Press Release

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

JACKSON, TN — The Jackson-Madison County School System hosted its 3rd Annual JMAC (Jackson Madison Athletic Champion) Awards Banquet, bringing together more than 500 student-athletes, parents, coaches, administrators, and supporters at the Carl Perkins Civic Center for a night dedicated to honoring athletic achievement and character.

The JMAC Awards recognize student-athletes across more than 16 sports who have demonstrated excellence in competition while also representing the highest standards in the classroom and throughout the community.

One of the evening’s most meaningful moments came with the induction of two legacy honorees whose impact continues to shape the district’s athletic tradition. Latisha Beamus Brooks was recognized for her historic career as the all-time leading scorer for the South Side Lady Hawks, while James Gilbert “Bud” Sikes was honored for his legacy as a three-sport athlete and his more than two decades of service as a coach at North Side.

Above photo: Latisha Beamus Brooks, former all-time leading scorer for South Side girls basketball and former North Side High School football & baseball coach Bud Sides were recognized as 2026 Legacy Inductees during the JMAC ceremony.

“Physical activity will fade over time. What you’re able to do now, you won’t be able to do forever, so what we pray is that the core values that you learn from your coaches and from your families will be carried with you over the years,” Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ricky Catlett told the students in attendance.

Following the alumni recognition, the program shifted to celebrating current student-athletes and coaches. South Side’s Aydison Dilworth was named Female Athlete of the Year, while North Side’s Lincoln Woods earned Male Athlete of the Year honors. Jeremy Young was recognized as Coach of the Year for his leadership and success with both the boys and girls soccer programs at Madison.

For the second time in three years, Madison Academic claimed the Superintendent’s Cup, awarded to the school with the most comprehensive athletic success across programs. From May 2025 through April 2026, the Mustangs qualified for state competition in five events: girls golf, cross country, boys soccer, and both boys and girls track and field.

Above photo: Students from Madison Academic gathered on the Civic Center stage to accept the Superintendent's Cup for 2025-2026.

The Parade of Champions once again highlighted teams that competed at the state level, including Madison Academic’s state qualifiers, the North Side girls flag football team, and the Jackson Central-Merry boys and girls track and field teams.

Board member Andre Darnell praised the district’s continued commitment to celebrating students across multiple areas, crediting Superintendent Dr. Marlon King for fostering opportunities that recognize and encourage student success. “Events like the JMAC Awards, the ACT Reward Card program, and our District Arts Shows don’t just highlight achievement—they create meaningful moments for our students and families. We appreciate Dr. King’s vision in making sure our students are seen, supported, and celebrated in every arena.”

The event was made possible through the support of key community partners, including the City of Jackson, BSN Sports, and Fleet Feet. Dinner was provided by Outback Steakhouse.

Above photo: South Side volleyball and basketball standout Aydison Dilworth was named Female Athlete of the Year, while North Side’s Lincoln Woods, a finalist for Class 3A Basketball Player of the Year earned Male Athlete of the Year honors. Jeremy Young was recognized as Coach of the Year after leading Madison boys and girls soccer to state multiple times in recent years, including 2025.

The entire awards program was livestreamed by Forever Communications and is available for replay at Sports731.com. Click here to watch the replay.

The JMAC Awards continue to reflect the strength of athletics across Jackson-Madison County Schools, celebrating not only wins and championships, but the discipline, leadership, and character that define student-athletes across the district.

###

New Episode Alert!🎙️

We’re joined by North Parkway Middle School principal Dr. Chontel Bridgeman to talk about the STAR Academy at North Parkway and the impact it’s having on students.

⭐ Hear directly from STAR student Zakary Payne and North Parkway/STAR Academy teacher LaKeesha Holloway as they join the conversation and share their experiences with the program. Don’t miss this inspiring discussion about opportunity, growth, and student success!

There is nothing more important to our district than the health, safety, and well-being of our entire school community. Every voice matters, and we want to make it easy for you to communicate with your child's schools.

We’re introducing Let’s Talk, an online customer service solution that provides a convenient way for you to ask questions, request information, or share concerns.

Let’s Talk is available 24/7 from your phone, computer, or tablet, and includes staff-facing technologies that ensure you receive a timely, accurate response — every time. You can expect a response from us within two business days.