An update on Enhancing the Experience: A Campaign for MRA
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
APRIL 2023
A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
In the fall of 2022, MRA partnered with the J.F. Smith Group of Auburn, AL to conduct a feasibility study on behalf of the school. The study aimed to test the readiness for a capital campaign to enhance our ability to better meet the spiritual, academic, technological, and extra- curricular needs of our students,
their God-given gifts and talents: (1) Build the Rawlings Hall Enrichment Center; (2) create a Performing Arts Rehearsal Hall; (3) upgrade and enhance our elementary and high school classrooms; and (4) Construct eight tennis courts on Old Canton Road. As of the writing of this newsletter, we have received over $2.8 million in pledges in support of our campaign. As we work to meet our goal of $4,755,000, we know our students, faculty, and families will benefit through facility upgrades, technology advancements, and academic and extracurricular enhancements. With Enhancing the Experience , we desire to provide avenues for our students to experience enriched academic programs and expanded opportunities to serve and lead. We look forward to the impact these projects will have on the MRA family, now and for years to come. Termie Land head of school
faculty, and families. The results of the study indicated that our school community enthusiastically supports and is in agreement with the necessity of the proposed projects to ensure MRA students have the best in class experiences available across academics, arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities. In January, under the leadership of the Board of Trustees, we embarked on Enhancing the Experience: A Campaign for MRA . Four projects have been selected in order to enhance the experience of our students as they find their place, strengthen their relationships, and honor
GROWTH DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN BIGGER.
While our school has experienced growth in student numbers, record academic achievements, and championship athletic accomplishments, we have intentionally maintained an emphasis on upholding our core values that make us different and special.
Since MRA’s founding in 1969, a family atmosphere and individualized attention to our students have been integral to the culture of our school. We strive to be a place where knowledge, talent, and goals are fostered and where each child is valued for his or her gifts.
AT MRA, GROWTH IS DEEPER, ENRICHED, STRONGER, ENHANCED.
CAMPAIGN
PROJECTS
RAWLINGS HALL
The magic of MRA starts in kindergarten with our youngest learners—a place of wonder, excitement, and hands-on experiences. Completion of the Rawlings Hall Enrichment Center will create spaces for the enrichment classes of music, Bible, and computer, as well as move two K5 classrooms to the K5 hall. In addition, the center will include a multipurpose room for PE classes, indoor recess, after-school activities, Grandparents’ Days, and other kindergarten programs and events.
CLASSROOM UPGRADES & ENHANCEMENTS Additional upgrades planned for the elementary and high school wings include technology enhancements, new classroom desks and flexible seating, art casing displays, and new monitors for the hallways. Enriched science classes, labs, and a new BioMed program will also be added for high school students.
TENNIS COMPLEX
MRA has purchased four acres from Ridgecrest Baptist Church to construct eight “home” tennis courts on Old Canton Road. Plans also call for a small golf practice facility. Interest in tennis has increased substantially in the last few years, and a Home tennis complex will enhance safety for our student-athletes while allowing for increased student and fan participation in the growing program.
PERFORMING ARTS REHEARSAL HALL
The MRA performing arts program has grown significantly over the last five years. More than 200 students are involved in our performing arts program. MRA will expand the current storage building south of the baseball field and create a Performing Arts Rehearsal Hall. This will provide a permanent rehearsal hall for our performing artists to cultivate their talents and deepen their relationships.
Thank You TO OUR DONORS! *
CT and George Adams Atul Aggarwal Donna and Lance Allen Valerie and Kevin Bailey Lena and Chuck Barlow Martha Batson Tesa and Gene Berry Margaret and Chad Biggs John Black Sydni Black Sam Blanton Dawn and Shane Blanton Mary and Gaston Box Tina and Paul Box Donna and Tom Box Matt Bramuchi Ginny and Trey Breckenridge Lynn and David Britt Jennifer and Rock Britt Virginia and Steve Britt Cheryl and Doug Broome Cindy and Joey Brown Carol and Mike Brown Teresa Brown Jenny and Philip Buchanan Gigi and David Buck Alan Burford Mackenzie and Drew Burns Gail and Britton Butler Julie and David Cado Mindy and Dennis Cobb Tracie and Robert Coon Ellen and Joseph Craven Libbo and Clay Crosswhite Judith and Gregory Crotty Darla and Herbert Davis Rosalind and Will Dottley Julie and John Downer Michelle and Donny Dukes Melissa and James Duncan Frances and Les Dykes Erin and Gibson Eatherly Kelly and Andrew Edwards Ergon Foundation Amy Ethridge Kayleigh and Ian Few Kristie and Kirk Cameron LeAnn and Brian Carter Alesha and Stuart Cary Kay and Wes Chance Mary Stafford and Brett Christensen Tara and Trey Clark
