June 12, 2023
JPS is proud of its newest alumni cohort - the class of 2023! Referred to as the “COVID Rebels” by Assistant Superintendent of High Schools Laketia Marshall-Thomas, these scholars went above and beyond to excel throughout their high school matriculation while facing a global pandemic and dealing with the natural ebb and flow of life as a high school scholar. In the end, the class of 2023 accumulated the following achievements:
- $42,834,519 in scholarships
- 49 Distinguished Academic Endorsements (3.0 GPA, National ACT Benchmarks, 28 credits, advanced coursework, and CPC electives)
- 51 Academic Endorsements (2.5 GPA, IHL ACT Benchmarks - 17 English, 19 math; 26 credits, advanced coursework, and CPC electives)
- 38 Career and Technical Endorsements (2.5 GPA, 25 credits, Silver in WorkKeys, and industry certification/career pathway)
- Eight Mississippi Seals of Biliteracy (demonstrated proficiency in both English and another world language)
Twenty-two scholars from JPS-Tougaloo Early College High School earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Tougaloo College, ranging from computer science to history, with seven additional scholars graduating with over 60 hours of transferrable college credits and an overall class total of $7 million in scholarships. Twelve scholars will continue their postsecondary education at Tougaloo College on full scholarships, with others attending Alcorn State University, Belhaven University, Dillard University, Louisiana State University, Mississippi College, Mississippi State University, the University of Mississippi, and the University of Southern Mississippi, to name a few.
Salute to Scholars
The 2022 – 2023 school year’s top high school scholars were recognized for their academic achievements during the 43rd Salute to Scholars Awards Program held on Monday, May 22, 2023, at Forest Hill High School. Hinds County Court Judge Carlyn Hicks was the guest speaker for the ceremony. Eight scholars were inducted into the ACT 30+ Club, and three obtained Star Student Achievement Recognition on behalf of the Mississippi Economic Council. Also, each high school’s top 10 seniors received certificates, medals, and donated gifts for their success.
Graduation
On May 30-31, 2023, 1,351 scholars from all seven JPS high schools walked across the stage and received their high school diplomas. Click HERE to view the full photo gallery.
