supporting all people with any disability to fulfill their goals.

Middle School Dance Provides Support for Project 541

Chemistry Club members wanted to put forth an event that focused on the Middle School, and they decided a dance was just the thing. The dance was held on Friday, March 25, and organizers chose a neon theme to encourage more participation. The dance was also a fundraiser for Project 541, a nonprofit organization started in 2003 by USJ 2010 alum, Kayla Austin. Project 541 educates and supports children and women in the community of La Moskitia, Honduras.

“We chose this nonprofit because we thought that raising money for an organization that was founded locally at our school was perfect,” said Senior Julianna Schultz. “Normally the anatomy and physiology class puts on a dance for them, but the class was not offered, so in order to keep the tradition alive, the Chemistry Club sponsored this dance for them. We were able to raise over $800 for Project 541.”

Lebonheur Bike Day

USJ students celebrated raising more than $5,000 for Lebonheur Children’s Hospital with a bike day. The LeBonheur Bicycle Team rode through campus last spring. At that time, students presented them with a check for the money they had raised. Students were rewarded with ice cream and cookies to celebrate their participation in the First Le Bonheur Bicycle Ride Fundraiser. What an amazing day at USJ! Thank you to all of our families who donated to this wonderful organization.

2022-2027 Strategic Plan

STRATEGIC GOAL 1: Recruit, retain, and develop mission-driven USJ faculty who provide an exceptional educational foundation for our school community.

- Complete compensation study to ensure compensation and benefits are competitive.

- Develop a retention plan for faculty and staff.

- Grow faculty through an intentionally focused and funded professional development program.

- Advance accountability by defining and implementing expectations of high performing faculty.

STRATEGIC GOAL 2: Foster robust academic curriculum to equip students for success today and to prepare them for a changing world.

- Align K-12 curriculum for a seamless educational experience.

- Evaluate student testing schoolwide options and implement test progression that aligns with school mission and curriculum.

- Advance STEM programming options across divisions and explore ways to integrate design thinking and interdisciplinary thinking into daily coursework.

STRATEGIC GOAL 3: Inspire a culture of character that promotes leadership and community engagement.

- Improve community service program for USJ students, faculty, and families that also strengthens local partnerships.

- Continue evaluation of the USJ character education program for integration in our overall school culture.

- Seek avenues to increase diversity and global-mindedness into school culture.

- Create and/or implement programming for the intentional development of USJ students as leaders.

STRATEGIC GOAL 4: Fund the future of USJ by ensuring financial stability and growth.

- Develop a culture of generosity among all families and faculty.

- Create a multi-year financial projection to prepare for anticipated revenue and expenses.

- Increase the USJ endowment for long-term operational stability.

- Use our campus and brand to generate alternate revenue streams.

USJ and Dr. Charles M. Baldwin Establish the Janice Ann Baldwin Middle School Mathematics Award and Scholarship

This year marked the inaugural Janice Ann Baldwin Middle School Mathematics Award and Scholarship. This award was founded in memory of the late Janice Ann Baldwin, whose love for her students led her to enthusiastically celebrate their accomplishments. Baldwin taught mathematics at Episcopal Day School before joining the faculty at the University School of Jackson in 1988. She taught seventh- and eighth-grade honors math and served as the Middle School mathematics department chair until her retirement in 2012, concluding her teaching career that spanned 48 years.

Dr. Charles M. Baldwin established the Janice Ann Baldwin Middle School Mathematics Endowment Fund to foster excellence in the study of middle school mathematics for students at the University School of Jackson in memory of his late wife. Dr. Baldwin hopes to grow the scholarship over time to benefit more students.

Baldwin’s love for her students was unsurpassed, leading her to encourage them with hope for a better future. Middle School Director Margaret Livingston shared, “We are overjoyed with the opportunity that the Baldwin family has given our students as we honor Janice’s legacy. It was a privilege to work with Dr. Baldwin and to learn how his vision for the award and scholarship aligns with our mission for excellence founded in personal integrity, mutual respect, and lifelong learning.”

The Janice Ann Baldwin Middle School Mathematics Award and Scholarship is granted to an eighth-grade student who exhibits a pattern of service, a love for mathematics, and displays leadership while maintaining a minimum of a B average in all classes. The recipient must also have a particular appreciation for math and STEM courses, with a desire to pursue them in the future. The award is accompanied by a $500 scholarship granted to the student upon graduating from USJ. Along with a $500 scholarship, the recipient’s name will be engraved on a plaque that will be displayed in the USJ Middle School. The inaugural Janice Ann Baldwin Middle School Mathematics Award and Scholarship was proudly presented to Laura Kate Prater.

If you would like to contribute to the Janice Ann Baldwin Middle School Mathematics Award and Scholarship, please contact Russ Ellis at rellis@usjbruins.org.

Stephanie Nnaji Named the Exchange Club Student of the Year

Each spring, the Jackson Exchange Club convenes a committee to select a high school student who has demonstrated academic excellence and service to the Jackson community. This student is selected from a group of special students, each of whom was honored as the club’s Student of the Month throughout the school year. Stephanie Nnaji was named the Exchange Club Student of the Year for 2022.

Mae Howell and Blair Driver awarded

Judy Renshaw Leadership Jackson Alumni Association Scholarships

Two students from USJ’s Class of 2022 were awarded the Judy Renshaw Leadership Jackson Alumni Association Scholarship in the spring. Mae Howell and Blair Driver were both presented with generous scholarships and will use these funds towards their college education at Auburn University and the University of Georgia, respectively. Both students were a part of the 2020-21 Leadership University program through the Jackson Chamber.

Leadership University is a program for high school juniors in Madison County. The program prepares students for involvement in the community and helps to hone leadership skills for 40 high school students each year. Through interactive programming, Leadership University teaches about all aspects of our community, as well as prepares participants to be leaders in their schools and community, equipping them with skills and information to be successful. Because of the generosity of affiliate sponsors, participants’ only cost is “paying it forward” through community service each month of the program to assigned social service agencies. A key skill of Leadership University is learning to be a servant leader and making a positive difference in the lives of others, as well as one’s community.

Two Bruins Attend Summer Governor’s Schools

The Tennessee Governor’s Schools provide 11 challenging and high-intensity programs for rising 11th- and 12th-grade students nominated by high school faculty. Each school offers a unique learning environment for students interested in the arts, humanities, agricultural science, STEM programs, advanced mathematics, physics, leadership, international studies, Tennessee history, or potential teaching careers. This summer, Reed Sullivan attended the Governor’s School for the School of Emerging Technology. Lacie Atkinson attended the Governor’s School for the Visual Arts.

USJ Students Excel in TMTA Math Competition at Freed-Hardeman University

A total of 26 students participated in the April 2022 Tennessee Mathematics Teachers’ Association (TMTA) Math Competition at Freed-Hardeman University. Our students represented USJ well, and we are so proud of their performance! Below is a list of students who placed in each category:

9th Grade Honors Algebra I: 1st Place Team

1st place: Harry Morris

3rd place: Vaidehi Prasad

9th place: Catherine Bell

10th place: Nicholas Donelli

9th Grade Honors Algebra II: 2nd Place Team

3rd place: Max Roe

4th place: Max Kilburn

5th place: Jane Claire Ragon

7th place: Lidiah Mahalati

10th Grade Honors Geometry: 3rd Place Team

5th place: Chester Evans

7th place: Corinne Sullivan

11th Grade Honors Precalculus: 1st Place Team

1st place: Cassidy Bruno

2nd place: Ijeoma Oleru

3rd place: Zainab Baba

6th place: Madeline Miller

9th place: Lilly Kate Varino

12th Grade AP Calculus: 1st Place Team

1st place: John Dougan

2nd place: Blair Driver

3rd place: James Mitchell (tie)

3rd place: Stephanie Nnaji (tie)

5th place: Mmesoma Nwokolo

6th place: Sadie Hanna

A Look at the National French Honor Society

USJ’s National French Honor Society chapter was started in March 1995 by Don Newman, the Middle School and Upper School french teacher. This was also the first year for the French Club. Each year, around the third quarter, new students are inducted into the National French Honor Society and will wear cords at graduation. Students who are inducted must have high academic achievements within the French department. The French Honor Society and French Club have a meaningful tradition of joining together to write Christmas cards to the elderly in local retirement homes during the holidays.

USJ Students Selected to Attend American Legion Boys and Girls State Program

Tennessee Boys and Girls State develops young leaders by providing leadership education on state, local, and county government. Selections for the summer 2022 Boys State program were Paul Jones, Ty O’Neal, John Carr Ryan, and Reed Sullivan. Mimi Campbell, Madeline Miller, Sanchita Jintukar, and Ashlynn Isbell were chosen to attend Girls State.

Kindergarten Bridging Ceremony

The Kindergarten Bridging Ceremony is a beloved spring tradition at USJ. The ceremony symbolizes the bridge from kindergarten to first grade. In years past, bridging meant moving from one building to another, but now the transition is from one end of the hall to the “big” kids’ hall. Traditionally, the students wear an “I Love USJ” t-shirt, as well as a red USJ hat. Each member of the kindergarten class signs their names on the back of the shirts before the ceremony. The students sing two songs, one about “moving on up” and another song about “summer break.” After their performance, each student is presented with a diploma before walking over the bridge for a first-grade teacher to put their USJ hat on their head. After this spring’s ceremony, the USJ Class of 2034 celebrated with a special bridging party. Teacher Hailey Eldridge said, “Our bridging ceremony is just one more event that makes our school so special!”

Second Graders Experience a Taste of Celebrity Life with Writing & Book Awards Ceremony

Originating with an end-of-unit writing celebration, second graders held their writing and book awards ceremony in May.

“We came up with the idea of having a ceremony to involve parents and allow the students to share their writing,” said Lisa Marley. “This fun occasion is just another example of how blessed we teachers and students are to have the help and support of our USJ parents.”

Prior to the ceremony, the students wrote opinion pieces about their favorite books. They then “nominated” their books for awards of their own invention, such as the “Silliest Book Award” or “Funniest Book Ever Award.” In their writing pieces, they listed reasons why their picks should win the award.

The students, dressed in party attire, walked down the hallway on a red carpet while the paparazzi (their parents) took photos and cheered. The ceremony then began in the cafetorium, which was decorated with stars, velvet ropes, and other Hollywood-like details. Faculty member Erica Davidson was the announcer. The students were called to the stage to present their books and awards.

After the ceremony, the students enjoyed an “after party” with special treats and different photo booths. Room moms and parents did the decorating and provided the party foods.

Traditional Eighth Grade Field Trip to Washington, DC and New York City Resumes

Approximately 50 students and adults were enthusiastic participants on the 2022 eighth-grade trip to Washington, DC and New York City. USJ students have not traveled since 2019 due to the pandemic.

“We literally hit the ground running with excitement when the plane landed in DC!” said Shay Young.

While there, the group experienced everything the National Mall had to offer as far as monuments and toured many museums as well, including three Smithsonians. The group had a private tour of the U.S. Capitol arranged by USJ alumna and former U.S Senate staffer, Abby Atkins (‘15). This was the second time a group from USJ was able to have a private tour. They continued the USJ tradition of participating in the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Four students were chosen by eighth-grade teachers to participate, based on essays they had written: Caroline Alea, Lorelei Ballentine, Caroline White, and Tyler Wright. The tour of Mount Vernon was also a favorite, as always.

While many USJ traditions continued, there were several firsts on the trip. The group visited the newer African-American History Museum. Students enjoyed more food trucks for lunch due to an increase in their number since the pandemic. This gave the group many different ethnic dining options to experience. Another first: the group’s National Cathedral tour was canceled due to the funeral arrangements for Madeleine Albright, first woman to serve as the 64th United States Secretary of State. Whatever they did not get to do surely only increased their desire to return one day!

The group moved on to New York City, where they stayed in Times Square. They took a ferry boat ride to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, saw the Empire State Building at night, and watched the Broadway musical Wicked from the main floor. Students also took a walking tour through Central Park, took the subway to Chinatown and Little Italy for shopping and lunch, and walked over the Brooklyn Bridge. Many memories were made in two of the United States’ most prominent cities!

Fifth Graders Explore Tennessee History with Memphis Study Tour

The annual fifth-grade trip to Memphis served once again to enhance the study of Tennessee History Content Standards. Students visited a number of sites with various focuses of studies. “Our students enjoy this trip each year, and it’s a privilege to show them how much of our state’s history and culture is found so close to home,” said Tina Anderson. Highlights included:

• Chucalissa Archaeological Museum for the study of early Tennesseans/Mississippian culture

• National Civil Rights Museum for the study of the Civil Rights Movement including Brown v. Board of Education, sit-ins, Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Freedom Riders

• Graceland for the study of Elvis Presley and his role in music history

• Sun Records for the continued study of Elvis Presley, the history of American music, and the role that Tennesseeans play in music history

• STAX Museum of American Soul Music for the role that Tennessee played in American Soul Music

Fourth Graders Travel East for Battle of Franklin Study Tour

USJ fourth graders traveled to Middle Tennessee on May 5 to visit the site of the Battle of Franklin, the Carter House, and Belle Meade Plantation. The excursion was the culmination of their social studies unit on the Civil War and their language arts unit on historical fiction.

“The field trip brought history to life for our students,” said faculty member Wenesday Ketron. The students sat in a basement where an entire family hid while the battle took place on the family’s land above them. They walked into a building and saw the sunlight shine through hundreds of bullet holes. They even saw blood stains where a surgeon worked for hours and hours trying to help wounded soldiers.

Middle School Launches Innovative STEM Lab Class

This year, the Middle School launched its new STEM Program. STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, is a course that allows students to work through the design process with hands-on, realistic projects. STEM class provides students with opportunities for teamwork and collaboration while teaching critical thinking, innovation, and leadership.

The beauty of STEM is that it offers students a safe place to try, fail, and try again. Students learn and practice leadership skills, embrace the design process, and tackle challenges, all while gaining confidence and learning skills applicable to the changing world in which we live.

“At USJ, we are working to grow tomorrow’s leaders, and STEM offers an ideal opportunity for students to explore, learn, and grow,” said Margaret Livingston, Middle School Director.

Thus far, students have built roller coasters, learned coding, built robots, coded robots, and more. There is nothing but potential with the new STEM program! Billy Hight teaches sixth graders, and Erica Davidson teaches seventh- and eighth-graders.

In the new STEM lab, students are learning how to create and design logos and websites using Google Suites, as well as basic computer skills such as typing, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint. They will expand their knowledge of coding and robotics utilizing lego robots and will use the coding section to create activities for their robots to perform. They are also learning to use Tinkercad with brand-new 3D printers and CNC machines. Keep an eye out for upcoming STEM projects!

6th Grade Team Building Day at Pinecrest Camp

The sixth grade practiced team building during their field trip to Pinecrest Camp earlier this spring. Students worked together to overcome obstacles, improve social skills, and celebrate personal and group achievements. This field trip was a wonderful opportunity for sixth grade students to bond with their classmates as they cheer each other on.

Last year was the inaugural year, with the hopes that it would become a fall tradition as students transition from Lower to Middle School.

End of Year Celebrations

We know how to celebrate the end of the school year right! The Cubs were pirates, our seventh graders became Greek Olympians, and first graders enjoyed farm and pet day. Other classes held field day competitions, and while the fifth graders stole the show with their parade, Bruins of every grade level kicked off the summer in style!

