Hats Off to the Graduates: 18 KSC Teens Graduate High School
At Spring Family Day, Teen and Adult Program Director and former KSC athlete herself Jakeema Burton proudly announced that some of our favorite coaches and athletes are graduating high school. Intervention and Prevention Coordinator Brianna Banks, MSW had recently arrived from Peru to join the celebration.
About four teens were given certificates at Family Day including Auriel: one of Jakeema’s former athletes, and an active volunteer for the SAVE and Events initiatives; Yancarlo Corredor: an athlete for the men’s team, and former coach who also received the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Award; Luke Breslin: an incredible coach for the U8 Team, and athlete on the Adult Men’s Team.
It was fitting that Jakeema presented certificates to some of the Family Day attendees that were graduating, because she herself matriculated through KSC programs. As Teen and Adult Program Director she oversees the programs for Teen competitive travel soccer, informal pick up soccer like Friday Night Lights, as well as enrichment programs like KSC Prep. Brianna has a similarly impressive load of community and curricular work as she distributes resources; moderates the Youth Leadership Council; and is also a proud coach for teen girls of all ages.
Beyond their job descriptions, they have helped unify the community and advance our mission with their incredible events. One of their most recent events was the Open MIc Night fundraiser at Izlas restaurant. Collectively they pulled together a set-list of over 10 visual and performing artists to share their craft with the KSC community. There were dancers, singers, and even one of our coaches River, got up to perform one of their spoken word poems. In addition to celebrating the creatives that are in our community, Brianna and Jakeema planned the event as a fundraiser for their teens. (Swipe for photos from the event below).
The funds that were raised at the Izlas event helped us provide scholarships for two bright participants in our KSC Prep programs: Kobra and Naysha Franklin. They were announced as recipients of these awards in the Spring at the end of the year celebration for KSC Prep.
Kobra just joined KSC in the fall through the new KSC prep program. He had less experience with soccer but he was intrigued by the program when a friend invited him. After the warm reception by the teens in the KSC prep program on his first visit he decided to return every week to both KSC Prep and our Friday Night Lights programs. He was nominated for the award for the way he represents the values of KSC, and his dedication to personal development.
Naysha has been playing soccer with KSC since age 6, and her Dad coached for many years. As she matriculated through school she remained committed to improving her skills as an athlete for the U19 and Adult Women’s teams; . Naysha is also a beloved coach for our recreation and travel programs. Naysha will be attending Widener University in the Fall in pursuit of a degree in nursing.
Additional teens who are graduating include:
Auriel Phillips
Graduating: Carver High School College of Engineering and Science
Auriel previously played soccer for KSC and she works for the organization currently. Auriel will be attending Drexel University in the Fall.
Naysha Franklin
Graduating: Community College of PHiladelphia
Naysha has played soccer for and coached at KSC from youth. She will be attending Widener University in the Fall.
Zaid Carter
Graduating: SLA Beeber
Zaid has played competitively for KSC on the U19 Girls Team. She will be attending Howard University in the Fall.
Sanaa Carter
Graduating: SLA Beeber
Sanaa has played competitively for KSC on the U19 Girls Team. She will be attending Howard University in the Fall.
Nialah Crawford
Graduating: [Unsure]
Zaid has played competitively for KSC on the Tri-County Women’s Team and for the Rock League. She will be attending Lincoln University in the Fall.
Naysha Franklin
Graduating: Carver High School College of Engineering and Science
Auriel previously played soccer for KSC and she works for the organization currently. Auriel will be attending Drexel University in the Fall.