Written By JR Robinson

At JustMyMemphis.com, we believe the future of our community lies in the hands—and the voices—of our young people. Through our newly launched NextGEN and JustMyKIDS content channels, we are pulling up a chair for the next generation of storytellers, leaders, and visionaries across Shelby County.

To kick off this new chapter, we sat down with one of our newest young hosts: Gabe Ratton, a rising high school freshman with a sharp sports mind, a passion for local athletics, and a growing perspective on what makes our city thrive. (Fun fact: Gabe is also the son of Katie Ratton, who is currently running for Judge right here in Shelby County!)

Here is a look inside our conversation with Gabe, what he brings to the team, and why empowering young voices is the key to moving Memphis forward.

A Natural Strategist with an Eye for the Game

When you talk to Gabe, it doesn't take long to realize he views sports through a different lens than most kids his age. While many high schoolers just enjoy playing—Gabe plays basketball, golf, and lacrosse—he finds himself analyzing the structure of the game itself.

"I know sports pretty well," Gabe shared during his sit-down interview. "I feel like I know the game pretty well."

When asked about potential dream paths, Gabe pointed toward coaching or sports journalism. Whether dissecting playbooks in 2K, following college football, or diving deep into sports history—like researching the legacy of the ABA (American Basketball Association) for a school paper—Gabe is fascinated by how strategy and team dynamics come together.

In many ways, that strategic mindset is exactly what leadership requires. As we discussed during our chat, the best business leaders, educators, and community mentors operate a lot like sports coaches: they help people discover the greatness that is already inside them and give them a playbook to succeed.

Bringing Fresh Energy to High School Sports Coverage

As Gabe steps into his role with NextGEN, his primary focus will be shedding light on high school athletics across the region. Memphis has always been a hotbed for athletic talent, but many programs, athletes, and local achievements don't always get the spotlight they deserve.

"I feel like there are just so many other great sports programs out there that need coverage," Gabe explained.

Through JustMyMemphis, Gabe will be on the ground—gathering insights, capturing moments, and writing stories that highlight not just his own school, but athletic programs across the area. By giving young journalists like Gabe the tools, video support, and platform to report on their peers, NextGEN aims to deliver authentic, student-led coverage that resonates with the youth of Shelby County.

Seeing the Big Picture: Community, Curiosity, and Growth

Beyond the court and the gridiron, Gabe brings a grounded perspective on community involvement. Entering his freshman year, one of his personal goals is simple yet impactful: improve his grades, have a strong sports season, and find ways to help people more.

When asked why helping the community matters to him, Gabe didn't sugarcoat his response:

"Because if people don't help, then it'll never improve, really. This is a great city, but it's got a lot of weak spots."

It's that exact honesty that makes youth perspectives so vital. Young people see their city as it is—both its incredible potential and its areas for growth. Whether he's volunteering through his church as an acolyte, working as a basketball counselor, or exploring non-fiction writing about real-world topics, Gabe represents a generation that wants to see real, tangible progress in Shelby County.

Help Us Build the NextGEN Playbook!

Gabe Ratton is just the beginning. The goal of NextGEN and JustMyKIDS is to create a community-wide ecosystem where young people can learn, contribute, and shine. But to do that, we need your help.

We are calling on the Shelby County community—parents, coaches, business owners, non-profit leaders, and local mentors—to help us connect the dots.

• Do you know a local youth program making a real difference?

• Is your business creating opportunities or internships for high schoolers?

• Do you know an inspiring young local who deserves to have their story told?

We want to introduce our NextGEN team to the businesses, non-profits, and leaders who are working every day to help Shelby County's youth thrive.

Get Involved: Know a program, business, or local leader doing great things for our youth? Reach out to us at JustMyMemphis.com, 901.491.3356, jr@justmycities.com, to introduce yourself! Let's work together to give our NextGEN generation the platform they deserve.