Mayor Harvey Johnson, Jr. and the City of Jackson hosted the annual First Day Celebration Saturday, August 4, 2012, at the Jackson Convention Complex. Radio stations 99 Jams and Kixie 107 partnered with the City in bringing the event to downtown Jackson. Marching bands from Murrah and Jim Hill high schools kicked off the celebration with a parade to get students, parents, and the community excited about the first day of school. JPS Superintendent Dr. Cedrick Gray and Mayor Harvey Johnson addressed the parents and students that filled the complex. Dr. Gray encouraged students to get plenty of rest, stay focused, and be determined to be successful in the classroom.
More than 4,000 students received free school supplies during the event which is free to all Jackson Public Schools students and their parents. Students enjoyed live entertainment, as well as educational, health and wellness, and athletic activities. Parents also learned about educational services, volunteer opportunities, and sports programs as they took advantage of the array of free resources available at informational booths throughout the venue.
Antonelli College and Sonic Drive-in were major sponsors of the "It's Cool to be in School" 2012 First Day Back-To-School Celebration and Supply Giveaway.
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| JPS Superintendent Dr. Cedrick Gray and Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson motivated students during the City's First Day Celebration held August 4, 2012, at the Jackson Convention Complex. |
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| Marching bands from Murrah and Jim Hill high schools kicked off the celebration with a parade around the Jackson Convention Complex. |