Meet the 2026 Shainberg Scholars
The Shainberg Scholarship honors the legacy of Herbert Shainberg, a Memphis businessman known for his philanthropy and his belief in the power of kindness. His grandchildren carry that legacy forward by funding scholarships for students in the Choose901 Alumni network who have significant financial gaps, whether they're headed to a four year college or an alternative path like trade school or a certificate program.
This year's cohort is studying nursing, architecture, business, computer science, supply chain management, and more, but the thread running through all of them is the same: a Memphis school gave them a foundation, and they're building something with it. Here's a quick introduction to the seven 2026 Shainberg Scholars.
Morgan Askew
Alumni School: Compass Community Schools-Midtown
College: Rhodes College
Major: Political Science (concentration in Politics and Law) and PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics), with a minor in Law & Society
Alumni of Compass Community Schools-Midtown, now studying Political Science and PPE at Rhodes College, with her sights set on law school and a career as a criminal defense lawyer. The scholarship is helping her cover her costs so she can focus on taking the LSAT and applying to law school.
"To me giving back to Memphis means helping others gain access to resources and making resources in order to better the city."
Arin Johnson
Alumni School: Soulsville Charter School
College: Belmont University
Major: Legal Studies, pre-law track
Alumni of Soulsville Charter School, now a legal studies major on the pre-law track at Belmont University, enrolled in Belmont's accelerated 3+3 law program. Winning the scholarship means he gets to attend university debt-free.
"I hope to be a part of the next generation of successful individuals who can build within the city of Memphis and Tennessee as a whole."
Stephanie Hayes
Alumni School: Soulsville Charter School
College: Tennessee State University
Major: Nursing
Alumni of Soulsville Charter School, entering her senior year in Nursing at Tennessee State University. A first-generation college student working toward becoming a psychiatric nurse, inspired by her late father and driven to make mental health care more accessible in underserved communities.
"That experience reinforced my desire to become a psychiatric nurse and showed me the importance of providing compassionate, nonjudgmental care while advocating for patients who are often misunderstood."
Marion Brewer III
Alumni School: New Hope Christian Academy
College: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Major: Supply Chain Management
Alumni of New Hope Christian Academy, studying Supply Chain Management at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Marion sees his major as training for a return to Memphis, where he plans to mentor youth and invest in the kind of community-building that gives a city genuine pride.
"This city gave me my foundation. Giving back means making sure others get a chance to build on theirs."
Jordan Henderson
Alumni School: Crosstown High School
College: grad of Rhodes College, now training Luke Weathers Flight Academy
Major: Computer Science, Aviation
Alumni of Crosstown High School, graduated from Rhodes College with a degree in Computer Science, and is now training at Luke Weathers Flight Academy to become an airline pilot, a dream he's held since he was a kid. The scholarship is helping offset the real cost of flight training.
"Do not let anyone tell you what you cannot do! As long as you put in the work, you can do anything!"
Morgan Burns
Alumni School: New Hope Christian Academy
College: Middle Tennessee State University
Major: Business, with her sights set on building a fashion business
Alumni of New Hope Christian Academy, graduating this spring with a business degree from Middle Tennessee State University, and building toward launching her own fashion business. She's already starting a sewing social club back home in Memphis.
"What I love most about Memphis is the authenticity and impact. I plan to make an impact by sharing the information and skills that I have learned with my community."
Zalena Torya Walker
Alumni School: Crosstown High School
College: Tennessee State University
Major: Architecture Engineering, minor in Mining Engineering
Alumni of Crosstown High School, entering her junior year in Architecture Engineering with a minor in Mining Engineering at Tennessee State University. Zalena grew up watching beautiful buildings sit vacant across Memphis, and she's studying to become a developer who builds sustainable, affordable housing for low-income families.
"I wanted to create homes for low-income communities where they feel heard, supported, and loved."
Stay Tuned
Every one of these students carries Memphis with them, and every one of them is coming back to invest in it. Over the next several weeks, we'll be unpacking each of their stories in full, one scholar at a time. Keep an eye out for Morgan, Arin, Stephanie, Marion, Jordan, Morgan, and Zalena right here on the blog.
