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This month, I’m excited to share the voices of two high school students—one from Newark and the other from New York. At Keys, we strive to connect students from different walks of life, whether as participants or volunteers. We believe in learning from each other’s stories and carrying those perspectives and experiences into college and beyond. It’s about more than just learning—it’s about shaping who they’ll become as compassionate, productive citizens. Thank you for being on this journey with us as we nurture the next generation to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Jee-Hoon Krska, Executive Director
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Summer of Key Events
by Shayo Ogunderu
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This summer, I and the other Urban Fellows have been diving deep into college prep with the help of the staff of Keys 2 Success, in particular, Madeline Carnesi, our friend whom we met last year when she was volunteering with Keys. Maddie, as we all call her, is a Sophomore at Emory University. Ever since last fall, she has been continuously helping us with college research and SAT prep. Maddie’s structured study plans, using tools like Khan Academy and Bluebook practice tests, have been a lifesaver. She also set up a game plan for researching scholarships, which has been incredibly helpful as we navigate our way to college.
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In June, we took a day trip to Princeton University with Keys' managing director, April Montgomery. It gave us a real look at college life. Many of us were especially impressed by the university’s efforts to make education accessible, like their student grants and financial aid packages. Seeing how these resources support a diverse group of students was inspiring. Exploring the historic campus in the middle of the city also felt motivating. This trip not only helped us understand college life better but also made us think more about our own future education and career goals.
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In July, some of the Urban Fellows were able to attend pre-college programs with full scholarships. I spent two weeks at Syracuse University, where I had the chance to explore social problems through a sociology lens. We focused on the impacts of our capitalist world. Researching issues from the 1900s and learning about environmentalism and concepts of freedom made me think deeply about how I can contribute to positive change in our community as I pursue a degree in Business Administration.
At the same time, my sister, Yemisi, and our friend, Tairat Komolafe, headed to the Stevens Institute of Technology for a pre-college program focused on surgical engineering. Yemisi is eager to become a surgeon and was excited to learn about the latest surgical technologies. Tairat aims to be a doctor and was excited to explore how engineering can enhance medical practices. Both were thrilled about gaining hands-on experience and connecting with professionals in the field.
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Yemisi Ogunderu presenting at the Stevens Institute of Technology
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Finally, in August, we took a day trip to Intel, the place where our executive director, Ms. Krska, worked before starting Keys 2 Success. Mr. David Bell, a long-time friend of Keys, organized the whole day to give us a very unique view of life in the corporate world. We got a behind-the-scenes look at how different aspects of technology work together. We visited a few labs and saw how computer chips were designed and tested. It became clear that engineering is much more complex than we realized. It's a fascinating field full of opportunities. Most importantly, we met with several managers and engineers who shared many life lessons with us. Their insights were incredibly helpful. We enjoyed hearing about their journeys from high school to their current roles. It was very eye-opening to learn about the many different paths each person took to get to their jobs at Intel.
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Meeting Jedidiah Agbenu, Intel SOC Designer and recent Howard University graduate
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Throughout the summer, I continued working on my writing capability. Ms. Yoon, a writing coach and founder of Club Bulldog Learning Center, has been giving me free writing lessons weekly on Zoom. I am grateful for her help in preparing me for my college applications.
Of course, I also continued to take piano lessons with Keys throughout the summer. Every Tuesday and Thursday, my sisters and I walked over to the Garden of Life, a beautiful sanctuary filled with flowers and vegetables, where we focused on improving our musical skills, practicing scales, learning music theory, and new pieces of music. It was a refreshing change from the usual routine and allowed me to grow in new ways.
As we head into the new school year, I’m carrying forward all the knowledge and inspiration from these experiences. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
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Shayo Ogunderu is a Senior at North Star Academy, a chartered school in Newark, and an Urban Fellow with Keys 2 Success, where he helps teach younger students at our West and South Ward sites. He also helps behind the scenes with digital media, events planning, database management, and other aspects of fundraising.
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My Summer At Keys
by Matthias Gross
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Success on stage: The kids shine at Hyatt Court
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This summer, I went to Hyatt Court public housing community on the far-eastern corner of Newark. I was volunteering with a group of young students who have been learning how to play and sing “We Don’t Talk about Bruno” from the Disney movie Encanto. Everyone was enthusiastic about exploring the piano. During the last week, we also introduced drumming and hand motions. This added a whole new layer of energy and fun to our group performances. While singing and playing the piano simultaneously is challenging, I was so impressed by the determination of our students and they played with gusto!
While the camp’s purpose was to provide an opportunity for the kids to explore the piano, it was also rewarding for me as a volunteer. I loved seeing young students experiment with the instrument and find enjoyment in it. It reminded me of how I used to experiment with the cello and piano when I was younger. I was also impressed that the teachers at Keys made great efforts to include all the kids in rehearsals, regardless of their piano skills, which has fostered a sense of community and collaboration.
On a personal note, my decision to join the camp stemmed from a combination of family encouragement and a desire to stay active over the summer. While my daily commutes from Manhattan to New Jersey has been unpredictable at times, having Ms. Shaughnessy and Ms. Krska pick me up from the train station, made it possible for me to participate in the camp consistently. I’m really glad my mom nagged me to do this. I’m looking forward to coming back again!
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Matthias Gross is a senior at Stuyvesant High School. He started playing the piano as a child and continues to play the cello regularly. His musical achievements have opened up many doors, including opportunities to perform at Carnegie Hall. He was in the first cohort of students to participate in our annual Practice-A-Thon, helping to raise awareness and funds for Keys 2 Success.
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Keys Development Director, Shaughnessy Price, receives keyboard from Newark Firefighters
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Newark Firefighters To The Rescue
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One day, during our usual practice at Pennington Court, Eddie Boa from the Newark Fire Department walked into our classroom. The students were thrilled to see him, and a few eager faces immediately lit up with excitement. They performed their best for Eddie, who had come to deliver toys as part of a special "Christmas in July" event.
Impressed by the students' enthusiasm and dedication, Eddie decided to spread the word about what we were doing. He quickly recorded a short selfie-video about Keys and shared it on his Instagram page. His post captured the lively spirit of our classroom and introduced our work to his many followers.
The impact of Eddie’s post was swift and heartwarming. Just a few days later, we received a phone call from a generous donor who had seen the video. Inspired by Eddie’s share, the donor decided to contribute a new keyboard to our program. This unexpected gift was a wonderful boost for our students, enhancing their musical experience and bringing even more joy to our activities.
If you are in the greater Newark area, and have a keyboard waiting for a new home, please reach out to us at communications@keysnewark.com
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Ready to make a difference? Join our Annual Practice-A-Thon fundraiser and unleash your creativity! From October 14-26, support music education through your passion—whether it’s art, dance, theater, or music.
Every minute of practice counts, helping us bring the arts to more students. Plus, students can earn 20 volunteer hours, an International Service Award, and exclusive prizes.
Sign up today, start creating, and let’s make some magic happen—together!
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