Trinity Christian Academy's (TCA) Head of School Search Committee and the Board of Trustees announce the hire of Mrs. Judy Brown as Head of School. This follows a comprehensive, nationwide search process that was centered around praying for discernment and wisdom regarding the person God would present to lead TCA.
A press release from TCA states, "The decision to name Judy Brown the new Head of School at TCA was made cautiously and intentionally, as she exemplifies servant leadership and excellence in the field of education. She demonstrates a servant’s heart by loving and following Christ and understands how to build and foster meaningful relationships. Judy Brown’s educational priority of the mind, spirit, and body with Christ’s transformational hope and love at the center, and her dedicated history with Trinity Christian Academy, revealed Judy as God’s preeminent choice for Head of School. Judy is equipped to be an extraordinary ambassador for Trinity and Christian Education in the Jackson community. We are blessed to have Judy in the Trinity family and to lead our school community in this role."
Judy has served Trinity Christian Academy for the past 18 years: as a High School English Teacher for 13 years, as Upper School Principal for five years, and, most recently, as Interim Head of School for the past six months. A Batesville, MS native, Judy and her family have called Jackson, Tenn. home for 19 years. She and her husband Brian are members of Northside United Methodist Church. Judy’s daughters, Lauren Brown Morris, Class of 2009 (Wil Morris Class of 2009) and Lindsey Brown, Class of 2012, are proud Trinity Christian Academy alumni. Judy and Brian also have one granddaughter, Presley Morris, age 3 months.
Judy earned her Associates in Education from Northwest Mississippi Community College, her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Memphis, and her Masters of Education in Education Leadership from Concordia University in Portland, Oregon. Judy has achieved additional graduate level trainings and certifications from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, the University of North Carolina at Asheville and Union University.
Trinity Christian Academy will host “Coffee & Conversations” on May 8th and May 15th from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for current TCA families to become better acquainted with Mrs. Brown.
Trinity Christian Academy was founded in 1986 to establish a non-denominational Christian school in Jackson, Tennessee. God has called Trinity Christian Academy to assist Christian families and their churches in providing a Biblically-directed, academically excellent education that equips students to be Godly leaders and servants in their homes, churches, and communities Trinity Christian Academy’s vision is to train young champions for Christ who are equipped to serve the Lord by being prepared spiritually, academically, and physically. For more information about Trinity Christian Academy, visit www.tcalions.com or call 731-668-8500.
Just a few signs that it's May in #JacksonTN include The West Tennessee Strawberry Festival, Music at the Jackson's AMP at the Market, Relay for Life, graduations and our May newsletter! AJ Massey, Bank of Jackson, fills in for the Jackson Chamber's Kyle Spurgeon, reminding us of the upcoming Quarterly Membership Breakfast that focuses on Education. Get the lowdown on upcoming chamber events, ribbon cuttings, new members and find out the focus of Don Polley with Don Polley & Associates.
Job Description
Position: Economic Development Assistant
(Exempt)
Effective Date: April 23, 2018
Incumbent: New Position
Reports To: Senior Vice President, Economic Development
Summary - The Economic Development Assistant, under general direction, will be responsible for performing a variety of confidential economic development and administrative duties. He/she will serve as the primary back up receptionist, provide excellent customer service to guests both on the phone and in person. They will also maintain daily record of accounts receivable for the organization. Additional responsibilities include updating all social media accounts as often as is necessary, and to provide support and administrative duties in other areas such as workforce development, leadership development, events, and others, as needed.
Responsibilities –
- Maintain confidentiality on all economic development related projects
- Responsible for departmental support and working closely with other members of the Economic Development and workforce development team. Support work may include written correspondence, data entry, research, database and directory updates, presentation preparation, and other computer support as needed.
- Coordinate events for existing industry, industrial prospect and workforce development meetings, including invitations, RSVPs, itineraries, meeting set-ups and take downs
- Day to day responsibility in assisting with client proposals, PowerPoint presentations, packages, and others as needed.
- Assist in responding to requests for information for industrial prospects
- Conduct periodic reviews and essential research for the maintenance/update of website and electronic communications including: Tracking company employment numbers and functions, quarterly cost of living research study and creating/updating PowerPoint presentations, and other related demographics
- In partnership with other staff, participate in grant writing as well as various administrative functions and reports related to required grant paperwork
- Provide clerical and administrative support for the Manager of Leadership Development.
- Responsible for updating all Jackson Chamber-related social media accounts, to include Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
- Using internal database program, recording a daily posting of accounts receivable for the organization.
