Whitehaven High celebrates record scholarships, ACT scores despite challenges

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — While conversations surrounding Memphis schools often focus on challenges and low test scores, leaders at Whitehaven High School say another story is unfolding inside their building.

Whitehaven High School’s Class of 2026 earned more than $300 million in scholarships this year. School leaders also say 57 students earned ACT scores of 30 or higher, while more than 100 students individually earned more than $1 million each in scholarship offers.

Principal Dr. Vincent Hunter said the accomplishments are the result of years of intentional work centered around what he calls the school’s “three Cs.”

“When people ask me, ‘Well, what’s the secret sauce of Whitehaven?’ I say we always talk about it being the three Cs,†Hunter said.

Those three Cs are culture, commitment and curriculum.

Hunter said Whitehaven shifted to a 10-period schedule this year, dedicating part of the school day specifically to ACT and SAT preparation. But he said the school’s mission goes beyond academics alone.

“We believe Whitehaven is a place where family values meet academic rigor,†Hunter said.

The success is happening in a community where many students face significant challenges outside the classroom, including financial struggles, emotional trauma and violence in their neighborhoods.

Still, Hunter said educators continue encouraging students to think beyond their circumstances and compete on a global level.

“We’re just not competing with children in East Memphis or the municipalities or East Tennessee, but we are competing with children that live in the Sudan, from China, India, Japan, Russia,†Hunter said.

Despite the academic achievements, Hunter said one concern continues to weigh heavily on him: many students do not see Memphis as part of their long-term future.

“So many of them said that I’m not coming back, and that really hurts me,” Hunter said.

Hunter said many of Whitehaven’s highest-achieving students believe opportunities exist outside Memphis after graduation. While the school is proud of preparing students for success, he said retaining talent in the city remains a growing concern.

“We’re losing our best talent to make other cities and other states better,” Hunter said.

Moving forward, Whitehaven plans to continue expanding opportunities for students through STEM education, coding, internships, career-focused pathways, music production and additional workforce development programs.

Hunter said the goal is to keep students engaged, prepared and hopeful about their future both inside and outside the classroom.