Honoring a legacy. Fueling a future.
September 1, 2025 – What would have been Dr. Walters’ 91st birthday
#PullUpToThePike
The Craigmont High School Alumni community proudly launches our inaugural Day of Giving in honor of Dr. Ada Jane Walters, a trailblazer in education and a transformational leader in the history of Craigmont High School.
On September 1, 2025, we unite to celebrate her legacy by giving back to the school she helped shape and to the students who carry her spirit forward. This day is especially meaningful as it coincides with Memphis' official giving day — 9.01 — and what would have been Dr. Walters’ 91st birthday.
Dr. Walters’ legacy at Craigmont is legendary. As principal of Craigmont Junior and Senior High Schools, she:
Became the second woman principal of a high school in the Memphis City Schools
Launched Memphis' first International Studies Optional Program
Led Craigmont to be named a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School
Became the first woman to serve as Tennessee's Commissioner of Education
Her leadership extended beyond titles. She believed in every student’s potential and held the line on excellence — even while expanding access, opportunity, and vision. She is, and always will be, a pillar of Craigmont’s greatness.
Your support honors her legacy by investing in:
Global learning opportunities through the International Studies Program
Student enrichment, leadership development, athletics upgrades, school enhancements, and college access
The next generation of Craigmont Chiefs is determined to lead with purpose
Let’s show what it means to be Craigmont Strong — together.
Give what speaks to your heart — or your history.
Amount |
Meaning |
$19.74 |
In honor of the year Dr. Walters became Craigmont Junior High principal (1974) |
$33.33 |
A nod to 3333 Covington Pike — where Craigmont memories were made |
$91.00 |
In honor of what would’ve been Dr. Walters’ 91st birthday |
$100 + Your Graduation Year |
(e.g., $100.93 for Class of ‘93) – Show your alumni pride and give in your year’s honor |
$333.30 |
Go big for 3333 – the Craigmont campus that built us |
Other |
Give any amount — every dollar counts and every Chief matters |
To make your tax-deductible gift by check, please mail to:
SchoolSeed Foundation
C/O Craigmont Strong: Dr. Ada Jane Walters Day of Giving
PO Box 111169
Memphis, TN 38111
* Make your gift today
* Post a photo or memory using #CraigmontStrong and #PullUpToThePike
* Challenge your classmates to match your gift
* Become a Giving Day Ambassador — help us rally our alumni nationwide!
She believed in discipline with dignity, in teaching with purpose, and in leading with love. Let’s honor her legacy in the most fitting way: by investing in the future of Craigmont.
Make your gift. Share your story. Pull up to the Pike.