On Friday, April 28, the students of Hickory Hill's Expanded Educational Services (EES) Success Academy gathered for a celebration held in their honor. School staff, educators, and friends and family joined together as students participated in the Young Writers Expo, the second of its kind. The event featured books authored by the students themselves, professionally produced and available for purchase in-person or online.

Having students publish their own books is a requirement at the EES Success Academy, one of the "6 Pillars of Success" as developed by the school's founder Dr. Candace Jones. The school requires that students, who range from those in kindergarten through twelfth grade, publish at least one book per year as part of the curriculum.

“EES Success Academy is a solutions-based school helping students succeed in academics and in life,” said Dr. Candace Jones, founder and head of the school. “Our Back to the Basics approach has been beneficial in allowing children with academic or emotional struggles to succeed.”

High Ground contributing photographer Reginald Johnson attended the event and captured some very special moments for the students, families, and educators of EES Success Academy. As he reported back to us, Reginald said that the event featured "some really gifted and talented scholars. A wonderful school nestled in the outskirts of the city. It truly was a magical night. I hope the pictures will help tell the story of an amazing night with some amazing students living right here in our city. "





























Expanded Educational Services (EES) Success Academy is located at 5270 Riverdale Rd. in Memphis.