Middle School Field Day

Field Day at USJ is an ever-growing event for the Middle School. The day features competitions in corn hole, obstacle courses, crab races, soccer goal challenges, wheelbarrow races, water balloon toss, egg toss, fourperson relay, and many more. Students enjoy an ice cream truck and/or snow cone truck at the event in addition to concessions run by the Parents Club. Last year was the first year to have live video on the jumbotron, meaning that spectators in the stands have an up-close view of the field. The day concludes with an ultimate tug of war competition.

“This event is an all-hands-on-deck event,” said Coach Bryce King. “Field Day has gotten bigger and better every year. When we announce sign-up day, our students are so excited. They can’t wait to wear those red (8th grade), white (6th grade), and blue (7th grade) shirts and compete against each grade. This event wouldn’t be what it is without everyone’s support and help!”

Sixth & Seventh Middle School Awards a Cause for Celebration

The sixth- and seventh-grade awards are a longstanding USJ Middle School tradition and are an opportunity to showcase the accomplishments of many hardworking students. Awards vary from academics, arts, choir, physical education, strength and conditioning, and more. These occur annually in May at the end of each school year.

Eighth Grade Awards Serve as a Rite of Passage to Upper School

Each year, the eighth grade has a graduation ceremony. Students walk across the stage to accept their certificates of completion for the eighth grade and view a slideshow of pictures. The ukulele students, who learn to play in their spring music class, showcase their talents. “Awards are important because we want to celebrate our students and their hard work and diligence throughout the year,” said Margaret Livingston, Middle School Director.

Middle School Science Bowl Tradition Continues

The Science National Honor Society started the Middle School Science Bowl about ten years ago, based on the experience that Upper School students had attending the UT Martin Science Bowl each year. Back then, students would meet at 7:30 a.m. on a cold November Saturday and travel to Martin to take a test, see demonstrations, and participate in a Bowl Round. Most years USJ had a full bus. With such interest, USJ faculty decided to provide Middle School students with their own preview of the competition. Unfortunately, the professor who ran the event at UT Martin has since retired, and the Science Bowl was retired with him. USJ teachers have great memories of competing with schools from all over West Tennessee at UT Martin, winning first place twice and placing for several years.

While the Bowl is no longer an option for Upper School students, our Middle School Science Bowl continues. At present, the bowl is held in the spring, with the top 16 science students in the eighth grade as selected by their science teacher competing. They are divided into four teams and assigned a coach from the Science National Honor Society to guide and encourage them.

“The great thing about the way our Middle School competition is set up is that Upper School students still get to be involved in a science bowl,” said Department Chair Jane Ramer.

The bowl takes place in the library, with Science National Honor Society members running the event. Two teams compete with buzzers to answer toss-up questions and category questions for the areas of earth science, life science, and physical sciencethe science courses taught in Middle School. Once the winner of the first round is decided, the other two teams compete, with the two winning teams playing one another for the championship. Over the years, awards have included ribbons, certificates, T-shirts, gift cards, and candy. No matter the prize, the students never forget that the knowledge they gained through their science courses helped them achieve a goal and gain respect from their peers and upperclassmen alike.

Jr. K Fairytale Parade is Learning Made Fun

Each year, the Jr. Kindergarten classrooms at USJ are decorated with knights, damsels, dragons, princesses, the gingerbread man, a giant, bears, pigs, and beanstalks because the four Jr. K teachers realize the value of fairy tales in the curriculum. They incorporate a different fairy tale each week as they teach the letters of the alphabet. For instance, one week they focus on Little Red Riding Hood as they introduce the letter /Ll/ and the color word red. Teachers also share the moral of each fairy tale, meaning these classic tales are beneficial in teaching children how to deal with conflicts and other lessons. They use Little Red Riding Hood, for example, to discuss “stranger danger.” Fairy tales are important for teaching hero/villain characters, setting, plot, and story elements, as well as the difference between fiction and nonfiction. Fairy tales also teach critical thinking skills. The Fairy Tale Parade is a celebration at the end of the school year in May, where everyone in Jr. K dresses in their favorite fairy tale character. The students and faculty proudly parade through the school representing a variety of fairy tale characters that they enjoyed reading about during the year.

Jr. K Continues Tradition of Q & U Wedding

The Jr. K students celebrated the union of Q and U in a wedding ceremony. Since Q and U are found together in words, the ceremony was a fun way for the students to remember their sound “qu.” Students dressed in wedding attire and participated in a wedding ceremony at the pond where “Judge” Elizabeth Atkins officiated. The Jr. K teachers were the wedding planners ready for the big day. Students enjoyed a wedding reception with fancy cakes and punch. Each student brought a wedding gift for the couple that was something started “qu.” Quilts, quartz, quart jar, a quiz, quicksand book, quarterback figurine, quail, and queens were some of the quality presents that were unwrapped during the day. We closed the day of celebration with wedding bubbles. It was quite a day in Jr. K!

Daddy Daughter Dance

The USJ Class of 2024 hosted a Daddy Daughter Dance to benefit a local nonprofit. Students started planning in early February and hosted the dance on March 26. The theme was Alice in Wonderland, so the students had a lot of fun with decorations and costumes!

“It was really important for us to make this a magical experience for the girls and dads that came to the dance, so we went above and beyond with creating detailed paintings of flowers/elements of the movie (made by artists in our grade) and having the Alice in Wonderland characters (people in our grade) walk around to interact and take pictures with the little girls,” said Eady Davenport. “We set up games, including ‘flamingo ring toss’ and ’card corn hole’, had a coloring station, and had a photo booth where girls and dads could take some silly pictures to remember the event.”

Many local businesses and families in Jackson donated items to make gift baskets for the gift table raffle, and every girl got two tickets to put towards the item of their choice, but they could purchase more. This event brought the Class of 2024 together because of all the planning and preparation; students worked on decorations during their study hall and after school.

On May 11, the Class of 2024 officers (Eady Davenport, Kenley Hines, Brilee Davis, Miles Johnson, and Mary Payton Redden) went to the Scarlet Rope Project’s construction site to donate the $4,000 that was made from the dance.

“This was a very successful event because we didn’t just do it for the USJ community,” said Eady. “While it was a record year for numbers of those attending, and we gave every dad and daughter that came a fun memory, we were also able to help our Jackson community outside of USJ. I think that a school event is truly successful when you can positively influence the school and the community through that event.”

Teddy Bear Tea Party

The Teddy Bear Tea is a fairly new and very fun activity for Jr. Cubs.

Teacher Shannon Scarbrough said, “we came up with the idea two years ago when we were studying the letter ‘T,’ Teddy Bear immediately came to mind and then we thought a ‘fancy’ event would be fun. That’s when we decided the ‘Teddy Bear Tea’ would be perfect!”

Students dress up in their “fancy” clothes and bring their favorite teddy bear to school. Jr. Cubs teachers host the event with a fancy table setting and fun snacks for the kids to enjoy. Students drink apple juice out of fancy cups instead of tea, and they love feeling so fancy.

Nick Stamper V Signs with Christian Brothers University

Christian Brothers University began recruiting Nick Stamper V during his junior year, as did other schools. Coaches were encouraging and liked the fact that Nick is a two-sport athlete, playing both baseball and football at USJ.

When Nick visited Christian Brothers during the fall of his senior year, he found he enjoyed the school culture and the degrees offered there, as well as the coaches and team.

Now that he is settled in, Nick is enjoying the positive connections he is making with his professors. Baseball is also going well, giving him a chance to compete to play right away as a freshman.

Sawyer Phipps Signs with Trine University

Sawyer Phipps was a solid linebacker and long snapper during his time at USJ. He had several options of colleges to play for, but he eventually chose Trine University in Angola, Indiana. The school has a beautiful campus and top-notch athletic facilities. Sawyer signed on April 27, 2022. “It’s always exciting to see a young man come out of our program with the opportunity to play college football and represent our school,” said Coach Michael Stroup. “We are very proud of Sawyer!”

Drew Morris & Mae Howell Named Athletes of the Year by Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame

Each year, USJ nominates both a male and female Athlete of the Year based on certain criteria. They must be a multi-sport athlete, in good standing academically, socially within leadership, and not have any disciplinary issues throughout high school.

MAE HOWELL

USJ’s female athlete of the year, Mae Howell, is a four-year member of the track team and played soccer and basketball two years. In track last season she was all-region and AllWest Tennessee and competed in the state finals in the 4x100 and 4x200 relays. She played on USJ’s state championship soccer team in 2021 and the state runner-up team in 2020. She is involved in numerous extracurricular activities and honor societies. She made a 30 on the ACT and had a 4.55 grade point average. She attends Auburn University and majors in marketing.

DREW MORRIS

USJ’s male athlete of the year, Drew Morris, is the only senior Bruin to have played football, basketball and baseball all four years. He was an all-region wide receiver in football last season, averaging 17.5 yards per catch with four touchdowns and 529 all-purpose yards. In basketball this season he had 22 steals and averaged 5.4 points and three assists. He was all-region and all-district in baseball last season as a pitcher. He had a 5-1 record and 2.17 ERA with 39 strikeouts. He had a 4.42 grade point average and majors in biology with a pre-dental emphasis at the University of Mississippi.

Henry Piercey Awarded Morgan Leah McCarty Memorial Scholarship

The Morgan Leah McCarty Memorial Scholarship is a local scholarship founded in memory of Morgan McCarty, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver while attending the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Her family established an annual golf classic that funds this scholarship in Morgan’s name with the goal of helping local students continue their education. Henry Piercy was named this year’s recipient by the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame.

Lady Bruins are the 4 x 400 Meter Relay State Champions / Girls 4 x 800 Meter Relay Team: TSSAA State Champions

The 2022 Track & Field season was capped off by the Lady Bruins’ 4 X 400 and 4 X 800 relay teams winning the titles of TSSAA DII-A State Champions!

The 4 X 400 relay team was made up of Caroline Conder, Haynes Haltom, Julianna Schultz, and Adan Jett. The 4 X 800 relay team consisted of Betha Pucek, Caroline Conder, Julianna Schultz, and Adan Jett. At the TSSAA West Regional Championships, Ava Rose played a critical role in helping the team qualify for the State Championships in the 4 X 800 relay.

For the TSSAA State Championships, coaching staff Alicia Roberts, Steve Jett, Anthony Sawyer, and Arthur Priddy developed individual race strategies for each member of the relay teams that they felt would put the Lady Bruins in the best position as a team to win. Each of these young ladies executed her race strategy perfectly!

“In my tenure of coaching at USJ, this team–both boys and girls–was the most wellrounded team we have ever had,” said Coach Arthur Priddy. “We had throwers, sprinters, jumpers, middle distance, and multi-event student-athletes who all competed at a high level all season. In fact, at the TSSAA State Championships, we were represented in eight different events.”

What these six student-athletes accomplished has put the Lady Bruins in a position to build upon the strong culture in Track & Field at USJ.

Recent Additions & Promotions

The University School of Jackson promoted several and welcomed many new faculty and staff members to campus this fall. Each employee was chosen for a unique set of skills that enhances the educational experience that USJ is able to provide. If you see a new face, please say hello, and welcome them to campus.

Mary Katherine Busuito

Lower School Music

Ella Coy (‘17)

Middle School Math Teacher

Kim Wehner

4th Grade Teacher

Emily Lambert (‘08)

4th Grade Teacher

David Lucas

Upper School Math Teacher

Alex Garey (‘13)

Upper School Science Teacher

Lindsay Brady (‘03)

Jones Academic Center Director

Rachel Vivio

MS/US Library Media Specialist

Krista O’Daniel

Early Childhood Assistant

Denise Santos

Early Childhood Assistant

April Foster

Early Childhood Assistant

Sarah Pettigrew

Early Childhood Assistant

Jaydin Plunk

Early Childhood Assistant

Edgardo Trinidad

Early Childhood Music in Motion Teacher

Lauren Green

First Grade Teacher

Elizabeth Atkins Accepts New Role as Assistant Director of Development & Alumni Relations Director

Elizabeth Tanner Atkins is a proud native of Union City, Tennessee. After having earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, she began her teaching career at USJ in 1992, teaching fifth grade. She then married and moved with her husband Kyle to Birmingham, Alabama, where she taught with Hoover City Schools, teaching Alternative High School for one year and fifth grade for two years.

Upon returning to Jackson, Elizabeth came back to USJ, this time as a third-grade teacher for two years before having their children, Abby (’15) and Tanner (’19), taking a break for a few years while their children were young. In 2003, Elizabeth returned to USJ once again, this time teaching Lower School Music for the next 19 years. In 2022, she accepted two new roles at USJ – Director of Alumni Relations and Assistant Director of Development. She is also the Federal Funds Coordinator for both campuses, coordinating professional development for our teachers through the State of Tennessee.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I love making connections with people and helping people in whatever way I can,” said Mrs. Atkins. “I’ve had the privilege of teaching at USJ for 25 collective years, and during that time, I’ve grown to learn about the culture of giving that has been present here since the school started. Whether that is in time, monetary support, or personal sacrifice, I believe in this sense of commitment. I accepted this position because it would provide an opportunity to keep our alumni connected with our school and to grow our culture both with current families and our alumni. Being able to share all the fantastic things going on here with our alumni base and our families, I hope to continue to build the sense of confidence in them just as we do with our students.”

Lindsay Brady Named New Director of the Jones Academic Center

When the Bruins returned to campus this fall, they discovered a new familiar face at the helm of The Camille & Ralph Jones Academic Center. USJ Class of 2003 graduate, Lindsay Brady, joined the USJ administrative team as the new Director of the Jones Academic Center (JAC).

The JAC began serving USJ students in the fall of 2018. The Center has been dedicated to developing and implementing a multi-tiered system of academic support services for USJ students and serves between 110-120 students each year. The services managed and/or provided by the JAC include, but are not limited to: student referral intake and processing, academic screenings, academic consultations, structured literacy intervention classes, and a cross-divisional classroom accommodations management system.

Outgoing Director Christy Glenn shared, ”I would like to thank Ralph and Camille Jones for this amazing opportunity to serve. I am grateful to the parents, directors, and teachers with whom I have worked these past four years. Learning alongside my students and serving their families has truly been the highlight of my work at USJ.”

Brady joins USJ after serving more than 15 years in both the Madison County and Gibson County school systems, where her career developed from middle school mathematics

teacher to assistant principal. While in administration, Lindsay developed a passion for working with students with learning differences. She became heavily involved in the intervention programs offered at her school with respect to assessing, placement decisions, and scheduling. Longing for more personal interaction with her students, Lindsay stepped away from her administrative role in 2019 and went back to the classroom, where she taught fifth grade math and facilitated multi-tiered intervention groups.

“Being back at USJ has truly been wonderful–the USJ staff and community have been so welcoming,” said Brady. “I have really enjoyed learning all about the Jones Academic Center and have been amazed at this awesome service that USJ now offers. We have already been able to start working with students and teachers to support classroom instruction.

Lindsay and her husband Jeremy reside in Humboldt and have two daughters.

Faculty Profile: Dian Eddleman

TEA, NAfME, and ACDA for many years. She served on the TMEA Board of Directors for two terms as State Choral Chair and has also served as the TMEA Choral Commission Chair securing financial sponsorship for TMEA commissions in both the instrumental and choral divisions.

Eddleman holds a B.A. in Music Education from Harding University with post-graduate work at the University of Memphis and the Juilliard School. She has held numerous key leadership roles on the regional and state level including President of West Tennessee Vocal Music Education Association, President of the Tennessee Music Education Association and Southern Division President of the National Association for Music Education. She has been a member of

Eddleman has presented clinics on various aspects of early childhood music and secondary choral music and has served as an adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor. Her honors and memberships include selection to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, National Honor Roll Outstanding American Teachers, Governor’s School for the Arts Outstanding Teacher, Who’s Who Among Professional Women as well as the prestigious honor of being selected to the TMEA Hall of Fame.

