I Am Jackson: Roger Smith

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I Am Jackson: Roger Smith

I AM JACKSON because… 

Jackson is engrained in me. One can seek out a place to live where they are comfortable, but it is special when you live in a place that fulfills you. Yes, family heritage, family friends, business success, and one’s faith can be fulfilling, but the Jackson community is special. Jackson provides all the elements for me that make life good.

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I Am Jackson: Bob Arrington

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I Am Jackson: Bob Arrington

I AM JACKSON because… 

I want Jackson to be visionary and strategic. I have always, and will be, FOR Jackson in all ways possible to make Jackson better. It is going to take a team effort to accomplish all of the opportunities before us, and no doubt it will take vision and change. Our community is ready to take Jackson to the next level, and I look forward to seeing it happen!

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Miss Teen Volunteer America

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Miss Teen Volunteer America 2025

Story by Lindsay Kilburn, Photography by Lindsay Kilburn & submitted

The Miss Teen Volunteer America Pageant took place from March 6-8 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in downtown Jackson. Young ladies representing 50 states traveled to Jackson to compete for the title of Miss Teen Volunteer America. Family, friends, and directors gathered Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for the preliminary night competition, and the finals were held on Saturday. Throughout the week the contestants competed in Interview, Talent, Eveningwear, and Fitness and Wellness. Saturday the competition was narrowed down to the finalist. The audience filled the auditorium and watched as Miss Teen Mississippi, Izzy Karnes, was crowned Miss Teen Volunteer America 2026. The Miss Volunteer America and Miss Teen Volunteer America organizations were founded in Jackson and continuously strive to promote the S.E.R.V.E. (Scholarship, Education, Responsibility, Volunteerism, and Empowerment) initiative and provide scholarships for women. 

Mark your calendars for June 18-20 for the Miss Volunteer America preliminary competitions and the finals on June 21.

I Am Jackson: Stan Harris

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I Am Jackson: Stan Harris

I AM JACKSON because… 

Jackson is my home and always has been. I was born here. My parents and all of my grandparents are buried here. I spent my formative years here, my professional career here, and now my retirement years here. Jackson has changed so much and it has changed for the better. Many people choose to relocate to Jackson because of everything it has to offer. I consider myself fortunate to have been born here, and I firmly believe that Jackson’s best days are still ahead. 

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Jackson International Food & Art Festival 2024

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Jackson International Food & Art Festival 2024

Story by Chelsea-Catherine Croom, Photography by Lindsay Kilburn & Hannah Gore

The 10th annual International Food and Arts Festival was held on Saturday, September 21 at the Jackson Fairgounds. 

The Jackson International Food and Arts Festival was born from a series of community meetings organized by Mayor Jerry Gist in 2013.  Two community representatives in particular, Dr. Sandra Dee and Eduardo Morales, thought that it would be beneficial for Jackson’s foreign-born citizens to share their history, art, and culture with their fellow Jacksonians.  Dr. Dee and Mr. Morales agreed to co-chair the event and began recruiting like-minded community members to help organize, fund, and host an international party in Jackson!

The festival’s mission is to spread cultural awareness, promote cross-cultural engagement, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of residents throughout West Tennessee.  Food and art are important themes present in all cultures, countries, and religions, and the festival serves as a place for all cultures to share their cuisine, art, and traditional performances in Jackson.  The JIFAF aims to remind the community that despite differences in appearance, how we worship, or where we come from, there is far more that unites us than divides us.  

The event was a huge success yet again, and the most memorable moments for the attendees were the delicious smells of the different foods, the ever-popular Parade of Cultures, and the performances. 

I Am Jackson: James Salter

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I Am Jackson: James Salter

I AM JACKSON because… 

After living for the last 21 years and being in business for the last 20 years I’m proud to run Jackson’s version of “Cheers,” where everyone knows your name and genuinely cares. I firmly believe in the trajectory of our town, and the opportunity that Jackson offers is rare -- to be on the cusp of extraordinary growth and opportunity. I’m proud to be a Jacksonian and rabid Rams fan.

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I Am Jackson: Bill Hodges

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I Am Jackson: Bill Hodges

I AM JACKSON because… 

Jackson is a representation of who I want to be. It is a city that opens its doors to people from other places and embraces them as one of their own. I hope that is how I have lived my life. No matter where I am, the people and the experience make or break the deal. I am a product of my family, and I hope to maintain the small-town feel that I experienced all those years ago when I stepped onto the campus of Lambuth University.

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