JMCSS graduates boast scholarships, service hours

Hard work from the 766 graduating seniors from Jackson Academic STEAM Academy, JCM Early College High, JCM High, Liberty Tech, Madison Academic, North Side, and South Side have resulted in a districtwide scholarship total of $20,140,785.00.

“At a time when the effectiveness of public education is questioned and under attack, the varied achievements of this senior class is a testament to the priceless service our teachers and schools provide to families in our community,” said Superintendent Marlon King in a press release.

A number of schools have witnessed improvements in ACT scores this year, with JCM Early College High leading the way. In the past year, their ACT average improved by 1.27 to an average score of 20.57 - placing JCM-ECH well above the current state average of 19.1 and current national average of 19.8. Madison Academic remains the pacesetter with an average of 23.9, exceeding the national average by 4.1 points.

“These incremental improvements are the start of something special. Our investments to strengthen ACT prep in the middle grades are expected to strengthen ACT results across all high schools moving forward,” said Deputy Superintendent Vivian Williams.

Students at all seven high schools took advantage of accelerated paths to post-secondary opportunities by gaining industry certifications or enrolling in dual enrollment classes with a local college or university. Students earned more than 6,000 credit hours through dual enrollment opportunities.

“The expansion of our Local Options and Opportunities (LOOP) program to include Jackson Energy Authority and West Tennessee Healthcare means many of our seniors will receive quality job opportunities immediately. Whether college or career, the class of 2023 is prepared,” Williams said.

Many JMCSS graduates will walk away with high ACT scores, honors, and volunteer hours. However, 38 seniors at JCM Early College High will walk away with two diplomas - a high school diploma and an associate degree from Jackson State Community College. Since 2019, about 136 students have been awarded an associate degree through this program.

Here are a few other highlights mentioned by JMCSS:

South Side had 179 graduates. A total of 165 were classified as ready graduates and 173 had industry certifications. A total of 276 industry certifications were shown in the statement.

Madison’s 11,793 community service hours were the most in the district. So was their $10.1 million in scholarships.

Liberty Tech’s class doubled the number of ready graduates from last year’s, and its ROTC program has been recognized with the Distinguished United Award for the last two years.

North Side had the largest graduating class with 208 graduates.

JCM’s seniors were the first class to enjoy a full school year in their current building.