West Tennessee’s College Preparatory Schoolwww.usjbruins.org

Welcome to the Upper School!Welcome to the Upper School!

Welcome from Ben Murphy, Upper School DirectorHello! On behalf of our faculty and staff, I would like to welcome you and your families to the UniversitySchool of Jackson’s Upper School. For our continuing students, welcome to a new part of the building. Weare excited to be with you as you continue your journeys at USJ. For those of you new to USJ, welcome toa new school community; we are glad you are considering joining us. Thank you to everyone for allowingus to be a part of your family’s educational experiences.

Ninth grade is certainly a transition year for students as report cards be-come transcripts and middle school sports become varsity sports. They gofrom being the oldest in their division to the youngest, from knowing every-thing about how a middle school works to knowing rather little about howan upper school works. For students coming to the USJ Upper School fromother high schools, there is a transition process as well. One of our tasksas an upper school faculty is helping all students new to the Upper Schooladapt to a new set of academic expectations and become more confidentin their abilities. This process will take some time, but our teachers will bethere to work with these students, to help with managing workloads, and toassist in developing the skills necessary to be successful undergraduates.

Even in the short amount of time I have been at USJ, I have learned that the Upper School faculty areamong the most dedicated teachers one will find anywhere. They are committed to providing our studentswith a challenging yet supportive curriculum, and they approach each day with a focus on furthering theirstudents’ learning. Your child will get to work with great teachers each and every day.

For our incoming students, graduation seems far away, but it will be here before they know it. During theyears prior to their graduation, a lot will change for these students, but what will not change is USJ’s com-mitment to providing them a quality education. Our graduates are admitted into many of the finest institu-tions in the country, and we welcome the opportunity to help your children work towards their college goals.Any journey begins with one step, and we thank you for the privilege of helping your children take their firstupper school steps at USJ. Thank you for choosing our school. Go Bruins!

From Kay Shearin, Admissions DirectorI also extend a warm welcome to you and your family. If you are a current family,we appreciate your continued support of University School and its programs. Ifyou are a prospective family, we appreciate your interest in our school andwelcome you to our campus. I invite your child to spend a day with us andshadow one of our students in order to learn more about University School andsee for yourself the endless opportunities that await your child at USJ.

Upper School is an important time in your student’s life. The next four years arecritical as your child prepares to meet the challenges of college and beyond. Asstated in our mission statement, University School is committed to guiding each student to reach his or hermaximum potential and to developing a passion for academic excellence and lifelong learning.

Our faculty and staff are also committed to building relationships and to working in partnership with ourstudents and their families to ensure success in every facet of school life: in the classroom, in athleticendeavors, in the area of fine arts, and in service within our community. At University School of Jackson, ittruly is an education for a lifetime.

Jordan Boyd, StudentGovernment Association

President, 2014-2015

From arts, to sports, to academics,USJ strives to enrich the lives of youngindividuals. The faculty and staff at USJgive students the options to succeed inany field they may wish to pursue.

I have never been pushed to do anythinghere. I have been expected to do greatbecause that is the USJ way.

The USJ community is where everystudent, even new students, can find aplace.

If you are a student of multiple talents,USJ is the place for you. If you love toplay the trombone and also love to playbaseball, you have a place here. If youlove to sing in a choir and also excel inbiology, you have a place here. If youlove to show your talents on the stage oreven on the gridiron, you have a placehere. What USJ offers to each student isunique, just like the student.

At USJ, I have had the privilege of beingwith the best faculty in West Tennesseefor nine months out of the year everyyear since PreK.

With the help of my teachers, I know thatI am 100 percent ready for college. I amtruly blessed to have had USJ to prepareme, and I will always love being a part ofthe USJ family.”

Kay Shearin kshearin@usjbruins.org

Ben Murphybmurphy@usjbruins.org

On the cover, from top, Chemistry,English III, Freshman English Honors

Upper School CurriculumIt’s true. USJ’s Upper School curriculum is challenging as we prepare students for the rigors of college.The strength of USJ, however, lies not only in our Advanced Placement and Honors courses, but alsoin every course in our curriculum. Each student is given the opportunity to achieve and to learn, andthose who rise to the challenge find themselves well prepared for life after USJ.