Retirements: In Their Own Words

Shay Young

In 1997, after staying home with my children for several years, I returned to my teaching career as a substitute teacher at USJ. The new Upper/Middle School campus on McClellan Road had just opened, so I mostly worked on this campus. During the school year, I tutored several Upper School students in math and taught science and math review programs during the following summer.

The new campus attracted so many new students to USJ that an addition to the Middle School side was immediately added. With the surplus of new students, Mr. Coffey offered me a full time position as a teacher in the Middle School in the fall of 1998. My first year at USJ, I taught three different subjects: Tennessee History, sixth grade science and sith grade math. In the following years, I taught math in sixth, seventh and eighth grades.

Janice Baldwin led the MS math team back in the early days of USJ. She was my mentor teacher/friend for fifteen years. Prior to working together at USJ, Janice and I taught at EDS in 1979-1981. Little did we know that EDS and OHA would later combine to form our present day USJ, and we would continue our teaching careers and friendship here.

I am bittersweet about my retirement from teaching. USJ has been an amazing work experience, a home away from home, with co-workers who have become like family. I am looking forward to spending more time with my family, traveling, working on my genealogy projects, and new adventures in my senior life!

Cindy Bell

I joined the USJ family in 1999 as a kindergarten assistant because no teaching position was available. I brought my three children along with me in 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades. They went on to graduate from USJ, and I have now worked in several positions throughout my 22 years here, teaching kindergarten, first grade, fourth grade, fifth grade, and serving as MS/US librarian for six years now. The USJ family is truly that: family. I have made close friends with my colleagues and enjoyed seeing the growth over the years of our community. I have so many wonderful memories of my time here. I plan to spend time with my grandchildren, travel, enjoy time with family, and keep focusing on health and wellness.

Joe Grace

I started working for the University School of Jackson on June 3, 2002 as a maintenance helper. A couple of years later, I took over the position of maintenance supervisor. After 20 years, I’ve decided to spend more time with my family, working in my woodshop making duck calls, camping, hunting, fishing, traveling, and riding motorcycles. It’s bittersweet because I have loved working with USJ and the great staff for twenty years. It’s been an awesome journey, and I will truly miss not only the school, but seeing countless friends on a daily basis.

Arts @ The U & USJ Pops Concert

Arts at the U was a huge success last year and will continue to grow this year. More food trucks will be added, auction tables will possibly be included, and, of course, plenty of amazing talent from each division will be on hand. The event will start at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 24th at the Upper School and will be followed by the annual Pops Concert beginning at 7 p.m.

JR. A Smashing Hit

Seussical

The University School of Jackson’s Performing Arts Department presented Seussical JR. on May 6 and 7, 2022. An excellent cast of fortythree students in grades third-ninth participated in this wonderful story of love, loyalty, and friendship.

Horton, played by Diego Montoya, and Gertrude, played by Vaidehi Prasad, banded together to save the Whos. Many wellknown Seussical characters, such as JoJo, The Cat in the Hat, and The Grinch, made an appearance. The USJ Band, directed by Performing Arts Chair Tom Grant, paired with Music Theatre International to pilot the instrumental parts for Seussical JR. Erica Davidson and USJ theatre students designed the sets.

Jackson Woman’s Club Annual Poetry Contest Winners

Sixth-grade

Seventh-grade

Eighth-grade

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Eighth Grade Percussion Finds Success at Ensemble Competition at UT-Martin

On March 31, the USJ Eighth Grade Percussion Ensemble traveled to UT-Martin to compete with schools from the West Tennessee area in the WTSBOA Solo and Ensemble Competition. The group performed “Danielle’s Cha Cha Cha,” a Latin style piece using Marimba, Xylophone, Bells, Conga, Bongos, Timbales, and Timpani. The adjudicator scored them in seven different musical categories with levels consisting of Poor V, Fair IV, Average III, Excellent II, and Superior I for each category. Our students scored a Superior I in every category, a score not often achieved. Each member received a blue ribboned medal for the competition. The members are: Diego Montoya, Chase Wimer, Alexander DeCosta, Phillip White, Brennan Doyle, Caroline Alea, Natalie DeCosta, and Camden Martin.

USJ Students Selected to Tennessee All-State Choir

Kim Kabre, Reed Sullivan, and Andi Cate Via were selected to the Tennessee All-State Honor Choir. These young people represent the future leaders in our community and life-long advocates for music and the arts. Students selected to All-State represent the best musicians from across the state. These students excel in more than just music; they excel academically and athletically. The Tennessee All State Concerts were held at Gaylord Opryland Hotel April 27-29 in Nashville. Reed Sullivan and Andi Cate Via were also selected to the National Association for Music Education All National Honors Ensembles. All National was held at Gaylord National Harbor near Washington, DC, in November.

Jr. Bruin Choir Sings at Grizzlies Game

The Junior Bruin Choir’s Grizzlies performance was on Tuesday, February 8. This group of 22 fifth-grade students are volunteers who met each Tuesday morning before school to prepare for singing the national anthem at the game where the Grizzlies played the Los Angeles Clippers. The Junior Bruin Choir also sang the national anthem at the Grizzlies game again on Tuesday, November 22.

New Artwork in Prayer Garden

In 1997, a group of USJ moms, along with one dad, met weekly to pray for the students and staff at USJ. Out of this time together, the idea of a prayer garden with a fountain, a large engraved rock, and some plants around the huge oak tree was born. A landscape architect was contacted for guidance. The funds from many USJ families were given specifically for the prayer garden, and the work began. The Class of 2002 donated the huge rock just under the tree and engraved it with Psalm 1:1-3. Recently, the stained glass in the middle circle (that was in disrepair) was updated and donated by the Class of 2022. Through the years, many families have met in the garden to pray for their children. The mom’s prayer group still meets there weekly. One couple even got married in the garden! There is still more to come. The garden will have new benches soon, the fountain needs some maintenance, and a family has generously offered to pay for a new structurally sound gazebo. We would love to have lighting for the garden since so many events on our campus are held at night. We are also looking for master gardeners who will help maintain the landscaping as needed. Please contact Erin Wagner at ewagner@usjbruins.org if you are interested!

Dearly Beloved Takes the Stage

Dearly Beloved was a huge hit! This comedic play set in the heart of Texas has three sisters coming together to pull off a tasteful wedding. With the bride and groom missing, a secret-holding sister, and a hog smoking outside the church, things aren’t going according to plan. Upper School students did an amazing job performing this show. “We have performed some funny shows here at USJ, but I think this one takes the cake,” said Erica Davidson, Advanced Theatre Teacher. “When you have audience members coming back to see it because it was so funny, you know you have a hit on your hands.”

MARRIAGES:

Best wishes to Caroline Walker Haynes (‘17) and Joseph Wright, who were married on July 16, 2022, at Paris-Yates Chapel on the campus of Ole Miss in Oxford, Mississippi. A reception was held immediately following at The Isom Place. Caroline and Joseph spent their honeymoon at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. They are now living in Jackson where Caroline is a high school English teacher at Jackson Christian, and Joseph is in payments technology sales for Payroc Financial Solutions.

Congratulations to Jonathan Adkins (‘15) and Caroline Fossett who celebrated their wedding day on an unseasonably chilly March 12, 2022. They married at The Estate at Cherokee Dock in Lebanon, Tennessee. A beautiful reception was held at the same location. The couple lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where Jonathan works as a project manager for Solomon Builders, and Caroline teaches kindergarten at Franklin Road Academy.

Leah Margaret Strope (‘14) and James-Roland Markos (‘13) were married on the evening of April 30, 2022, at Paris-Yates Chapel on the campus of their alma mater Ole Miss in Oxford, Mississippi, with a reception following at Castle Hill Resort. The couple traveled to Europe for their honeymoon. They currently live in Rochester, Minnesota, and both work at the Mayo Clinic, where Leah Margaret is a Doctor of Audiology and James-Roland is a Resident Physician in Orthopedic Surgery. James-Roland is the son of USJ faculty member Clare Markos, and Leah Margaret is the niece of faculty member Vicki Wilson. Congratulations on the union of these two USJ families!

Josie Seals (‘17) and Jake Overton (‘17) exchanged vows at Faith Community Church in Humboldt, TN, on May 28, 2022. A tented reception was held afterward to celebrate at Breezewood, home of Whitney & John Overton. After honeymooning in Greece, the couple is residing in Nashville, Tennessee.

Congratulations are also in order for Walker McWherter (’10) and Karly Burris who were married on June 4, 2022, at Annesdale Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. They traveled to France and Switzerland for their honeymoon. Walker serves as Vice President at Best Beverages of West Memphis, and Karly is a freelance designer. They love living in Memphis and enjoy traveling and playing with their dog, Hutch.

Hollen Spencer (‘15) married Paige Koenigseder on July 9, 2022, at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas. They dated all four years at the University of Arkansas, tied the knot in front of the USJ Chili Dog gang, and then boogied until the convertible Cadillac picked them up at the reception’s end. Hollen works for State Farm Insurance, and Paige will graduate this fall with a doctoral degree in occupational therapy. The couple will make their home in Fayetteville, Arkansas, so they can supervise their younger siblings.

Also recently married were Mitchell Bodiford (‘16) and Molly Grace King on June 18, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Selmer, Tennessee. A reception followed at Parks Place in Corinth, Mississippi. The couple resides in Memphis where Mitchell will graduate from UTHSC in May 2023 with his doctoral degree in Physical Therapy. Molly Grace is an occupational therapist at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Mitchell is the son of USJ faculty member Vicki Wilson.

Two USJ alumni, Haley Hall (‘14) and Jackson Teer (‘12) were married on May 28, 2022. Their wedding was held at Dunes West in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. They moved to Tupelo, Mississippi, shortly thereafter where Haley works remotely as a graduate engineer for Civil Site Design Group based in Nashville, Tennessee. Jackson is a resident in Family Medicine at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Elizabeth Atkins, Director of Alumni Relations at eatkins@usjbruins.org, or call her at 731.300.3687.

BIRTHS:

We were excited to hear that Peyton Jayne Ozment was born on December 18, 2021, to Jamie Ozment (‘94) and his wife Amy. Peyton was 6 weeks early, weighed 4 lbs., 14 oz, and was 17.5 inches long. She has grown fast, is doing great, and rumor is she looks like her dad. Jamie and Amy live in Germantown, Tennessee, where Jamie works as an electrical engineer with Liles Engineering Design Consultants in Memphis, and Amy is currently a stayat-home mom after teaching senior and dual enrollment English at Houston High School in Germantown for 10 years.

Congratulations to Tracy Dougan Lombardo (‘00), husband Larry, and big sisters Sophie and Emilie who welcomed Frank “Ford” Lawrence Lombardo, IV on February 18, 2022.

Ford weighed 6 lbs., 3 oz, and was 19 inches long. The family resides in Memphis, where Tracy is a realtor with Ware Jones Realtors, and Larry works as a registered investment advisor at W Advisors, LLC.

Mary Catherine Smith was born on April 24, 2022, to Zach Smith (‘06) and his wife Lauren. Mary Catherine weighed 8 lbs., 1 oz. Her big brother, Sam, is currently in the Cubs class at USJ, and Mary Catherine is enrolled in our infant program.

Congratulations to Laura Harmon Poteet (‘14) and Patrick Poteet on the birth of their first child, Harper Lynn Poteet, born on June 14, 2022. Harper weighed 8 lbs., 9 oz. and was 21 inches long. Harper will join us at USJ in the 2024 school year.

CLASS REUNIONS

The OHA Classes of 1971-1977 had a joint reunion at Flatiron Grille on October 1, 2022.

The Class of 1982–40th Reunion was held the weekend of September 30 - October 1, 2022.

The Class of 1992–30th Reunion is being rescheduled. For more information, contact Meredith Moss Varino.

The Classes of 2001 and 2002–20th Reunion was held at the Reserve Barn on October 22, 2022.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:

Joey Howell Elected To Circuit Court Judge

Joseph Howell (‘90), a Jackson area attorney, was recently elected Circuit Court Judge to the State of Tennessee Circuit Court, 26th District, Division 1. We are so proud of Joseph for his service. He was sworn in by Senior Judge Roy Morgan, Jr. on August 29, 2022. Looking on were his wife, Lori, a staff member at USJ, and their children Mae (‘22) and James (‘24).

Ted Murray Jones (OHA ‘78), 62, of Humboldt, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, June 22, 2022. He was born on January 5, 1960, at Fort Eustis, Virginia Military Hospital. Ted graduated with honors from OHA where he played basketball, was voted Most Talented, Class Favorite/Mr. OHA and was involved in many creative endeavors. He went on to study at the University of Dallas but proudly graduated from Belmont University with a degree in Music and Theology in 1999.

Ted was a songwriter, poet, and an Americana artist with several albums (via Dream Train Music and RM Music) to his credit. Creating music with his friends was his passion and he wrote “Strawberry Festival Parade” for his hometown of Humboldt, Tennessee. His music and love for adventure took him to many places, including Alaska, Florida, Louisiana, California, Arizona, Australia, the Netherlands, England, Ireland, and New York City. He also hiked the entire Appalachian Trail. He is survived by his father, Winfred F (Ted) Jones, Jr., stepmother, Cathey, and mother, Judy Murray Bowers; his brother, Robert Clayton Jones (Shelby) and sister, Julie Jones Tunnell (Brad); three nephews: Scott Tunnell, Fort Jones, and Mason Jones and four nieces: Mary Julia Tunnell Craft (Hudson), Millie Tunnell, Josie Tunnell, Bailey Tunnell, and one great-niece, Elianna Craft, as well as his Aunt Rena Jones Johnson and loving cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Mildred Warlick & Winfred F (Ted) Jones, Sr., and Virginia Curley and Robert Mason Murray as well as stepfather, Richard Jack Bowers. Ted also loved and was loved by many lifelong friends and was especially devoted to his two yorkies: Lil Bit and Darling.

Charles Murray Pate (OHA ‘80), known to others as “Chuck,” of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2022, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, ID, just two days prior to his 61st birthday. Chuck was born and raised in Jackson, Tennessee, where he enjoyed playing football and baseball throughout his school years and was well known for his athleticism. He later moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and worked at Taylor Impressions

Inc. as a service technician and sales representative. He was most recently employed at Teton Media Works in Jackson Hole where he was supervisor and foreman of press operations. Chuck was an avid sportsman and hunter, and he also enjoyed gardening and cooking. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him, as he was “Papa Chuck” to his granddaughters. He was a father, a son, a brother, and a friend to all. He was preceded in death by his father Charles Wilburn Pate. He is survived by his mother Jackie Pate; children Charles Pate (Josie) of Manchester, Tennessee; Olivia Pate of Tullahoma, Tennessee; their mother Bonny Pate of Tullahoma, Tennessee, and grandchildren Bentleigh and Amelia. He is survived by three siblings -Terry Pate Archer (Doug) of Collierville, Tennessee; Debbie Pate of Jackson, Tennessee; and Liz Hamby of Venice, Florida.

Selena Elizabeth Bright (‘13) passed away Sunday, July 31, 2022, at her home in Humboldt, TN, at age 27. She was born in Jackson to Ricky and Melissa Bright on March 8, 1995. Selena was employed at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital and was a member of West Jackson Baptist Church. Selena was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bill Haggard and Billy Joe Bright. She is survived by her parents, Ricky and Melissa Haltom Bright; grandmother, Carolyn Haggard; brother, Dusty Bright (Anjali); aunts, Beth Hopkins (Tim), Jennifer Bright; cousin, Matt Hurst; fur babies, Yadi Benjamin and Beau.

