5 Reasons Blackman High School Is Dominating Academics And Athletics In 2025

As of late 2025, Blackman High School (BHS) in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, continues its tradition of excellence, solidifying its status as a premier institution within the Rutherford County Schools (RCS) district. The current school year is marked by significant accomplishments across its academic programs, athletic fields, and community involvement, demonstrating a relentless commitment to student success and development. The school is not resting on its past achievements; instead, it is actively setting new benchmarks for the 2025-2026 academic year, with recent news highlighting major wins, prestigious awards, and a thriving student body. The school's continued success is a testament to its comprehensive approach, which blends rigorous college-preparatory coursework with highly competitive extracurricular activities. From celebrating its newest class of graduates to inducting legendary athletes into its Hall of Fame, BHS remains a dynamic and high-achieving environment for its students, faculty, and the wider Murfreesboro community.

The Blackman High School Leadership and Profile

Blackman High School is a public high school serving students in grades 9–12 and is a key component of the Rutherford County Schools system. It is located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and is known for its "Blaze" mascot. * School Name: Blackman High School (BHS) * Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee * Mascot: Blaze * School District: Rutherford County Schools (RCS) * Current Principal: Justin Smith * Assistant Principal: James "Chris" Hart * Student Body Size (Class of 2025): 510 students * Notable Academic Program: Blackman Collegiate Academy (BCA) * Recent Recognition: National Beta School of Merit, 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year (Caitlyn Osborne-Parris) * Key Alumni: Jauan Jennings (NFL Player), Jazz Bond (WNBA Player) Principal Justin Smith and his administration have overseen a period of significant growth and achievement, including the school's recent celebration of its 25th anniversary, a major milestone for the institution.

1. The Rise of the Blackman Collegiate Academy (BCA)

One of the most compelling narratives at Blackman High School is the continued success and expansion of the Blackman Collegiate Academy (BCA). Founded in 2014, the BCA is a highly selective, rigorous college-preparatory program designed for high-achieving students. The mission of the Collegiate Academy is to provide a fast-track, high-quality educational experience that prepares students not just for college, but for leadership roles in their future careers.

Rigorous Coursework and Requirements

Students interested in joining the BCA must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and perform at or above grade level in reading and math. The curriculum includes a demanding slate of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, pushing students to excel in college-level material while still in high school. This focus on academic excellence has led to the graduation of high-performing classes, including those recognized in the Class of 2024 and the 510-student Class of 2025. The Collegiate Academy is a vital entity within BHS, ensuring that a significant portion of the student body is armed with the creativity and leadership skills necessary for success in higher education and beyond.

2. Major Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions in 2025

Blackman High School’s athletic program, known for producing top-tier talent, celebrated its rich history by inducting five distinguished alumni into its Athletic Hall of Fame on October 25, 2025. This annual ceremony draws alumni, coaches, families, and fans, underscoring the deep connection between the school and its former student-athletes.

Spotlight on Recent Inductees

The 2025 class included several notable names who made significant marks at BHS and in their professional careers: * Jazz Bond: A dominant frontcourt player for the Lady Blaze basketball team from 2012–2016. * Tyler Garrison: Recognized for his outstanding contributions to the school’s athletic legacy. * Jauan Jennings: A highly celebrated alumnus, Jennings was a 4-star prospect in football and one of Tennessee’s top recruits coming out of Blackman High. He went on to play for the Tennessee Volunteers before becoming a professional football player. These inductions highlight the school's championship history, which includes strong records in sports like football, baseball, and girls' flag football. The success of the Blaze football team was recently evident with a tournament game win in November 2025.

3. National Recognition for Academic and Teaching Excellence

The 2024-2025 school year has brought significant external validation to Blackman High School's academic efforts. The institution was recently named a National Beta School of Merit, an award that honors a club’s unwavering dedication and commitment to academic excellence. This recognition places BHS among the top schools in the nation for its scholastic programs and student engagement.

Teacher of the Year Honors

Further demonstrating the quality of its faculty, Blackman High School’s own Caitlyn Osborne-Parris was named the 9-12 Grade Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025 academic year within the Rutherford County Schools district. This prestigious honor recognizes her dedication to education and impact on high school students, reinforcing the school’s reputation for having exceptional teaching staff.

4. Thriving Performing Arts and Career Technical Education (CTE)

Blackman High School is not solely defined by its academic and athletic achievements; its performing arts and career-focused programs are also flourishing. The school’s commitment to a well-rounded education is evident in its diverse offerings: * Theater Production: The BHS theater department recently announced its production of the musical *Urinetown*, showcasing the talent and dedication of its students in the performing arts. * FFA Success: Members of the Rutherford County FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter, which includes students from Blackman High, shined brightly at the 2025 Tennessee State FFA Convention, demonstrating excellence in agricultural education and leadership development. * Extracurricular Engagement: Tryouts for the Dance Team and Cheerleading squads were recently held, demonstrating the high level of student participation in spirit and competitive activities that foster teamwork and school pride.

5. Looking Ahead: The Class of 2025 and Beyond

The school’s focus remains firmly on preparing its students for the future. The Blackman High School Class of 2025, composed of 510 students, is a testament to this commitment. The class is led by a Valedictorian and two Salutatorians, who represent the pinnacle of academic achievement within the graduating body. As the 2025-2026 school year progresses, BHS will continue to leverage its foundational programs, like the Blackman Collegiate Academy, and its strong athletic tradition to support all students. The school’s proactive approach to celebrating its history, from honoring alumni like Jauan Jennings to recognizing current faculty like Caitlyn Osborne-Parris, creates a positive and motivating environment that drives the entire Blackman community forward. The BHS administration, under Principal Justin Smith, ensures that every day is a "great day to be a part of the Blackman family," whether through academic rigor, athletic competition, or community engagement.