Keeper of the Dream

2024 Award Winners

Maria Fernanda Machado, a senior at Central High school, is a dedicated leader and advocate, committed to service and academic excellence. As a student attorney for Youth Court Services since 2022, she has fought for civil rights and social justice, earning recognition in the Daily Memphian.

She founded Soy Mia, a nonprofit providing free menstrual products across Memphis, focusing on the Hispanic community. Maria has held Spanish-language workshops and distributed hundreds of “period starter kits.”

Maria volunteers with Cazateatro, a bilingual theater organization, where she assists with event coordination, community outreach, and productions. Whether in the courtroom or through community service, she is committed to creating a more just and equitable world.

 

Corey Mitchell Irby II, a senior at East T-STEM Academy High School, planned and led an East Campus Cleanup with two classmates, Memphis City Beautiful and East High’s PTO. The goal of the clean-up project was to ensure that students had equal access to clean and healthy learning environments. Over 150 students volunteered, resulting in winning a national DECA award in Anaheim, California. Corey also received the first DECA Community Service Award for East High’s Chapter.

Corey has helped open paths of communication between students and staff, leading to students receiving more services and resources they need. He is a member of Project STAND and is a Memphis Ambassador. He believes if things like trash and broken windows increase in a neighborhood, it looks more suitable for crime. Corey advocates for wellness in Binghampton, where he asks others to join him in caring for the community.

 

Adaria Crutcher, a senior at White Station High School, is dedicated to providing a safe environment for students struggling with their mental health. Adaria and two peers created StoryUnfinished to support students who experience suicidal thoughts.

StoryUnfinished has helped close to 500 students learn ways to cope with mental and emotional challenges. StoryUnfinished’s goal is to remind students not to let their story go unfinished or untold; because everyone has a story worth sharing.

Adaria is also the Social Media Manager with the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH) Youth Council. She creates media to promote advocacy through youth voices, garnering an audience of almost 600 youth voices throughout Memphis. She truly is doing great work with the teenagers in the city of Memphis.

 

 

 

 

 

2023 Award Winners

Hannah Glenn, a senior at East High School and a distinguished leader in JROTC, has championed the cause of voter education and activism. Through her initiative, “Sign Up to Vote” pledge, she has inspired her peers to engage actively in the democratic process. Hannah’s passion for civic engagement is evident in her voluntary contributions of over 200 hours to various local and national organizations, including FeedMemphis, Stopbullying.gov, Veterans of America, Girl Scouts of America, and AXIS Neighborhood Cleanups.

 

Jade Mitchell, a seventh-grader at Colonial Middle School, has expressed her creativity and positivity through her music. She penned and performed a song titled “Memphis and Beyond” with the youth choir Perfecting Gifts, spreading love and hope amidst challenging times. Jade’s music video, encapsulating the spirit of resilience, has garnered widespread attention, amassing over 16,000 Facebook views and earning airtime on local radio stations.

 

Ira Sharma, a senior at White Station High School, has emerged as a prominent advocate for youth rights. Through her involvement in organizations such as Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH) Youth Council and Young Women Against Injustice (WAI), she has tirelessly worked towards amplifying the voices of Memphis youth and advocating for their civil rights. She was involved in the MICAH Youth Council’s recent gun violence legislation campaign ahead of the Tennessee Legislature Special Session in August, including helping craft a petition and representing the Youth Council to local press.

She has also been involved in organizing various voter registration and menstrual product donation drives with Young Women Against Injustice.

 

 

2022 Keeper of the Dream Award Winners

In a groundbreaking year of advocacy and action, the Youth Justice Action Council (YJAC) has played a pivotal role in reshaping the narrative surrounding youth violence in Memphis. Through their relentless efforts, this dedicated group has successfully transformed responses to youth crime in Tennessee, particularly within the confines of Shelby County Juvenile Court. By amplifying the voices of directly impacted youth, YJAC has achieved unprecedented milestones, leading to meaningful change in the justice system.

Over the past year, YJAC has conducted in-depth research shedding light on the experiences of justice-impacted youth in Shelby County. Their findings, encapsulated in a comprehensive report, have highlighted the disproportionate impact of arrest and sentencing on Black and Brown youth. This report served as the foundation for their advocacy, driving significant reform initiatives forward.

YJAC’s impact extends beyond research. Their recommendations have been instrumental in shaping programs and policies at the Youth & Family Resource Center in Shelby County. Additionally, they’ve actively engaged with political leaders, making their voices heard through memos and presentations. Their efforts culminated in a historic achievement: the recommendations of youth who have firsthand experience with the justice system were directly acknowledged by all key political decision-makers in Shelby County.

Members of the Youth Justice Action Council, all exceptional students from various high schools in the region, include:

  • Alexis Estrada, George Washington Carver High School
  • Crystal Oceja, Kingsbury High School
  • Bel Webb, George Washington Carver High School
  • Marshawn Jemison, George Washington Carver High School
  • Milana Kumar, Collierville High School
  • Octavia Stokes, Central High School
  • Salina Shamsuddin, Collierville High School
  • Trekeria Rainey, Raleigh-Egypt High School
  • Tydre McKenzie, George Washington Carver High School

Through their unwavering dedication, YJAC has ushered in a new era of youth justice reform in Memphis. Their collective efforts have not only raised awareness about the challenges faced by justice-involved youth but have also paved the way for a more equitable and just future for all. The impact of their work will resonate for generations, marking a turning point in the fight for justice and equality in Shelby County.