KIPP Memphis Class of 2025 Proves What’s Possible on Decision Day
On Decision Day 2025, we celebrated not just the culmination of high school for our 66 incredible seniors—but the beginning of bright futures filled with promise, purpose, and possibility. 🎓
With 97% of our graduates pursuing post-secondary education and 100% walking across the stage with a concrete plan for their next chapter, our KIPPsters are proof that when determination meets opportunity, dreams become reality.
This year’s graduating class has earned an astounding 535 college acceptances from institutions across the nation. From community colleges to HBCUs, to top-tier universities, each acceptance letter represents countless hours of studying, late-night applications, and the unwavering belief that they can.
Our scholars’ efforts were rewarded beyond admission letters. The Class of 2025 has secured $7.7 million in academic scholarships—more than seven million reasons to believe in the power of equity, access, and excellence.
We are especially proud to recognize our Top Academic Scholarship Earner, Antonaya Oaks, whose commitment to her academics has resulted in a staggering $609,840 in scholarships. Antonaya embodies everything we hope to instill in our students—grit, focus, and the courage to chase big dreams.
This moment is bigger than numbers. It’s about rewriting narratives, building generational wealth, and opening doors for the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
As we applauded their next steps, we also paused to recognize the seniors who best embodied the core values of our Portrait of a Graduate framework—those who demonstrated leadership, perseverance, real-world readiness, and more. Selected by their school leaders, these honorees reflect the heart and soul of our mission:
Self-Awareness & Advocacy: Marsha Ayers, Kylen Jackson, Madyson Marzette
Leadership: Tamia Booker (Salutatorian), Torrance Starks
Responsible Decision Making: Isaiah Frazier
Academic & Career Readiness: Andre Glover, Jakeeyah Tanner (Valedictorian)
Real World Navigation: McKenzie Isaac, Jayneisha Sterling
Perseverance: Lamarious Johnson, Cornelius Love
These students represent the very best of who we are and who we aspire to be—a community where character is just as celebrated as achievement.
At KIPP Memphis, Decision Day isn’t just about where our students are headed next. It’s about how far they’ve come, and the powerful example they set for every student following in their footsteps.
This is what the future looks like. This is KIPP Memphis.
A heartfelt thank you to Cortney Richardson, CEO of our partners at Peer Power, for serving as our keynote speaker. Your powerful words, real-life insight, and encouragement truly spoke life into our students and families—leaving a lasting impact on this unforgettable day.
