Shelby County Schools (SCS) will hold the official ribbon cutting ceremony for Maxine Smith STEAM Academy on August 28, at 12:45 p.m. School staff, parents, community leaders, elected dignitaries and the school’s student “founders” will be on hand to celebrate the the opening of the District's newest STEAM school.

The ceremony will include remarks from SCS Superintendent Dorsey Hopson, Congressman Steve Cohen, Mayor A.C. Wharton, and students will lead guests on a tour of their school. Additionally, during a special part of the program, the ceremony hosts will unveil a picture featuring the school’s namesake, the late Maxine Smith. Smith, a civil rights activist, was a native Memphian who played an integral role in the desegregation of Memphis schools in 1960.

“I am so proud to help commemorate the opening of the District’s newest STEAM Academy,” stated Superintendent Dorsey Hopson. “The school’s rigorous curriculum, combined with an empowering and engaging learning environment, will help prepare our students for college, career and beyond.”

The Maxine Smith STEAM Academy is a center for creativity and innovation that integrates science, technology, engineering, the arts and math into all subjects. Students will participate in hands-on activities, school-wide research projects and co-curricular activities, such as robotics design and quarterly "greenSTEAM" nights, which emphasize environmental literacy. The school is also a part of the District’s new blended learning pilot.

“It’s an honor to serve as the instructional leader of a school with such accomplished staff members and eager students,” said Principal Lischa Brooks. “We are so excited about preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers, artists and leaders who, like Maxine Smith, will one day help foster innovation in this city and beyond."

The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place in front of Maxine Smith STEAM Academy, located at 750 E. Parkway South. The ceremony is open to media.