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Something for Everyone
Vicky Williams
Madison Central High School is a special place, affectionately
known as “the Jungle.” Students are only in the Jungle for
three years but there is a saying “Once a Jag, always a Jag” that
follows a student forever. The Jungle is a special place where
students can excel in a number of ways. There is something
for everyone at Madison Central.
The advanced placement and dual enrollment classes offer
students the opportunity to enhance their high school
experience for college entrance, obtain college course credit
and increase chances for scholarships. Everything from art to
science classes are offered. Students have the opportunity to
broaden their skills or learn more about an unfamiliar subject,
allowing them to gain a jumpstart on college.
Each fall, the drama/choral department opens auditions to
the entire campus for a chance to claim a spot as a musical cast
member. There are drama and stage crew classes offering a
more detailed approach to learning about onstage performances,
and stagecraft and lighting behind the scenes. These
electives are another way to explore a student’s creativity.
Along with these classes and extra curriculars, the
award-winning marching band, mass choir and show choir
offer students the opportunity to showcase their talents
through music. Students attend competitions throughout the
year as they perfect their craft. Many students go on to play in
college bands, gaining scholarship dollars.
At Madison Central, there are academies which combine a
curriculum with an occupational theme determined by
student interest. Specific course selections are offered to these
students in the Teacher Academy, Engineering Academy and
the Academy of Multimedia and Communications. Students
have a specific track that leads to graduation. Some students
are offered internships throughout this process, adding to
their classroom experiences.
Journalism classes can be added to a student’s schedule if
they are interested in broadcast or publishing. Students attend
college workshops throughout the year enhancing their
writing, social media, filming, interviewing and photography
skills. Broadcast, newspaper, and yearbook classes produce
professional projects throughout the year highlighting
students, faculty, staff, and the community.
Another important role of a student at Madison Central is
service to the community. Throughout the year, students are
given the opportunity to donate to the Mississippi Food
Network for the school’s annual canned food drive. Thousands
of cans are donated throughout the Jag zone each year.
Make-A-Wish is another way students are able to show
support to grant a wish for a local child battling cancer. Clubs
also donate to various groups for clothing drives, book drives
or volunteer after school for events in the community.
Becoming a well-rounded student is very important in “the
Jungle.” A student has limitless opportunities to get involved
throughout the school year, whether joining a club or trying
out for an athletic team. The campus offers over
40 clubs that meet before or after school - every interest from
cooking to politics is covered. Whether a student is a member
of a state championship team, National Merit Semifinalist,
award-winning art student, or an active club member, there is
something for everyone at Madison Central.
Hometown MADISON • 39