Rebecca Taylor — Inspiring Students Award | K-12 Educator
A National Board Certified third-grade teacher at Idlewild Elementary School in Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Taylor has spent more than 16 years creating innovative learning experiences. Her commitment extends beyond traditional classroom instruction through programs including Camp Invention, Knowledge Bowl, Math Team, and a school garden. She is also recognized for mentoring fellow educators and emphasizing the development of the whole child.
Dr. Trudy Hill-Jones — Inspiring Students Award | Educational Support
A professional school counselor with Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Hill-Jones has dedicated more than 25 years to education, including 18 years in school counseling. Known affectionately as "ya favorite hope dealer," she advocates for student success, emotional well-being, and educational equity. Her dedication earned her recognition as Tennessee's 2025 School Counselor of the Year.Dr. Teresa McSweeney — Inspiring Students Award | Workforce Educator
As Chief Innovation Officer for the Jackson-Madison County School System, McSweeney has helped expand opportunities for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and career-focused education. Her leadership contributed to the creation of the STEM Innovation Center and Innovation Impact Institute, while securing more than $200,000 in grant funding to support educational innovation.
Dr. Shawna Adams — Inspiring Students Award | Collegiate Educator
An Associate Professor of Biology at Dyersburg State Community College, Adams is committed to making STEM education engaging and accessible. Through mentorship and innovative teaching approaches, she helps students develop confidence, strengthen their academic abilities, and pursue opportunities for lifelong learning.
Jason Keeton — Impacting Communities Award
A Professor of Biology at Jackson State Community College, Keeton has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to connecting education with community advancement. As an advisor to Phi Theta Kappa, he helps students discover scholarship opportunities, explore transfer pathways, and participate in educational experiences that support academic and professional success.
Dr. Ethan Randall — Empowering Schools Award
Principal of Elmore Park Middle School in the Bartlett City School System, Randall has devoted more than two decades to K-8 education, including 13 years as principal. Under his leadership, the school has achieved multiple TVAAS Level 5 distinctions and A-rated recognition. His focus on academic achievement and a supportive school environment continues to positively influence students and educators.
Investing in the Future of West Tennessee
While these six honorees serve in different educational roles, they share a commitment to helping students succeed and strengthening the communities they serve.
Their recognition reflects the mission of Leaders Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 2019 to expand educational opportunities throughout West Tennessee.
Since its founding, the Foundation has awarded more than $600,000 in scholarships, grants, and educational program support, helping provide resources for students, teachers, and educational institutions.
Proceeds from the annual EmpowerEd event support those ongoing efforts, ensuring that educators and students have additional opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.
For Leaders Education Foundation, recognizing outstanding educators is about more than celebrating individual accomplishments. It's about acknowledging the lasting influence that dedicated teachers, counselors, professors, and administrators have on the future of West Tennessee.
Because every student encouraged, every opportunity created, and every life changed through education represents an investment in a stronger community.
And thanks to the dedication of these six remarkable educators, that future continues to look brighter.
Bartlett & Memphis-Shelby County Schools among amazing recipients
Bartlett & Memphis-Shelby County Schools among amazing recipients