Janice Ann (Perry) Baldwin, former EDS and USJ faculty member, passed away on April 11, 2022 at the age of 80 years old. Mrs. Baldwin was born in Houston, Texas, on February 26, 1942. Her parents, Lewis Lee Perry and Ida Wilma (Gates) Perry, and her brother, Richard Lee Perry preceded her in death. After a brief time in San Diego, California, where her father was posted with the U.S. Navy during World War II, the family moved back to Houston where she lived and went to school. She attended elementary school in South Houston and was salutatorian of her graduating class at Jesse Jones High School in Houston, Texas. Janice was awarded a scholarship to the University of Corpus Christi (Texas) where she graduated as valedictorian in 1964 with majors in biology and mathematics and a minor in

English. She served as secretary for the faculty of the Department of Religion at UCC and also met her future husband, Charles M. Baldwin. Upon graduation from UCC in 1964, she and her husband accepted teaching positions at EarthSpringlake High School, where between the two of them, they taught all the mathematics offerings from the 7th grade to the 12th grade. In the fall of 1965, she began a 4-year tenure teaching mathematics at Hutchinson Junior High School in Lubbock, Texas, while her husband completed work on his PhD in Chemistry at Texas Tech University. During her last year at UCC, Janice gave birth on September 27, 1963, to their first of two wonderful, talented daughters, Lisa Renee. Seven years later on December 29, 1970, their home would be blessed with another daughter, Michelle Denise.

After moving to Jackson, Tennessee in 1970, she taught science at Bells Junior High School in Bells, Tennessee, then at the Episcopal Day School in Jackson, until the family moved back to Texas in 1981 to care for infirmed parents. There she taught science at the Early Middle School (1981-1983) before moving to Plainview, Texas, where she taught science at Ash 6th Grade School (1984-1988) to classes that spanned the spectrum of opportunity in rural Texas. During her time in Texas, she earned the designation of Master Teacher held by less than 0.5% of teachers in Texas. In 1988, the family returned to Jackson, Tennessee, where she joined the faculty of the newly constituted University School of Jackson (USJ), formed from the merger of the Episcopal Day School and Old Hickory Academy. She taught seventh and eighth-grade honors math and served as the middle school mathematics department head until her retirement in 2012, concluding a teaching career that spanned 48 years. During her tenure at USJ, she served as Math Counts coach for middle school teams, which garnered a multitude of awards at regional and state contests. For several years, Janice also served as the lead planner, organizer, and guide for 8th grade study trips to Washington, D.C., Chicago, Illinois, and Hannibal, Missouri. Always the student, she attended numerous professional development seminars and workshops including “Learning and the Brain” Institutes in Boston, MA. Janice was a

voracious reader, often devouring 2-3 books per week. Immediate family members who remain and treasure the memory of Janice are Dr. Charles M. Baldwin (husband) of Jackson, Tennessee, Dr. Michelle D. Baldwin (daughter) of Jackson, Tennessee, Dr. Lisa R. Linton (daughter) and husband Steve Linton of Bethel, Ohio, Jenna M. Galletta (granddaughter) and fiancé Taylor Boyd of Kansas City, Missouri, Abby S. Galletta (granddaughter) of Jackson, Tennessee, Nicholas G. Galletta (grandson) of Jackson, Tennessee, and Gary Galletta (father of Jenna, Abby, and Nicholas) of West Chester, Ohio.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Janice Ann Baldwin Middle School Mathematics Scholarship Fund, c/o USJ, 232 McClellan Road, Jackson, TN 38305 or online at usjbruins.org, or to the Charles and Janice Baldwin Endowment Scholarship Fund, c/o Chemistry Department, 1050 Union University Drive, Jackson, TN 38305 or online at uu.edu.org.

Rhodes College Students Shine Around the World

Katherine Ryan (‘19) received the Buckman-Mollerup Award for International Leadership and Connor Stevens (‘19) received the Buckman Fellowship for Study Abroad. The Buckman-Mollerup Award and the Buckman Fellowship are designed to provide outstanding students with a stimulating academic experience in a setting outside of the United States. Katherine studied in Seville, Spain, and Connor studied the German language in Hamburg, Germany.

Glosson & Miller Perform in Prestigious Summer Stock Theaters

While at USJ, Sierra Glosson (‘15) and Keaton Miller (‘20) crossed paths on stage more than a few times, most memorably during the 2014 production of Seussical, in which she played Mayzie La Bird and he played The Cat In The Hat. Since then, Sierra’s path led her to continue her training at Viterbo University in Wisconsin, while Keaton’s led him to Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio. Both schools are known for superb musical theatre training, so it was no surprise when both actors recently landed professional gigs at two of the most renowned summer stock theatre companies. Summer stock is the name given to professional theatre that is carried out in venues all across the country, whose seasons typically end before the fall. After auditioning in person and virtually early in 2022, these two USJ alums found themselves in elite company, performing where numerous current actors on Broadway got their starts. Sierra spent the summer in the mountains of Montana at Bigfork Summer Playhouse, playing Katherine in Disney’s Freaky Friday and Ali in Mamma Mía! Keaton, too, was called to the mountains, but in New Hampshire at New London Barn Playhouse, where he lit up the stage as Willard in Footloose and Don in A Chorus Line. Maybe one day soon the planets will align, and these two future stars will share the stage together again!

ANNUAL REPORT OF GIVING U niversity S chool of J ackson 2021 - 2022

The 44 members of the University School of Jackson’s Class of 2022 attend 26 colleges across the United States, representing USJ from Texas to Rhode Island. These students have exhibited the mission of USJ in their pursuit of academic, artistic, and athletic excellence. This class is composed of National Merit scholars, a Mr. Football recipient, and students whose passions are rooted in the fine and performing arts. USJ’s commitment to developing personal integrity, mutual respect, and lifelong learning is seen in the thousands of hours of collective community service this class has completed. This group has served local organizations like RIFA as well as the world-renowned St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This class has developed relationships throughout the community in their work with the Boy Scouts of America, Leadership University, and the Mayor’s Youth Council. The Class of 2022’s enthusiasm for their next chapter exhibits their commitment to lifelong learning. We wish these Bruins all the best!

FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIR

Welcome to the Holiday edition of the USJ Annual Report. As we are in the midst of some historic times on our campus. I would like to recap some of the amazing feats our school achieved in 202122 that highlight the three pillars of USJ’s mission statement: academics, athletics, and the arts.

• We graduated 44 amazing Seniors who are attending 26 different colleges across the country.

• The Camille and Ralph Jones Academic Center continues to support students in a variety of ways.

• Bruins’ sports teams excelled:

o The Upper School Girls won the State Championship in Tennis for the second year in a row and fifth time overall, and the Upper School Boys were runners-up.

o The Upper School Girls’ soccer team won the State Championship for the third time.

o The Girls’ Track and Field took home championships in the 3200- and 1600-meter relays.

• USJ’s Middle and Upper School Choral students were again selected to regional honor choirs as well as All-State, All-National, Quad State, and ACDA Honors programs. Additionally, the USJ choir performed with the Jackson Symphony, at Walt Disney World, and at Carnegie Hall.

• The Theatre Program performed a total of six productions: a Middle School play, an Upper school play, two Upper School musicals, and two Middle School musicals.

• Arts at the U again enabled USJ students to share music, performances, and visual arts in what has become an annual fine arts showcase.

• The Imagine More Capital Campaign has now brought in more than $7 Million. During 2022, the baseball team played in the newly-refurbished Overton Stadium. The Betty & Don Newman Tennis Courts were dedicated, and the John H. Weston, Jr. Golf & Tennis Center opened.

• The Lower School students once again proved to be a formidable fundraising force, this time through the LeBonheur Bike-A-Thon.

• The 50th Annual Holiday Mart was back and better than ever, and they held their online auction as well to great success.

None of the above would be possible without the culture of generosity so apparent within our school community!

Additionally, the current school year is historic for several reasons. First, with more than 1,100 Bruins on campus, we have our largest enrollment in more than seven years. Second, the Board of Trustees has approved a new five-year strategic plan focused on retaining teachers, growing students, and further securing our financial future. Lastly, giving continues its upward trajectory. Through it all, our end goal remains the same: to be the best teaching school in West Tennessee.

USJ is what it is today because parents that came before us were willing to sacrifice for their children in order to give them the best education by investing in USJ beyond tuition. If you are a past contributor, we are counting on your continued support this year. If you have not contributed in the past, please consider joining us and becoming a part of the proud tradition of giving at USJ.

Thank you, Happy Holidays, and Go Bruins!

2022-23 FUND FOR EXCELLENCE CHAIRS – DAMINI AND AJAY PATEL

Damini and I have been part of the USJ family since 2015. I graduated from the U in 2000. Damini is substitute teacher in the Lower School and has been involved with USJ through the Holiday Mart, as a room mom, the book fairs and helping with various other fundraisers. I am in the hospitality development and management industry with properties around West Tennessee, and have served on the USJ Development Committee since 2021.

Our three children, Shaila (’31), Saiya (’33), and Zara (’36) are in lower school and are trying to figure out where their passions lie. All three participate in several after school activities. Shaila and Saiya both participate in the after school tennis program, Zara enjoys the TOT basketball and Gymnastics programs offered in the Lower School. Our oldest, Shaila has found a passion for the plays and musicals that the school offers.

USJ is a school that permits personal expression within a framework of social responsibility. It focuses on principles that grow our students through communication skills, decision making, craftmanship, and group interaction. The bedrock of our school has always been built on parents wanting the best for their children and sacrificing to ensure it happens.

We donate to the USJ Fund for Excellence (FFE) because of all of the opportunities it has given and will continue to give our girls. While paying tuition for three children can be difficult at times, we know that everything we do is an investment into their future.

The FFE is USJ’s Annual Giving platform. It supplements the annual budget and covers expenses that tuition doesn’t (tuition covers approximately 91%). A gift to the FFE, of any size, funds areas of instruction and can be designated multiple ways: libraries, the arts, athletics, the Jones Academic Center, Prayer Garden, technology and more.

In a fast-paced changing and competitive world, our students need the latest technology, the best athletic and fine arts facilities, and to thrive on a campus where they feel safe. Without the help of the parents, it would not be possible to give our kids these opportunities. Our girls will be at USJ for the next fifteen years and as parents, we need to help in any way possible. USJ has always been an amazing school, but it is only as strong as the families that attend.

Thank you and Go Bruins!

Russ

Chief Development Officer

731.668.8401 x.103 rellis@usjbruins.org

Elizabeth Atkins

Assistant Director of Development Director of Alumni Relations

731.300.3687, eatkins@usjbruins.org

CULTURE OF GENEROSITY

During your time at USJ, you will have many opportunities to support the school. While each opportunity for support serves different needs, they all enhance your student’s experience. Your time and talents are great assets to the USJ family – thank you! There are many channels to direct a monetary gift as well.

FUND FOR EXCELLENCE (FFE)

The Fund for Excellence (FFE) is the USJ annual giving platform. It supplements the annual budget and covers expenses that tuition doesn’t. A gift of any size to the FFE is critical in funding multiple areas of instruction and can be designated to the area of most interest.

LEGACY SOCIETY

With a $2,500 or greater donation to the Fund for Excellence, you become a member of the Legacy Society. Your gift supports the FFE as well as other fundraising groups at the school. Benefits include: a Super Booster membership, Holiday Mart Patron status, a Silver Level USJ Arts Guild sponsorship, and recognition and invitations to special events.

IMAGINE MORE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Our ongoing Capital Campaign has funded multiple building projects over the last four years. We are nearing completion of the Campaign. Capital campaigns typically last from three to five years.

ENDOWMENT FUNDS

Invested funds in an endowment can provide steady revenue streams over time. For example, the Donald Newman Endowed Chair of Mathematics provides support for specific elements of the USJ experience. The principal dollars invested in any endowment provide long term stability and growth, while the institution can utilize a set percentage of interest accrued on an annual basis.

SUPPORT GROUPS

USJ has three unique support groups:

1) Arts Guild – designed to enhance experiences on the stage, the studio, in the choir/chorus and band.

2) Bruins Club – provides different avenues to support the multiple sports that take place on our campus.

3) Parents Club – supports our teachers, faculty, and staff throughout the school year, ensuring they have the best resources at their fingertips.

If you would like to make a gift of support to USJ, please contact a member of our development team or go online to usjbruins.org/give.

LEGACY SOCIETY

THE LEGACY SOCIETY – A GIVING TRADITION THAT SUPPORTS ALL ASPECTS OF STUDENT LIFE

A Legacy Society Gift is the most directly beneficial donation one can make to USJ. It demonstrates a commitment to the well-rounded educational experience that takes place on and off campus every day.

A Legacy Society Gift of $2,500 supports the Fund for Excellence (USJ’s annual giving platform), the Bruins Club, the Arts Guild, and the Parents Club.

The Fund for Excellence, or FFE, is critical to the annual budget, making up the difference between tuition and the actual cost to educate USJ students. The FFE allows USJ to retain the best teachers, administrators, and the most talented coaches, while ensuring that students have access to technology and that our Academic Center can be fully funded.

Additional benefits as a member of the Legacy Society:

• SuperBooster with two passes to every regular season home game and a designated parking pass.

• Fine Arts Patron at the Silver Level – four tickets with reserved seating at every production, a one-fourth page ad in the sponsor booklet, and name displayed on the Sponsor Board of productions

• Holiday Mart Patron with free admission for two to the Holiday Mart Preview Party and ten door tickets for any day to one of Jackson’s longest running holiday traditions.

As you contemplate your annual giving to USJ, please consider the one gift that has the greatest impact on the student body and the USJ family.

