Jackson Academy Alumni

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For those who may be new here, let us introduce you to Coach Sherard Shaw.

Sherard Shaw Jr. was more than a football coach. He was a mentor, leader, father, husband, and friend who believed deeply in inspiring others to overcome adversity and reach their full potential.

As the head varsity football coach at Jackson Academy, Coach Shaw led with determination, heart, and an unwavering belief in his players. Even while battling stomach cancer in 1995, he continued to encourage and inspire those around him.

After Coach Shaw passed away on November 7, 1995, his team carried his spirit with them onto the field. Just days after his funeral, the Raiders began an unforgettable playoff run that led to the first championship in school history — a season that the Clarion-Ledger later named one of the most significant sports stories in Mississippi that year.

Coach Shaw’s legacy did not end on the football field.

Today, the Sherard Shaw Foundation carries forward his determination, compassion, and belief in others by supporting children and families battling pediatric cancer and helping fund research that brings hope for the future. 🎗️

Coach Shaw believed defeat was never an option — and we continue that fight today.
Thank you for being part of this mission.

Learn more about his story:
https://shawmovie.com/story/

Congrats Dr. Luke Lampton '84!

Lampton to serve another term on board of health Dr. Luke Lampton of Magnolia has been reappointed to a six-year term on the Mississippi State Board of Health.

Congratulations, Dr. Calvin Thigpen '94!

UMMC is celebrating a legacy of service as Dr. Calvin Thigpen is appointed the Dr. Paul W. Pierce III Chair in Internal Medicine. The story behind this chair highlights a remarkable path that began when Dr. Paul Pierce III left engineering to pursue medicine. Learn how this endowed chair will strengthen training, research and care across Mississippi. https://umc.edu/news/News_Articles/2025/12/Pierce-Chair.html