Our courses aren’t easy, but if students are willing to work and apply themselves, they can be success-ful in our curriculum. Ninth graders, for example, will learn how to use their time wisely and how tostudy. They will learn how to master the workload and still have time for sports, the arts, communityservice, or whatever interests them.

Freshman courses include Algebra I or Honors Algebra I, French or Spanish I or Honors French orSpanish I, Biology or Biology Honors, English or English Honors, World History, and an elective. Forboth the foreign language and math courses, factors considered when placing students include previ-ous honors courses and placement test results. Both Biology Honors and English Honors, however,will accept students who want to try an honors curriculum.

For a complete list of our courses, visit usjbruins.org/academics/upper-school.

Electives From Broadcast Journalism to Forensic Science, USJ’scurriculum is filled with a variety of elective courses. Theyare Accounting, Band, Book Study Seminar, BroadcastJournalism, Choir/ USJ Singers/ Concert Choir, ComputerCoding, Computer Science AP, Criminal Justice, DigitalTools, Fitness, Forensic Science, International Art/Exploratory Art, Intro to Theater/Advanced Theater, Intro toSpanish, Journalism, Library Research and Operations,Music Theory AP, Personal Finance, Photography,Programming and Robotics, Psychology, Psychology AP,Speech, Studio Art and Studio Art AP, Study Abroad, U.S.and World Issues, Wellness, and World Religions.

Rob Platt, far right, teaches his English II Honors class.

USJ — what can I say? For thelast seven years, I’ve had the uniquehonor of being able to identify myselfas a USJ Bruin. USJ’s ‘commitment toexcellence’ has fully engrained itselfinto my mind, and I find myselfconstantly challenging myself andpushing the limits of my education.

The dedicated faculty has given memore than enough room to expand myknowledge and encourages all studentsto surpass their own goals.

However, without the undying supportof USJ’s student body, I know I wouldnever have been able to come as far asI have. It’s amazing to me how USJ isable to bring its classes together, nearlyblurring the lines from one grade to thenext. I think this sense of inter-classunity and the exceptional learningenvironment USJ provides are the twomain factors contributing to its statusas ‘West Tennessee’s CollegePreparatory School.’

Moving forward into my college careerand the life that lies beyond, I know Iwill be well prepared for the challengesI may face. I’m also certain I’ll neverforget the experiences I’ve shared withmy USJ family. Once a Bruin, always aBruin.”

— Govind Bindra, SGA President,2013-2014, now attending

Harvard College

Upper School Faculty

Debbie AntonGuidance Counselor,

PsychologyMTSU, B.S.

U of Tenn, Knoxville, MSSWUniv. of Memphis, MAT

Amanda BealPhotography

Asbury University, B.A.

Danielle BoydTechnology Coordinator,

Computer Coding

Bridget ClarkEnglish Department ChairUniv. of Tenn, Martin, B.A.Univ. of Memphis, M.A.

Paul ConwayWorld Issues, SpeechLambuth University, B.A.Lambuth University, M.A.

Erica DavidsonTheater

Univ. of Tenn, Martin, B.A.

Teresa DunnFrench

Eastern Michigan Univ., B.A.University of Oregon, M.A.Marygrove College, MAT

Allie DurhamFrench

Union Univ., B.A., HistoryUnion Univ., B.A., French

Dian EddlemanChoral Music,

USJ Singers, and USJ Concert Choir

Harding University, B.A.

I am so thankful that my parents have sent me toUSJ. This school has already prepared me immenselyfor college and even for the rest of my life. I am veryglad I have taken challenging classes and pushedmyself, even though I might not have appreciated it atthe time. The work ethic USJ has instilled in me willstay with me forever.

The Fine Arts at USJ are a huge blessing to me. I havegained confidence through music and theater and,under the direction of very talented teachers, I havebeen able to do what I love: perform for others and usemy voice. The Fine Arts here are unmatched by anysurrounding school; from choral festivals to musicalsto plays, our school stands alone in its excellence.

I am fortunate to have had many incredible teachersduring my time at USJ, and there are far too many toname. Mrs. Linda Hawks ingrained a love of reading inme, Mr. Don Newman and Mrs. Carla Roach inspiredme to want to succeed in mathematics, Mr. Don Roemotivated me daily in his AP U.S. History class, andMrs. Jane Ramer triggered a love of biology in me.Teachers at USJ truly do care about your success.

