The Jackson Prep class of 2018 graduated on Thursday, March 24th at Thalia Mara Hall in Jackson, Mississippi. Friends and family packed the venue to capacity as they watched seniors become Jackson Prep alumni.

Graduation day began with a class brunch at The South in downtown Jackson. The highlights of the brunch were addresses from one senior and one faculty member chosen by a vote of the senior class. Mary Patterson Hester gave a memorable farewell speech to members of her class, in which she also paid tribute to Frances Fortner, the Jackson Academy senior and friend of many in the Jackson Prep student body, who was lost the previous week in a tragic automobile accident.

Prep art teacher Dr. Lynn Miller was the faculty speaker, and the Student Council Distinguished Teaching Award was presented to Ms. Kimberly Van Uden.

After the brunch, the seniors proceeded to Thalia Mara Hall for graduation practice before dispersing to prepare for that evening’s ceremony.

At the graduation, salutatorian Graham Robertson gave a heartfelt speech remembering the highs and lows that his class experienced during their tenure at Jackson Prep. Valedictorian Gregory Vance then left his classmates with a sincere farewell speech that also incorporated a good deal of humor.

Next, the 2018 Jackson Prep distinguished alumnus, Lt. Colonel Jonathan Drake, gave a speech for all to hear. Lt. Col. Drake is a 1995 graduate of Jackson Prep whose military career has taken him all over the world in combat and non-combat assignments. His main point was for each graduating member to find his/her passion, and pursue it. Afterwards, Anne Rogers, the President of the Board of Trustees, said a few words on behalf of the school’s governing body.

The class of 2018 then received their diplomas.

As the school says farewell to our seniors, it can also look back on the many memories that were shared throughout their time at Prep. From Junior High dances to turning in their caps and gowns, the class of 2018 has left their mark on Jackson Prep and had a wonderful time doing it.

To see more pictures from graduation, go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/128552037@N02/sets/72157694079212232/