- Serves as back up receptionist to cover front desk when receptionist is out or away from the front desk, greeting individuals or groups in person and on-the-phone and providing requested information.
- Assist the event staff with the planning and execution of chamber events and activities.
Job Specifications
- High school diploma; post-secondary credential or degree preferred
- 2-4 years relevant experience
- Position demands high productivity and the ability to problem solve in short time periods
- Must be excellent “multi-tasker” and capable of working in a fast-paced environment
- Effective telephone and other interpersonal communications skills
- Proficient in the Microsoft Office suite of computer programs and in manipulating computer databases
- Must be able to maintain discretion with regard to confidential or sensitive information that is part of the economic development process
Resumes are being accepted through NOON Monday, April 30th. Email your resume to Mandy White.
Looking for live music this weekend? Jackson and West Tennessee are home to numerous live music venues and special events over the April 19th weekend. Thanks to our friend Matt Barnacastle and the Jackson Area Music Society for sharing the weekend's live music events!
Thursday April 19th
- Derrick Brantley, North VFW, 6:00pm
- Best of Deer Lake, Redbones, 6:00pm
- Jackson Plectral Society, Casey Jones Village, 6:30pm
- T’Monde, Jackson State Community College, 6:30pm
- Tyler Goodson & Friends, The Downtown Tavern, 7:00pm
- Open Jam, Elks Lodge 192, 7:00pm
- Karaoke, West Alley BBQ, 7:00pm
- Johnny Mac, Blues Landing (Buchanan), 7:00pm
- Jazz Band Concert, Union University, 7:30pm
- Open Mic w/ The Skeleton Krew, Cody’s, 8:00pm
- Tap Out, The Tap, 9:00pm
- Backroad Therapy, Cadillac’s (Martin), 9:00pm
Friday April 20th
- Green Light Music Fest, Ricochet Bar, 6:00pm-1:00am
- Pee Wee Sowell, Bethel Springs Community Center, 6:00pm
- Southern Fire Band, International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame, 7:00pm
- Ben Jessie & The Mechanix, Mulligans, 7:00pm
- Brandon Lewis, Samuel T. Bryant Distillery, 7:00pm
- Steve Short, Rita Mac & Scott Myatt, Bistro Eleven Sixty, 7:30pm
- Pamela Ward, Redbones, 8:00pm
- Haleigh Martin & Vince Dodd, Blues Landing (Buchanan), 8:00pm
- Dale Murray, First & Church Pub (Union City), 8:00pm
- Will Burton, Dana’s (Humboldt), 9:00pm
- Lady Sundown, The Downtown Tavern, 10:00pm
Saturday April 21st
- Green Light Music Fest, Ricochet Bar, 1:00pm – 1:00am
- Dawg Creek Band, Selmer Civic Center, 4:00pm
- Musician’s Spotlight/Open Stage, Main Street Music Center (Savannah), 5:00pm
- Randy Cooper & Scott Myatt, Dairy Queen Car Show (Lexington), 6:00pm
- Tumbleweed Band, Main Street Country (Humboldt), 7:00pm
- Juliet & The Romeos, Century Farm Winery, 7:00pm
- Tyler Goodson, Bistro Eleven Sixty, 7:30pm
- The Groove Band, Redbones, 8:00pm
- Will Burton, Picassos, 8:00pm
- TANK, Oman Arena, 8:00pm
- Amber McCain, Blues Landing (Buchanan), 8:00pm
- Kimberlie Helton, First & Church Pub (Union City), 8:00pm
- One Nyte Stand, The Mic Stand (Huntingdon), 8:00pm
- Bryan Moffitt, The Tap, 9:00pm
- Karaoke, 731 Sports Bar, 9:00pm
- Cousin Marco, Lexington Moose Lodge, 9:00pm
- Dagger, The Naked Turtle, 9:00pm
- Steven Stewart, The Downtown Tavern, 10:00pm
Sunday April 22nd
- Green Light Music Fest, Ricochet Bar, 11:00am – 1:00pm
- Jackson Symphony Youth Orchestra, First Baptist Chruch, 3:00pm
Whether it’s an annual event or one of our great live music venues, experience the music which could only be “Made in Tennessee” found halfway between Memphis and Nashville in the heart of the Americana Music Triangle! Visit JacksonTN to connect with what is happening in Jackson and West Tennessee. Connect socially on Facebook and Twitter or call 731.425.8333. The Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau/Visit Jackson, TN welcomed journalists from across the nation as part of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Annual Familiarization Tour to Jackson and West Tennessee April 10 – April 15, 2018. 14 Writers from publications including the CBS News, AAA, Men’s Journal, Do South Magazine, Leisure Group Travel and Group Tour Magazine, Miami Herald, Parents Magazine, Canadian Traveler and more explored local attractions.
