MEMPHIS – A group of students from Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) was honored at Shelby County Government’s first Rising Star Awards Luncheon on Thursday, June 26. The ceremony, which recognizes outstanding young leaders, scholars, and changemakers in Shelby County, was held at the Collage Dance Center (also known as Collage Dance Collective).

The students who were honored are:

Ages 10-13

Chayse H. – Bellevue Middle School

Jordan T. – Aurora Collegiate Academy

Eligah N. – Bethel Grove Elementary School

Ages 14-16

London I. – Maxine Smith STEAM Academy

Carlos W. – Memphis East High School

Ages 17-19

Alexandria J. – Medical District High School

Marquavian K. – Ridgeway High School

Other young Memphians honored were Autumn Webber, Alexis Anderson, Taylor Dortch, Addison Nichols, Silas Jones, and Markel Crawford. 

County Mayor Lee Harris said the Rising Star Award recipients exemplify leadership, academic excellence, and resiliency.

“Our community is full of incredible young people whose kindness, talent, and leadership is not recognized enough. This initiative is to celebrate their contributions and to remind all of us you don’t have to wait until adulthood to make a difference,” said Mayor Harris. “We have a young author, a future pilot, and a government official. We are recognizing a teen connecting youth to counseling and an Army Reserve Officer taking care of his family after tragedy. We all have a lot to learn from these rising stars.”

More than 200 young people were nominated by their peers, teachers, and loved ones for the awards.

“This program builds on Mayor Lee Harris’ Shining Star Awards, which have recognized hundreds of adult residents who have achieved excellence in areas such as public service, advocacy, and philanthropy since 2018,” the Mayor’s Office said in a press release.

Congratulations to all for your valuable contributions to our community!