MCS holds graduation for Bob Jones and James Clemens seniors
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MADISON – Graduation for Madison City Schools is a wrap for 2026.
Seniors from Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools received their diplomas in split ceremonies May 18th at the Von Braun Center.
There were 506 seniors at Bob Jones High School and 511 at James Clemens High School.
A packed arena at the Von Braun Center witnessed a sending off ceremonies that began with the procession led by top academic students and row after row of seniors gifted in countless ways.
The service was also the last for Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols. Dr. Nichols is retiring after six years as MCS superintendent and 37 years overall in education across a career that included teacher, band director, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent at Decatur City Schools before landing at MCS in summer 2020.
Dr. Nichols reminded students how fast life will fly by as they move from high school, to college, military or career paths, family and beyond.
He urged them to “treasure the people around you,” take in more sunsets, ocean visits and treasures like the Grand Canyon for reflection, and to honor loved ones. He also admonished them to treat life challenges as mere speed bumps and not walls that can hamper them from achieving their dreams.
Board President Travis Cummings used a clever speech prop to remind students of all the family, teachers, coaches, administrators and other mentors having a part in their development. He had them take a panoramic video of the packed arena on their cell phones as a reminder of the many people with faith and support for their success.
Class officers also gave encouraging talks to the seniors, as did the principals before they were declared graduates and tossed their caps in celebration.
Here is a snapshot of their performance and declared plans.
Bob Jones:
Sixty-two percent are headed to a fouryear college or university, 23 percent to a two-year college, 3 percent to the military, 4 percent undecided, and 8 percent planning to enter the workforce or take a gap year.
Seventy-three percent (370) of the entire class of students received scholarship offers of $43.1 million – averaging an astounding $116,486. Scholarships accepted so far total $17.1 million at an average of $46,216 each.
Nineteen percent of the graduating class earned a 30 or more on their ACT, including three scoring a perfect 36 and 8 with a 35. There were 11 National Merit Finalists, and 3 U.S. Presidential Scholar candidates.
College-bound seniors will attend 88 colleges across 28 states, four countries and three military academies.
James Clemens:
Sixty-three percent are headed to a four-year college or university, 20 percent to a two-year college, 3 percent to the military, 3 percent undecided, and 11 percent planning to enter the workforce or take a gap year.
Fifty-four percent (277) of the entire class of students received scholarship offers of $42.2 million – averaging an astounding $152,300. Scholarships accepted so far total $13.1 million at an average of $47,292 each.
Fifteen percent of the graduating class earned a 30 or more on their ACT. There were five National Merit Finalists, and 1 U.S. Presidential Scholar candidate. College- bound JCHS seniors will attend 74 colleges across 22 states and one foreign country, and two military bound students using ROTC scholarships.
