Jackson-Madison County Schools honor athletes at annual banquet

JACKSON, Tenn. — More than 80 high school student-athletes from 19 different sports were recognized at the Jackson-Madison Athletic Champion Banquet.

The JMAC ceremony honored current athletes and also inducted past athletes into its legacy program.

“We recognize our student athletes and legacy inductees that have demonstrated our core values: judgment, motivation, courage, service, and support,” said Ricky Catlett, JMCSS deputy superintendent.

Coaches, parents and athletes modeled those five core values at the event. Former North Side High School football coach Bud Sides was recognized alongside Latisha Beamus Brooks, former all-time leading scorer for South Side girls basketball.

The banquet is in its third year.

“It’s more than wins and loses. It’s about shaping young men and women into being good people, and that’s what we’re most proud of,” Catlett said.

The Jackson-Madison County School System gave out several awards during the ceremony.

“They’ll get a nice watch award and a ring for the male and female athlete of the year by school. Plus overall district athlete of the year, male and female along with coach of the year. We’ll have a nice award for them,” Catlett said.

District leaders said Superintendent Dr. Marlon King is working to improve the quality of public education.

“Our superintendent Dr. Marlon King makes sure that we have three buckets: academics, arts and athletics. So, JMAC, Jackson Madison Athletic Champion, we have arts champion, and academic champion,” Catlett said.

More than 500 guests attended the banquet.

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