For nearly three decades, Carol Hall-Pleasant has been a driving force behind student wellness, community partnerships, and whole-child health across Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS). A physical education and health instructor at Hickory Ridge Middle School, she is celebrating 27 years at MSCS. Her journey, rooted in joy, service, and a strong commitment to helping children thrive, has left an unmistakable imprint on classrooms and communities across the district.  

“Throughout my career in Health and Physical Education, I have been honored to support student growth, promote wellness, and strengthen our community through meaningful partnerships and life-enriching programs,” Coach Pleasant said. From her earliest days in the gym, she made her purpose clear: to nurture students not just physically but socially, emotionally, and academically. “My mission has always been to create healthy, joyful, and empowering experiences that help students thrive.” 

Her dedication has earned recognition locally, statewide, and nationally. One of the most meaningful moments of her career was becoming the first person of color in Tennessee to receive the Health Education Award from the Tennessee Department of Education. “None of this would have been possible without the belief and encouragement of Ms. Sudie Cushman, Coordinated School Health Manager at MSCS,” she said. Her work also gained national attention when she was honored by former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign and received a personal letter of appreciation from former President Barack Obama, gestures she still calls “humbling and unforgettable.” 

At both Hickory Ridge Elementary and Hickory Ridge Middle, Coach Pleasant helped transform schools into hubs of health and wellness. Hickory Ridge Elementary was named one of the healthiest schools in America four times by the Alliance for A Healthier Generation, and Hickory Ridge Middle later earned the same honor from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. She secured a $40,000 Marathon Kids grant to launch a running program and helped bring 51 donated computers to students through Youth Villages, expanding digital access. 

Some of her most treasured moments involve students giving back. A Thanksgiving letter-writing project she helped organize grew into a nationwide effort that reached more than 256,000 service members across nursing homes, Veterans Affairs centers, military bases, and schools, strengthening academic skills while promoting compassion and gratitude. 

Community partnerships have always been a cornerstone of her work. Coach Pleasant built strong relationships across Memphis and beyond, often visiting partners with thank-you notes created by her students. “It’s important to model gratitude, responsibility, and leadership,” she said. These partnerships brought valuable opportunities into her schools, including fitness sessions with Mayweather Boxing + Fitness, an Agape-supported wellness game room, bullying-prevention programs with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, and STEM collaborations with Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Christian Brothers University, the University of Memphis, Upstate University (SC), and others. She additionally organized staff wellness efforts such as MSCS’ Walktober Challenge to build camaraderie and encourage physical activity. Throughout her entire career, Coach Pleasant has also been grateful for the consistent support of Regions Bank and the Memphis Police Department, whose long-standing involvement has helped sustain and strengthen these initiatives. 

Reflecting on her 27-year career, Coach Pleasant shared, “I am filled with gratitude for my students who inspire me daily, the partners who uplift our mission, the families who trust me, and this district that has allowed me to serve with purpose and passion. My vision is to continue advancing innovative wellness initiatives and expanding partnerships that support student success in every dimension of life.” 

Her legacy is unmistakable: healthier schools, stronger communities, and generations of students who learned from her example what it means to lead with heart. Coach Pleasant’s impact reflects the very spirit of Greatness Grows Here, and MSCS is honored to have such a dedicated educator among us. 

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