Important Dates, Opportunities, and More. Stay up to date with MOST in this month's e-newsletter. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­    ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  
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Dear MOST Families and Partner Schools,

 

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer and looking forward to celebrating the Fourth of July with family and friends.

 

This summer, our team is preparing for the upcoming fall semester. We are finalizing scholarship awards and adding new ways to support our students and schools.

 

Please let us know about any school changes or vouchers your student has received so we can make sure your scholarship is processed and ready for the start of school.

 

I am excited to welcome Shelby Ramsey to the MOST team as our new Program Director.  More information about Shelby is included below. 

 

We would love to see what your family is up to this summer. Please send us your summer pictures and share any student achievements. We are looking forward to a great start to the 2026–27 school year and please let us know if you need anything.

 

Sincerely,

 

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Shelby-Ramsey1000x1000

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Project Director with the Memphis Opportunity Scholarship Trust, supporting children and families in accessing educational opportunities that best meet their individual needs.

 

I taught first grade for 12 years before stepping away from my classroom career to focus on raising my three children: Macallen (13), Price (9), and Porter (9). During that time, I continued working with young learners by tutoring a small group of Kindergarten through 2nd grade students, which allowed me to remain closely connected to my passion for education.

 

I am honored to join an organization dedicated to making quality education accessible by placing students in learning environments where they will thrive academically and personally. I look forward to combining my experience as an educator with my commitment to supporting children and families in meaningful and lasting ways.

 

PLEASE LEAVE A GOOGLE REVIEW AND HELP

MOST REACH MORE FAMILIES

 

One of the easiest ways you can support MOST is by leaving us a Google review. Your review helps more families learn about MOST and the scholarship opportunities available to students in Shelby County.

 

When you leave a review, it helps MOST:

• Appear more often in Google searches
• Reach families who are looking for tuition assistance
• Build trust with new families who may not know about MOST
• Share the impact MOST has had on students and schools
• Strengthen our visibility in the Memphis community

 

Your words can make a real difference. A short review about your experience with MOST can help another family find the support they need.

 

Please click the link below to leave a Google review:

https://g.page/r/CbK69aDPJEJJEBM/review

 

Thank you for helping us reach more students.

 

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When your MOST Scholar does something amazing, think of us and fill out the Student Achievement Form. We'll share them on social media and in this newsletter to celebrate their accomplishments!

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Family Fun Around Memphis: Upcoming Events for All Ages

 

Looking for ways to keep the family entertained? Check out these family-friendly happenings around Memphis that offer fun, learning, and memorable experiences for kids and adults alike!

 

🎆 Red, White & BOOM with the Memphis Redbirds

 

Dates: July 2–4

Location: AutoZone Park

 

Celebrate Independence Day with three days of baseball, family activities, giveaways, ballpark favorites, and spectacular fireworks shows on July 3 and 4. This annual celebration is one of Memphis’s biggest family-friendly summer traditions and offers plenty of fun for children of all ages.

 

More Information: Red, White & BOOM Celebration

 

Thursday, July 2

Flag City Freedom Celebration 2026

Millington, TN | Navy Mid-South Conference Center | 5700 Attu St | 6:00- 10:00 p.m.

Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show – NEW LOCATION! Join us for a spectacular night of food and fireworks at our Annual Fireworks Show, now at an exciting new location: the field behind the Navy Mid-South Conference Center! The gates open at 6:00 PM and fireworks will begin around 9:00 p.m.

 

Memphis: Liberty for All at Liberty Park

Liberty Park | Memphis | 340 South Hollywood | 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Join Memphis Parks and the City of Memphis—in collaboration with the Downtown Memphis Commission, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, and Oak View Group—for a Fourth of July festival and the official City fireworks show in Liberty Park on Thursday, July 3rd, from 5-9 p.m. This event is FREE for ALL, so gather your friends and family for an evening they won’t forget.

  • Free parking and admission in any of the Liberty Park lots, including Tiger Lane
  • Live music and family entertainment
  • Local food trucks and Adult Beverages
  • Biggest Fireworks Show in town starts at 9 p.m.

