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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

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