Lisa McLarty
Memphis Junior Academy (MJA) is no stranger to the annual Education Fair. The posters, the presentations, the papers — MJA students have been doing them for years. This year, the planning team wanted something different. Several ideas were thrown around, but nothing had the right feel, the right flavor. Moreover, they felt that in Memphis, flavor is VERY important!
Then the idea was born, a Community Fair. MJA is in a city rich in culture, the arts, history, and well, flavor — so why not showcase that? The student body provided educational information on the great city they call home on March 4, 2018.
The preK-K class showcased their career ambitions as their favorite Memphis professions. They looked the part, knew their careers details, and happily shared with visitors their displays.
The first- and second-graders constructed models of their favorite Memphis locales, as well as creating a display with pictures and information about their neighborhoods.
The third- through fifth-graders presented notable African Americans in history by means of creative displays, original artwork, and 3-D models.
Students in sixth through eighth grades chose a non-profit organization in the community, where they learned all about the mission of the organization, interviewed leaders, and even put in a few volunteer hours.
Lastly, the ninth- and 10th-graders selected a city landmark to highlight. Even lifelong Memphians learned something new about their beloved city.
A famous musician once said, “There is a grit in Memphis. If you’re here long enough you get to the gold beneath the grit, and then you fall in love with the grit itself. It is quintessentially an American city that is rich in culture and diversity almost like nowhere else.”
The students of Memphis Junior Academy most definitely let that gold shine.
Kentucky-Tennessee | June 2018
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