Congratulations to the Class of 2022!

Please join us in wishing our high school graduating Youth Advocacy Council (YAC) members and Project 440 alumni a huge CONGRATULATIONS! Additionally, we are pleased to announce that Sebastian Gonzales is the 2022 recipient of a full-tuition scholarship from the Manhattan School of Music reserved annually for one Project 440 alumna/us. We are incredibly proud of our students, of all that they have accomplished, and can’t wait to follow what amazing things they will continue to do in their new communities. Continue reading to see what our students’ post-high school plans are!

Sebastian Gonzales is the second Project 440 alumnus to receive a full-tuition scholarship to Manhattan School of Music (MSM) where he will be studying oboe with Sherry Sylar, Associate Principal Oboe with the New York Philharmonic, this coming fall. Sebastian is a graduate of Central High School and has participated in Doing Good. Sebastian says of his experience with Project 440, “Participating in Doing Good taught me how to lead and work with others, which not only helped in school, but also in the realm of music. The skills I learned in Doing Good aided my sense of ensemble and leadership skills within orchestras and chamber groups. I also learned communication skills that helped me to start building a reputation as a reliable musician, which allowed me to start getting gigs this year. I would recommend Project 440 to every eligible student!”

Maria Karakousis is a pianist and harpist and one of three YAC students who graduated this month. Maria also served as YAC’s Youth Board Representative to Project 440’s Board of Directors this past year. A graduate of J.R. Masterman High School, she will be attending Princeton University in the fall where she intends to major in Molecular Biology. “My favorite P440 memories have centered around collaborating with YAC to bring the “Music in Color” program to aspiring musicians in Philadelphia and beyond.”

Ronnell Williams is a cellist and a graduate of the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts who served on YAC. Ronnell will be attending West Chester University where he hopes to major in Psychology. 

Ryan Williams is a violinist who served on YAC and also graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts. Ryan will be attending West Chester University along with his twin brother Ronnell where he hopes to pursue his interest in Early Education.

Chanah Nielsen is a harpist who is a graduate of the Philadelphia High School for Girls. Chanah will be attending the Community College of Philadelphia with a focus on political science and international relations where she hopes to pursue her interest in relief work and foreign relations. “I will keep music involved in my life because it has helped me so much! I also want to continue my studies in Mandarin because I love the language and hope to incorporate it into my career.” 

We also wish Vicki Lin, Doing Good alumna, congratulations on her graduation from Horace Howard Furness High School.

To all of our Project 440’s 2022 graduates, thank you for being a part of the Project 440 family. We are so grateful for all that you have contributed to the Philadelphia community and hope that you will use the tools you have learned in our programs to find success in whatever you choose to pursue!