More than one year into Building on Tradition, a capital campaign for Brookhaven Academy, members of the staff and several fundraising committees have secured $791,166.36 in gifts and pledges from the community.

The group of donors includes current and former parents, current and former faculty, friends of the academy, local businesses and organizations.

Those solicited were given a possible three-year pledge period if desired. A total of 119 gifts and pledges have been given to this point in the campaign. The gifts were accepted by the Brookhaven Academy Educational Foundation, a 501c3 not for profit organization, and therefore would be tax deductible to the individuals and businesses involved.

While the goal of the ambitious campaign was $1.175 million, the collected funds to-date will be used in six different areas: new furniture and equipment, including furnishings for the new fine arts curriculum; faculty endowment; academics and technology; campus security and aesthetics; fund for excellence; and athletics.

“This campaign was a tremendous undertaking and we received an outpouring of support from the Brookhaven community,” said Julie Wright, BA headmaster. “I’ve always said that the ‘BA Nation’ was supportive of the school, and this campaign is further proof of that.”

“While I believe the school’s physical plant is part of the big picture and plays a role in attracting new students, I truly believe it is the investment in people that will move BA forward in the future,” said Jay Culbertson, campaign chair. “That’s what we’ve done with this campaign.”

Although no campaign funds were used in the construction of the new 14,000 sq. ft. multipurpose building, campaign funds will be used to outfit the building with the latest classroom equipment and technology. The building features a 900 sq. ft performing arts stage that will allow students to have

more exposure to drama, plays, pageants and various other productions. The 360 sq. ft. “walk-over” stage that faces John Gray gymnasium will be used for graduation and other applicable events.

Brookhaven Academy is an independent school in Mississippi that offers a quality education in a Christian environment. BA is an accredited member of the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools, the Southern Association of Independent Schools and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. To learn more, visit www.brookhavenacademy.org or call 601.833.4041.