LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Meah King was nominated by John Barker.

"Meah King is a force of nature," said Barker.

For more than 20 years, Meah has dedicated her life to educating students in not only the finer points of English literature, but also the art of being impactful citizens in the modern, ever-changing world. Her unwavering commitment to education is truly admirable. Recognized as Tennessee's Milken Educator for 2011, her legacy is the legion of students who now guide their own companies, families, local governments, and non-profit organizations across Memphis and the Mid-South.

"Having known each other through our collective work in the school district, Meah and I struck out on our own adventure in the summer of 2023, winning approval for creating the state's first-ever charter school for grades 6-12 focused on career and technical education. Sensing the zeitgeist in K-12 education to become both/and rather than either/or concerning vocationally-oriented education, our new organization (Tennessee Career Academy) boasts wide-spread community support, in large part to Meah's amazing network of connections and infectious joy for helping children and families," said Barker.

"Recently, we were dining at a local restaurant, and the cashier recognized Meah as having been her high school English teacher. Hugs were shared, and the cashier was surprised that Meah had moved on from East High to start a new school. The cashier, the mother of a middle school student, wanted to know everything about our new project and explore enrollment options for her middle-school-aged daughter. The young mother wanted her daughter to have the same positive experience with 'Ms. King that she had, which spoke volumes about Meah's impact on her students," said Barker.

"If I had to describe Meah King in only three words, I could say, 'Milken Award Winner,' and let it be done with that. The 'Oscars of Teaching' speak for themselves. I could say, 'No one better,' and tell you that I've seen her in action with students, and it's the truth. But I think I'll leave it at this: 'Meah changes lives,'" said Barker.