“We feel heard,” said Julianna Dogan, an 11th grader at Overton High School who participated in the third session of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Legacy Builders huddles.

Julianna’s sentiment was echoed by her fellow Legacy Builders, a group of student leaders chosen by MSCS Superintendent Dr. Marie N. Feagins to share their vision for the District. The session, held Tuesday, May 14, at the picturesque Memphis Botanic Garden, brought the scholars together for a final time to provide feedback on how MSCS can strengthen supports and student engagement.

Co-Chairs Middle College High Senior Cameron Kuykindall, East High Senior Myles Gregory, and J. P. Freeman seventh grader Sydney James all agreed that the Legacy Builders huddles have given them a more comprehensive look at schools.“This is an eye-opening experience because everybody has different minds,” said Myles. “But, when all different minds come together to try something different and to help; it creates something beautiful.” Cameron added, “This is the most diverse (meeting) I’ve seen our District do in terms of student engagement and leadership. We’re really pushing forward to do what’s best for us.” Sydney expressed gratitude for the valuable leadership experience. “Being a seventh grader and getting to participate in these types of things is really giving me a good sneak peek of what people don’t see from the outside. I really enjoyed it, and I hope I can do it again soon.”

Each group offered their assessments of issues they would like addressed and action plans for solving the areas of concern. Infrastructure upgrades, increased staffing, and more appetizing food options were some of the suggestions vocalized by the student representatives. They also welcomed input and questions from the adult leaders, dubbed the Legacy Legends, who attended the meetings.

During this session, the Legacy Builders also heard remarks from School Board Chair Dr. Althea Greene and District 1 Board Member Michelle R. McKissack, who thanked the students for sharing their time, enthusiasm, observations, and aspirations for MSCS.

The students also had an opportunity to speak with Memphis Mayor Paul Young, who emphasized the importance of their input and recognized them as future leaders and decision-makers in our community. “We need your input,” he said. “You are all part of building the legacy for Memphis and Shelby County.”

Memphis City Council Chairman and Transition Team Co-Chair JB Smiley also conveyed his appreciation for this think tank of young minds. “I think this is a phenomenal experience to watch. The fact that we have young people actively engaging in what it will look like to shape the curriculum and the trajectory of MSCS schools is something that hasn’t happened before.”

Superintendent Feagins, the architect of this gathering, reflected on the impact she hopes these meetings will have. “This is excellent. Everything that I do is about students. It’s driven through students and for students. So, to see them come together and bring out their best solutions for how we can move forward and (to see) their optimism on how we move forward is just a part of my leadership, and I am glad that they are able to benefit from it."

Watch the video below to see more highlights: