When you walk through the halls of Havenview Middle School, it’s hard not to feel inspired. Vibrant murals line the walls, filled with faces that students chose themselves: leaders, innovators, and changemakers who reflect the values of perseverance, excellence, and representation. 

It’s all part of Principal Darla Young-Berry’s vision to make the school feel like a true “home away from home” for students. 

The idea for Havenview’s Hall of Fame began about six years ago, after Principal Young-Berry visited Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ E.E. Jeter K-8, and saw their version of the display. She brought the idea back to her students, but with one important twist: they would decide who earned a place on their walls. 

“I told them, think longevity,” Young-Berry said. “Who is someone you’d want your children, or any child, to look up to, 10 years from now? None of us are perfect, but is this someone you truly consider a role model?” 

Students nominated candidates from a variety of fields: politics, sports, music, acting, and beyond. They researched their choices, debated their merits, and made their cases during lunchtime. The only guidelines: a balance of men and women, and a mix of professions that went beyond just athletes and entertainers. 

The final honorees reflect both global icons and local pride: Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, Beyoncé, Malcolm X, Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, Maya Angelou, Tyra Banks, Serena Williams, Oprah Winfrey, LeBron James, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson all smile warmly from the walls of the hallway. There are even some friendly faces that the students might recognize: Principal Berry and Whitehaven Empowerment Zone Executive Principal, Dr. Vincent Hunter are both featured, as well. Each portrait is paired with a short, powerful quote chosen to inspire the students. 

For many students, the Hall of Fame has become a source of daily motivation. “I see when I walk down these hallways, inspiration,” said student Taylar R. “Every saying from Maya Angelou to Penny Hardaway inspires me. I play basketball and I’m an athlete and what he says just means so much to me because I have a hard time having confidence and believing in myself.” 

The Hall of Fame is just one piece of a broader push to brighten and personalize the school’s environment. Murals on lockers, a light-up reading installation in the library, and bursts of school colors throughout the building all contribute to a sense of pride and belonging. 

“When I first came here, the building didn’t reflect who we were,” Berry said. “Now, everywhere you look, you see our pride. You see our tigers. You see our spirit.” 

That pride is felt not just in the artwork, but also in the leadership students see modeled around them. “When I walk down this hallway at Havenview Middle School, I see leadership,” said student Rahkiya W. “Miss Darla Young-Berry, she’s a very inspirational person and she shows a lot of leadership to our school.” 

The impact has been tangible. Students point to the murals during tours, ask about mural honorees they don’t recognize, and see themselves in the successes of those on the wall. For Berry, that connection is the heart of the project. 

“It’s about showing our kids what’s possible,” she said. “If you can see it, you can believe it, and if you can believe it, you can achieve it.”