 

City of Horn Lake Fireworks

Horn Lake, MS | Latimer Lake Park | 5633 Tulane Rd | 4:00-10:00 p.m.

Vendors, activities, and the Fourth of July concert start at 7pm. Live Music! Come early and bring a picnic! Fireworks start at 9:15pm. Free parking and free admission.

 

Collierville Annual Independence Day Celebration

Collierville, TN | 6-10 p.m. | W.C. Cox Park | 440 W. Powell Road | 6:00-10:00 p.m.

The town of Collierville will be holding its 40th annual Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 2 (rain date July 3). Music begins at 7 p.m. The evening will kick off with a performance by Alexis Grace, the Memphis-born artist who first gained national recognition on Season 8 of American Idol. She will be followed by Party Planet, delivering a high-energy set packed with favorite dance hits. The 18-minute fireworks show that begins at 9:30 p.m. is described as “one of the largest in the Mid-South.”

 

Fireworks Extravaganza

Bartlett, TN | Bobby K. Flaherty Municipal Center | Hwy 70 & Appling Road | 6-9:30 p.m.

You are invited to join us for a “Star-Spangled Fireworks Extravaganza” in celebration of our Nation’s Birthday. Plan to start the night with live musical entertainment featuring the Bartlett Community Concert Band and back by popular demand, Kevin and Bethany Paige, a Classic Car “Show & Shine” and concessions/food trucks. When the sun goes down the night sky will light up with a spectacular fireworks show! All activities will take place on the lawn of the Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center and Appling Middle School. Fireworks start at 9:10 p.m.

 

Celebrate Independence

Munford, TN |Poplar Park | 8:30 pm-9:30 pm

Bring your chairs, bring your blanket, and enjoy an evening of fellowship while celebrating the Fourth of July with a free fireworks show at Poplar Park. Check out the Munford, TN website for more event details!

 

Friday, July 3

Children’s Bike Parade

Hernando, MS | Hernando Baptist Church | 11 East Center Street | 7:00

Decorate your bikes, trikes, scooters and yourselves in patriotic decor! The starting point of this Fourth of July parade is the east parking lot of Hernando Baptist Church at 7:30pm. The Hernando Police Department will hand out bike helmets and give bike safety instructions to the children.

 

All-American Party & Elvis Fireworks Extravanganza

Whitehaven | Elvis Presley’s Memphis | 6285 Snowden Ln | 7 p.m. Friday

For 250 years, America has stood for freedom, spirit, innovation, and unforgettable moments. No entertainer captured that spirit quite like Elvis Presley. He didn’t just love this country — in many ways, he embodied it: bold, original, proud, and larger than life. Highlights of the weekend include two electrifying concerts, a spectacular Party & Fireworks Extravaganza on July 3 and the All-American Gospel Brunch featuring the Tennessee Mass Choir. This is the kind of weekend people talk about for years. Don’t be the one who missed it. Make your plans now and join us for a weekend of music, memories, and All-American fun at Graceland.

 

Redbirds Game & Fireworks

Downtown | Autozone Park | 200 Union Ave

The Memphis Redbirds are excited to light up the skies during our Independence Day Celebration presented by AutoZone on Friday, July 3 and Saturday July 4 after the Charlotte Knights game! Don’t miss the best fireworks show in the Mid-South!

 

Light the Way Freedom Fest

Olive Branch, MS | Olive Branch City Park |8267 Goodman Road | 3:00-10:00 p.m.

Light the Way Freedom Fest is the ultimate Independence Day celebration! It’s a full FREE day of live music, family fun, and an unforgettable fireworks finale provided by the City of Olive Branch. Featuring Jamie MacDonald, with more artists to be announced soon!

 

Saturday, July 4

DAYTIME EVENTS

High Point Neighborhood Parade

Memphis | Mimosa and Aurora Circle | 9:00 a.m.

