Once a Tiger. Always a Tiger! That is a creed that Jonesboro-Hodge High School follows, and on Tuesday, May 7th, that was put in action when Ciara Gray of Jonesboro-Hodge High School signed a scholarship to continue her track and field career with Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge.

The defending Class A state champion in the 110 and 300 hurdles, long jump, and triple jump officially agreed to attend LSU in the fall in the JHHS Library in front of administration, coaching staff, fellow teammates, and family members.

“First and foremost, I want to give thanks to God. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him,” said Gray. “I also want to thank my coaches, especially my roommate (Coach Jo Ann Jackson), and my teammates, as they all keep pushing me to do better.” 

Gray prepares to compete in the Class A state track meet on Thursday, May 7th, as the state leader in all four of her specialty events, including now being the owner of a new LHSAA all-time mark in the triple jump.

“I am blessed to have had the opportunity to coach Ciara,” said JHHS head track coach Terrance Blankenship. “We have had several great athletes come through in the past, but she is one of a kind and has a tremendously bright future.”

In her career, Gray has led JHHS to a state title in 2025 and has won 6 individual state titles, while also holding two LHSAA Class A state records (300 hurdles, triple jump). Not only is she the all-time Jackson Parish and JHHS record holder in the 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles, and triple jump, but she also owns all of the top ten entries in all three events except one, where she has 9 of the top ten. Gray also has 6 of the top 10 long jumps ever recorded in Jackson Parish and school history.