Return to Headlines

2025 BJ/JC Graduates: How'd They Do?

The 2025 graduating classes of Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools are off into their futures. Graduation ceremonies were held May 19 at the Von Braun Civic Center for 1,044 seniors.
Enjoy this brief video by district multimedia instructor Clay Combs from each ceremony: https://youtu.be/Kpdm8JnKrcM 

Below is a snapshot of the academic performance of the 2024-2025 Class. Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols said he is proud of the seniors and all of their achievements. "It's a testament to all of their teachers throughout their time at MCS," he said. 

 
seniors in Bob Jones and James Clemens caps and gowns revisit Heritage Elementary where they attended elementary school

BJ and JC alums of Columbia Elementary revisit the school on Senior Stroll day last year.


At 1044 graduates (549 from James Clemens and 495 from Bob Jones), the 2025 Class will be the largest senior class ever from Madison City Schools.

In just 26 years, Madison’s senior class grew from 333 in 1998-99 to just under 1050 this year.

Some 64 percent (667) were offered $72.2 million in scholarships, worth an average of $108,245 each. Approximately $34.3 million has been accepted so far by the college bound students for an average of $53,000 each. 

An impressive 16.7 percent of graduating seniors scored a 30 or higher on their ACT. 

Madison City Schools produced 37 National Merit Finalists (18 from BJ and 19 from JC), and 16 U.S. Presidential Scholar candidates (8 from each school), 

Both schools racked up countless awards in academics, athletics and the arts. And several students received military academy appointments, including four from BJ and three from JC.

Plans from end-of-the-school-year surveys show:
63.5 percent plan to attend a four-year institution.
19.6 percent a two-year institution.
8.6 percent workforce/gap year.
4.7 percent undecided.
3.4 percent military.

Of college bound students, Bob Jones graduates are bound for 84 colleges spread across 23 states  and three foreign countries. James Clemens graduates are bound for 79 colleges across 26 states and three countres outside the United States.


Many are going directly into the workforce, aided by strong career tech, intern/apprenticeship opportunities, NCCER and OSHA credentials, and other programs.
MCS is proud of all of its graduates and wish them great success in their future.

graduates from seats waving to audience

graduates filing by in procession

graduates in wide angle  shot standing on arena floor in their cap and gowns

graduates in background with police in foreground

graduate shaking hands with Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols

wide angle view of arena with graduates seated in rows beyond band

side view of graduates on arena floor

graduates walking off stage with diploma in hand

family cheering from upper balcony

administrators with graduates in background of arena

Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols addressing graduates from stage

graduates tossing caps from arena floor

graduates on arena floor in background with COngratulations Graduate balloon in foreground

student waving at family from stage to getting her diploma

james clemens faculty amid graduates in their caps and gowns

board members entering stage to graduation

student with broken leg on scooter to stage to get diploma
|
top graduates from BJHS in their caps and gown

candid of grad in cap and gown

bj faculty in cap and gown with seniors behind them

dr. nichols and kerry donaldson