Bring your bike for this fun Fourth of July neighborhood parade (the longest running one in the city). A fire truck leads the way and turns on the hoses at the end. Popsicles are available at the conclusion as well. This year, cars and other motorized vehicles can do a longer route that ends at Cheffie’s!

 

Central Gardens 4th of July Parade

Don’t miss the Central Gardens Independence Day Parade! This year, it will be on Belvedere Blvd (north of Peabody). Parade registration starts at 9 a.m. The parade will be at 10:30 a.m. This year, the float contest is back! Plus more costume fun for kids and pets! Decorate your bikes, wagons, and strollers!

Pidgeon Estates Neighborhood Parade

Memphis | 10:00 a.m.

 

Cooper Young Community Association Independence Day Parade

Memphis | Peabody Elementary | 2086 Young Avenue | 10 a.m.

All are welcome to come out and celebrate the Fourth of July with popsicles, sidewalk chalk, and a short parade near Peabody Elementary. Every year is slightly different but it’s always a blast to hang out with the neighborhood and celebrate this patriotic holiday.

 

Saturday, July 4

EVENING EVENTS

Independence Day on the River

Tom Lee Park | 6pm-9pm

Independence Day on the River is a riverfront celebration in downtown Memphis. Taking place from 6 to 9 p.m. It’s a free event that is held in three locations: River Garden, Fourth Bluff Park, and on Riverside Drive, all of which will feature live entertainment stages, games, food trucks, and plenty of activities. Visitors are advised to bring lawn chairs and blankets for the culmination of the event, which is a spectacular fireworks show that will launch over the river and be visible from all three venues.

 

Fireworks Extravaganza

Germantown | Municipal Park S Germantown Road | 5 pm-10 pm

Celebrate our nation’s birthday with live entertainment, crafts, refreshments and not to mention – a spectacular fireworks display. Germantown’s Fireworks Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, July 4, at Municipal Park, 1900 South Germantown Road. A live music performance, crafts, and concessions will begin at 5 p.m. The grand finale fireworks show will start at 9:10 pm.

 

Fourth Fest

Renasant Convention Center | 255 North Main St | 5:00-10:00 p.m.

Welcome to 4th Fest at Renasant Convention Center! Get ready for a spectacular celebration on July 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM (Central Time). Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with music, food, face painting, bounce houses, yard games, and fireworks. Bring your family and friends to enjoy this patriotic event. This is an indoor event featuring a view of the Downtown Memphis Fireworks! Join us for the whole party or just the fireworks.

Activities are free to enjoy – Food and Drinks will be for sale by RK Bluff City Catering

 

🎨 Mini Masters at Dixon Gallery & Gardens

 

Date: July 7

Location: Dixon Gallery and Gardens

 

Designed for children ages 2–4, this interactive program introduces little ones to art and nature through crafts, movement, stories, and hands-on activities. It’s a wonderful way to encourage creativity while spending time together as a family.

 

More Information: Mini Masters Event Details

 

🎒 Back-to-School Food Truck Festival

Date: July 25, 2026

Location: Shelby Farms Park

 

Before backpacks and school supplies take over your calendar, spend a day enjoying some of the Mid-South’s favorite food trucks at Shelby Farms Park. The first annual Back-to-School Food Truck Festival promises delicious eats, family-friendly fun, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy summer while it lasts. eventbrite.com

 

📕 Memphis Public Libraries Crafternoon

Date: July 30, 2026

Location: Memphis Public Library

Get creative during this free community art session hosted by Memphis Public Libraries. Whether you’re into painting, collages, zines, sketching, or simply experimenting with new mediums, this relaxed gathering offers a welcoming space to create. memphis.librarycalendar.com

 

🎥 Friday Flicks: Wicked: For Good

Date: July 31, 2026

Location: Carriage Crossing

End the month with an outdoor movie night at Carriage Crossing. Bring your favorite blanket or lawn chair, grab some popcorn, and settle in under the stars for a free screening of Wicked: For Good. Arrive early for music and pre-show activities. shopcarriagecrossing.com

 

🎈 Family Fun Fridays

When: July 10, 17, and 24, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Where: Various Memphis Parks