I am appreciative of the rigorous courses that USJ hasto offer and that I took advantage of such courses. Iwill owe any of my future success to the foundationaleducation that USJ has given me, and I am forevergrateful for that.”

— Molly Maroney, Junior

Tales from collegeAustin Orr's biology teacher at Union University was setting up the first lab for theclass. She asked, "Do I have any USJ graduates in this class?" When Austin, a2014 USJ graduate, raised his hand, the teacher said, "If you have any questionswhen I'm gone, see him." Austin helped his classmates manage their first lab, whilethey asked, "How have you done this before?"

Jimmy A. GlossonSpanish, ForeignLanguage Dept. ChairUniv. of Memphis, B.A.Union University, MAEd

Christie GoldenMathematics, ScienceUnion University, B.S.

U of Tenn., Memphis, B.S. Union University, MAEd

Dr. Tammy GrantMusic

U of Southern Miss., BMEdNE Louisiana Univ., MMEdUniv. of Memphis, DMA

Tom GrantBand, Music Dept. ChairJones Co. Jr. College, A.T.U of Southern Miss., B.Ed.Trevecca Nazarene U, M.Ed.

Linda HawksEnglish, YearbookMTSU, B.S.

Univ. of Memphis, M.Ed.

Libby LynchVisual Arts, Dept. ChairUnion University, B.A.

Memphis College of Art, BFAU of Memphis, MAT

John HerrimanScience

Union University, B.S.

Mickey MarleyGovernment, Fitness

Univ. of Tenn, Martin, B.S.

Anna McPeakeArt

Lambuth University, B.S.Union University, M.Ed.

Malea MullinsChemistry, Forensic

ScienceLambuth University, B.S.Texas Tech Univ., M.Ed.

Donald NewmanMathematics Dept. ChairBethel College, B.S.

U of Tenn, Knoxville, M.M.

Kim RaineyUpper School Secretary

Nice PanthoferSpanish

Union University, MBA

Rob PlattEnglish

University of Memphis, B.A.Univ. of Tenn, Martin, M.Ed.

Anna PowellSpanish, Criminal JusticeUniv. of Memphis, B.A.

Jane RamerScience Dept. Chair, BiologyLambuth University, B.S.Union University, MAEd

Katie RamerEnglish

Lambuth University, B.A.Union University, MAEd

Carla RoachMathematics

University of Memphis, B.S.

Don RoeHistory Department ChairLambuth University, B.S.

University of Memphis, M.A.

Tommy RussellMathematics

Rhodes College, B.S.Univ. of Memphis, M.Ed.

Judy SandersonScience

West. Carolina Univ., B.S. U of South Carolina, M.Ed.

Oliver SimmonsAccounting, Economics,Fitness and WellnessFlorida State Univ., B.S.Florida State Univ., MSA

Scott TinkerBroadcast Journalism

U of Tenn, Knoxville, B.S.

Beth ViseLibrarian

Univ. of Tenn, Martin, B.S.Univ. of Tenn, Martin, M.Ed.

Mary Anne WardAlgebra

Union University, B.S.Univ. of Memphis, M.Ed.

Kyle WilliamsWorld History

Lambuth University, B.S.

Dr. Jan WilmsComputer Programming

and RoboticsKatholieke UniversiteitLeuven, Belgium, B.A.

University of Mississippi, M.A.University of Mississippi, M.S.Miss. State University, Ph.D

Upper School Faculty

Will my child be prepared for college?Yes! USJ seeks to prepare its students for college through a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. USJ has a three-level track that allows students to pursuean academic path that works to their strengths. Classes at USJ are designatedCollege Placement, Honors, or Advanced Placement. A student can chose to pur-sue more rigorous coursework in areas where he or she feels strongest and inwhich the student has the most interest.

In each class, teachers use capstone experiences and final exams to determinethe breadth and depth of student knowledge. In fact, learning how to study for finalexams, how to write major papers, and how to construct comprehensive projectsare just some of the areas where students feel they are most prepared for college.By the time a student graduates from USJ, he or she will have taken as many as42 final exams and will have created countless research projects.

