JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Obama Magnet IB World School in Jackson hosted a final walkthrough celebration on Thursday for the Class of 2025.

This graduating class holds a unique and meaningful place in the school’s history. As fifth graders, they were part of the renaming of the school from Jefferson Davis to honor President Barack Obama. Seven years later, they returned as graduates to say farewell to a building that has played a defining role in their academic journey.

“This is more than a graduation, it’s a celebration of legacy, transformation, and opportunity,” said Dr. Kathleen Grigsby, former principal of Obama Magnet and now Assistant Elementary Superintendent of Jackson Public Schools (JPS). “The Class of 2025 began their story with hope and change, and they now leave behind a legacy that will inspire students for generations to come.”

The campus, located on North Congress Street, will officially close its doors as part of JPS’s district-wide optimization plan. While the school’s name and International Baccalaureate (IB) designation will remain, Obama Magnet will merge with and relocate to the campus of Northwest IB Middle School.