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Spotlighting the Soul of Memphis: Why Your Nominations for the 13th Annual SPARK Awards Matter

Local & National News | August 19, 2026

@citycurrent

Celebrate Memphis heroes! Nominate outstanding leaders, schools, nonprofits, and businesses for the 13th SPARK Awards by August 31, 2026.

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@citycurrent

At JustMy and JustMyMemphis, we believe that a city’s greatest asset isn’t just its iconic music or rich history—it’s the people and organizations working quietly every day to uplift our neighborhoods. Everyday heroes in Greater Memphis and Shelby County mentor youth, lead community conservation, run impactful non-profits, and give back through corporate leadership.

That is why The 13th Annual SPARK Awards are so essential to our region. Produced in partnership by WKNO-TV and cityCURRENT, this televised event serves as a beacon of positivity, giving local changemakers the spotlight and recognition they so richly deserve.

Honoring 13 Categories of Local Excellence

Now through August 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM, public nominations are officially open across 13 distinct categories:

  • Individual Champions: Recognizing everyday leaders across different life stages—Youth, Collegiate Student, and Adult.

  • Nonprofits: Highlighting impactful community organizations across three budget sizes (under $1M, $1M–$5M, and over $5M).

  • Corporate Citizens: Honoring businesses leading with purpose, divided into small, medium, and large employer tiers.

  • Education Leaders: Celebrating dedicated Schools, Educators, and Educational Leaders transforming lives in the classroom.

  • The Legacy Award: Honoring lifetime dedication and long-term regional impact.

How It Works & Why Your Voice Matters

Every nomination comes directly from you—the public. Submitting a candidate takes only a few minutes, but the impact lasts far longer. Once nominations close, all entries are evaluated by independent judges from the Midtown Memphis Rotary Club, who evaluate candidates purely on leadership, volunteerism, and community impact.

Selected honorees will be featured on a televised special broadcasting on WKNO/Channel 10, complete with 3-minute interviews sharing their inspiring stories across Tennessee public television and online platforms.

Be the Spark for Greater Memphis

When we celebrate local champions, we inspire others to step up and make a difference. If you know an individual, school, business, or nonprofit driving positive change in our city, nominate them today.

Check out the video message below from Jeremy C. Park, CEO of cityCURRENT and host of The SPARK, inviting our community to participate!