The goal of the USJ Honor Code is that each student lives as a re-sponsible person — one whose word is a bond, whose work is al-ways his or her own, and around whom the property of others issafe. Lying, cheating, and stealing have no place at USJ.

In recognizing that honor can be learned, USJ uses an honor systemto facilitate the Honor Code. The Honor Code is administered by theHonor Council, a body of class representatives elected by the stu-dents. Its duty is to present the concept of individual honor to all stu-dents and to uphold that concept through enforcement of the USJHonor Code.

The USJ Honor Code is predicated on the assumption that all stu-

dents are honorable youngmen and women and havethe right to be trusted. Uni-versity School of Jacksonstudents desire to learn inan atmosphere wherehonesty and integrity endure and are an integral part of theirlives. In the Upper School, beginning each year, each student will re-cite the USJ Oath of Honor, thereby accepting his or her responsibil-ity for this Honor Code.

We believe that a culture of honor can only be created when stu-dents are held accountable to each other for the culture they create.

It’s all about Honor! Honor Code OathAt the beginning of each school year,all students recite this oath together:

“As a student at the University School ofJackson, I will not lie, cheat, or steal, norcondone the actions of those who do.”

USJ and Advanced Placement An “AP” or an “Advanced Placement” course offers students the opportunity to study college-levelcourses during high school. The Advanced Placement program curriculum is set by the College Boardand is equivalent to introductory courses taken the first year of college. At the end of the year, studentsparticipating in AP classes take a national exam. Depending on a student’s performance on the exam, auniversity may give the student college credit or advanced placement in college courses.

However, even if a student does not achieve a score that qualifies for college credit, college admissionoffices look favorably on students who have selected this more rigorous curriculum. Research also hasshown that participation in AP coursework increases a student’s chances of doing well in college and thelikelihood the student will complete a bachelor’s degree in four years.

USJ offers 17 Advanced Placement courses, all certified by the College Board. This gives our studentsthe opportunity to take one or more college-level courses in their areas of interest. Our strong APprogram sets us apart from most other schools. By the end of their first semester of college, many USJgraduates are classified as sophomores or better because of the AP credits earned in high school.

The AP curriculum requires students to develop critical thinking skills in order to be successful on the na-tional test. According to a January 2011 New York Times article, the College Board continues to prioritizecritical thinking skills, explaining that the expectations are “important because critical thinking skills areconsidered essential for advanced college courses and jobs in today’s information-based economy.”

According to the College Board’s Advanced Placement website, the key ingredients for success in an APcourse are curiosity, creativity, and commitment. While USJ takes into account scores on placement testsfor course scheduling, the main criteria for placement in an AP class are a student’s desire to take thecourse and teacher recommendations. USJ teachers do not just want students who will make excellentscores on the AP exam, but also students who will add to the classroom environment and are willing tomove out of their academic comfort zones. Much like college professors, USJ’s AP teachers also expectstudents to take ownership of the course and use a hands-on approach to acquire the understandingneeded to perform at an exceptional level.

Did you know?USJ offers 17 Advanced Placementcourses for college credit. They are …

w English Languagew English Literaturew Calculus ABw Calculus BCw Computer Sciencew Biology w Chemistryw Environmental Sciencew Physics Bw U.S. Historyw French Languagew Spanish Languagew Psychologyw Music Theoryw Studio Art 2-Dw Studio Art 3-Dw Studio Art Drawing

All of the AP courses offered at USJ havebeen audited and certified by the CollegeBoard.

The strength of USJ’s AP curriculumlies in our teachers. Our 12 AP teachershave a combined experience of nearly300 years in the classroom and 150years of teaching the AP curriculum.Nearly all have been AP graders,meaning they have graded the free-response sections of AP tests for theCollege Board.

All USJ students in AP courses arerequired to take the AdvancedPlacement test in order to get AP crediton their transcripts. Advanced Placementtests are graded on a 0 to 5 gradingscale with 5 being the top score and 3being a passing score. In tests taken inSpring 2014, 91 percent of USJ studentsscored 3 or higher on their AdvancedPlacement exams, and 67 percentscored 4 or higher. The state average fora score of 3 or higher was 60 percent.

Computer Science AP class

USJ students on theSpanish immersiontrip to Costa Ricain summer 2014stand on the stepsof El Museo Na-cional in Down-town San José,Costa Rica.

