Press Release: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces Academy Nominations for Second Congressional District

For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Booker

February 27, 2026 601-866-9003

Press Release: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces Academy Nominations for Second Congressional District

BOLTON, MS - Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announces the Military Academy nominees for the Second Congressional District.

Tracey Dixon has been nominated by United States Congressman Bennie G. Thompson. He will graduate from Terry High School in May 2026. A native of Terry, MS, Tracey attends Terry High School, where he excels academically. With an impressive ACT score of 26, he is excited about the opportunity to attend the United States Air Force Academy.

Tracey is one of the most decorated JROTC leaders at Terry High School. A four-year member of the Terry High School JROTC program, he has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, unwavering discipline, teamwork, and a strong commitment to service. He currently serves as the JROTC Executive Officer (XO) and has previously held key leadership roles, including First Sergeant, PT Assistant Commander, and Cannon Team Assistant Commander, among others. Tracey possesses a keen intellect and a genuine determination to excel at the United States Air Force Academy. He is deeply committed to his academic pursuits and leadership responsibilities, and his performance reflects both dedication and a passion for diverse learning experiences and personal growth.

Tracey exemplifies duty, honor, character, and perseverance. Beyond his academic and leadership achievements, Tracey is actively involved in school and community service initiatives. His interests include reading and fitness as a path to personal development, research, and exploration. A well-rounded and highly driven student, Tracey embodies the integrity and leadership qualities essential for shaping the leaders of tomorrow. He is firmly committed to making a lasting, positive impact on his community. Tracey is the son of David and Timeka Dixon, who resides in Terry, Mississippi.

Jaydon Brown has been nominated by United States Congressman Bennie G. Thompson. He will graduate from Terry High School in May 2026. He maintains a GPA of 3.2 while still managing his active role in JROTC, sports, extracurricular activities and a variety of community service initiatives.

Jaydon is a four-year member of the Terry High School JROTC Bulldog Battalion, where he has shown unwavering dedication to discipline, teamwork and service. He possesses a keen intellect and a genuine passion for becoming the best he can be at West Point Academy. He is dedicated to his studies and his involvement in leadership roles. His academic performance reflects commitment, a passion for diverse learning experiences and personal growth. He is admired by his peers and teachers for his determination to overcome personal challenges.

His interests and passions are reading, personal development through fitness, research and exploration. Jaydon is highly motivated, driven and enthusiastic to contribute something greater than himself to serve and protect the country that has provided him with countless opportunities.

Jaydon is the son of Michelle Funchess, who resides in Byram, Mississippi.

James McKenna has been nominated by United States Congressman Bennie G. Thompson. A native of Clinton, MS, James attends River City Early College and Hinds Community College, where he excels both academically and athletically, particularly in swimming, bowling, and golf. With an impressive ACT score of 26, he is eager for the opportunity to attend the United States Naval Academy.

James maintains an outstanding 4.9 GPA and ranks in the top five percent of his class. He is an active member of the National Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, and the National Society of High School Scholars, and he has earned numerous additional accolades in recognition of his academic excellence.

Beyond the classroom, James is deeply engaged in both school and community activities. He volunteered with Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, the Vicksburg Orchestral Society, local food pantry initiatives, and the Boy Scouts of America. He has also gained firsthand insight into military service through the Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) program at the United States Coast Guard Academy. A well-rounded and highly motivated student, James exemplifies the integrity, discipline, and leadership essential to shaping the leaders of tomorrow. He is committed to serving others and making a meaningful, lasting impact on his community. James is the son of Dr. Jason McKenna and resides in Vicksburg, MS.

Matthew Perkins has been nominated by United States Congressman Bennie G. Thompson. He is in Cadet Candidate Basic Training preparing to graduate from the United States Military Academy Preparatory School in 2026. Matthew graduated from Madison Ridgeland Academy in May 2025.

His interest in West Point was initially peaked by the amazing opportunity he received to be able to continue his football career and gain a world-class education. He is currently a member of the USMAPS football team. Matthew has solidified himself as a leader among his peers through his dedication to academics, athletics and citizenship. While at USMAPS, he has been introduced to the rigorous challenges of the academic and physical standards as well as the strong leadership characteristics needed to become an officer in the United States Army.

He possesses a strong work ethics that has defined his career at USMAPS and believe he is very deserving of this congressional nomination for acceptance to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Matthew is the son of Sean and Chetonya Perkins, who resides in Jackson, Mississippi.

Each nominee received a "Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition" in recognition of their nomination to their respective academy and for outstanding academic achievement.

If you are interested in attending a Military Academy, you may contact Ms. Shander Gund, my academy representative at (662) 741-9003 or via e-mail at [email protected].

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