Kentridge High School’s Madison Wooley will compete April 9-11 at Benaroya Hall in Seattle as part of Key to Change’s annual Solo String Festival. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District

Kentridge High School’s Madison Wooley will compete April 9-11 at Benaroya Hall in Seattle as part of Key to Change’s annual Solo String Festival. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District

Kent students to compete in string festival at Benaroya Hall in Seattle

Seven musicians from high schools and middle schools in April 9-11 event

Seven student musicians from four Kent schools will compete in Key to Change’s annual Solo String Festival April 9-11 at Benaroya Hall in Seattle.

They will perform along with 34 other students from South King County and compete for prizes, college scholarships and an opportunity to perform live on Classical King FM 98.1, according to the Kent School District.

The seven from Kent include Daisy Saucedo of Kent-Meridian High School; Jason Deng, Ellie Whitby and Madison Wooley of Kentridge High School; Alexandra Ruiz of Meridian Middle School; and Ashley Contrera Avila and Eden Pawlos of Mill Creek Middle School.

People can watch the competition virtually throughout the weekend of April 9-11 by viewing the livestream on the Key to Change website.

“Key to Change has affected my life for the better,” said Wooley, of Kentridge. “I have more opportunities than before. I do struggle with learning disabilities and I feel welcomed and not judged. I am not treated any differently and I am given more opportunities in music than the school system is able to provide.”

Winners of the Solo String Festival will be announced at Key to Change’s Spring Salon Fundraiser, a virtual event at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 11. The 30-minute program will include inspiring stories from South King County students, families and teachers as well as a message from Quinton Morris, executive director and founder of Key to Change. Morris is an associate professor of violin and chamber music at Seattle University.

Key to Change is a Washington state nonprofit organization that inspires underserved youth through world-class music instruction and supports their development as self-aware leaders.




Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Life

Photos by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
Elf Academy cadets in Renton earn their jingle bells | Photos

The annual Elf Academy let’s local kids get their holiday spirit on with fun games, dancing and crafts.

Courtesy of the Grand Kyiv Ballet.
Ukraine’s most prestigious dancers bring ‘The Nutcracker’ to South King County

On Sunday, Dec. 22, the Grand Kyiv Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” will showcase the most prestigious ballet dancers from Ukraine.

The Kent International Festival received a $15,700 grant from 4Culture, one of several Kent groups to get funds. Courtesy Photo, Kent International Festival
Kent cultural groups to receive county grants from 4Culture

Kent International Festival, Kent Downtown Partnership, Greater Kent Historical Society among organizations

t
Kent’s Winterfest kicks off holiday season with tree lighting, parade

‘A fun, fabulous time had by all’ during celebration at Town Square Plaza

t
Donations begin in Kent for annual Toys for Joy program

Firefighters also run Jerry Woods Holiday Engine program to collect toys, money

t
Entertainers wanted for Talent Quest show in Kent on Jan. 30

People of all ages and talents invited to register for event that will feature cash prizes

In early October, the Tahoma National Cemetery donated over 1,000 pounds of food for King County Veterans Program clients. According to the KCVP Facebook page, 34 food bags were made to give away to local veterans. Photo courtesy of King County Veterans Program
Veteran services throughout South King County

When it comes to local services for veterans and their families, the… Continue reading

The Kent Holiday Craft Market will run Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1-2 at the Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent
Catch the Kent Holiday Craft Market Friday, Saturday Nov. 1-2

Features one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gifts from local artists and craftspeople

Photos by Joshua Solorzano/The Mirror
Wild Waves 2024 Crypt Keeper Challenge contestants.
Wild Waves 24-hour coffin challenge produces 5 brave winners

The first meal of the night at the Federal Way amusement park was tarantula-covered pizza.

Team Survivor Northwest hike to Twin Lakes in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Courtesy photo.
Team Survivor Northwest leads hiking adventures for women battling cancer

“It’s so wonderful connecting with all these women,” said breast cancer survivor Jennifer Dovey.

Kent Station’s annual Haunted Boo-Levard is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31 at the shopping center. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Station
Kent Station shopping center plans Halloween celebration Oct. 31

Trick or treating at local shops from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

t
Street of Treats Halloween event in downtown Kent set for Oct. 26

A frightfully fun family outing from 2 to 5 p.m. at 11 participating businesses