The Distinguished Alumni Award
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Since 1976 Jacobs High School has presided over forty-four graduating classes. Thousands of students moved into the workforce and developed into productive members of our society. While many of the Jacobs alumni succeed there are the special few who truly excel, surpassing expectations. The Jacobs Distinguished Alumni Award will be given annually to an alumnus that best exemplifies this spirit of excellence. We are proud to introduce to our Jacobs community the inaugural year of the Jacobs Distinguished Alumni Award.
A "Distinguished Alumni Award Winner" will meet the following qualifications:
- Nominees must have graduated from Jacobs High School 10 years prior to the induction year.
- Nominees must have excelled in their chosen profession, community service, and/or civic involvement.
- Special consideration will be given to nominees that embody the core values of Jacobs High School: adaptability, open-mindedness, collaborativeness, empathy, and critical thought.
- The selection committee will make the final decision for induction. The committee may contact the nominator for additional information.
- A nomination form must be completed for a nominee to be considered.
- Anyone may nominate, and alumni may also nominate themselves.
- Deceased alumni may be nominated.
To fill out the 21-22 Distinguished Alumni Nomination Form, please click here.
2020-2021 Award Winner - Jennifer Way
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Jennifer Way, Senior Vice President of Marketing Sony Music Nashville
Promoted to Sony Music Nashville SVP Marketing in December 2020, Jennifer Way joined the label group in 2016 after 11 years at UMG Nashville. Over the past decade, the Berklee College of Music graduate has been integral in launching the stunning careers of superstars Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves and most recently Kane Brown. In her current role, Jennifer oversees all marketing efforts, including artist team leads, brand partnerships, digital marketing, international marketing, media and creative services for Sony Music Nashville and the roster of its three imprints - Arista, Columbia and RCA Nashville. Way and her 5-department marketing team have contributed directly to Sony Music Nashville being named 2020 Billboard Country Label of the Year for a second consecutive year.
A major highlight of Way’s Sony tenure has been helping Miranda Lambert reclaim her place at the top of the charts and awards nomination tallies with the success of her Wildcard album and the huge hit, “Bluebird.” Lambert was the most-nominated artist at the 2020 CMA Awards in November, and those seven nods earned her most-nominated female artist in CMA history status. Another highlight has been participating in Kane Brown’s rise to global stardom and his breaking down both racial and genre barriers for country artists. Way, a driving force in SMN’s international marketing strategies, spearheaded Kane Brown’s introduction to Latin America upon the release of his Platinum Billboard 200 No. 1 album, Experiment.
Way is a cause marketing champion. A colon cancer survivor herself, she is passionate about finding a cure for cancer. Blending her personal and professional passions, she helped facilitate Sarah Cannon partnerships with both Brad Paisley and Mitchell Tenpenny. Following Blackout Tuesday, she led the launch of Kane Brown’s “Worldwide Beautiful,” benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of America to advocate for justice and equality for youth.
“It’s not just about commercial success! These are the projects that make our world better,” Way insists. “I feel a huge sense of responsibility to ensure our artists’ voices and music are heard everywhere.”
