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This past month, I lost my aunt, a schoolteacher in Malaysia who lived a life of quiet generosity. Though her actions were simple, their impact rippled outward, touching many lives in ways she might never have imagined. In this newsletter, I share the stories of others like her—individuals whose small, thoughtful acts have shaped Keys 2 Success in profound ways. The growth we see, the changes in our community, all start with a single ripple. They start with you. Even the simplest act can spark waves of change. Thank you for being that spark.
Jee-Hoon Krska, Executive Director
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But Millie’s impact didn’t end there. Recognizing the potential of Keys 2 Success, she connected me with the Junior League of Summit (JLS) - a women's organization dedicated to volunteerism. This introduction opened the door to a partnership that would grow and flourish over the years.
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Building on this momentum, Ericka hosted a benefit concert at her home in November 2019, raising $38,000 and linking us with dedicated donors who continue to support our mission.
JLS members have also been integral to our daily operations and long-term success. April Montgomery, who began volunteering at our Rock Church location in 2019, quickly became a regular and, in 2021, our first monthly donor. By 2023, she had joined our staff as Managing Director, helping to build our infrastructure as Keys 2 Success transitioned from a single-founder initiative to a well-established organization.
In February 2022, I met Renee Frank while volunteering at a JLS event. Our discussion about Keys 2 Success led her to join us as a volunteer. By June 2022, Renee was on our Board as treasurer. Under her leadership, we’ve doubled our revenue, expanded our support base, and strengthened our presence in the Summit Area.
In 2024, JLS Executive VP Cristina Curiale recommended us for a $25,000 grant from her employer Raymond James to fund the Piano Bus Trailer. This mobile classroom initiative will enhance our program capacity to reach students in the neighborhoods where they live.
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Reciprocal Benefits
In June 2022, I joined the JLS Board as the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). This role has enabled me to integrate DEIB priorities into the League’s projects, ensuring they address the diverse needs of the communities we serve. My leadership at JLS is deeply influenced by my experience with Keys 2 Success, and I am proud to contribute to an organization dedicated to positive impact.
The partnership between Keys 2 Success and the Junior League of Summit highlights the remarkable achievements that individuals can realize through collective effort. From Millie’s initial piano donation to the steadfast support from members and their extended network of friends, each person's generosity has not only advanced Keys 2 Success but also enriched the Summit community and beyond.
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The Power of One Introduction
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Our first students from Pennington Court, Essence and Amor (right most), join my daughter, Grace (middle), and the children of some of my friends in a year-end recital
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In 2016, Yakira ("Kira") Williams, a long-time Newarker whom I had met through the mid-week church program our children attended, introduced me to the Principal of South Street School. This elementary school was located just down the street from Pennington Court public housing, where Kira lived.
This simple act launched Keys 2 Success as a music education program in the City of Newark.
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As easy as that sounds, it was a surprising launch. You see, Newark public schools at that time was under state control, and all of the music organizations have been kept out of public schools for almost a decade. Kira helped to open up that "secret doorway", and Keys 2 Success got off to a strong start.
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Fortunately, another door opened up in 2019. Jeaniny Scott, mother of one of the students who had been transferred to another school, was managing a newly renovated community space in Pennington Court, called the Pennington Court Center of Hope.
She invited us to start piano classes there - and that simple act reconnected us with many students we had previously lost touch with.
But then, in 2020, the pandemic shut everything down.
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Pennington Court residents hosting a backpack giveaway, serving food and drink to children
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Parents had to quickly adapt to Zoom, and we distributed keyboards to homes. Despite the chaos and challenges, students held onto piano lessons as tightly as we held onto them.
By 2021, I could feel the energy shifting. The Center of Hope reopened under the leadership of Duefane Parker. Mr. Parker has a natural gift for inspiring kids. Daily piano lessons resumed, and the children flourished. Our work began to shine beyond our immediate circle, earning accolades from the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey and bringing guest artists from the New Jersey Symphony into our community. This transformation turned Pennington Court into an unexpected arts hub.
