Support Charlie Mills Legacy Memorial at Jones College Prep

On April 1, 2024, the Jones College Prep community started the day with some of the worst news we could have received: beloved longtime employee Charlie Mills was the victim of a hit and run accident the evening before while walking near his home.

Whether it was drama, orchestra, professional development, or literally any other event happening within the schools’ walls, Charlie was omnipresent, and although he was a perennial Jones installation, he opted to stay out of the spotlight. He instead dedicated his talents to uplifting others onto center stage. None of this was due to lack of interest- Charlie deeply loved theater and music and art. Charlie just lived for watching others live their truths- if he could support the ignition of someone else’s passion and dedication, Charlie knew he had done his job and done it well. And do it well he did- through and through.

Charlie showed up and stayed late. He smiled through technical difficulties and interruptions. When others made mistakes, he gently corrected them and offered support. When demanding performance schedules required longer days, he was here after almost everybody. He loved it here at Jones, it was home. And he treated us like family.

And now, the man who always had our back is no longer here. It is now our time to honor our JCP family member. We are left with an opportunity to honor his life in a way that he deserves. We are raising funds to cover the cost of a plaque in Charlie’s memory that will live in the South Auditorium, as well as lettering to commemorate the newly-named Charlie Mills Memorial Sound Booth.

Charlie could unite people who were divided, he could sow peace where there was discord, he created connections where they didn’t previously exist. Our hope is that this small token of our gratitude for all that Charlie was and did will help to inspire the next generation of Jones servant leaders who will allow Charlie’s legacy to live on in them.

Charlie’s legacy will live on in a number of ways at Jones, not least of which in the ways in which he has inspired our students and staff, and we are excited to continue to celebrate a man who has left an indelible mark on our school and on our hearts. We are looking to raise $12,000 to cover the cost of the plaque and the lettering in the auditorium. Any funds raised in excess of what is needed to cover these costs will be used to fund two scholarships in Charlie’s name to be issued to graduating Jones seniors this year- one who worked on tech in our drama program who contributed over and above their role to ensure the success of the theater program, and one to a student with disabilities to offset costs for their postsecondary transition or their move to a transition center. Any amount is appreciated and if you are not able to contribute please take a moment to share. Thank you all for your support.