Since 1966, Memorial has had a legacy of excellence in the arts.
One passionate voice
Kenya Tolbert (class of 1997) is Chief Executive Officer of FelzSoGood Productions and studio manager for Triangle Sound Studios in Atlanta, the legendary studio owned by Tricky Stewart, Grammy-winning producer of Beyonce´, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, and many more.
Kenya is a graduate of the Art Institute of Atlanta and was president of AIA Records (Art Institute Audio Club) and Grammy U.
In this video, Kenya shares her own Memorial High School experience and, as an industry leader, the need and her support for digital studio space as part of a 21st century arts education.
Philanthropy + Public Schools = Success
What
While the 2020 referendum was a long-overdue acknowledgment of critical facility needs for all four of Madison’s high schools, from the perspective of faculty, students, parents, alumni and the community, there were remaining priorities that were not.
This is a precedent-setting initiative to not only provide once-in-a-generation facilities, space, and equipment to students, faculty and community, but alter the paradigm on the private-public partnership through philanthropy.
Why
People are intrinsically altruistic. If Madison’s alumni population match the US average, these alumni donate in excess of $200 million a year to charities and nonprofits. Public schools are not on their philanthropic radar beyond annual events and fundraising drives.
these campaigns are part of a new partnership that sees alumni engagement as an opportunity to provide to our schools more than financial resources. Alumni can and will offer expertise, experience, mentoring, creativity and networking to assist students, faculty and staff.
How
To start, Madison Memorial has assembled a volunteer campaign committee to drive these efforts. In partnership with the Foundation for Madison Public Schools (FMPS) and the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), we will reach out to alumni, parents, and friends to raise the needed resources before September 2021, when detailed planning for the referendum projects will be designed.
We begin this effort by reaching out to alumni, friends and organizations who are in a position to consider a leadership gift.
The Referendum
In November 2020, the Madison community passed a dramatic school referendum for the city’s high schools. By an overwhelming 80% of the voters, the allocations include $70 million for many long overdue projects including classroom upgrades, technology improvements, accessibility installations, and refurbishment of instructional spaces.
For Memorial, projects throughout the school will enhance the esthetic and functional value to the students. Some funding is provided for the arts facilities.
What is not included is the full scope of the performing arts wing at Madison Memorial - outfitted classrooms for band, orchestra, and choir, a Performing Arts Center (improved auditorium/performance space), renovated black box theater, and a furnished digital design and recording studio.
Learn more about the needs, plans, and designs.