In June, Rock to the Future awarded the second year of Higher Education Fund scholarships. The fund, established in honor of Jaime and Andrew Katz, provided $3,000 in scholarships to three underserved Philadelphia teens from Rock to the Future’s MusiCore Kensington graduating class to attend college or trade school this fall. The awards honor the students’ academic and personal achievements made while taking part in MusiCore Kensington.
For the sixth year in a row 100% of graduating MusiCore Kensington students will attend post-secondary education.
“My goal for the future is to become a music teacher so that I can have the same impact on younger kids’ lives that my teachers have had on mine,” – Rock to the Future’s Youth Leadership Council President and vocalist Alexus Arthur.
Alexus always loved music, but her shyness made performing in public seem impossible. She joined the MusiCore after school program in eighth grade, and she’s been playing the keyboard and singing ever since. Now, Alexus can take the stage with no hesitation. This June, she performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH for the third year in a row.
“I have always believed that music has the power to change someone’s life for the better. However, others believe that students are products of their community, and that where they live determines who they become. I want to be the type of music teacher that uses music to help students realize that they have multiple options when it comes to deciding who they want to be in life and that they have the power to be greater than their community.” – Alexus
This year, $3,000 was awarded to three graduating students. The Highest Achievement Award of $1,300 was presented to Alexus, who worked hard to improve her grades over the past five years with the goal of becoming a first-generation college graduate- Alexus will study music education at York College this fall. The Most Improved Award of $1,200 was given to bassist Lydia Monteiro, who plans to study Computer Science at Community College Philadelphia, with the goal of transferring to Drexel University. Pianist Richard Chase received the Highest Achievement Runner Up award and will receive $500 to study criminal justice at Canisius College. All graduating seniors were also given a MacBook Air, courtesy of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
At Rock to the Future, we know that the lessons that students learn on stage can apply throughout their lives. That’s why our programs are completely free for underserved Philadelphia youth. At Rock to the Future, students learn that being a rockstar requires dedication, practice, and hard work. As a result, Rock to the Future students are prepared to take on any stage.
All photographs by Chris Kendig Photography