JMCSS’ 4th annual gala highlights student achievements, school progress

JACKSON, Tenn. — An annual celebration highlights student achievements and the progress of one local school system.

The Jackson-Madison County School System had their 4th annual gala. Sponsors that were invited were able to see the progress the school system continues to make.

“It’s a time we get together to celebrate accomplishments and talk about the progress that’s happening in the school system. We also spotlight student entertainment,” said Melissa Spurgeon, chief of staff for JMCSS.

One alum from the Madison Academic High School Harmonics Group returned to perform for gala guests.

Along with performances, the school system’s leader spoke on the progress of the district.

“The spotlight of the event is Dr. King, our superintendent, [he] gives a state of the school address. So he gives updates of all the different things happening in the school system,” said Spurgeon.

Over the past four years, Dr. King has left call-to-actions for returning audience members.

“We realized, say something good, we’re getting better, but don’t leave me. I can’t do it without you, I need you, and you stayed with me,” said Dr. Marlon King, JMCSS superintendent.

This year, he is asking that guests look upstream for the root of the cause. Along with that, there was progress shared on enrollment and a new school.

“Achievement and growth increases that we had and we’ll be celebrating and giving updates on Pope Elementary that will open in August. Then, updates by Malesus Innovation Center, that opened this year,” said Spurgeon.

Although this isn’t a fundraising event, it is an opportunity for sponsors to see where their investments are going.

“The special projects fund at the Community Foundation of West Tennessee — the proceeds from this go into that fund at the foundation and we use it for special projects, designated by the superintendent,” said Spurgeon.

Event coordinators share that it’s amazing that this event is growing and they look forward to having it.

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