Allen graduated from the University of Memphis with a B.S. in History, a Master of Arts in Teaching and a MSAIS Leadership Certification in Administration. He has served as an Assistant Principal and Athletic Director for 7 years and has 28 years of classroom experience.
Allen is married to Karen Petty Pavatte of Memphis. They have been married for 37 years. They have three sons: Mason and wife Erin and daughter, Harper and son, Cannon; Reece and wife Shelby; and Jake. The Pavattes are members of Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison where Allen serves as a deacon and Life Group leader.
apavatte@manchesteracademy.org
DeWayne Cupples, Upper School Dean of Students
DeWayne Cupples is a seasoned educator and athletic administrator with over four decades of experience in physical education, coaching, and school leadership. A native of West Helena, Arkansas, he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education with a minor in mathematics from Mississippi State University in 1983. He went on to receive a master’s degree in education administration from Mississippi College in 1988.
Mr. Cupples has dedicated the past 16 years to serving as the athletic director at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Madison, Mississippi. Under his leadership, the school’s athletic program was named MHSAA all-sports champion for 13 years and was recognized by MaxPreps as the top athletic program in Mississippi for the 2023–2024 academic year. He has also served on the MHSAA legislative council and was honored as the athletic director of the year in 2018.
Prior to his tenure at St. Andrew’s, Mr. Cupples also served at the Wesleyan School in Atlanta, Georgia, where he also taught middle school mathematics. During his time at Wesleyan, the school’s athletic program won the GHSA Directors Cup six times and was ranked by Sports Illustrated as the number one athletic program in the state of Georgia for the 2008–2009 school year. He also was at Jackson Preparatory School in Mississippi, teaching 8th and 9th grade mathematics and coaching several sports, including baseball, girls’ basketball, tennis, and varsity football. He was appointed athletic director at Jackson Prep in 1994.
Mr. Cupples has been married to his wife, Lisa Gray Cupples, for 40 years. They have two sons, Kyle, 32 and Sam, 25 and have made Madison, Mississippi, their home for the past 16 years.
Christy Cader, Upper School Counselor Christy is a native of Yazoo City and a 1984 graduate of Manchester Academy. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi and graduate degree from Mississippi College. Mrs. Cader has 34.5 years of experience in education with most of this time spent as CTE/Athletic Counselor at Larry Summers Career and Technical Center at Yazoo City High School.
Mrs. Cader has two children who are both Manchester graduates, Dillon and Ann Stewart. They are members of First Methodist Church in Yazoo City. Mrs. Cader is also a life member of Junior Auxiliary of Yazoo
Jana Bardwell, Upper School Directed Studies Director
Jana graduated from Manchester Academy before receiving her B.A. in Elementary Education from Delta State University. She advanced her career by receiving her Master's Degree in educational leadership from Delta State University. Jana has garnered over 30 years of experience as an educator. Jana has two sons Hayes and Tyler, both graduates of Manchester Academy. Hayes and Tyler attend Mississippi State University. Jana is an active member of the First United Methodist Church. Her hobbies involve singing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
jbardwell@manchesteracademy.org
Andrea Jolly, Lower School Principal
Andrea holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Mercer University and a M. Ed. in Administration and Supervision from Liberty University. With 20 years of experience in elementary education, she has served as a classroom teacher in Grades K5 - 5th, a music teacher for K3 - 5th, and lower school Director of Curriculum and Technology.
Andrea and her husband, Mike, are proud parents of six daughters, four sons-in-law, five grandsons, one granddaughter, and one more grandchild on the way. Together they serve at Lodebar Church in Pelahatchie, where Mike is the pastor. In her rare moments of free time, Andrea enjoys reading, singing, and spending quality time with her grandchildren.
ajolly@manchesteracademy.org
Georgeanna Griffin, Preschool/Kindergarten Principal
Georgeanna holds a M.Ed. in Special Education from Delta State University. She has over 25 years of experience in education and a background in early childhood education. Georgeanna brings a passion and dedication to our younger students. Throughout her career, she has worked with children of various developmental stages. Georgeanna's commitment is for each child to receive the support and care needed to thrive.
