Dr. Marie N. Feagins brought her 18-year birthday tradition to Memphis, hammer in hand, as she started her day with a Habitat for Humanity home-building project. The new superintendent for Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) was joined by District staff, and the high school boys state basketball finalists: Douglass High School, Middle College High School, and Ridgeway High School. She led the team with dedication and energy.

“While it's my birthday, today is not about me,” Dr. Feagins told the student-athletes. “This is all about the opportunity to really see what teamwork and team-building looks like. When we think about the work that we do for kids and families each day through education, it spills out into the community.”

The TSSAA (Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association) state basketball finalists found inspiration in the home-building project and Dr. Feagins’ excitement, and they welcomed the chance to contribute to their community. All morning, organizers and volunteers from other organizations heard them yelling, “Build with us!”

This Habitat for Humanity project highlighted Dr. Feagins’ dedication to service and her commitment to instilling values of teamwork, leadership, and community engagement in MSCS students. 

“I started celebrating my birthday this way while in college,” said Dr. Feagins. “I would take my students when I was a teacher, and as a professional school counselor, and now that I’m the superintendent, the work doesn’t stop.”

In keeping with the District’s motto of “Learn. Lead. Leave a Legacy,” Dr. Feagins’ annual birthday tradition embodies the spirit of making a lasting impact on the community and fostering a culture of service and leadership among young people.