Founder’s Society ($10,000+)

Anonymous

Camille & Ralph Jones

Eli Lily & Company Foundation

Tiffany & Wes Overton

Chana & Alan Sallee

Sandra & Freddy Teague USJ Parents Club

USJ Society ($5,000+)

Ali & Brandon Buchanan

Alyson & Zac Fite

Melanie & Matt Fite

Beth & Todd Haltom

Susan Cox & Joshua LeFevre

Kelly & Roger Murray

Jennifer & Jason Sammons

Frank Waters

Legacy Society ($2,500+)

BancorpSouth

Jodi & Mike Barker

Carrie Brown & Nick Campbell

Caroline & Jeb Campbell

Jamie & David Creech

Lee & Brian Davis

Amy & Brian Dougan

Lee & Todd Driver

Lolly & Stephen Eldridge

Beth & Doug Haltom

Cecilia & Stephen Hammond

Julie & Hunter Hooper

Allison & Dan Kayal

Misty & James Kirkland

Carol & Ron Kirkland

Betsy & Brad Little

Jennifer Marcus

Allison & Preston Miller

Ruth Ann Morrison

Amy & Stan Ragon

Tracy & Ben Rasbach

Molly & Ryan Roy

Staci & Casey Rushing

Ashby & Clint Scott

Sarah & Chad Shankle

Carmen & James Simeon

Kendra & Justin Smith

Martha Carol & Blake Spellings

David Suber

Jill & Mark Taylor

Ashley & Trey Teague

Lauren & Chip Trammell

Kathryn & Johnny Tucker

Brittney & Tripp Tucker

Sara Jane & Ruste Via

Jennifer & John Whybrew

Kati & Stephen Wilks

Red & Blue Society ($1,000+)

Gari & Shaun Brown

Betsy & Alan Dement

Brooke & Clint Dorris

Anna & Lanier English

Debbie & Buster Ferguson

Emily & Tyler Gamble

Haley & Clay Goodrich

Lynn & William Harmon

Brittany & Logan Harris

Mary-Glenn & Michael Hartup

Michelle & Patrick Just

Rhonda & Mark Koch

Molly & Eric Lee

Rebecca Lilienstern

Amanda & Jeremy Little

Julie & Brent Messer

Julia & Mark Montgomery

Blair & Andrew Myers

Damini & Ajay Patel

Rachel & Robert Payne

Cara Lee & Eric Peterson

Sarah & Kelly Pucek

Helen & Michael Saridakis

State Farm Companies Foundation

Holly & Michael Stroup

Lisa & Randy Terry

Liz Dixson Tunstill

Jordan Leigh & Cy Young

Faculty & Staff Legacy ($1,000+)

Anonymous

Elizabeth & Kyle Atkins

Allison & Michael Badgett

Becky & Brent Baskin

Sherri & Chris Brauss

Bridget & Danny Clark

Karen & Russ Ellis

Mary Ann & Chris Giampapa

Holly & Gary Johnson

Sarah & Chuck Jones

Cindy & Bruce Kirsch

Margaret & Travis Livingston

Theresa & Randy Olswing

Melinda & Don Roe

Regina & Eric Sills

Pam & Daniel Stanfield

Hayley & Chris Wilkerson

Melissa & Matt Zerfoss

Leadership Society ($500+)

Brasfield Construction

Tausha & Harbert Alexander

Celia & Josh Allen

Angie & Brad Box

Brianne & Charlie Campbell

Jenny & Hunter Clement

Jennifer & David Craig Jamie & Scott Davenport

Cayce & Johnny Davis

Patrick Evans

April & Ryan Foster

Marisa Pirraglia & Greg Franz

Cathy & Charlie Garrett

Courtney & Jason Goolsby

Miranda & Will Harbin

Martha & Rodney Hines

Kelly & Hunter Johnston

BethAnn & Jonathon Jones

Xian Li & Ming Lin

Kristen Londe

Alexis & Andrew Long

Andrea & Dusty Mays

Whitney & Caleb Meriwether

Natasha Gupta & Nirbhay Parashar

Tina & Neil Patel

Tina & Randy Plunk

Jennifer & Robert Reynolds

Nancy & Richard Robinson

Kim & James Robinson

Marcy & Read Ronk

Sara & Brandon Rowland

Mandy & Eric Scallions

Brittney & Matt Sellers

Janet & Mike Tankersley

Frances & Frank Tankersly

Emily & Paul Taylor

Sharyn & Chuck Thompson

Brenda & Joseph Venable

Alison & Chris Weaver

Karen & David Welch

Adriene & Martin Williams

Bruin Society ($250+)

Ashley & Joel Ayers

Teresa & Richard Ayers

Badiaa & Naji Bourji

Emily & Beau Carr

Christy & Chuck Cloud

James & Heather Ellis

Molly & Mike Gardner

Tammy & Tom Grant

Guerla & Richard Green

Adair & Jim Hardegree

Lauralee & Tripp Hise

Amy & Robert Hite

Maleah Hollingsworth

Jamie & Richard Hopkins

Kimberly & Mark Hoppe

Teryn & Ben Howard

Lori & Joey Howell

Kimberly & Kevin Hunley

Gina & John Langley

Kimberly & Joseph Leonard

Alisa & Geoffrey Lindley

Bessie & Murphy McKinney

Anna & Gregory Mitchum

Jackson Murray

Julie & Kevin Nolen

Carolyn & Mark Patey

Kim & Rob Rainey

Alicia & Brian Roberts

Kathy & Alan Sallee

Tommy Shaffer

Heather & Matt Shelton

Julie & Vance Shoaf

Laura Leigh & Clark Short

Todd Siroky

Catherine & Trey Teel

Adriana & Wade Thomson

Jonathan Flatt & Benjamin Wilkinson Adriene & Martin Williams

Support Partner (up to $249)

Shilpa & Prasann Jinturkar

Bridget Roberts & David Johns

Brian Johnson

Teala & Jeff Jones

Makenzie & Adrian Acosta

Svetlana & Frederick Agee

Adyasha & Manish Agrawal

Eric Akin

Zainab Alhamed & Mohsin

Alhaddad

Kristin & Jared Alvey

Tina & Ricky Anderson

Debbie & Michael Anton

Caroline & Dennis Ballentine

David Barksdale

Shelly & Spencer Barnes

Edie & Matthew Barnett

Jessica Barton

Alisha & Chancelor Baskerville

Amanda & Lowell Beller

Betsy & Brad Biggs

Jessica & Louis Bosco

Michelle & Grant Boykin

Kathy & Eugene Brandt

Kelly & Steve Breazeale

Christine & Ivan Brown

Holly Brown

Leslie & Jason Buchanan

Krystal Butler

Kellie Byrd

Traci & Trey Carney

Kay & Robert Carney

Tiffany & Russ Cash

Carrie Cates

Lisa & Robert Cates

Brittney & Brandon Churchill

Diana & Robert Clark

Chad Clifton

Chanda & Claude Conley

Terri & Chris Crider

Heather & Tripp Crook

Elizabeth & John Croom

Hillary & Tim Dalton

Elizabeth & Luke David

Erica & Bradley Davidson

Kathy & Keith Davis

Elizabeth & Ben Davis

Britnee & Will Dement

Karen & Scott Denaburg

Megan & Bryan Dennison

Heather & Michael Dolan

Chelsea & Philip Dunn

Dian & Phillip Eddleman

Hailey & Michael Eldridge

Sylvia Evans

Kimberlee & Rollin Fair

Lisa & Michael Farris

Meredith Figueroa

Kathy & Richard Fite

Dolores & Brett Fleming

Kate & Logan Foust

Nikki Freeland

Kim & Robert Garland

Leslie & Matt Garrett

Kathy & Victor Giovanetti

Mary Neal & Tom Glass

Julie & Jimmy Glosson

Goldman Sachs

Lauren & Jeremy Green

Daryl Griffin

Leah & Adrian Hackett

Corrie & Michael Halas

Mary Claire Hancock Jan & Eddie Hanna

Lisa Hanna

Lauren & Derrick Hansen

Annie & Miller Hayes Jackie & Teddy Hazlehurst Erika & Brian Henson

Lauren & Jimmy Henson Candace Higgs

Billy Hight

Traci & Tommy Hill Elizabeth & Andy Hoffman Tiffany & Kyle Hopper

Kristin & Patrick Horner Zsaneka & Bart Horton

Kellye Hubbard

Leslie & Keith Huggins

Matt Ingram

Chelsea & Ed Jackson

Shannon & Travis Jones

BethAnn & Jonathon Jones

Alicia & Peter Jones

Misty & Pete Katsaliros

Mandeep Kaur & Navtej Nerwal

Farzaneh Kaveh

Carmeda & Joey Keen

Wenesday & Gregory Ketron

Ashley & Brandon Kilburn

Stacey & Alex Kim

Tracey & Darrell King

Amanda & T.J. King

Erica & Curt King Carol & Ron Kirkland

Myra & James Krenis

Lindsey Langford

Betsy & Brad Little

Brenda & Travis Lonon

Kathy & Jay Louviere

Jennifer & Marcus Lykes

Jennifer & Andrew Lytle

Barbara & Ricky Mansfield

Clare & George Markos

Lisa & Mickey Marley

Hallie & Casey McCallum

Heidi McDaniel

Morgan & William McGuire

Lori McKinnie

Ann McLemore

Denise & David Miller

Amy & Gregg Mitchell

Laura & Baker Moore

Megan & Chris Moore

Heather & Jason Moore

Janet & George Morgan

Karen Morganti

Rachel & Brent Morris

Emily Morris Patricia Morton

John & Traci Mullins

Brittney & Sam Neely

Ginger & John New

Frances New

Tham Le & Kevin Nguyen

Liz & Greg Nichols

Abby Nichols

Jean & Kyral Norville

Abby & Bradley Norville

Lisa & Chibuzo Nwokolo

Nice & Bill Panthofer

Summer & Richard Paris

Sarah & Kyle Pettigrew

Rachel & Drew Phillips

Jay Phipps

Jessica & Robert Platt

Jamie & Matt Pledger

Ava & Adam Pogue

Sara Beth & Ryan Porter

Michelle & Ronnie Prince

Sabrina & Ramzi Qaadan

Kim & Michael Raines

Jane Ramer

Loretta Reasons

Amy Reeves

Cathy & Jack Richbourg

Carla & Eddie Roach

Lauren & Joseph Robinson

Sally & Jim Rogers

Holly & Thomas Roolf

Cori & Jason Rose

Alicia & Andrew Russell

Carol & Phillip Ryan

Melessa & Blake Sain

Lauren & Greg Saliba

Judy & Richard Sanderson

Kenya & Anthony Sawyer

Shannon Scarbrough

Courtney & Joshua Schwimer

Leslie & David Scott

Jennifer & Bob Seals

Linda & Shannon Shands

Martha & Brandon Sheffield

Anne & Doug Short

Kellie & Trey Sikes

Regina & Eric Sills

Kimberly & Jeff Sims

Emily & Nathan Smith

Angela Smith

Kelly & Alex Smith

Beth & Shannon Smith

Amber & Tate Smith

Kristi & Stacy Sockwell

Jayme & Justin Spencer

Kiana Brooks & Derriell Springfield

Rachel & Jason Strandquist

Abbey & Grant Studebaker

Tracey & Taylor Sullivan

Darlene & David Tanner

Cynthia Thomson

Paul Timpone

Shonda & Ben Vargason Kelly & Jamie Vaughn Carol & Kirk Venable

Catherine & Ross Via Jane & Fred Vinson

Erin Wagner

Mary Jane & Jesse Wheeler

Shannon & Ronald Whisenant Susan & Joey Williams

Vicki & Greg Wilson

Sandra & Matthew Wright

Brittany & Paul Wyatt

Lauren & Drew Yancey Carol & Randal Yarbro Candace & Alan Yates Shay & Gary Young

In-Kind Gifts to the Fund for Excellence

Legacy Society (In-kind $2,500+)

Elizabeth & Steve Maloan

Karen & Jeff Tabor

Red & Blue Society (in-kind $1,000+) Wright Dermatology

Leadership Society (in-kind $500+) Bosco Contractor Services LLC

Fund For Excellence Parent Participation Has

SUPER

& CORPORATE SPONSORS

The Bruins Club supports the athletic programs at USJ through volunteer support and financial assistance. Our purpose is to provide supplemental funding not covered by the general budget.

The Bruins Club generates funds through our annual Super Booster campaign, concessions, and special events, such as program ads, tournaments, and stadium sponsor signs.

The Bruins Club is committed to all USJ athletic programs, dedicating funds to a variety of capital improvement projects over the past years. Some of the projects funded by the Bruins Club include strength and conditioning equipment, volleyball equipment, concessions equipment, gym floors, turf field contribution, golf simulator, stadium graphics, and the baseball field sound system.

Corporate Sponsors

Hub City Group

Paris Eye Care, LLC

Russell Dental Group, PC

Southern Electric & Controls, LLC

West Tennessee Pediatric Dental Group (Jennifer McCarter)

Super Boosters

Kimberly & Chip Allen

Celia & Josh Allen

Shirley Allen

Tommy & Mimi Allen

Carolyn & Winfred Allen

Cindy & Jimmy Anderson

Elizabeth & Kyle Atkins

Allison & Michael Badgett

Susan & Dave Baggett

BancorpSouth

Nikki & Rob Barham

Jodi & Mike Barker

David Barksdale

Kelly & David Barnes

Shelly & Spencer Barnes

Vicki & Rick Barnett

Becky & Brent Baskin

Jody & Kenneth Bell

Amanda & Lowell Beller

Paige & Brent Bledsoe

Sandra & Mike Bledsoe

Angie & Brad Box

Sarah & Thomas Box

Emily & Jeffrey Brasfield

Sandra & Ken Brasfield

Sherri & Chris Brauss

Janet & David Brown

Gari & Shaun Brown

Ali & Brandon Buchanan

Dana & Jay Bush

Laura & Bryan Byrd

Carrie Brown & Nick Campbell

Caroline & Jeb Campbell

Traci & Trey Carney

Kay & Robert Carney

Carmen & Chris Carroll

Debbie & Terry Carroll

Sheila Carter

Tiffany & Russ Cash

Lisa & Robert Cates

Bubba & Ann Cates

Rebecca & Jason Cherry

Bridget & Danny Clark

Jenny & Hunter Clement

Christy & Chuck Cloud

Molly & Danny Cole

Leigh Ann & Dale Conder

Chanda & Claude Conley

Michelle & Dennis Cook

Kay & Steve Cooke

Teresa & Darryl Cox

Paulette & Andy Coy

Jenny & Ruffin Craig

Jamie & David Creech

Terri & Chris Crider

Heather & Tripp Crook Dot & James Cupples

Jamie & Scott Davenport

Lee & Brian Davis

Cayce & Johnny Davis

Betsy & Alan Dement

Suzanne & Chris Dement

Britnee & Will Dement

Jenny & Chesley Dennison

Elizabeth Dixson-Tunstill

Heather & Michael Dolan

Jill & William Donnell

Brooke & Clint Dorris

Amy & Brian Dougan

Starla & Eddie Dougan

Lee & Todd Driver

Teresa & Jim Dunn

Lynn & Jimmy East

Judy East

Dianne & Chip Edwards

Hailey & Michael Eldridge

Lolly & Stephen Eldridge

Karen & Russ Ellis

Ginger & Adam English

Anna & Lanier English

Beverly & Pat English

Sarah & Dewayne Faulkner

Summer & Barry Ferguson

Holly & Ben Ferguson

Jane & Bob Ferguson

Meredith & Mario Figueroa

Melanie & Matt Fite

Alyson & Zac Fite

Patricia & John Fortner

April & Ryan Foster

Christy & Ken Fullington

Emily & Tyler Gamble

Molly & Mike Gardner

Leslie & Matt Garrett

Mary Ann & Chris Giampapa

Christie & Scott Golden

Mary & Michael Goodwin

Courtney & Jason Goolsby

Judy & Bob Graning

Beth & Doug Haltom

Beth & Todd Haltom

Danice & John Haltom

Jennifer & Kreg Hamm

Cecilia & Stephen Hammond

Paulette & Steve Hammond

Jan & Eddie Hanna

Jeri & Clinton Harbin

Miranda & Will Harbin

Adair & Jim Hardegree

Crysta & Jamar Hardiman

Sally Harlan Dana Harris

Mary-Glenn & Michael Hartup

Charlotte & David Hatcher

Annie & Miller Hayes

Billy Hight

Martha & Rodney Hines

Lauralee & Tripp Hise

Amy & Robert Hite

Brooke & Charles Hodges

Julie & Hunter Hooper

Claire & Jason Hooper

Kimberly & Mark Hoppe

Zsaneka & Bart Horton

Teryn & Ben Howard

Lori & Joseph Howell

Marsha & Gary Hubbard

Kellye Hubbard

Leslie & Keith Huggins

Kimberly & Kevin Hunley

Jill Jackson

Dana & Steven Jett

Debbie & Craig Johnson Holly & Gary Johnson

Diane & Mike Johnson

Kelly & Hunter Johnston

Sarah & Chuck Jones

Janice & Gary Jones

Shannon & Travis Jones Jennifer & Craig Jones Tabitha & Dustin Jordan

Anna & Cody Kail

Misty & Pete Katsaliros

Allison & Dan Kayal

Teresa & Richard Kee

Carmeda & Joey Keen

Erica & Curt King

Amanda & T.J. King

Carol & Ron Kirkland

Misty & James Kirkland

Rhonda & Mark Koch

Kelly & Nick Latimer Bethany & Peter Lawrence Molly & Eric Lee

Susan & Joshua LeFevre

Kimberly & Joseph Leonard Carol Jan & Bill Liles Casey & Bradley Lindsey Rachael Linney