The tour kicked off in Memphis with a jam-packed itinerary featuring iconic locations including Graceland, Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and Beale Street. Friday, April 13, highlights included travel to Brownsville to experience the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. Additional excursions included Discovery Park of America, Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge and Shiloh National Military Park. The evening ended with dinner at Rock N Dough and live music in Downtown Jackson!
Saturday, April 14, featured the West Tennessee Farmers Market, The Local and Rusty’s TV & Movie Car Museum. The Carnegie Museum is one of the stops focusing on music and how Jackson was home to the first Hard Rock Café in the United States. Lunch was at Chandelier and followed by Century Farm Winery and Samuel T. Bryant Distillery. Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store and Casey Jones Home and Railroad Museum throw out the red carpet for our guests with dinner and a tour of the village to conclude the day.
“We appreciate the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and their partner Geiger Associates for bringing the qualified writers to West Tennessee.,” said Lori Nunnery, Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Our hotels, local partners and attractions do an incredible job in extending their gracious southern hospitality to our very special visitors.”
Whether it’s an annual event or one of our great live music venues, experience the music which could only be “Made in Tennessee” found halfway between Memphis and Nashville in the heart of the Americana Music Triangle! Visit JacksonTN to connect with what is happening in Jackson and West Tennessee. Connect socially on Facebook and Twitter or call 731.425.8333.
2018 Leadership University Class
Thirty-nine aspiring young leaders graduated Thursday, April 12 from Leadership University (LU), a community youth leadership development program of the Jackson Chamber. The 2018 class represents all the public, private and home-schooled juniors in Jackson-Madison County high schools.
Leadership University is a nine-month program designed to identify a diverse group of high school students who demonstrate leadership potential; and to develop in an interactive environment, the framework for constructive leadership, committed involvement and responsible participation in the future of this community. Sponsors of the program include Lane College, Union University, Jackson State Community College and the University of Memphis – Lambuth Campus.
“I’ve served as an active board member for LU since 2012 and am amazed by the dedication of its board members, sponsors, and supportive community members that volunteer their time for these students,” said 2017-2018 Leadership University Chairman Amy West. “Each year the class members seem to raise the bar with their performance and accomplishments. This class has represented the program and their schools well and have been committed not only to improving their own leadership skills but to serving the community. It has been an honor to serve as chairperson of this year’s board.”
During the program, class members completed 63 classroom hours and 12 hours of community service. LU students participated in a simulated city council meeting, community bus tour, discussed ethical leadership with local leaders, participated in mock job interviews, tackled alcohol and drug issues, visited the Criminal Justice Complex and participated in a mock court trial, among other activities. The program helps the class members see their community from different viewpoints and focus on where they can make a positive difference.
Ashley Carter, University School of Jackson and Lane Moss, South Side High School, were selected by their class peers to serve as spokespersons and speak for them about the LU experience. Within the class, nine students had perfect attendance. Those students are Tad Binkley, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Madi Brown, Trinity Christian Academy; Simran Chahal, University School of Jackson; Catherine Monroe, Home School; Lane Moss, South Side High School; Michelle Nnaji, University School of Jackson; Blake Peftoulidis, Trinity Christian Academy; Kaya Phillips, South Side High School; and Ansley Wofford, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School.
The 2017-18 graduates are: Allie Bates, Jackson Christian School; Tad Binkley, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Chelsea Blackwell, South Side High School; Sukhmani Boparai, University School of Jackson; Madi Brown, Trinity Christian Academy; Hal Carter, Jackson Christian School; Ashley Carter, University School of Jackson; Simran Chahal, University School of Jackson; Emily Christensen, Jackson Christian School; Ethan Ferguson, North Side High School; Kiya Garmon, JCM – Early College High; Amber Golden, South Side High School; Sam Graves, Trinity Christian Academy; Joshua Grimes, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Alison Holley, Trinity Christian Academy; Tiara Hudson, South Side High School; Cameron Huelin, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Sejal Jinturkar, University School of Jackson; Justin Leal, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Catherine Monroe, Home School; Marian Morgan, JCM – Early College High; Lane Moss, South Side High School; Titus Newble, Trinity Christian Academy; Michelle Nnaji, University School of Jackson; Zadarius Norment, JCM – Early College High; Blake Peftoulidis, Trinity Christian Academy; Cinque Peggs, JCM – Early College High; Kerrington Peoples, Liberty Technology Magnet High School; Kaya Phillips, South Side High School; Tony Portis, Liberty Technology Magnet High School; Lawson Rudd, Jackson Christian School; Katherine Ryan, University School of Jackson; Noah Simpson, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Jack Smith, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Conner Stevens, University School of Jackson; Hannah Webster, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School; Kaitlyn Wilson, Madison Academic High School; Ansley Wofford, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School; and Kasey Wynn, Trinity Christian Academy.