Teresa Dunn, nearright, works with astudent in herFrench class, whileJimmy Glosson, far right, teaches Spanish.

Foreign LanguageUSJ’s Upper School offers four years of Spanish and fouryears of French. Honors and Advanced Placement courses also are offered in both languages. Asmuch as possible, French and Spanish teachers immerse students in the language from themoment they enter the classroom. Becauses of this, many USJ graduates are fluent in a foreignlanguage, preparing them for today’s global marketplace. In alternating summers, Spanish studentsare given the oppurtunity for an immersion experience in Costa Rica, and French students studyabroad in France. Students can earn credit after taking either trip.

A Spanish tale from collegeMarisa Mariencheck, a member of the USJ Class of 2014, did so well on her Spanish placementtest at Washington University in St. Louis that she was placed in a 300-level Spanish class. Thehead of the department asked to meet with Marisa and read something she had written in highschool Spanish. Marisa took him a paper she wrote for Jimmy Glosson. The department chair wasso impressed that he invited her on a spring break trip he is leading to his native country of Cuba.

I enjoy my classes because ofthe stimulating discussions and thecaptivating topics. One of the mostimportant things I have learned atUSJ is learning for the intrinsicvalue, rather than completing workfor the grade.

At USJ, students are truly invested intheir learning, ask follow-upquestions, and stay after school tobetter understand concepts. Thislevel of academic maturity haspositively influenced me and helpedme gain a better perspective.

My teachers can be very demanding,but overall, I enjoy meeting thechallenges. I have been very gratefulto have so many supportive teachersthat have pushed me and given methe tools needed to be successful.

Coming to USJ from Seattle was verydifficult, but I believe it has made mea more well-rounded person. Notonly did I have to stand up to theacademic rigor of USJ, but I wasforced to be more outgoing socially. Ifound the USJ community to be verywelcoming and supportive.

I definitely feel that USJ hasprepared me for college.”

— Amanda Holloway, Senior,National Merit student,

will attend Georgetown Universityin Washington, D.C.

AthleticsHome of state championships in nearly every sport,University School of Jackson’s athletic teams frequentlyadvance to the post season. Since spring 2012, we’ve won state championships in baseball, softball,and boys doubles in tennis. Football, boys cross country, boys tennis, girls soccer, and both boys andgirls golf were state runners-up, the girls cross country team came in third place, and girls tennisreached the final four. The competition cheerleading squad earned a top-10 finish on the national level.

During the 2013-2014 school year alone, 17 USJ athletes earned All-State honors.

USJ’s Middle and Upper Schools field 37 teams in 20 different sports to provide a host of opportunitiesfor students interested in athletics. Our athletic complexes are among the best in West Tennessee.

Classes at USJ are challenging, butif you do your homework every night,there should be no issues with yourclasses.

It is absolutely possible to play sports andtake classes. All you have to do is manageyour time wisely, and if there is ascheduling issue, you can resolve it withyour teacher.

An example is when I was in choir. We hada concert on Saturday, but I had to go toVanderbilt for a football recruitment trip. Isimply talked to my choir teacher, and weworked it out.”

— Trey Smith, Sophomore, Finalist for Tennessee’s Mr. Football Award

I like my classes because they’re allpretty challenging, and the teachers aremotivated. My favorite teacher is Mr.Newman because he makes me pushmyself to meet my potential. I like being atUSJ because there’s a strong sense ofcommunity throughout the school, and youcan find a friendly face wherever you go.”

— Kayla Puzdrakiewicz, Sophomore, All-State Cross Country runner

Community Service and LeadershipWe offer our students many opportunities to become leaders, to learn how to make real decisions thathave a real impact in others’ lives. We also instill in our graduates a mission to help others. Besides ourstudent-run Honor Council, we have more than 20 clubs and interest groups. They range across all dis-ciplines and provide students opportunities to pursue their passsions. All clubs and every grade are re-quired to complete a community service project each year. Upper School students must also log 50hours of community service hours to graduate.

Tyler Terry completed his community servicerequirement for graduation by helping a retiree withyard work and household projects.