Betsy & Brad Little

Amanda & Jeremy Little Margaret & Travis Livingston Alex Londe

Kristen Londe

Patti & Harold Lonon Kathy & Jay Louviere Ashley & Ben Lovell Amber & Zachary Luttrell Elizabeth & Steve Maloan Jennifer Marcus

Kelly & Anthony Martin

Julie & Travis Martin

Kay & Henry Massler

Andrea & Dusty Mays

Wanda & Charlie McCall

Jenny & Marvin McKenzie

Heather McLemore

Mary & Curt McMillin

Tiffany & Houston McSwain

Autumn & Ted Measley

Kimberly & Brian Melton

Peggy & Roger Mileham

Allison & Preston Miller

Rebecca & Stephen Miller

Keli & Tyreece Miller

Amy & Gregg Mitchell

Anna & Gregory Mitchum

Julia & Mark Montgomery

Deanie & Jackie Montieth

Megan & Chris Moore

Laura & Baker Moore

Hope & Raybon Moore

Betty & Robert Moore

Rachel & Brent Morris

Ruth Ann Morrison

Cheryl & Keith Murray

Kelly & Roger Murray

Diane & Tommy Nelms

Debbie & Harold Nerren

Ginger & John New

Abby Nichols

Liz & Greg Nichols

Julie & Kevin Nolen

Jean & Kyral Norville

Aly & Chima Oleru

Theresa & Randy Olswing

Tammi & Will O’Neal

Hunt & Houston Payne

Kim & Corey Persons

Sarah & Kyle Pettigrew

Daisy & Jay Phipps

Polly & Mo Pledger

Tina & Randy Plunk

Brannon Powell

Kimberly & William Preston

Sarah & Kelly Pucek

Brooke & Thomas Pugh

Ashley & Heath Rabun

Kim & Rob Rainey

Tracy & Ben Rasbach

Linda & Bobby Ray

Julie Ray

Shelley & Payton Redden

Gail & Robert Reynolds

Jennifer & Robert Reynolds

Alicia & Brian Roberts

Kim & James Robinson

Melinda & Don Roe

Cori & Jason Rose

Anita & Robert Roy

Molly & Ryan Roy

Staci & Casey Rushing

Nell Rushing

DaJuan & Bobby Sain

Lauren & Greg Saliba

Kathy & Alan Sallee

Chana & Alan Sallee

Jennifer & Jason Sammons

Joyce & Larry Sanders

Mandy & Eric Scallions

Martha & Carlos Schmitt

Carla & Mike Schmitt

Jean & Jason Schultz

Ashby & Clint Scott

Katie & Todd Seabrook

Jennifer & Bob Seals

Michelle & Andrew Sellers

Jacquelyn Sellers

Brittney & Matt Sellers

Sarah & Chad Shankle

Lauren & Josh Shearon

Martha & Brandon Sheffield

Heather & Matt Shelton

Whitney & Dan Sikes

Regina & Eric Sills

Patricia & James Simeon

Carmen & James Simeon

Todd Siroky

Kelly & Alex Smith

Amber & Tate Smith

Jane & Brown Smith

Joan & Danny Smith

Kendra & Justin Smith

Sherry & Kenny Smith

Beth & Shannon Smith

Gina & Todd Smith

Lauren & Zach Smith

Keata & Jason Snider

Kristi & Stacy Sockwell

Dorothea Spates

Martha Carol & Blake Spellings

Jayme & Justin Spencer

Angela & Nathan Spencer

Renee & Nick Stamper

Pam & Daniel Stanfield

Dena & Dan Steele

Sylvia & Barry Stephenson

Lindsay Stephenson

Brenda Stewart

Mary Ann & Lowell Stonecipher Holly & Michael Stroup Torri Studtmann

David Suber

Jamie & Jason Sullivan

Tracey & Taylor Sullivan

Jill & Mark Taylor Ashley & Trey Teague Sandra & Freddy Teague

Lisa & Randy Terry

Cynthia Thomson

Sherry & Barry Tignor

Linda & Bill Timbes

Laura & Dwight Tomlin

Lauren & Chip Trammell

Brittney & Tripp Tucker

Kathryn & Johnny Tucker Meredith & Matt Varino

Catherine & Ross Via

Sara Jane & Ruste Via Jane & Fred Vinson Jim Waddell

Erin Wagner Kelley & Jack Walker Sally & Jimmy Wallace Tricia & David Watlington Nikki & Jeff Watlington Patricia & Jim Watson Alison & Chris Weaver Brenda & Bill Welch Karen & David Welch Jennifer & Andy West Amy & Pierce White Jennifer & John Whybrew Nicholas & Kelly Wiggins Hayley & Chris Wilkerson Kati & Stephen Wilks

Lori & Bradley Williams Susan & Joey Williams

Vicki & Greg Wilson

JoAnn Wormer

Sandra & Matthew Wright Dorothy Yandell

Hannah & Lee Yandell

Janice & Joe Yarbrough Candace & Alan Yates James Youmans

Young Life Melissa & Matt Zerfoss

Bruin Booster Classic Sponsors

Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC

BancorpSouth

BFB Medical Supply, Inc.

Browning & Graves

Carlock Management Company

Central Distributors

Community Bank

Concrete Systems Company, LLC

Dement Construction Company, LLC

Dixie Logging

Edward Jones – Chuck Cloud

Karen & Russ Ellis

FMY Orthodontics

Forty West Designs

Garrett Plumbing & Heating Company, Inc.

Graham Snack Foods

Haven Insurance Partners, LLC

H&M Company, Inc.

King Tire Co.

Master Medical Equipment

McCoy’s Heating & Air, Inc.

McWherter Scott & Bobbitt PLC

MG Construction Morgan Stanley – Mike Tankersley

Morgan Steel Posh Lighting, LLC

Raymond James – Smith Campbell Group Melinda & Don Roe

Shoaf Farms Siroky Law PLC

Southeastern Reinforcing, Inc. State Farm – Brandon Jones

State Farm – Randy Terry Holly & Michael Stroup

Kathryn & Johnny Tucker Williams Steel Co.

SARA KAZEMPOUR – WHY I GIVE

I feel as though it is important to support USJ because of how generous and caring they have always been to my son and me.

I’ve worked at USJ for 19 years, and I have time and time again seen how the school supported families in many aspects of their lives.

I have been so fortunate to be surrounded by such caring staff and students, so it only feels right to continue to support this environment by giving to the Fund for Excellence (FFE). I want USJ to always be a place where parents feel supported and where students like my son can get an amazing education.

NEWMAN AND OVERTON DEDICATIONS TAKE PLACE!

The week after Spring Break 2022 was another special one at the U!

On Thursday, March 24, the Betty & Donald Newman Championship Tennis Courts were dedicated. The two courts with the Newman namesake were made possible through an anonymous donation. The pair of courts are part of the new tennis complex and are the only courts with lights to date. Mr. Newman taught advanced mathematics classes for over 30 years at USJ. He was also a highly regarded cross country and tennis coach winning multiple state championships during his tenure. Mr. Newman’s family and many of the USJ faithful were in attendance to celebrate his legacy.

On the very next day, Friday, March 25, the red ribbon was cut on the brand-new Overton Stadium. Bruins baseball got a revitalized home courtesy of Whitney and John Overton who made the lead gift to the project. Their investment along with other USJ baseball parents and grandparents led to a brand-new grandstand and press box, a new backstop and multiple equipment needs. Hats off to the Overton family and our current parents and grandparents who continue to enhance the USJ experience.

Endowments provide long term financial stability to institutions when monetary gifts are placed in a restricted fund and invested for long term considerations. When an endowment fund grows and matures, through diversified investments, the organization can draw a percentage from the fund on an annual basis.

Founders Society ($10,000+)

Matt Medearis

USJ Society ($5,000+)

Farlie & Mark Herron

Carol & Ron Kirkland

Kerry & William Kirkland Suzanne & Hunter Welles

Legacy Society ($2,500+)

Kristin & Erik Fares

Beth & Doug Haltom

Frances & Jake Lawhead

Microsoft Giving Campaign

Jennifer & Jamey Tankersley Kerry & Brent Truell

Red & Blue Society ($1,000+)

Jennifer & Mark Bateman

Christie & Brice Burbank

Brent & Jil Cooper

Janis & David Fite

Cecilia & Stephen Hammond

Melissa & Jason Hutchison

Misty & James Kirkland

Grant Newman

Joyce & Kofi Nuako

Kwame Nuako

Elaine & Eugene Reese

Stephanie & Scott Stonecipher Jamie & Jason Sullivan

Leadership Society ($500+)

Teresa & Richard Ayers in honor of Kay Shearin

Mirna & Robert Caldwell

Cynthia & Larry Carruth

Jean & Steve Coffman

Christyn & Ray Courtney

Emily & Yancey Cowen

Susan & John Crocker

Jennifer & Dow Davidson

Tiffany & Nick Debnath

Google, Inc.

Janna Herbison

The Michael B. Ibach Family

Shauna & Arthur Kirkland

Martha & Jerry Kizer

Pam & Jeff Kovalic

When considering a long-term commitment to USJ, please explore an endowment giving opportunity. The FFE impacts our institution at the present, the Capital Campaign provides years of enhanced experiences for students, and an endowment gift ensures financial stability for USJ in perpetuity.

Stephanie & Nathan Kurita

Ravinder, Gurpreet & Samrath Machra

Maria & Bill Mariencheck in honor of Marisa & Clara Mariencheck

Joy & John Meriwether

Molly & Alan Rheney

Charlene & Larry Shaffer

Linda & Jay Dan Smith Jan & Patrick Teer

Valerie & Matt Walker Elaine Green & Bill Woods

Bruin Society ($250+)

Autodesk Foundation

Nancy & John Boehms Betsy & Alan Dement Emily & Brian Dunn Jennifer & Kenneth Edwards David Garey April & John Gwin Mandy & Jay Hall Danice & John Haltom Sarah & Dan Matthews Joy & John Matthews Eri Obi Tommy Shaffer Ginger & John Warmath Shae & Bo White Jay Wilson

Support Partner

Sylvia & Bill Alexander Anonymous AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

Beth Baddour

Nikki & Rob Barham Cindy & Larry Bell

Lina & Fred Bowyer

G.G. & Charles Bray

Barbara & Tim Bryant

Alice-Catherine & Stephen Carls Rita & Jimmy Carmichael

Stacey & Jeff Coley in honor of Camryn Coley Dianne & Chip Edwards Donna & Tom Ellis Lina Ellis EDS

Benjamin Epps

Kate & Charles Foster

Ashley & John Guyton

Lynn & William Harmon

Heather & Tige Hopper

Tiffany & Ray Howard

Ami Joglekar & Zachary Salem

Sarah & Keyon Kazempour

Penny & John Kendall

Elizabeth & Mark Lai

Mindy & James Matthews

The Micetich Family

Amy & Gregg Mitchell

Kathy, Clay, Hannah & Hope Newman

Rocio, Patrick & Caitlin Nycum

Gina & Don Pearson

Michelle & Ronnie Prince

Lisa, Kenny, Rebecca & Austin Rogers

Allen Schlamp

John Schlamp

Kay & Butch Shearin

Linda & Jay Smith

Lisa & Steve Spurlin

Kathryn & Tyler Swindle

Jennifer & Michael Paul Tachenko

Piper & Jackie Taylor

Susan Alex & Alex Thomas

Christie & Matt Thomson

Kim & David Villarreal

Sandra & David Watlington

Eric Whisenant

Ellie Whisenant

Lynn & Blake White

Andrea & Tom Williams

Frank G. Witherspoon, Jr., M.D.

TREY & CATHERINE TEEL – WHY WE GIVE

USJ was an instrumental part of our lives for over thirteen years. Our time at USJ challenged us academically, provided us the opportunity to be involved in sports and leadership roles in the classroom, and supported friendships that remain today. From pre-kindergarten to graduation, it is evident that the education we received, the teachers we encountered, and the relationships we made along the way shaped us for the future.

Upon attending college and, later, professional schools, we realized and appreciated the preparation that USJ provides to students. The academic excellence that USJ demanded was unmatched. We were and are still proud to be members of the Bruin family.

As we are now living in Jackson again and expanding our family this fall, we hope to see our children grow and learn at USJ in the future. Giving to our alma mater is an honor, and we hope to be a small part in seeing USJ thrive for generations to come. Today, we include USJ in our annual giving because we want the school to continue to grow and positively impact the lives of all those who attend.

THE PATH FORWARD CIVIL PROJECTS – GETTING AROUND THE

U SAFELY AND EFFICIENTLY!

From the outset of the Imagine More Campaign (over 3 ½ years ago) one primary goal was better, safer, and more efficient pedestrian and traffic flow. With the latest phase of the campaign – The Path Forward - nearing completion, we are getting closer to accomplishing that goal.

A new turn lane has been added at entrance two – the main artery into campus. It allows for better access to the new Upper School drop-off, which is partitioned off from student parking, creating a safe barrier from foot and car traffic.

In virtually every phase of the campaign, sidewalks have been added to campus. This holds true for all of the latest civil projects. Sidewalks will connect the Lower to the Middle/Upper School, the Upper School to Kirkland Field at Carlock Stadium, Overton Baseball Stadium, and all spring sports fields.

With the tennis courts relocated, Super Booster and Legacy Society members have a new, more convenient parking area and special entrance near the north endzone, beside the Lady Bruins Facility. This area also boasts sidewalks for safety purposes.

Lastly, new entrances with architectural consistency to the rest of campus adorn Kirkland Field at Carlock Stadium, the spring sports area, and at the new Super Booster entrance.

It’s taken many donors to ensure this phase was completed successfully. It has also taken a lot of boots on the ground putting in untold man hours. There are many to thank, but chief among them are Philip Dunn, Director of Grounds, Brian Dougan, Chair of the Building and Grounds Committee, Trey Teague, Development Committee Chair and James Kirkland, Volunteer General Contractor for the Path Forward Project.

RIBBON CUT ON NEW GOLF & TENNIS CENTER

The doors are now open at the John H. Weston, Jr. Golf & Tennis Center. In a ceremony held on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, USJ parents, grandparents, students, and local dignitaries gathered for a special ceremony to dedicate the building.

Mr. Weston, who made the lead gift to ensure the building’s completion, addressed the crowd gathered in the shade of the Center. He spoke about the many pioneers who’ve sacrificed for USJ over the 52year history. He also talked about his affinity for Jackson, Tennessee, and that it was the “best place in the U.S. to call home.”

After the local Chamber Red Coats directed the ribbon cutting and Mr. Weston made it official, the USJ faithful were treated to a tour of the 3,000 square foot facility, now home to boys and girls golf and tennis. The interior features a lobby that pays homage to the years of golf and tennis success, restrooms, and locker rooms for boys and girls, coaches’ offices, a state-of-the-art putting green, and trackman golf simulator.