Hosted by the City of Memphis, Family Fun Fridays feature bounce houses, games, music, activities, and family entertainment. These free community events are designed specifically for families and children of all ages. More information: Family Fun Fridays Schedule

 

🐭 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit

Now Open
Where: Children’s Museum of Memphis

Families can step into the world of Mickey, Minnie, and friends through hands-on exhibits, interactive play areas, and imaginative activities inspired by the beloved Disney Jr. series. This is one of the most popular kid-focused attractions in Memphis this summer. More information: CMOM Exhibit Information

 

🎨 Kaleidoscope Club (Ages 5–9)

When: Weekly in July
Where: Dixon Gallery and Gardens

Young artists can enjoy creative art and horticulture projects that encourage imagination, exploration, and hands-on learning. This program is ideal for elementary-aged children who love to create and discover. More information: Dixon Events Calendar

 

🌳 Explore My Big Backyard

When: Ongoing
Where: My Big Backyard at Memphis Botanic Garden

This award-winning children’s garden offers treehouses, climbing structures, water play areas, and nature-based activities. It’s a fantastic destination for a summer family outing and encourages outdoor exploration and active play.

 

🐼 Summer Day at the Zoo

When: Ongoing
Where: Memphis Zoo

Visit hundreds of animals, enjoy interactive exhibits, and cool off with family-friendly attractions throughout the zoo. Summer programming and animal encounters make every visit a little different.

 

🚜 Memphis Farmers Market

When: Saturdays, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
Where: Memphis Farmers Market

Enjoy local food vendors, family activities, live entertainment, and opportunities for children to learn about healthy eating and local agriculture. It’s a fun Saturday morning outing for the entire family.

    Academic Support

    Memphis Communiversity is an academic non-profit organization dedicated to helping high-school students in the Memphis area, including preparing for standardized tests like the ACT and support resources for courses like Calculus. Learn more on their website.

    Communiversity 2024

    Kidsoutandabout.com has compiled this handy list of tutoring resources in the Memphis area. Check it out to help choose an established learning center or private tutor, whichever works for your student.

     

    Families with new readers can access useful support tools through Shelby County's A to Z literacy program. Find a variety of activities like coloring pages, flash cards, and more here.

     

    Memphis Parent curates this list of monthly events and programs suited for families with kids in the Memphis area, many of which are free. For families with older kids, the events calendar on memphistravel.com casts a wider net. Check it out here.

    Seniors, get connected with everything you need to apply to college, research financial aid and scholarships, and get advice from counselors, advisors and mentors. It's all in one place at commonapp.org.

     

    For those looking to attend an HBCU commonblackcollegeapp.com is an excellent resource, offering prospective students a quick way to apply to 65 different HBCUs.

    Student Opportunities banner
    Juvie Court Volunteer 2024-1

    Youth Court is a juvenile delinquency diversion and peer-justice program devoted to restorative justice principles and working to repair the damaged relationship between youthful offenders, their victims, and our community.

     

    Teen volunteers will be trained to stand for three principles: rehabilitating juvenile nonviolent offenders; holding juveniles accountable for their behavior; and, educating juveniles about citizenship, the legal system, and constructive conflict resolution.

     

    Students entering 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade interested in volunteering to participate in Youth Court should complete the application in the link below and email it to youthcourt@shelbycountytn.gov.

    Click to learn more and apply.

    Email Finy Shirley - fshirley@memphisscholarships.org
    Scholarship resources

    AdmissionGlobal.com- A vast and up-to-date directory of scholarships available for U.S. College Studies.

     

    Quest Bridge- Advocating for high-achieving, low-income high school students, Quest Bridge believes that attending a top college can be affordable and are committed to helping students attain the college education they deserve.

     

    Scholarships.com- Finding college scholarships can be overwhelming, but this site makes it simple to match students to scholarships for which they qualify.

    Memphis Opportunity Scholarship Trust, 1000 Ridgeway Loop Rd., Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38120, United States, (901) 842-5328, info@memphisscholarships.org

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