Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) congratulates four exceptional student leaders who represented the district at the 2026 Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) Student Congress on Policies in Education (SCOPE) Conference held at Belmont University. Through thoughtful dialogue, collaboration, and leadership, these students demonstrated the strength of student voice in shaping conversations about the future of public education. 

Accompanied by MSCS Director of Student Leadership Dr. Billy Walker, the student delegates joined peers in grades 9–12 from across Tennessee to explore current education topics and gain hands-on experience in civic engagement. SCOPE provides a unique opportunity for students to better understand how school boards operate while participating in meaningful discussions about policies that impact schools and communities statewide. 

MSCS was represented by the following 2026 TSBA SCOPE delegates: 

• Semya Greene, 11th grade, Middle College High School 
• Bliss McKissack, 9th grade, White Station High School 
• Charlie Russell, 11th grade, White Station High School 
• Marc Williams, 10th grade, Hollis F. Price Middle College High School 

During the conference, students participated in mock school board sessions, where they assumed the roles of school board members, administrators, parents, students, and community stakeholders. These simulations allowed students to explore multiple perspectives while debating education policy topics relevant to schools across Tennessee. Through group discussions and structured debates, participants strengthened critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills essential for future leadership. 

The MSCS delegation represented the district with professionalism and purpose, contributing ideas and perspectives that reflect the experiences of students across Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Their participation highlights the district’s continued commitment to empowering students to engage in meaningful dialogue about education and to take an active role in shaping positive outcomes for their peers. 

“Our student leaders, Bliss McKissack, Charlie Russell, Marc Williams, and Semya Greene did an outstanding job representing MSCS at the Tennessee School Boards Association SCOPE Conference at Belmont University,” said Dr. Billy Walker, MSCS Director of Student Leadership. “The TSBA SCOPE delegates amplified student voice as they debated current topics in education policy and collaborated with student leaders from across Tennessee.”  

In addition to representing MSCS as a 2026 SCOPE delegate, Marc Williams was selected by peers across the state to serve as the 2027 President of TSBA SCOPE, a significant honor that reflects strong student leadership within the district and the confidence fellow students have in his ability to represent student perspectives statewide. 

“This group exemplifies the future of student leadership, and we are excited to see Marc Williams serve as SCOPE President for the 2026–27 school year,” Dr. Walker said. 

Founded in 1939, the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) provides a unified voice for local school boards across the state. Officially recognized by the Tennessee General Assembly in 1953 as the representative organization of school board members, TSBA continues to advocate for public education and provide training and support to school board leaders serving Tennessee’s students. 

Memphis-Shelby County Schools values the leadership and perspective of its students and commends the outstanding example they continue to set. The district remains committed to creating pathways that amplify student voice, encouraging civic engagement, and preparing the next generation of leaders.