For more information about the program, email the Jackson Chamber’s Manager of Leadership Development, Brandy Stutsman or call 731-423-2200.
Based on the success of the first Shakespeare in the Park production of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)” in Oct. 2017, the Jackson-Madison County Library is making plans for the production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to be held in late Sept. at Jackson’s Amp at the Market.
Anyone interested in participating as either an actor or behind-the-scenes volunteer is encouraged to attend an informal meeting at 6 p.m. at the Main Library on Mon., April 16 to learn about this year’s plans and opportunities for involvement. Attendance at this meeting is not required to be a part of the production.
“The feedback from last year’s show that was funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts was extremely positive,” said Jenci Spradlin, adult services librarian. “We believe that the interest is here to support another full-length production of a Shakespearean play, and we are excited to be able to use the Amp as our performance space. We want to involve as many people as possible representing all ages and experience levels to truly make this a community-wide endeavor.”
The production will be directed by Dr. Derrick Spradlin, assistant professor of English at Freed Hardeman University, along with co-director Chris Stevens, who teaches acting classes in Jackson and is involved in the local theatrical community.
For up-to-date information on the production and upcoming events, please like the Library’s Facebook page, email Jenci Spradlin or go to its website.
The Jackson-Madison County Library is located at 433 E. Lafayette St. in downtown Jackson.
At a special ceremony in Nashville February 13, three of Jackson State Community College’s students were honored for academic excellence. Hailey Jones, Debra Davis, and Hunter Harris were honored along with other students from Tennessee’s 13 community colleges. In all, there were 28 outstanding students that were named to the 2018 Phi Theta Kappa All-Tennessee Academic Team at a special luncheon at the War Memorial Auditorium in downtown Nashville.
Hailey Jones
Hailey Jones of Pinson, Tennessee is an art major at JSCC and will receive an Associate of Arts diploma from the college on May 5. After graduation, Hailey will pursue a degree in art education from the University of Memphis. Her ultimate goal is to teach art at the college level. “Before coming to Jackson State, I always had plans to teach at the K-12 level,” said Hailey, “but my teachers at Jackson State have been such an inspiration. The college experience has been a real motivator for me.”
Debra Davis
Debra Davis of Alamo, Tennessee came to JSCC after working in healthcare as a CNA and LPN. She is now pursuing a nursing degree at the college and is scheduled to graduate in Spring, 2019 and plans to work in hospice care. Her experience at Jackson State has been good. “It’s a great atmosphere where they want you to succeed,” Debra said. “They take you under their wing and give you the support you need to be successful.”
Hunter Harris
Hunter Harris of McKenzie, Tennessee will graduate in May with an Associate of Science in General Studies. Upon graduation, Hunter will continue his studies at the University of Memphis to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science. His career goal is to obtain a doctorate in physical therapy and establish a practice in Middle or East Tennessee
Dr. Anna Esquivel, advisor and sponsor for Phi Theta Kappa at JSCC, comments, “Hailey, Debra and Hunter have demonstrated excellent leadership skills in Phi Theta Kappa. That they have been able to actively engage in their campus community while maintaining excellence in their studies is a testament to their academic achievement.”
Dr. Allana Hamilton, JSCC president, stated, “[Hailey, Debra and Hunter] deserve this honor, and we are very proud of their accomplishments. Their involvement in PTK has provided them with leadership opportunities that will better prepare them for the next steps in their academic and professional careers.”
Hamilton is very proud of the PTK chapter at JSCC. “Jackson State’s chapter continues to thrive,” said Hamilton. “I am very honored to work with the Jackson State chapter advisors and students in promoting academic excellence at Jackson State.”
The All-Tennessee Academic Team is comprised of students nominated by their colleges to be considered for the All-USA Academic Team, sponsored by USA Today and Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Each of the state’s 13 community colleges selects outstanding students to recognize for their academic achievement, leadership and service to the community.
Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education, with more than 2 million members and 1,200 chapters in the U.S. and beyond. Students must have a minimum 3.5 grade-point average to qualify for membership.