The SPARK

The theme of The SPARK January 2026 is “Love and Breakthrough”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Kristin Fox-Trautman, Executive Director of Samaritan Counseling Centers of the Mid-South, an organization offering hope and healing through affordable, accessible, high-quality counseling and educational resources; John Borden, CEO of Tennis Memphis, a nonprofit with multiple centers that’s building community and enhancing lives through the sport of tennis; and Tony Bernil, Manager of Operations and Development for the Medical and Education Research Institute (MERI-Genesis), a nonprofit teaching and training bioskills facility supporting essential medical training for the greater good. Plus, a profile of the 2025 SPARK Award winner Dr. Colby Taylor.

The theme of The SPARK December 2025 is “The Healing Power of Compassion, Connection and Nature”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Tarsha Cannon, Account Management Senior Manager for Operation Warm, a nonprofit delivering coats, socks and shoes, and essential items that wrap children in dignity; Melissa Todd, Executive Director of The Front Porch, a space where everyone feels welcomed and community can gather for good; and Erik Houston, Executive Director of the Wolf River Conservancy, an organization protecting and enhancing the Wolf River and its watershed as a sustainable natural resource. Plus, a profile of the 2024 SPARK Award winner Overton Park Conservancy.

The twelfth annual televised awards show celebrates the efforts of individuals, nonprofits, corporations, and schools, in 13 different categories, who are igniting change and making a positive impact in the Greater Memphis community. The show is hosted by Pat Mitchell Worley (President and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation and Host of Beale Street Caravan) and Rob Grayson (of WKNO-FM). The SPARK Awards is produced in partnership by WKNO-TV and cityCURRENT.

The theme of The SPARK November 2025 is “Unlocking Potential”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Graham Thomas, Chief Community and Government Affairs Officer of tnAchieves, an organization enhancing post-secondary opportunities and building Tennessee’s future workforce, one student at a time; John Shearer, Executive Director of Academy 4, a nonprofit focused on providing mentors and structured programming to support 4th graders in economically disadvantaged schools; and Dan Williams, Founder, President and CEO of The Playbook for Success Foundation, a nonprofit with a playbook using targeted literacy and health and wellness programs to prepare youth for success. Plus, a profile of the 2024 SPARK Award winner Woodyard Realty Corp.

The theme of The SPARK October 2025 is “Lights, Camera, Hope”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Cindi Younker, Director of Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary’s, a performing and fine arts center serving as a community resource for education and imaginative experiences; Noah Glenn, Founder of Like You Film Club, a nonprofit equipping kids to better understand themselves and the world around them through the power of film and creative media; David Jordan, President & CEO of Agape Child & Family Services, a nonprofit using a two-generation model, the Science of Hope, and faith-based support to help families. Plus, a profile of the 2024 SPARK Award winner Eliza Flores.

The theme of The SPARK August 2025 is “Building from the Inside Out”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Quincey Morris, Executive Director of Klondike Smokey City CDC, a community development corporation focused on improving the economic health of two historic North Memphis communities; Maggie Schaumleffel, Director of Ministries for Barth House Episcopal Center, a center nurturing values and reflection to help young adults explore their identity and faith; and Ed Doyle, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region, a nonprofit transforming the lives and outcomes of youth in Covington, Tennessee. Plus, a profile of the 2024 SPARK Award winner Mr. Handyman of Memphis.

The theme of The SPARK July 2025 is “Stories Filled with Hope”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews George Nixon, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of West Tennessee, a nonprofit providing help and hope to neighbors in need; Johnecia Howard, Executive Director of Freedom Preparatory Academy; a tuition-free charter school network preparing students in grades Pre-K through 12 to excel in college and life; and Beth Wilson, Founder and CEO of Wilson Public Relations, a woman-owned, award-winning integrated communications firm helping nonprofits share their stories and increase their impact. Plus, a profile of the 2024 SPARK Award winner Anthony Miles.

The theme of The SPARK June 2025 is “United We Thrive”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Karin Conlee, Co-Founder and CEO of Unite Memphis, a nonprofit hosting a large, annual event aimed at bringing the city together; Katherine Parker, Founder of Boundless Kids, a nonprofit providing one-on-one coaching and a journey of self-improvement and growth for youth; and Devin Schniepp, Executive Director of Multinational Memphis, an organization helping children reach their academic goals and empowering women through the English language to build friendships and community. Plus, a profile of the 2024 SPARK Award winner Music Box.

The theme of The SPARK May 2025 is “Healing and Transformation”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Lia Roemer-Oakley, Animal Services Manager and Animal Control Officer for Germantown Animal Shelter, an animal shelter committed to providing healing and socialization to animals with a focus on fostering and adoption; Carrie Yoder, Executive Director of Project Transformation Tennessee, a nonprofit transforming lives through summer camps that engage youth, college students and churches; and John Lewis, CEO of Semmes Murphey Clinic, a brain and spinal care practice that’s a global leader in neurosurgery and neurology focused on healing and improving lives. Plus, a profile of the 2024 SPARK Award winner Dr. Susan Elswick.