News Summary
Memphis Merit Academy founder Lakenna Booker received the Community Impact Award at the MAAR Pinnacle Awards, celebrating significant contributions to local real estate. The event coincided with the groundbreaking of the academy’s new facility in Parkway Village, expected to expand educational offerings for students. The communityโs support remains crucial as the academy sets its sights on building a brighter future for its students, emphasizing inclusivity and high-quality education.
Exciting Times Ahead for Memphis: New School and Community Recognition
Memphis is buzzing with excitement this week as the founder and head of Memphis Merit Academy, Lakenna Booker, proudly accepted the Community Impact Award during the annual MAAR Pinnacle Awards. This event celebrates the achievements of commercial real estate professionals and showcases significant contributions to the Memphis community. With this award, Booker not only highlights her dedication to education but also the importance of giving every child access to a bright future.
A Heartfelt Celebration
The 25th Annual MAAR Pinnacle Awards ceremony, hosted by the Memphis Area Association of Realtors Commercial Council, brought together many professionals from the commercial real estate sector to recognize those who have made substantial accomplishments in 2024. Booker’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as it aligns perfectly with the groundbreaking ceremony held shortly after for a new location of the Memphis Merit Academy.
Groundbreaking News for Parkway Village
In a fantastic turn of events, Memphis Merit Academy celebrated its groundbreaking this past Thursday morning. Located in Parkway Village, this newly planned school will be at the site of a former Kroger store on American Way. Designed to be a beacon of hope, this new facility will replace the current school which initially opened its doors in 2019.
Currently, Memphis Merit Academy provides education for students from kindergarten through fourth grade, but the new building will significantly expand its offerings. With an opening set for the 2024-2025 school year, the school is thrilled to announce plans to include a fifth grade class in its programs.
Setting Standards High
Memphis Merit Academy holds a special place in the community’s heart, as it was one of the first charter schools established in the 38118 zip code. This institution is on a mission to ensure that students from all socioeconomic backgrounds are given an opportunity to receive a high-quality education. Booker’s vision for the school reflects a commitment to inclusivity and excellence in educational standards.
Future Aspirations
Looking forward, there are even bigger dreams in the pipeline for Memphis Merit Academy. With hopes to eventually expand the facility to accommodate students up to eighth grade, the academy is creating a legacy of learning and opportunity. The ongoing efforts to elevate educational access speak volumes about the community’s dedication to nurturing its future generations.
The Community’s Role
As the groundwork is laid for this impressive new location, community support remains crucial. Local families and business owners are proudly witnessing this transformation, and there is a palpable sense of optimism around what the Memphis Merit Academy will bring to the neighborhood. It’s a celebration of growth, development, and a brighter horizon for the students and families who benefit from its mission.
For Memphis, the combination of honoring Lakenna Booker with the Community Impact Award and the launch of a new educational facility sends a strong message. There is a vibrant spirit of positivity and progress, and it seems the sky is the limit for the futures being shaped here.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Memphian: MAAR Recognizes Best Commercial Broker
- Wikipedia: Charter School
- Local Memphis: Memphis Merit Academy Groundbreaking
- Google Search: Memphis Education Initiatives
- Daily Memphian: Community Impact Award
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Development
- Local Memphis: Education Updates
- Google News: Memphis Education
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
