Press Release

A JMCSS communication for families & community stakeholders

Record-setting scholarship total, credentials, AA degrees define Class of 2024

Friday, May 17, 2024

JACKSON, TN — A total of 804 seniors were recognized this week as the district’s seven high schools participated in graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2024. The cumulative accomplishments achieved by this talented group of students - in academics, athletics, and the arts - highlight the impactful options offered among public schools in Jackson-Madison County. From college credits to industry certifications, both collegiate and workforce opportunities await this cohort.

“If you look back at recent classes for comparison, this cohort of students is as talented and decorated as any class in recent years. Their final numbers really illustrate their comprehensive success in the classroom as well as extracurriculars,” Deputy Superintendent Dr. Vivian Williams noted this week.

More than $22 million in college scholarship dollars were awarded to seniors among Jackson Academic STEAM Academy, JCM-Early College High, North Side, Liberty Technology, South Side, Madison Academic, and Jackson Central-Merry. That's a $2,417,940 increase from 2023. Several students began their postsecondary education while still in high school, including 41 students at JCM-Early College High (ECH) who gained associate degrees through Jackson State Community College, which is the highest number to date for ECH. Seniors in the Jackson-Madison County School System have amassed 8,606 tuition-free college credit hours through partnerships with local colleges and universities. More than 800 of those hours were completed by Madison Academic students at the University of Memphis Lambuth.

Above photo: JCM Early College High principal Dr. Nathan Lewis awards Asia Sanders her high school diploma. Sanders, ECH 2024 Valedictorian, earned the President's Award while attending Jackson State Community College and earning an associate degree. Asia plans to attend Clark Atlanta University and major in Mass Communications.

“Behind all of these numbers is a story of opportunity. Gaining college credit in high school increases the likelihood of these students pursuing additional education and specialized training after graduation. This speaks to the increasing value of public education and the great return on this community’s investment in public education,” Superintendent Dr. Marlon King commented.

Workforce Development opportunities continue to trend upward among our public schools as nearly 400 industry credentials were obtained by our seniors. Occupational safety, nursing assistant, food service, auto maintenance, and mechanical design are among the list of certifications earned by members of the senior class.

“We are equipping our city and the West Tennessee region with a workforce that is skilled, trainable, and ready for the challenges and rewards of industrial employment. This senior class has spent the past thirteen years developing a foundation of comprehension and resilience,” Chief Innovation Officer Dr. Teresa McSweeney added.

Photo above: South Side's valedictorian Meloney Niswonger (second from right) was among the district seniors who earned an industry certification while in high school by passing the state's Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) certification exam through the Tennessee Department of Health. Meloney plans to study exercise science at Memphis Lambuth.

Rounding out their collective achievements, which include state titles in soccer (Madison) and girls basketball (South Side), the Class of 2024 had a heart for the community as they amassed more than 33,000 volunteer hours. This week Superintendent Dr. Marlon King also held a ceremony for the 16 senior members of his ACT 30+ Club. The district celebrates the many accomplishments of the graduating class of 2024 and commends the families and educators who contributed to these successes.

“These students have satisfactorily completed the curriculum prescribed by the state Department of Education and much, much more. We commend them and their families on these achievements and their future endeavors,” said Superintendent King.

Photo below: Jackson Academic STEAM Academy Salutatorian Jordan Melugin addresses JASA ceremony attendees on Monday, May 13. Jordan is a distinguished graduate and academic scholar who earned college credit from Union University while in high school.

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Watch Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremonies

Commencement Livestream

Our Technology Department has provided coverage of our seven high school graduation ceremonies. Click the link below to view replays on our YouTube channel.

Click here for Graduation Video Livestreams/Replays

Seniors in the Jackson-Madison County School System have amassed 8,606 tuition-free college credit hours through partnerships with local colleges and universities. More than 800 of those hours were completed by Madison Academic students at the University of Memphis Lambuth.

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