Carol Matthews Lipscomb recently left her job tocare for her bedridden mother. She said it has beena difficult time financially, mentally, and spiritually,but Tyler has been “an absolute lifesaver.”

Tyler helped her move into her mother’s house,cleaned the attic, and made the backyardpresentable. “Tyler has gone above and beyond inhelping my mother and I,” Lipscomb said. “Thisyoung man never left a job undone. Tyler’s

manners were excellent, his work was close toperfect, and not one time did I hear him complainabout anything asked of him.”

Lipscomb said he easily surpassed USJ’s gradua-tion requirement of 50 community service hours justworking at her home. “If Tyler is an example of thecaliber of students you have at your school, then Icommend you,” Lipscomb said in a letter to USJ.

A Community Service story

Visual ArtsUSJ offers a comprehensive and sequential visual arts program.Students can pursue a four-year art curriculum that culminates inone or more Advanced Placement Art portfolios. These portfoliosare often used by students to gain admittance to some of the mostprestigious art and design colleges in the United States, includingthe Parsons School of Design and the Fashion Institute ofTechnology, both in New York City, and the Savannah College ofArt and Design in Georgia.

Students also have the opportunity toparticipate in numerous art competitionsthroughout the region. For example, 13students had artwork accepted into theWest Tennessee Regional Student JuriedArt Competition this year, and studentssubmitted 21 winning entries to the Mid-South Scholastic Art Competition.

Choral ProgramThe USJ Choral Program offers many opportunities. The program includes Freshmen Choir, USJSingers, and the USJ Concert Choir. The USJ Combined Choirs perform many concerts throughout theyear including Veterans Day, Christmas, and the annual spring Pops Concert. USJ is proud to have ahigh number of students selected to the Regional Honor Choir and the Tennessee All-State Choir.Additional performance opportunities include Quad-State Honor Choir, National Honor’s Ensemble,ACDA Division and National Honor Choir, regional Solo/Ensemble Festival, and the UTM Honor Choir.

During this school year, six students were named to the Tennessee All-State Choir, and 29 studentswere named to the Senior High All-Northwest Honor Choir. Dr. Tammy Grant directs the FreshmenChoir. Dian Eddleman, past president of the Tennessee Music Education Association, directs USJSingers and the USJ Concert Choir.

Coming in to USJ wasn’t verydifficult for me. I had already knownsome of the students who go herethrough church functions or out-of-school stuff. I did make a lot of newfriends, though.

The classes in the ninth grade aren’ttoo bad. They do put a work load anda lot of pressure on you to get it donein time.

By far my most favorite teacher in theninth grade is Mrs. Hawks. She’s re-ally enthusiastic in what she teaches.Overall, the ninth grade is a goodgrade in which to enter USJ.”

— Lydia Woods, Freshman,first-year USJ student

The Arts at USJ

USJ’s teachers always push theirstudents to improve themselves. Theyare always willing to help students; theyare always available to help or discussschool-related matters with theirstudents.

My favorite teachers include ChristieGolden, Katie Ramer, and Don Roe. Theyinspire me to keep a commitment tolearning and to being the best student Ican be.

My classes are challenging, but theyinspire me to better myself.” 

— Jordan Stewart, Junior

Performing ArtsUSJ is the only school in WestTennessee that puts on twofull-scale musicals and onedramatic production per year.A live student orchestra orband accompanies ourmusicals. We also have theonly Tri-M Music Honor societyin the region, and we are theonly school to offer AP MusicTheory.

The fall 2014 musical was Seussical, and it featured students fromfourth grade through the Upper School. The production appealed toall ages and included elements from at least 15 of Dr. Seuss’books. The spring 2015 musical will be the Broadway production ofDisney’s Mary Poppins. And, yes, we expect Mary’s umbrella totransport her across the stage.

Dr. Tammy Grant attributes the success of USJ’s musical theaterprogram to the coordinated effort among all the Fine Artsdepartments. “We have developed such a talent pool that we canhardly do enough plays to get all the talent showcased. Although Irealize that many of my actors may not go on to a career in thetheater, being on stage is a wonderful life lesson that teaches

courage,confidence, and somany skills they willneed later in life.”

In January, UpperSchool studentsperformed A Ripplein the Pond, agripping play aboutdomestic violencewritten by USJ students in collaboration with the Wo/Men’sResource and Rape Assistance Program (WRAP). All proceedsfrom tickets sales and donations went to WRAP.

