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The Piney Woods School extends our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the family, loved ones, colleagues, and extended community of Robert L. Woodson, Sr., Founder and President of the Woodson Center.

The Piney Woods School is expanding hands-on learning opportunities with the addition of a new tractor to support the care and management of its more than 200-acre campus farm. At Piney Woods, the land is more than a backdrop — it is a classroom, a training ground, and a place where learners discover the value of hard work, responsibility, stewardship, and innovation. This new equipment strengthens the school’s ability to manage daily farm operations while expanding real-worl

The Piney Woods School extends heartfelt gratitude to alumnus Brandon Lewis and his wife, a filmmaker and director, for their generous donation of a movie-grade camera and video equipment to our Creative Arts Department. Brandon, who recently returned to campus as a featured speaker during the 2025 Founder’s Weekend Alumni Brunch, continues to embody the spirit of Piney Woods — one rooted in legacy, service, excellence, and a deep commitment to opening doors for the next gene

The Piney Woods School recently welcomed two special guests to campus through its Circle of Faith division: Pastor Colfer and Pastor Cooper of Tyler, Texas. The visit was coordinated by our very own Rev. Wright, whose continued leadership helps strengthen the spiritual life and character-building experiences available to Piney Woods scholars. During their time on campus, Pastor Colfer and Pastor Cooper spent meaningful time with our young men, offering words of encouragement,

Piney Woods scholars recently represented The Piney Woods School with excellence at the National MANRRS Conference, an experience that placed them among students and emerging leaders from across the country in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences. As part of the conference, several Piney Woods learners participated in the impromptu speaking competition, an opportunity that challenged them to think quickly, communicate clearly, and speak with confidence before

On May 1, The The Piney Woods School opened its campus to prospective learners and families from across the country for its annual Spring Preview Day — an immersive experience designed to introduce students to the school’s distinctive approach to academic excellence, leadership development, and hands-on learning. The event welcomed 13 families and nearly 40 participants representing communities from Chicago, Nashville, Texas, Brookhaven, and Jackson, Mississippi. Throughout t

We welcomed our Board, the Woodson Center Board, and members of our extended community to campus as we unveiled the architectural renderings for the future STEM Innovation Center at Historic Iowa Hall—a defining step forward in our continued commitment to innovation and excellence. Rather than simply marking a moment, we created an experience—one that invited our guests into the vision. With the project architect present, we shared detailed plans for funding, construction, an

Dr. Candace Clark, Class of 2013 At The Piney Woods School, students are called to lead lives of purpose—grounded in service, resilience, and a commitment to something greater than themselves. For Dr. Candace Clark, Class of 2013, that calling has taken root across the globe. A proud alumna of Piney Woods and Tuskegee University, Dr. Clark has built a path defined by impact, advocacy, and innovation in the field of sustainable agriculture. Born in Chicago, Illinois, and a des

The Piney Woods School Track & Field team closed out an impressive 2026 season marked by determination, growth, and standout performances across multiple meets. Competing with discipline and pride, our student-athletes demonstrated what it means to represent Piney Woods with excellence—both on and off the track. At the Regional 7-1A Meet held at Columbia High School, the team delivered a series of strong finishes. The boys’ relay teams led the way, securing 1st place in both

At The Piney Woods School, education extends far beyond the classroom—grounded in the belief that true learning happens when knowledge meets action. Recently, that philosophy came to life as Piney Woods scholars participated in a community beautification initiative in partnership with Keep Simpson County Beautiful. As part of the effort, 13 students traveled to the rural roads surrounding the community of Braxton, Mississippi, where they worked together to remove litter and r

By Nicia Lliza, Piney Woods Scholar “Dignity of labor” is the belief that all forms of work are worthy and honorable, regardless of income or status. Laurence C. Jones embraced this philosophy, shaping his vision for what students at The Piney Woods School could become. Alongside this belief is our guiding principle: Head, Heart, and Hands —a commitment to developing the mind, character, and practical skills. More than 116 years later, this legacy continues through experience

Sallomé Hralima Class of ’97 When Sallomé Hralima first passed through the gates of The Piney Woods School, it felt like stepping into a world she had already imagined. Inspired by cultural touchstones like A Different World and School Daze , she arrived with a vision of what Black excellence and community could look like. But what she found at Piney Woods was something even more powerful—something real. Drawn to the school after seeing it featured on 60 Minutes , Sallomé ma

Jackson (MS) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Jackson (MS) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha PsiAt The Piney Woods School, legacy is not only remembered—it is lived through meaningful partnerships that shape the next generation of leaders. Recently, the Jackson (MS) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi visited campus, continuing a longstanding relationship rooted in service, mentorship, and shared purpose. Founded on January 5, 1911, at Indiana University Bloomington, Kappa Alpha P

At The Piney Woods School, athletics are an extension of our commitment to developing the whole student—mind, body, and spirit. Through competition, discipline, and teamwork, our scholars are learning lessons that reach far beyond the game. This year, our basketball program has demonstrated remarkable excellence and resilience. The Piney Woods Tornadoes delivered a standout season, achieving an impressive record and advancing deep into postseason competition, including a stro

When Vince Keeler arrived at Piney Woods in the fall of 1996 as a 10th grader, he was continuing a family tradition. With two older brothers who had attended before him, enrolling at Piney Woods felt both natural and meaningful. “Piney Woods attendance was sort of a tradition in my family. Having two older brothers attend years prior, it was only fitting for me to continue the tradition.” That tradition helped shape a life rooted in purpose. Today, Vince serves as Forest Sup

Here at The Piney Woods School, we continue to extend our legacy beyond campus walls. Recently, President Crossley and the Cotton Blossom Singers were honored to join the local Rotary Club for a special gathering centered on leadership, service, and community impact. In his remarks, President Crossley reflected on the enduring mission of Piney Woods — founded in 1909 as a beacon of faith, resilience, and opportunity. He shared how the school’s commitment to educating the Head

This month, Piney Woods learners extended learning beyond our campus and into the community through a meaningful visit to Rainbow Childcare Center. Rooted in our commitment to educating the Head, Heart, and Hands, students spent time reading to young learners, assisting with classroom activities, and modeling leadership through service. What may have seemed like a simple visit became a powerful exchange — one that reflected the spirit of mentorship, compassion, and responsibi

As part of our Fall 2025 College Tour , Piney Woods scholars embarked on a transformative, multi-state college tour designed to expand their academic horizons and deepen their understanding of opportunities particularly within agriculture, environmental science, veterinary medicine, food systems, public policy, and research. At Piney Woods, we know exposure leads to access, and access leads to outcomes. We intentionally design our college tours to move beyond brochures and v

Piney Woods School is proud to share that several of our students recently participated in The Pathways & Possibilities Pipeline Program: From Interest to Impact , a two-day immersive experience hosted by the Auburn University MANRRS Chapter in Auburn, Alabama, on January 17–18. This program provided our students with a unique opportunity to connect their classroom learning with real-world applications, preparing them for future academic and career pathways. Over the course o

The Piney Woods School continues to deepen its commitment to environmental stewardship and community partnership through its latest Urban Forestry initiative in collaboration with Wildlife Mississippi. This project reflects more than tree planting — it represents investment in healthier communities, sustainable ecosystems, and a shared future rooted in care and collaboration. Through the Urban Forestry Grant, Piney Woods helped facilitate the preparation and distribution of 7