Perhaps one of the greatest features of the center is the covered porch that runs across the front of the building providing excellent views for spectators and, ultimately, space for small events and luncheons on campus.

Many thanks to Mr. Weston and the parents that donated to make this a reality that will continue to grow our students and enhance their experience.

Beverly & James Appleton in honor of our children Dr. Trey Appleton, Traci Appleton Lowe, Jill Appleton, & our grandson Chase Wimer

Sylvia Bell in memory of Mark Lashlee

Bobby Bond in memory of OHA Class of 1980 alumni Paul McAfee, Jack Barton, John Giffen, John S. Pearson, Jr., Ronda Staples Stafford, & Sandra Reasons Wallace

Pam & Steve Bowers in honor of Clayton Bowers

Bonnie & Bob Boyce, Celia Beth O’Neal in honor of Ty & Joshua O’Neal

Kathy & Ray Butts in honor of Kathryn Tucker

Byrd Implement Co., Inc.

Molly & Danny Cole in honor of Zach Cole, Kate & Jake Payne, Caleb & Callie Garrett

Nancy & David Comperry in honor of Rowan & Ben Little

Kim & Mark Coppess in memory of Erie Kate McCord

Betsy & Alan Dement in honor of Gage & Darcy Dement, Natalie & Cate Fite

Teresa & Jim Dunn in honor of Skylar Grace Dunn

Debbie & Buster Ferguson in honor of Kathryn Tucker

Jane & Bob Ferguson in honor of Mary Blake & Neely Grace Ferguson

Melanie & Matt Fite in memory of Erie Kate McCord

Kathy & Richard Fite in memory of Erie Kate McCord

Laurie & Jeff Gamble in honor of Emerson West Gamble

Kate & Warren Grammer in honor of Taylor Grammer

Teresa & Johnny Hall in honor of Raelyn, Ansley & Maribelle Hall

Charlotte & David Hatcher in honor of Kathryn Tucker Marla & Chuck Hughes in memory of Erie Kate McCord Jackson Garden Club

Carilyn & David Jordan in honor of Shelby Jordan, Harrison & Harper Jordan Erica & Curt King Ricky King in honor of Pat & Curtis King Carol & Ron Kirkland in honor of the Warmbrod family in memory of Erie Kate McCord

Kristen Londe in honor of Laney Pearce Haynes, Steele Haynes, & Guy Londe

Erie Kate McCord in honor of Kathryn McCord Tucker, Nancy McCord Derivaux, Tripp Tucker, Dr. Lauren Tucker Trammell, George A. Smith, Aven Kathryn Trammell, Ella Paige Tucker, Tucker Trammel, & Ford Tucker

Mary Jane & Mike McWherter in honor of Kathryn Tucker in memory of Erie Kate McCord Joy Meriwether in memory of John Meriwether

Laura & Baker Moore in honor of the Carl Kirkland family

OHA Class of 1976 in memory of our deceased classmates Tommy Badgett, Angie Eaves, Bill Holland, Sam Moore, Chris Raines, & Mike Rushing

Randy Olswing in honor of Theresa Olswing

Hunt & Houston Payne in honor of Zack Cole, Kate, & Jake Payne

Jane A. Preston, Kimberly & Bill Preston in honor of Andrew & Abigail Preston in memory of Dr. William Hall Preston

Roberta & Jim Price in honor of Kate McKnight Orr, Thomas & Price McKnight, Dr. Jim & Roberta Price, Robert Price, & Jay Price in memory of Catherine Price McKnight

Kathleen & Alan Sallee in honor of Taylor Sallee

Mary Scott & Tommy Shepherd in memory of Erie Kate McCord

Phyllis & Brad Sigler in honor of Hadley, Smith, & Livie Banks Haltom

Jane & Brown Smith in honor of Kathryn Tucker

Dena & Dan Steele in honor of Steele Haynes, Laney Pearce Haynes, & Guy Londe

Regina & Doc Swartwood

Kathryn & Johnny Tucker in honor of Paige Ames, Paula Ligon, Chase Ames, & Anna Finkenzeller in memory of Dr. Charles Ames & Mrs. Marilynn Ames, Mama Jo Green, Becky Lee Baker Haynes, Patty Lawrence, Mary Newman, Carolyn Ronk, Linda Taylor, & Thomas Ray Turner

USJ’s Development Committee in memory of Erie Kate McCord

Lorie & Bill White in honor of Kathryn Tucker

Elaine & Bill Woods in memory of Erie Kate McCord

Lee Ann & Warren Wyatt in honor of Penn & Brittain Butts

THE USJ ARBOR PROJECT

Beautifying our campus. Taking the classroom outdoors.

If you would like to donate a tree for the USJ campus as part of the Arbor Project, please contact Russ Ellis at rellis@usjbruins.org or call 731.300.3645.

Lower School Designations

Debbie & Michael Anton in memory of Thomas Anton (’08)

Meredith Figueroa in honor of Mario, Jack, & Izzie

Dolores & Brett Fleming in honor of Luke, Sam, Charlie, & Amelia Thompson

Traci & Tommy Hill in honor of Tannah Hill (’22)

Kristen Londe in honor of Laney Pearce Haynes, Steele Haynes, & Guy Londe

Barbara & Ricky Mansfield in memory of Darcy Jones (’00)

Morgan & Will McGuire in memory of Tanner Chapman (’12)

Denise & David Miller in honor of Keaton Miller (’20)

Damini & Ajay Patel in honor of Shaila, Saiya, & Zara

Cara Lee & Eric Peterson in memory of George Thomas & Lee Thompson

Kim & Rob Rainey in honor of Brittain Rainey (’17) & Gracyn Rainey (’22)

Cathy & Jack Richbourg in honor of Reese & Wyatt Scott

Carla & Eddie Roach in memory of Jimmy Carey James Robinson in honor of Kim Robinson

Nancy & Richard Robinson in honor of River Robinson

Brenda & Joseph Venable in honor of Reid & Will Venable (’22)

Carol & Randal Yarbro in honor of Dr. Eric Buchner & Dr. Chip Trammell

Lower School Designations

Ashley & Joel Ayers

Michelle & Grant Boykin for the Lower School Library in honor of Room Mothers Jessica Platt & Saskia Wright Kathy & Eugene Brandt

Kellie Byrd

Carrie Cates Lisa & Robert Cates

Kim & Robert Garland for the Jr. Cubs program

Leslie & Matt Garrett in honor of new Director Cindy Kirsch & new Faculty Ashley Ayers, Sarah Jones, Jill Wyatt, Hannah Gregory, Loretta Reasons, Mallory Parker, & Jamie Creech

Kristin & Patrick Horner Shilpa & Prisann Jinturkar Holly & Gary Johnson for the Lower School Library in honor of Room Mothers Natalie Eubanks, Emily Gamble, & Kelly Johnston

BethAnn & Jonathon Jones Megan & Chris Moore Ruth Ann Morrison for the Infants & Toddlers program

Jean & Kyral Norville Tiffany & Wes Overton Loretta Reasons for the Infants & Toddlers program

Sally & Jim Rogers Shannon Scarbrough for the Jr. Cubs program

Middle School Designations

Ashley & Joel Ayers Mary Claire Hancock Kathleen & Alan Sallee Frank A. Waters in memory of Bill & Willie Mae Harmon Shay & Gary Young

Upper School Designations Hillary & Timothy Dalton Tina & Randy Plunk Carol & Phillip Ryan

Mary Frances Campbell Library Carol & Ron Kirkland in memory of David Craig (’92) Ann McLemore in memory of Wally Couch & Elizabeth C. Lohr

Athletics Anonymous for the salaries of USJ coaches Gari & Shaun Brown for the Baseball program Holly Brown for the Baseball program in honor of Taylor Howell (‘19)

Tiffany & Russ Cash for the Basketball program

Debbie & Buster Ferguson

Beth & Todd Haltom for the cost of the RepU App for 2021-22

Annie & Miller Hayes for the Football program

Lori & Joey Howell for the Soccer & Track programs

BethAnn & Jonathon Jones

Jackson B. Murray for the Soccer program

Sarah & Kelly Pucek for the Soccer program

Cori & Jason Rose for the Girls’ Soccer & Girls’ Basketball programs

Staci & Casey Rushing for the Middle School Basketball program

Chana & Alan Sallee for the Volleyball program & the Gym Foyer project

Jennifer & Jason Sammons for the Baseball program

Amber & Tate Smith for the Upper School Volleyball program

Holly & Michael Stroup for the Baseball & Football programs

Sandra & Freddy Teague for the Middle School Girls’ Basketball Program

Fine Arts

Erica & Bradley Davidson

Dian & Phillip Eddleman

Tammy & Tom Grant

Alicia & Peter Jones

Nice & Bill Panthofer for the Upper School Fine Arts programs

Helen & Michael Saridakis

Leslie & David Scott for the Lower School Fine Arts programs

Darlene & David Tanner for the Lower School Arts program

Carol & Kirk Venable for the Upper School Band program

Jones Academic Center

Christy & Chuck Cloud in honor of Christy Glenn Camille & Ralph Jones Helen & Michael Saridakis Lauren & Drew Yancey

Legacy Bricks

Bobby Bond in memory of 1980 OHA classmates Jack Barton, John Giffen, Paul McAffee, John S. Pearson, Jr., Ronda Staples Stafford, & Sandra Reasons Wallace

Christine & Ivan Brown in honor of Farrah Christine Brown (’22)

Karen & Scott Denaburg in honor of faculty member Madame Jessica Barton Dolores & Brett Fleming in honor of Luke, Sam, Charlie, & Amelia Thompson

Candace Higgs in memory of Joyce Higgs Brenda & Travis Lonon in memory of Emily Lonon (’06) Denise & David Miller in honor of Keaton Miller (’20) Jay Phipps in honor of Sawyer Phipps (’22) Anne & Doug Short in honor of Bobby Bond (’80) Kellie & James Sikes in honor of Mallorie Sikes (’22) Abbey & Grant Studebaker in honor of the Studebaker family

Technology/STEAM

Heidi McDaniel in honor of Matthew McDaniel (’09) & in memory of Alfred Wohlpart USJ Parents Club

Tuition Assistance Anonymous

Krystal Butler Wenesday & Greg Ketron Whitney & Caleb Meriwether in memory of John Henning Meriwether Shannon & Ron Whisenant

Prayer Garden Kathy & Richard Fite in memory of David Craig (’92) & Carthel Smith Karen Morganti in memory of Tyler Morganti (’08)

BOB BOND – WHY I GIVE

Madison County has been home to my family for nearly 200 years. Generations have benefited from our rich community in which neighbors have joined together to cultivate improvements for our common good, especially the education of our children.

In 1970, friends came together again to bring a new college preparatory school to West Tennessee. My parents, wanting the best for me, joined the other parents to establish Old Hickory Academy. I was fortunate to be one of the first students at our school. Ever since, I have been a part of a school family that has continued to enrich my life. Going on to college and graduate school, I knew I was well prepared by the teachers and staff of our school.

And today, my fellow students from 1970 are still my good friends. I am proud of my OHA, and now USJ, experience. We have a great responsibility to the school that gave us such opportunity. That is why I include USJ in my annual giving. Investing in West Tennessee’s best is a privilege.

Platinum Sponsors ($1,000+)

Shelly & Randy Bates

FMY Orthodontics – Andrea Morganti

Gold Sponsors ($500+)

B.T. Redi-Mix – Linda & Bill Timbes

Lauren & Tommy Burke

Rose & Dennis Butcher

Laura & Bryan Byrd

Elizabeth & Rob Croom

Cecilia & Stephen Hammond

Julee & Jeffery Head

Susan & Josh LeFevre

Party Mart – Tina & Alan Johns

Carolyn & Mark Patey

Jessica & Graham Salonus

Ashby & Clint Scott

Katie & Todd Seabrook

Haley & Brian Short

Carmen & James Simeon

Sara Jane & Ruste Via

Holly & Bradley Webb

Saskia & Ted Wright

Silver Sponsors ($300+)

BancorpSouth – Doug Roth

Jodi & Mike Barker

Jessica & Lou Bosco

Badiaa & Naji Bourji

Ali & Brandon Buchanan

Carrie Brown & Nick Campbell

Jeb & Caroline Campbell

Christy & Chuck Cloud

Jamie & David Creech

Jamie & Scott Davenport

Lee & Brian Davis

Karen & Scott Denaburg

Dottie & Bruce Dorris

Dorris Appraisals – Brooke & Clint Dorris

Amy & Brian Dougan

Lee & Todd Driver

Lolly & Stephen Eldridge

Alyson & Zac Fite

Melanie & Matt Fite

Leah & Adrian Hackett

Beth & Doug Haltom

Antonia & Ron Haney

Jan & Eddie Hanna

Deirdre & Kevin Hatcher

Julie & Hunter Hooper

Camille & Ralph Jones

Allison & Dan Kayal

Alice & Carl Kirkland

Carol & Ron Kirkland Carol Jan & Bill Liles

Betsy & Brad Little

Rachael Mahalati

Karen & Jason Martin

Allison & Preston Miller

Carmen & Lee Murray Kelly & Roger Murray Brittney & Sam Neely Elise & Michael Nelson Nest Realty – Suzanne Dement

Tiffany & Wes Overton

Whitney & John Overton

Ava & Adam Pogue

Tracy & Ben Rasbach Molly & Ryan Roy Kimberly & Dallas Rush Staci & Casey Rushing

Mandy & Steven Scallions

Sarah & Chad Shankle Kendra & Justin Smith

Tonya & Garrison Smith Keata & Jason Snider

Martha Carol & Blake Spellings

Stephanie & Scott Stonecipher Abbey & Grant Studebaker

David Suber

Jennifer & Jamie Tankersley

Jill & Mark Taylor

Ashley & Trey Teague

Lauren & Chip Trammell

Kathryn & Johnny Tucker Brittney & Tripp Tucker

John H. Weston, Jr. Jennifer & John Whybrew Kati & Stephen Wilks

Patrons of the Arts

Kath & John Allen Celia & Josh Allen Elizabeth & Kyle Atkins Allison & Michael Badgett Becky & Brent Baskin Karley & Bate Bond Steve & Pam Bowers

Sherri & Chris Brauss

Carmen & Chris Carroll

Ann & Bubba Cates

Bridget & Danny Clark

Erica & Bradley Davidson

Dian & Phillip Eddleman

Karen & Russ Ellis

Leslie & Matt Garrett

Mary Ann & Chris Giampapa

Tammy & Tom Grant

Billy Hight

Jamie & Richard Hopkins

Holly & Gary Johnson

Sarah & Chuck Jones

Cindy & Bruce Kirsch

Margaret & Travis Livingston

Megan & Chris Moore

Theresa & Randy Olswing

Nice & Bill Panthofer

Leanne & Bill Richardson

Melinda & Don Roe

Regina & Eric Sills

Pam & Daniel Stanfield

Sherry & Barry Tignor

Carol & Kirk Venable

David & Karen Welch

Hayley & Chris Wilkerson

Benjamin Wilkinson & Jonathan Flatt

Lauren & Drew Yancey

Melissa & Matt Zerfoss

KIM AND JAMES ROBINSON – WHY WE GIVE

The Robinson family has been an active part of the USJ Community for many years. Since 2006, Kim and James have had children at the U: Eli, who graduated this past year with the Class of 2022 and now attends UT Chattanooga, and Emma, who is currently a Junior.