Shelley and Patrick Floyd Avery and Neil Forbes Laurie and Stephen Force Austin Fortenberry Brian Fugler Tina and Kyle Fulcher Grace and Kevin Fuller Jennifer Gainey Ashley and CJ Garavelli Susan and Don Garner Jordan and Bryan Gaspard Kelley and Brad Gatlin Jamie and Skipper Giordano Lindsey and Chauncey Godwin Belinda and Mike Gordon Julie and Thad Gordon Tammy Graham Brandy and Beau Griffin Dana and Tommy Guthrie Lauren and Ross Hailey Courtney and Ben Haindel Valerie and Alan Hart Liz Haskins Tory and Alex Hawkins Paige and Wade Hawkins Jennifer and Clinton Heard Katy and Seth Hedglin Deborah and Billy Hill Sheri and Harry Hill Wendy and Rob Holladay Missy and Jason Hollis Holloway Foundation Traci and Greg Holloway Olivia and Jerry Host Lori Beth and Thomas House Dionna and Chris Howard Carley and Harper Hudnall Barbara and Harry Hutchins Janine Hutchinson Rachel and Ross Jensen Anne and Justin Jernigan Leigh and Eric Jernigan Stephanie and Wes Johnson Sherry and Gary Jones Brooke and Chip Jones Kate and John Kehoe Tara and Bryan King Missy and Keith Kinkade Mary Margaret and Ray Kinney Lisa and Termie Land Melissa and Garry Langston Lauren and John Laws
Wendy and Jay Lewis Chad Lipscomb Erick Lofton Jennifer and Pat Lovitt Stephanie Lynch Bryan Madden Meagen and Daniel Mallett Arin and Mitchell Malouf Brittany and Andrew Mann Linda Mann Devin and Scott Martin Kristen and Colby Mason Martha and Chase Maxey Mona and Ryan McBride Jennifer and Joseph McCaskill Courtney and Patrick McCraney Kayla and Zach McCraw Janna and Randy McIntosh Paula and Don McLemore Meagan and Will McPherson Laura Miller Grace and Alan Moore Christina and Ford Mundy Beth and Scott Murray Wesley and J Nelson Kristie and David Nutt Sandra and Tony Page Silvia Page Mary Claire and Andrew Parrish Elizabeth and Phillip Patrick Karen and Allen Pavatte Robin and Jason Peacock Tammie and George Peart Mary and William Pentecost Susan and Jim Peoples LeAnne and Steve Pittman Betsy and Steve Potter Glenda and John Proctor Natalie Proctor Sandy and Jeff Rawlings JeanAnn and Jason Reeves Tonya and Ken Reeves Kristin and Robyn Reynolds Ashley and Tom Rich Elizabeth and Joel Richardson Claire and Lewis Ridgway Dana and Chandler Rives Page and Elliott Robertson Mallory and Tyler Rosamond Kandice and Mark Rowe Casey and Daniel Rowland Morgan and David Rozier
Anne and Charlie Ruffin Lynn and Phillip Rutledge Laurie and Curt Ruwe Meri Ansley and Liston Sage Kyla Sanford Vanessa and Lance Sceroler Alisha and Justyn Schelver Lauren and Nathan Schultz Elise and Greg Self Kate and Brian Sistrunk Amanda and Jason Smillie Anna and Andy Smith Beth and Jason Smith Garrett Smith Nancy and Jerry Smith Stacy and John David Smith Marcia and Matt Smith Nancy and Bob Smylie Samuel Smylie Ashley and Alston Sory Julie and Craig Sosebee Sissy and Greg Spence Leanne and Nathan Stamper Melissa and Matt Stampley Beth and Kory Stephens Lauren and Matt Stratton Courtney and Clinton Streeter Laurie and James Strickland Anna and Jay Stroble Brittany and Derek Strong Lynsey and Chance Theriot Amanpreet and Navjot Thind Hollie Tucker Sarah and Joe Ulmer Diane and Don Varner Kaitlyn and Jason Vassar Holli and Brian Velez Ashley and Carl Venable Christy and Matt Walker Trace Walters Ware Foundation Katie Warlick Courtney and Brett Warren Kristen and John Weaver Allison and Bo Weems Tamah and Danny White Lauren and Kenneth Williams Page and Keith Wilson Beth and Michael Yerger
*as of 4/14/23
To learn more and support Enhancing the Experience , please contact Mary Claire Parrish, Director of Development, or visit mrapats.org/enhance.
MEET OUR CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS
“It is evident that Enhancing the Experience: A Campaign for MRA is not focused on becoming the largest, but rather on becoming the best. While some schools may prioritize size as a goal, doing so can water down a school’s culture and foundation. At MRA, the passion of our administration and teachers is evident in their hearts for and deep commitment to our students. There is something truly special about MRA—it feels like an extension of our family, a partnership. The more we volunteer and support MRA, the more we want to participate and give back.
We encourage everyone to get involved in some capacity to provide our teachers with the best resources and our children with the best environment for learning and growth. Every little bit helps. This campaign involves not only a few individuals but every parent, grandparent, and teacher. Your contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference—it is all impactful.” Neil and Avery Forbes co-chairs, enhancing the experience Hannah (10th), Sawyer (5th), and Maddie (4th)
To hear more from the Forbes family, scan the QR code.
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Madison-Ridgeland Academy 7601 Old Canton Road Madison, MS 39110 601.856.4455 | mrapats.org
“I truly believe that MRA provides an education in a class of its own. The dedication, love, and respect our educators have for our students are what sets us apart. Enhancing the Experience will provide our students, faculty, and families with incredible opportunities to grow and develop. I invite all of the MRA family to help make these projects a reality and create possibilities for the future.” Brooke Jones faculty campaign chair
Deeper relationships. Enriched academic programs. Enhanced experiences.
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