Jackson Public Schools celebrated the class of 2016 with graduation ceremonies for all seven JPS high schools on May 23 and 24, 2016. For the first time, these farewell events were streamed live over the internet.
Numbering more than 1,400, this year's graduating seniors earned nearly $8.5 million in scholarships collectively. Thanks to contributions from the class of 2016, the District is celebrating a two-percent increase in its graduation rate, an eight-percent jump in reading test scores, and promising success on many other fronts.
The legacy of the class of 2016 is marked by service to younger students aimed at promoting and supporting academic achievement. As a prime example, the Teen Trendsetters program pair secondary students as reading mentors with elementary students. Several of this year's graduating seniors–Kelvin Lovett of Callaway, Bartavian Stanton of Lanier, Zadarius Macklin of Provine, D’Mauria Cleveland of Forest Hill and Sparkle Duncan of Wingfield–were leaders and Excellence award winners in this initiative.
Below, we highlight the class of 2016, including the valedictorians and salutatorians of each JPS high school.
| CALLAWAY | FOREST HILL | JIM HILL | LANIER | MURRAH | PROVINE | WINGFIELD |
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| Jordan Jefferson, Valedictorian | Veronica Williamson, Valedictorian | Gabriel Gardner, Valedictorian | Kourtlyn Jacobs, Valedictorian | Douglas Campbell, Valedictorian | Tyra Robinson, Valedictorian | Tyra Causey, Valedictorian |
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| Zyra Thomas, Salutatorian | Danielle McLaurin, Salutatorian | Samantha Coleman, Salutatorian | Lauren Porter, Salutatorian | Taylor White, Salutatorian | Jalyn Love, Salutatorian | Shamonica Banks, Salutatorian |
Photo Galleries:
- 2016 Callaway High Graduation
- 2016 Forest Hill High Graduation
- 2016 Jim Hill High Graduation
- 2016 Lanier High Graduation
- 2016 Murrah High Graduation
- 2016 Provine High Graduation
- 2016 Wingfield High Graduation
