Jackson Public Schools
15 high school seniors representing five of six JPS high schools have successfully completed the Jackson Middle College dual enrollment program. This is the first graduating class of this innovative program that gives graduating seniors a head start on their undergraduate degrees in mathematics education. These students will also participate in commencement ceremonies for their high schools.
The Jackson Public School District proudly celebrated the Inaugural Cohort of the Jackson Middle College on Monday, May 12, 2025, in the Atrium of the College of Science Engineering and Technology, on the campus of Jackson State University. The accomplishments and bright futures of 15 exceptional senior scholars marked a major milestone for scholars who have committed to completing both high school and college coursework simultaneously.
These scholars, all members of JMC’s inaugural cohort, will advance and work toward earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education through a unique partnership between Jackson Public Schools and Jackson State University. The program is designed to address the growing teacher shortage in mathematics by preparing a new generation of highly qualified educators. Upon earning their degrees, the students have committed to serving as mathematics teachers in Jackson Public Schools for a minimum of three years.
"We are immensely proud of these young scholars for their determination, leadership, and commitment to education," said Dr. Shelita McCadney, principal of JMC.
Honored Scholars
The Inaugural Cohort includes a remarkable group of scholars from across the district:
- Chloey Day – Callaway High School
- Alesia Fisher – Callaway High School
- Karmen Hobson – Murrah High School
- Tamiyah Jacobs – Provine High School
- Khadarius Johnson – Forest Hill High School
- Mya Nelson – Callaway High School
- Kristen Ryan Rhodes – Murrah High School
- Asiah Scott – Forest Hill High School
- Christiana Stringfellow – Forest Hill High School
- Emmariana Taylor – Provine High School
- Karigan Thompson – Provine High School
- Alicia Tolliver – Jim Hill High School
- Charles Travis – Callaway High School
- Gregory VanBuren – Murrah High School
- La’Ziyah Walker – Callaway High School
Several scholars were recognized with special awards for academic excellence and embodying the core attributes of a JMC educator.
JMC Top Three – Best of the Class
- Asiah Scott
- Chloe Day and Khadarius Johnson (Tie)
- Kristen Rhodes
Highest ACT Score Award
- Kristen Rhodes – Perfect Score of 36
JMC Hall of Fame All-Stars
- Kristen Rhodes – “Equitable” JMC All-Star
- Khadarius Johnson – “Dedicated” JMC All-Star
- La’Ziyah Walker – “Communicator” JMC All-Star
Additional honors were also presented in academic achievement categories, including highest averages in college-level mathematics, English, science, electives, and teacher preparation courses.