Kim and James own The Uniform Source, which provides uniforms for local schools, the medical community, and a variety of other businesses. Kim is also a graphic designer and artist. They have also been highly engaged in many aspects of campus life from the time their children started school. James served on the Board of Trustees for six years and Kim has been involved in various field trips, fundraising activities, Holiday Mart committees, and served several years as a grade rep for The Parents Club.

Over the years, the Robinsons have supported USJ by giving annually to the Fund for Excellence (FFE) and also by supporting the Imagine More Capital Campaign. Much is asked of families when they make the decision to join an independent school: tuition, supplies, fees for activities, school trips, and a great commitment to rigorous study. Why then do families invest further in the school?

Kim shared that, “USJ has given so much to our children, this is our way of giving back. The positive learning environment created by the teachers, coaches, administrators, teammates, and classmates will have an impact on them for the rest of their lives.” When asked about campus upgrades, James (’84) added “the improvements made possible through the current Capital Campaign don’t happen without parents who believe in this vision for USJ – tuition dollars do not cover any of these enhancements which place our campus head and shoulders above any school in the area.”

While James and Kim are grateful for the USJ experience and the memories that Eli and Emma will have of their time here, James also notes “giving to USJ’s Capital Campaign is our way of paying it forward. We think USJ is a special place, and we are helping create a legacy for generations of students to come.”

PARENTS

Star Sponsor ($7,000) Bancorp South

Diamond Sponsor ($3,000)

Conner Real Estate FMY Orthodontics – Andrea Morganti Susan Cox Development

West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic West Tennessee Pediatric Dental Group – Jennifer McCarter

Platinum Sponsor ($1,500)

Best One Tire of Jackson, Inc. Lee Nicholson O.D. The Wallace Company Andrea & Wayne Driggers Woman’s Clinic, P.A.

Gold Sponsor ($1,000)

Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC The Bank of Jackson Sandra Boxell, MD Mona & Jim Campbell Christian Family Medicine & Pediatrics McCoy’s Heating & Air Williams Steel

Silver Sponsor ($500)

Animal Care Hospital Evergreen Recyclers, Inc Express Employment

Garrett Plumbing & Heating Drs. Jason Goolsby & Adam English Tiffany McSwain – Independent Certified Optavia Coach Morgan Stanley – Mike Tankersley Nest Realty - Traci Carney & Suzanne Dement

Bronze Sponsor ($300)

1st Step Fitness

David R. Barnes Family Dentistry Emily & Beau Carr

Century Farm Winery Crowder Oral Surgery

Faulkner Auto Sales

First Horizon Bank Dr. Stephen Hammond, Jr. Drs. Harrison & Tucker Family Dentistry

Haven Insurance Partners Dana & Brett Hunt

Jackson Smiles

Family Dentistry

Bethany & Peter Lawrence

Leaders Credit Union

The Eye Clinic –Dr. Molly Lee

Lifetime EyeCare Marcus Rentals LLC

Julie & Brent Messer Stonebridge Investment Advisors – Kim Melton

Oral Surgery Associates of West Tennessee San & Mike Pearson

Printco

R. Jones Underground, Inc. Rainey Enterprises Inc. Sarah & Chad Shankle State Farm – Randy Terry

Town & Country Realtors –Kimberly Allen

Friends of the Mart ($200)

Byrd Implement Co.

Christy & Chuck Cloud Nancy & David Comperry DJ5 Productions – Greg Nichols Dorris Appraisals

Emily & Tyler Gamble Dr. Brent Hatcher

Kelly & Hunter Johnston Michelle & Patrick Just Keli & Tyreece Miller Anna & Greg Mitchum Afroz Shah Whitney & Dan Sikes Teel & Gay, PLC

Parents Club Patrons

Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

Elizabeth & Kyle Atkins

Allison & Michael Badgett

Jodi & Mike Barker

Becky & Brent Baskin Sherri & Chris Brauss

Carrie Brown & Nick Campbell

Caroline & Jeb Campbell

Bridget & Danny Clark

Jamie & David Creech

Lee & Brian Davis Amy & Brian Dougan Lee & Todd Driver

Lolly & Stephen Eldridge Karen & Russ Ellis

Melanie & Matt Fite

Alyson & Zac Fite

Mary Ann & Chris Giampapa

Beth & Doug Haltom

Cecilia & Stephen Hammond

Julie & Hunter Hooper

Holly & Gary Johnson

Sarah & Chuck Jones

Carol & Ron Kirkland

Misty & James Kirkland

Susan & Josh LeFevre

Betsy & Brad Little

Margaret & Travis Livingston

Ruth Ann Morrison

Kelly & Roger Murray

Natalie Muncy

Theresa & Randy Olswing

Tracy & Ben Rasbach

Melinda & Don Roe

Molly & Ryan Roy

Staci & Casey Rushing

Sarah & Chad Shankle

Martha & Brandon Sheffield

Whitney & Dan Sikes

Regina & Eric Sills

Carmen & James Simeon

Kendra & Justin Smith

Martha Carol & Blake Spellings

Pam & Daniel Stanfield

David Suber

Jill & Mark Taylor

Ashley & Trey Teague

Lauren & Chip Trammell

Brittney & Tripp Tucker

Kathryn & Johnny Tucker

Sara Jane & Ruste Via

Jennifer & John Whybrew

Hayley & Chris Wilkerson

Kati & Stephen Wilks

Melissa & Matt Zerfoss

Founders Society ($300,000+)

The Clay Carlock Family Whitney & John Overton

John H. Weston, Jr.

Parents Club

Historical Society ($200,000+)

Anonymous

Bruins Club

Kathryn & Johnny Tucker Excellence Society ($100,000+)

Anonymous Anonymous Kathy & Richard Fite

Hoyt Hayes Construction Alice & Carl Kirkland

Susan & Josh LeFevre

Williams Steel Company Yandell Construction Services Inc.

Pinnacle Society ($75,000+)

Dement Construction Company, LLC

Lolly & Stephen Eldridge

Kelly & Roger Murray

Brittney & Tripp Tucker

Jennifer & John Whybrew

Don Coffey Society ($50,000+)

RiCha & Eric Buchner

Colormatch

Lee & Todd Driver

Melanie & Matt Fite

Garrett Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc.

Cecilia & Stephen Hammond

Henson Construction Services, Inc.

Camille & Ralph Jones

Kimberly & Edward Labry

MG Construction Company, LLC

Allison & Preston Miller

REB Holdings

Chana & Alan Sallee

Ashby & Clint Scott

Sarah & Chad Shankle

Keata & Jason Snider

Southeastern Reinforcing, Inc.

Southern Electric & Controls, LLC

Martha Carol & Blake Spellings

Lisa & Gary Taylor

Sara Jane & Ruste Via

Imagine Society ($30,000+)

Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC

Blue Hawaiian Pools

Cadence Bank

Caroline & Jeb Campbell

Christy & Chuck Cloud

Britnee & Will Dement

Eli Lilly & Co. Foundation, Inc.

Ginger & Adam English

Alyson & Zac Fite

Gardner Construction

Courtney & Jason Goolsby H&M Company, Inc.

Beth & Doug Haltom Beth & Todd Haltom

Melissa & Jason Hutchison

Carol & Ron Kirkland

Misty & James Kirkland

Bethany & Peter Lawrence

Erie Kate McCord

Julie & Brent Messer

Damini & Ajay Patel

Kimberly & William Preston Kim & James Robinson

Molly & Ryan Roy Staci & Casey Rushing

Katie & Todd Seabrook

Julie & Vance Shoaf Jamie & Jason Sullivan

Jill & Mark Taylor Ashley & Trey Teague

Tennessee Division of Forestry Thompson & Smith, LLC

Lauren & Chip Trammell

West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic Saskia & Ted Wright

Cornerstone Society ($15,000+)

Shelly & Spencer Barnes

Bosco Contractor Services, LLC

BT Redi-Mix, Inc.

Martha & Jonathan Campbell

Carmen & Chris Carroll

Construction Products, Inc.

Cayce & Johnny Davis

Delta Contractors

Britnee & William Dement

Suzanne & Chris Dement

Lisa & Mike Farris

Harry Graves

H&M Architects & Engineers

Danice & John Haltom

Julie & Hunter Hooper

Erica & Curt King

King Tire Company

Betsy & Brad Little

Alexis & Andrew Long

Mags & Lulu, LLC

Mark A. Miller, D.D.S., PLC

Morrison & Barnes

Judy Murray

Nest Realty Posh Lighting

Tracy & Ben Rasbach

Brittney & Matthew Sellers

Sports Plus Rehab Centers

Emily & Paul Taylor

VIP Weight Loss Voya Financial

Pacesetters Society

($10,000+)

Tausha & Harbert Alexander

Alexis & Rick Allison

Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

Bob Bond

Ali & Brandon Buchanan

Natalie & R.E. Butts

Traci & Trey Carney

Debbie & Terry Carroll

Jamie & Scott Davenport

Amy & Brian Dougan

Karen & Russ Ellis

Lauralee & Tripp Hise

Kim & Kevin Hunley

Matt Ingram

Ashley & Brandon Kilburn

Tracey & Darrell King

Julia & Mark Montgomery

Carmen & Lee Murray

Blair & Andrew Myers

Ginger & John New

Tracy & Adam Pipkin

Carmen & Jamie Simeon

Siroky Law PLC

Janet & Mike Tankersley

Sally & Jimmy Wallace

Adriene & Martin Williams

Oak Society ($5,000+)

Anonymous

David Barksdale

Kelly & David Barnes

Sonia & Madhav Boyapati

Byrd Implement Co., Inc.

Angie & David Byrum

Melinda & Roger Cook

Terri & Chris Crider

Jennifer & Tim Davenport

Brooke & Clint Dorris

Hailey & Michael Eldridge

Beth & John Fortune

Anita & Steve Hamilton

Paulette & Steve Hammond

Paige & Ben Hays

Annie & Miller Hayes

Melanie & Ashok Jayashankar

JM2 Associates, PLLC

Misty & Pete Katsaliros

Magen & Carson Kisner

Patricia & William Lawrence

Alisa & Geoffrey Lindley

Andrea & Dusty Mays

Joy Meriwether

Rachel & Brent Morris

Pfizer Foundation

Amy & Stan Ragon

Michelle & Andrew Sellers

Jean & Clyde Smith

Kendra & Justin Smith

Mary Ann & Lowell Stonecipher Hayley & Chris Wilkerson

Acorn Society ($2,500+)

Anonymous

Gari & Shaun Brown

Natalie & Eric Carruth

Jennifer & David Craig

Ruffin & Jenny Craig

Jenny & Chesley Dennison

Mimi & Stuart Hirstein

Amy & Robbie Hite

Teryn & Ben Howard

Dana & Brett Hunt

Molly & Eric Lee

Susan & Ronnie Morris

Michelle & Ronnie Prince

Jennifer & Robert Reynolds, Jr.

Melinda & Don Roe

Lisa & Randy Terry

Karen & David Welch

Ambassador Society ($1,000+)

Anonymous

Haelim & Henry Allen

Trey Antwine

Sylvia Bell

Jenny & Hunter Clement

Jennifer & David Craig

Lee & Brian Davis

Donna & Tom Ellis

Janis & David Fite

Leah & Adrian Hackett

Marti & Rodney Hines

Jeff Fuller Designs

Jennifer & Craig Jones

Shannon & Travis Jones

Kustom Machining & Mfg. Ann & Ernest Lawrence

Sidney & Russell McKelvey

Morgan Steel, LLC

Julie & Kevin Nolen

Rachel & Bob Payne

Roberta & Jim Price

Brooke & Thomas Pugh Sara & Brandon Rowland

Rita & Larry Sellers

Regina & Eric Sills

Gina & Todd Smith Smith Flooring

Sysco Foods

Karen & Jeff Tabor Jane & Fred Vinson Marda & Bryan Wallace Nikki & Jeff Watlington

Karen & David Welch

Steward

AbbVie Anonymous

Elizabeth & Kyle Atkins

Beverly & James R. Appleton

Teresa & Richard Ayers

Nikki & Robert Barham

Angie Bell

BOLDplanning/Frank Waters, Jr.

Pam & Steve Bowers

Bonnie & Bob Boyce

Kathy & Raymond Butts

Tiffany & Russ Cash

Molly & Danny Cole

Nancy & David Comperry

Kim & Mark Coppess

Paulette & Andy Coy

Erica & Bradley Davidson

Liz & Ben Davis

Betsy & Alan Dement

Shannon Dunn

Teresa & Jim Dunn

Sylvia Evans

Jane & Bob Ferguson

Debbie & Buster Ferguson

Laurie & Jeff Gamble

Leslie & Matt Garrett

Mary Ann & Chris Giampapa

Kate & Warren Grammer

Guerla & Richard Green

Christen & Chris Gray

Teresa & Johnny Hall

Charlotte & David Hatcher

Jackie & Teddy Hazlehurst

Betty & Bill Hedspeth

Marla & Chuck Hughes

Shirley & Larry Jones

Carilyn & David Jordan

Carmeda & Joey Keen

Wenesday & Greg Ketron

Amanda & T.J. King

Ricky King

Alex Londe

Kristen Londe

Heidi McDaniel

Mary Jane & Mike McWherter

Amy & Gregg Mitchell

Theresa & Randy Olswing

Celia Beth O’Neal

Hunt & Houston Payne

Brad Pearson

Melinda & Frank Pierce

Jessica & Rob Platt

Sara Beth & Ryan Porter

Sarah & Kelly Pucek

Jane Preston

Elaine & Eugene Reese

Carol & Phillip Ryan

Kathleen & Alan Sallee

Jennifer & Bob Seals

Mary Scott & Thomas Shepherd

Phyllis & Brad Sigler

Jane & Brown Smith

Pam & Daniel Stanfield

Dena & Dan Steele

Regina & Doc Swartwood

Sysco Foods

Sandra & Freddie Teague

Jan & Patrick Teer

State Farm – Randy Terry

Dena & Dan Steele

Sun Life Assurance Co. of Canada

USJ Administrative Team

USJ Development Committee

Vickie Thornton

Susan & Danny Walker

Lorie & Bill White

Elaine Green & Bill Woods

Lee Ann & Warren Wyatt

Melissa & Matt Zerfoss

FUTURE CAPITAL PROJECTS AT THE U

The summer of 2023 will see two new Capital Projects beginning on campus – both at the Middle/ Upper School.

The Middle/Upper School Lobby will get a facelift that includes a history of USJ dating back to its origins as Episcopal Day School (EDS) and Old Hickory Academy (OHA) and the 35 years as the U.

Additionally, the Middle/Upper School Gym Corridor will be updated with new flooring, a wall wrap and celebrations of past championships and all-state players.

Current Development Chair, Trey Teague, has stated, “Middle and Upper school students and families utilize these entrances every day. Most of our campus visitors enter in at the Upper School drop-off. So, it’s vital that we make the first impression our very best impression.

Work should be completed on both projects prior to the beginning of the 2023-24 school year.

2021-2022 University School of Jackson Total Annual Budget:

$12,760,586

Dear USJ Families,

Giving…The fact that you are reading this final page confirms the truth that you have immersed yourself in what serves as a celebration of giving, an integral component of the culture of USJ. We should be reminded that, in a world which often overemphasizes self, we live in the most prosperous and generous nation on Earth. I also acknowledge the existence of so many meaningful causes worthy of our attention, prayers, time, and resources. We are needed, and life compels us to be involved in consequential endeavors that serve our fellow man. Our mission at USJ centers on growing people, in integrity and respect, lifelong learners who exist to make a difference in our world. I am thankful for the support of our school family and for your partnership in advancing this noble purpose.

With Gratitude, Don Roe