Latest News 

Topic: Anxiety & PTSD in the Black Community: The Root Cause and Journey Toward Wellness The Piney Woods School, in collaboration with the Piney Woods School Alumni Association, is proud to present the launch of our Alumni Webinar Series, a new space created especially for our alumni, their friends, co-workers, and family members to connect, learn, and grow together. We are excited to kick off our very first episode with an exceptional Piney Woods alumna, Dru Blackwell Simmon

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

Piney Woods scholars are continuing to experience learning beyond the classroom through intentional exposure to real-world career pathways. As part of the school’s commitment to holistic education and LIFE² — Love, Integrity, Faith, Excellence, and Empowerment — students recently participated in an immersive broadcast media field experience at Hinds Community College’s Utica Campus. Scholars with an interest in broadcasting and media stepped inside a working studio environmen

For more than 70 years, the Zilpha Chandler Arts Auditorium  has been a gathering place for creativity, storytelling, and community at The Piney Woods School. Built in 1954 with student-made brick, the space has hosted generations of performances—from sacred spirituals to nationally recognized artists. Thanks to a grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission , this historic space has undergone critical renovations to address aging infrastructure, storm-related damage, and acces

Kelsey Minor - Class of 2001 Kelsey Minor is a powerful example of how a Piney Woods education prepares students to step confidently into the world and lead with purpose. An Emmy Award–winning editor, writer, and multimedia specialist, Kelsey has built a dynamic career across digital media, television, and radio—using storytelling to inform, inspire, and elevate diverse voices. Currently, Kelsey serves as Editor & Writer of his self-published digital magazine, Minor Threads ,

Agriculture is a vital part of our heritage and our future, and this year, The Piney Woods School had the unique opportunity to bring that vision to life on our very own Leadership Farm. In partnership with Capitol United Way and Tuskegee University, students from across the Jackson Metro area participated in a hands-on Agriculture Day, exploring the world of agricultural sciences and the many careers it offers. The event featured interactive learning stations where learners

At The Piney Woods School, agriculture is more than a class—it is a living laboratory where students learn to care for the earth, feed communities, solve problems, and strengthen the skills that will shape their futures. This fall, Agriculture Science and Math students have launched a new initiative on the Leadership Farm focused on improving the school’s organic composting systems as part of the Farming to Foundation  program. Working side-by-side with faculty and farm team

Over the past few weeks, Piney Woods scholars had the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences that expanded their understanding of agriculture, technology, environmental science, and emerging career pathways. Partnering with Capital United Way and the world-renowned Tuskegee University, our students participated in a series of interactive activities designed to blend academic learning with real-world career exposure. Learning Beyond the Classroom In November, s

The Piney Woods School is proud to welcome alumnus Rahim Lockhart (Class of 97)  back home as our new Learning Leader in Government and African American Studies.  A third-generation legacy student, Lockhart follows in the footsteps of his grandmother, Ruby McAfee , who graduated from Piney Woods in 1927. His return marks not only a professional milestone, but a powerful full-circle moment rooted in history, heritage, and commitment to The Piney Woods mission. Lockhart brings

The Piney Woods School recently hosted its 2025 Founders Weekend Celebration — a powerful gathering honoring 116 years of legacy, leadership, and love. Held on the school’s historic campus, the weekend brought together alumni, students, staff, and friends of Piney Woods to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and reimagine the future of this nationally treasured institution. During the Founders Celebration program, the school recognized several distinguished honorees a

In the midst of a busy semester, Piney Woods learners took time to pause, breathe, and reconnect during a campus-wide Wellness Workshop designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. The day began with light stretching and mindful reflection, allowing students to center themselves and embrace the power of stillness. Guided by staff, learners explored techniques for stress relief, self-awareness, and journaling—tools to help them manage the demands of academic life while main

The Piney Woods School is honored to have Dr. Julius W. Garvey as a distinguished honoree speaker for this year’s Founders Weekend. Born on August 16, 1933, in Kingston, Jamaica, Dr. Garvey is the youngest son of Pan-Africanist leader Marcus Garvey and activist Amy Jacques Garvey. A graduate of McGill University, he pursued a career in medicine, specializing in thoracic and vascular surgery. Dr. Garvey has held significant medical positions, including Chief of Thoracic and Va

The Piney Woods School is proud to announce Brandon Lewis (Class of 1996) as a distinguished honoree speaker for this year’s Founders Weekend. Brandon’s journey at Piney Woods began in January 1994, where his talent, humor, and charisma quickly made him a beloved member of our school community. Known for his masterful impressions of staff members, Brandon’s creativity and personality left an indelible mark on all who knew him. After graduating from Piney Woods, Brandon contin

This November, The Piney Woods School will proudly honor The Schooler Family Foundation of Coshocton, Ohio, during a special ceremony at its 116th Founder’s Weekend. For more than a century, the Schooler name has been intertwined with the story of Piney Woods — a legacy rooted in friendship, generosity, and an unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives. The Schooler family’s connection to Piney Woods dates back to the early 20th century when Seward Dean Sc

A proud alumna of The Piney Woods School, Oleta Garrett Fitzgerald has dedicated her life to advancing justice, equality, and opportunity. Her extraordinary career stands as a testament to the enduring values instilled at Piney Woods — the education of the head, heart, and hands. As Director of the Children's Defense Fund’s Southern Regional Office, Ms. Fitzgerald has led with conviction and compassion, focusing on early childhood education, children’s access to healthcare, a

For more than three decades, Lee A. Unger  has embodied the true spirit of servant leadership — a life dedicated not only to fiscal excellence but also to the transformation of lives through mentorship, integrity, and compassion. His journey stands as a powerful testament to The Piney Woods School’s mission to educate the whole child — head, heart, and hands . Mr. Unger’s career with The Piney Woods School began humbly as a Staff Accountant, yet his commitment, vision, and le

This November, The Piney Woods School proudly celebrates Founders’ Weekend 2025 , honoring individuals and families whose enduring commitment, leadership, and generosity have shaped the legacy of our institution. Guided by this year’s theme, “A Legacy of Braving Uncharted Territory,”  we recognize those whose courage, vision, and dedication continue to inspire generations of learners. Schooler Family Foundation: A Century of Commitment The Schooler family of Coshocton, Ohio,

This week, we celebrated Food Service Appreciation Day 2025  at The Piney Woods School, honoring the incredible team that fuels our...

This summer, Soana Agasaro took an inspiring step in her journey of learning and leadership by attending the St. Albans School of Public...