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Mr. Parker engaging students in games during a study break, outside in the courtyard
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Fast forward to 2024, and Pennington Court's story has expanded. We’ve reached out to Hyatt Court, another nearby public housing community, thanks to the support from individuals in the community. Our summer-end concerts, showcasing talented children from both communities, were nothing short of magical.
The defining moment came when Pennington Court was asked to host the Newark Arts Festival later this month, with our students headlining the event. It’s a powerful reminder that with dedication and community spirit, we can turn aspirations into a future full of possibilities.
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My dearest Aunty Cheng Woon passed away on Sunday, Sept 15, 2024, in Malaysia.
When I was growing up in Malaysia, my family lived in a shiny new bungalow that overlooked the town of Seremban. From the outside, my childhood seemed idyllic, complete with servants, but it was just a facade. The house wasn’t ours—it belonged to my Aunty Cheng Woon, who let us stay there rent-free.
When we moved to America in 1979, life became much harder than we had expected. My mother passed away a few years after we arrived, and my father was injured in a fall. Once again, it was Aunty Cheng Woon who quietly stepped in. She paid for our home, allowing us to rent out rooms for extra money. But she never made us feel like we owed her anything. Thanks to her, we always had a roof over our heads, food to eat, and clothes to wear to school.
It was because of her that my sister and I achieved the American Dream. But it wasn’t just about the money. It was her unwavering belief in us, her love that never diminished, even from across the ocean.
When I saw her the day before she passed, her last question was simple, but it revealed so much about her heart: 'Have the children finished schooling?' I’m not sure why I said yes, since they’re still in school. But when I did, she smiled and said, 'Now we can rest easy.' It felt like her life’s mission had been to make sure we had everything we needed to succeed.
In her final years, our visits became more precious. She would tell the same stories over and over, her voice growing softer each time, but I always understood. Her words had been spoken so often that they were etched in my heart. As a teacher, many of her stories revolved around her students.
Some of her favorites were about the students who visited her year after year, quietly bringing birthday gifts and, once, even a Christmas tree. She often spoke about the “naughty boys” she taught—boys who, with a little patience, revealed their talents and sometimes even did better than the girls in their exams. And while she rarely boasted, she couldn’t hide her pride in her choir’s achievements. Between 1978 and 1993, they earned first place 17 times, second place 9 times, and third place twice at district and state competitions.
That last night with her is something I’ll always remember. She was weak but so happy, eating her favorite food, durian, and savoring each bite. I had planned to bring her breakfast the next morning, but she passed away before I could. When I arrived, I found her under the blankets, looking as though she was simply asleep. I had gotten into the habit of quietly checking on her while she slept, making sure she was still breathing. This time, though, she wasn’t. Yet I was at peace because I had prayed for this moment—for the chance to be with her at the end.
The funeral was quiet, filled with shared memories. In my eulogy, I kept returning to this: she taught me how to love, trust in God, and give without expecting anything in return. I will deeply miss her kind and gentle soul. This is my story, and I hope to carry on her legacy—choosing love, giving freely, and recognizing the greatness in everyone—just as she did.
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The fall semester got off to a strong start. Our students continue to work on mastering their scales and learning about The Blues. This year, we're also introducing drumming and poetry and integrating these art forms into the piano ensemble performances. We can't wait to show you the progress in the upcoming months. Stay tuned for more videos and photos on our Instagram and Facebook accounts. If you're not following us yet, just click on the icons at the bottom of this newsletter, and follow along our journey!
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Get ready for an exciting afternoon at the Keys 2 Unity Concert!
On Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 2:30 PM, join us at the New Providence United Methodist Church for a fun celebration of music and community. We’re thrilled to feature a wind quintet from the New Jersey Symphony performing alongside our amazing Keys 2 Success students! You’ll enjoy a mix of classical piano, African drumming, soulful singing, and more—music that brings everyone together!
We’re also excited to present the first-ever Ethan Crasto Fellowship to one of our dedicated high school students, honoring their love for music and giving back.
This event kicks off our year-end campaign to raise $280,000 by the end of December, and we need your help! Whether you can join us or donate from home, every bit counts.
Don’t miss this special event where music brings us closer and inspires the next generation!
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