The Nashville Public Education Foundation (NPEF) will hold an event on Thursday, August 27th to honor this year’s inductees into the Public Schools Hall of Fame.
More from a media release:
The Nashville Public Education Foundation will host its 22nd Public Schools Hall of Fame luncheon on Thursday, August 27, 2026, to recognize nine honorees and garner support for the city’s public education system.
2026 Public Schools Hall of Fame Honorees:
Nelson C. Andrews Distinguished Service Award presented by Vanderbilt University
- Rodger Dinwiddie is the Co-CEO of STARS Nashville, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization addressing substance misuse, school-based mental health supports, violence and bullying prevention training, and adolescent intensive outpatient treatment services.
MNPS Distinguished Alumni Award presented by Belmont University
- Johari Matthews, graduate of Glencliff High School, is the Vice President and Executive Director of ONE Community and the Tennessee Titans Foundation, where she leads the way in philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.
- Rod McDaniel, graduate of McGavock High School, is the CEO of S3 Recycling Solutions, a nationally lauded IT asset disposition company serving clients across North America.
- Evette White, graduate of Hillwood High School (now called James Lawson High School), is the Executive Director of Leadership Nashville, an executive program that strengthens Nashville through deep connections formed among diverse leaders.
Annette Eskind Inspiring Educator Award presented by UBS
- Quanita Adams is a Computer Science and Mathematics educator at Stratford STEM Magnet High School, where she advances equitable access to high-quality STEM education.
- Kevin Stevens is a 6th and 7th grade Math teacher and Instructional Leader at Head
Magnet Middle School (recently renamed Martin Luther King, Jr. Magnet Middle at Head Campus).
Ronald L. Corbin Inspiring Leader Award presented by Lipscomb University
- Dr. Michael Pratt is the Executive Principal of Stratford STEM Magnet High School and the 2025 MNPS High School Principal of the Year.
Thomas J. Sherrard Inspiring Innovation Award presented by Nissan
- DYMON In The Rough (Dynamic Young Minorities of Nashville) is a trusted, community model, youth development nonprofit organization that has empowered girls, equipped leaders, and elevated communities across Nashville and Middle Tennessee for 14 years.
- Girls Write Nashville is a creative youth development program that empowers teen artists through songwriting, music production, mentorship, and community.
