The SPARK Awards: Igniting Positive Change in the Mid-South

Written By JR Robinson

The SPARK Awards are more than just an annual tradition—they are a powerful catalyst for recognizing and amplifying GOOD across Memphis and the Mid-South. As we enter the 12th year of this inspiring initiative, the SPARK Awards—presented by WKNO and cityCURRENT—stand as a beacon for those who lead by example, foster hope, and build a brighter tomorrow for our community.

What the SPARK Awards Stand For

At their core, the SPARK Awards honor individuals, organizations, and businesses who are using their time, talents, and resources to uplift others. The awards celebrate a diverse array of champions across 13 categories, spanning youth, college students, educators, nonprofits (from grassroots to large-scale), corporations (small to major employers), education leaders, and legacy figures. The criteria are purposefully grounded in tangible impact: leadership in initiatives that better Greater Memphis, a spirit of volunteerism, and a record of positive change.

Why the SPARK Awards Matter

Recognizing GOOD isn’t just ceremonial—it has real value for the region:

Spotlight on Community Champions: By showcasing everyday heroes, the awards create role models who inspire others to step up and join the effort.
Driving Civic Engagement: The public nomination process puts the power in the hands of the community, signaling that anyone can influence positive change.
Elevating Important Work: Recognition on a televised platform (via WKNO across Tennessee) gives greater visibility to essential causes, recruiting new advocates, volunteers, and supporters.
Fostering Collaboration: Bringing together diverse awardees—corporate leaders, classroom innovators, grassroots founders—builds connections and seeds future partnerships that amplify impact.

Our Community’s Impact

Past winners are proof of the transformative change happening year-round in the Mid-South. From companies like FedEx and local nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity to dedicated educators and student leaders, SPARK honorees reflect a tapestry of commitment to service and excellence.

Take, for example, the Education categories—an area where nominations are especially encouraged. Schools, teachers, and students honored in past years have set new standards for leadership, innovation, and compassion. Their work reverberates through classrooms, families, and neighborhoods, proving that uplifting education is foundational to community progress.

Why a Celebration of Good is a Celebration of Our City

Celebrating GOOD doesn’t just recognize isolated acts of kindness. It tells a bigger story—one where our city’s heartbeat is defined by generosity, grit, and hope. Every nomination is a testament to a community that cares, invests, and believes in its people and its future.

As Jeremy C. Park, Executive Producer and Host of The SPARK Awards, puts it: “We’re looking forward to celebrating more community champions and encouraging even more people and organizations to power the GOOD here in the Mid-South!”

How You Can Be Part of the Movement

Nominations for The SPARK Awards 2025 are open now through 5:00 pm Central on Saturday, August 31, 2025. It’s free, fast, and public-driven—meaning every voice matters. Do you know:

An educator or school changing lives?
A neighbor who’s a quiet hero?
A business going above and beyond?
A nonprofit fighting for a cause close to your heart?

Nominate them today! You can submit as many nominations as you like (one form per entry). Winners are determined by the Midtown Memphis Rotary Club and will be celebrated in a special televised broadcast.

Your nomination doesn’t just honor someone—it fuels a chain reaction of GOOD that lifts our entire city.

Nominate for The SPARK Awards 2025

Let’s keep the SPARK alive. When we unite in celebration of GOOD, we’re truly celebrating Memphis and the Mid-South at its best.