Jinx Middle School celebrates 70 years; alumni tailgate and community events planned

Students, staff and alumni of Jinx Middle School announced plans to celebrate the school’s 70th anniversary with community events, archival projects and an alumni tailgate tied to a home football game.

Whitney Mims (Jinx Middle School staff) told the meeting that the school was founded in 1950 on land donated by Jinx Lumber Company and noted several historical milestones: a 1953 incident in which a Tyndall Air Force Base pilot sacrificed his aircraft to steer away from the school; the school's role in desegregation and its current, diverse enrollment; decades of athletic achievements and long‑tenured staff such as Coach Sue McKinney.

The school is assembling yearbooks and historical materials (staff said 75 years of yearbooks have been scanned or are available for review) and is organizing an alumni tailgate tied to an upcoming rivalry game. Staff and volunteers invited community members to follow the school’s social channels and attend anniversary events.

Ending: The school asked residents to follow on social media for formal invitations and encouraged alumni and neighbors to participate in the tailgate and archival events.