It is a great experience coming to USJ in the ninth grade.The upperclassmen are very inclusive and welcoming. I waswrong to think that it would be hard to make friends as a newstudent.

I enjoy every one of my classes. The teachers are great, and Ican tell that they enjoy teaching. If I ever need help with some-thing, the teachers are always able to take time and help me

with whatever I need. Some of the classes can be difficult, butthe teachers give you everything you need to be successful.

Ninth-grade year is a great year to establish yourself as astudent and really build a great foundation for the next threeyears of high school.”

— John Henry Woods, Freshman, first-year USJ student

Band ProgramWith the emphasis on teamwork, the USJ Band program is all about making a difference in the lives of our students and community. USJ’s

expanded program ranges from All-West Orchestra, Jazz, and Concert Band, to All-State, Solo & Ensemble, Honor Bands, musicals, and church ensembles in whichstudents can participate. First-year students have their first concert at Christmas.They play four pieces and then one piece with all the band members.

“The pieces are in line with what the students can do, but I do try to keep it a notchabove what they think they can play to keep them challenged,” said Band DirectorTom Grant. “For the group piece, we place the more experienced students by theyounger ones to help them feel comfortable and good about themselves.”

The goal of our College Advising team is toprovide individualized attention and support toour students as they participate in the collegesearch and selection process. Many collegeswill be a good “fit” for each student, and weguide our students as they research colleges,meet deadlines, and plan for the future.

Shannon Whisenant, As-sistant Director of CollegeAdvising, starts by meet-ing with each freshmanand sophomore studentand his or her parents.They talk about the col-lege admissions processand set up online ac-counts in Naviance, which the student will use oftento keep track of accomplishments, test scores, andGPA.

Carol Ryan, Director ofCollege Advising, meetsindividually with juniorsand seniors and their par-ents. Junior parents andjuniors fill out separate on-line questionnaires beforeRyan schedules the firstmeeting.

With the help of College Advising Assistant LoriHowell, the College Advising Office distributes infor-mation about upcoming college visits, college en-trance testing dates, open houses, scholarshipopportunities, and summer programs.

USJ holds an annual College Admissions Seminarfor juniors. Representatives from various universi-ties and colleges provide students and parents withvital information and advice on both the college ad-missions process and the keys to achieving suc-cess in college. Programs on financial aid and othertopics also are offered tostudents and parents.

Most recently the CollegeAdvising Office partneredwith YouScience to offeran online assessment pro-file for the Class of 2016.The tool provides insightsabout students’ profes-sional strengths, and it helps them determine whichmajor and career paths they could pursue in col-lege. After developing their profile, students metwith USJ’s college advisors to analyze the results.Although many prestigious independent schoolsuse YouScience profiles, USJ is the first in WestTennessee to adopt the program.

We are proud that 100 percent of USJ graduatesmeet college admission requirements. Their USJeducation makes them competitive applicants atthe most academically selective schools.

Did you know?

The 68 students in USJ’s Class of 2014were offered more than $6.1 million inscholarship money! They planned to at-tend 27 different colleges in the UnitedStates, and one student was headed tocollege in Panama.

Already, members of the Class of 2015have been accepted at …w University of Alabamaw University of Alaska, Fairbanksw University of Arkansasw Auburn Universityw Belmont Universityw Boston Collegew Carson-Newman Universityw Georgetown Universityw Georgia Tech Universityw University of Georgiaw University of Kansasw Lee Universityw Louisiana State Universityw University of Memphisw University of Michigan w Millikin Universityw Millsaps Collegew University of Mississippiw Mississippi State Universityw Montana State Universityw Oklahoma City Universityw University of Pittsburghw Purdue Universityw Rhodes Collegew Samford Universityw University of South Carolinaw South Dakota School of Minesw Southern Methodist Universityw University of Tennessee, Chattanoogaw University of Tennessee, Knoxvillew Vanderbilt Universityw Viterbo UniversitywWebster University

ACT Composite Score Averages for 2014 Graduates …Tennessee: 19.8United States: 21.0USJ: 28.0

College Advising

Shannon Whisenant

Carol Ryan

Lori Howell