The 26-year tenure of Brookhaven Academy Headmaster John R. Grayis drawing to a close, yet his final farewells will come a littlefarther down the road.

Gray plans to step down the first week of June when Dan R. Boycetakes over, but he doesn’t plan to leave the private schoolimmediately. He will serve as an advisor to Boyce and the new highschool principal Ray Ishee for a year.

“I will help them learn how things are done, what works and whatdoesn’t. Basically, I’ll just teach them the ropes,” said Gray.

He believes the school will be left in good hands.

“I think the new people they’ve selected are going to be great,”Gray said, adding that he hopes the growth the school has seen inthe last two decades will continue.

When Gray came to Brookhaven Academy from McCluer Academy, nowHillcrest, in June 1975, only 300 students were enrolled. Thecampus had just one main building, a double-wide trailer and atrain box car that was used for cafeteria services.

The school now consists of three buildings with 40 class rooms,including an elementary and high school library, physics andchemistry labs, two computer labs and a cafeteria for the 560students.

Gray credits the local community with the many successes atBrookhaven Academy.

The Mississippi Private School Association accredited facilityreceived a Southern Association of Colleges and Schoolscertification in 1990.

Gray is proud that each year at least 95 percent of graduatingsenior continue their education at colleges ranging from stateuniversities to the Naval Academy and West Point MilitaryAcademy.

“It’s been a great 26 years, and it’s all because of the supportof community and the blessings from above,” said Gray.

The school’s ACT averages continue to be among the highest inthe county, he added.

“My greatest desire for the student body is that we provide themwith the information they need to make good, Christian decisions,”said Gray. “I have always tried to provide a safe haven for all ofthe students, a strong academic program and a place where aChristian environment is evident.”

“I hope that I was able, in some way, to be a positive influenceon the students that have been a part of the Brookhaven Academyfamily.”

Gray is also thankful for the “delightful” staff he has workedwith over the years. He quickly points out that they are the reasonfor the academic successes at Brookhaven Academy.

“Brookhaven Academy teachers are among the most dedicated andcapable teachers anywhere. I appreciate their support,” hesaid.

Gray is also proud that the school has made a name for itselfacross the state by having a good reputation.

Gray is grateful that he was instrumental in bringing sportstournaments to the school. During his time, the academy has had thehonor of hosting many district, south state and state basketballtournaments, as well as the overall state basketball tournament anda number of softball, golf and tennis tournaments.

Also during his career, Gray served as treasurer of theMississippi Private School Education Association for four years,the Academy Activities Commission for eight years, president of theMississippi Private School Administrators and the district chairmanfor several terms.

He will receive an outstanding service award at the MississippiPrivate School Administrator’s conference later this month.

His other honors include serving as a president of theBrookhaven Country Club and as a board of directors for theBrookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce.

Gray is a deacon at First Baptist Church, where he also servesas a Sunday school officer, usher, personnel committee member andpast chairman of the Wee Care committee.

Three years ago he was inducted into the Mississippi CollegeSports Hall of Fame and has also been inducted into the HindsCommunity College Sports Hall of Fame for his basketballperformances.

Gray is uncertain about exactly what he will do after his yearlong position as headmaster emeritus.

“After my five by-passes last year, my health was real poor andI didn’t think I’d be able to work much longer,” he said. “Theysaid it would take about a year for me to feel like a new man, andI’m beginning to see that now I’ve got many good years ahead ofme.”

He is considering working in public schools once again as aprincipal or possibly a teacher.

“It’s all up to what the Lord has in store for me,” said Gray.”Mrs. Gray and I certainly do not want to leave Brookhaven, though.This is our home.”