A Gift That Says, “Keep Going”
Sometimes, the most meaningful gifts are the ones that tell a child, “I believe in you. Keep going.”
This summer, returning Rising Stars student Josie received a gift that represents so much more than a musical instrument. It is a reminder of how far she has come, how hard she has worked, and what can happen when caring adults recognize a child’s potential and encourage her to pursue it.
Josie has faced challenging circumstances in her young life, yet she has continued to show remarkable grit, determination, and perseverance.
In 2024, with encouragement and support from SWAN staff, particularly our mental health counselors, Josie made a brave decision. After being accepted to Milton Hershey School, she chose to attend the prestigious boarding school and take an important step toward a new future.
Music continued to be an important part of her journey.
Josie’s love for the clarinet was inspired in part by an older sister who had once played the instrument. While at Milton Hershey, that interest continued to grow. With the guidance of her music teacher, Josie began learning the bass clarinet.
When she returned to SWAN for summer camp this year, she was eager to continue developing her musical abilities. She began camp with a clarinet and faithfully approached each lesson with discipline and determination. But Josie had a goal: she wanted to continue playing the bass clarinet.
Her SWAN camp music teacher, Keith Kehr, who also teaches music in the School District of Lancaster, heard her desire and located a bass clarinet that Josie could borrow during camp.
She was thrilled.
With the instrument in her hands, Josie continued to practice, learn, and excel.
Then, word of Josie’s story reached Menchey Music. When they learned about her desire to continue playing this specialized instrument and her commitment to developing her talent, they decided to do something extraordinary.
They gifted Josie a beautiful bass clarinet of her very own.
Josie was deeply touched by their generosity. She said she would treasure the instrument and remain faithful in continuing to develop her talent.
For Josie, this bass clarinet is more than something to play. It is an opportunity to keep growing, practicing, and discovering where her musical gifts might take her.
It is also a tangible reminder that people see her, believe in her, and are willing to invest in her future.
This is what Rising Stars is about.
At SWAN, we believe music has the power to do more than entertain. Each lesson builds confidence. Each performance gives children a voice. Each relationship reminds them they are seen, valued, and not alone.
Rising Stars helps children affected by difficult circumstances discover that their past does not have to determine their future. With encouragement, opportunity, and caring adults walking alongside them, they can learn to persevere, discover their gifts, and dream about what is possible.
Josie’s story is a beautiful example.
We are incredibly proud of her and grateful to Menchey Music for seeing her potential and making this extraordinary gift possible.
And we are grateful to everyone who supports Rising Stars and helps create a place where students like Josie can grow, persevere, and dream.
Because sometimes, helping a child move forward starts with something as simple as saying:
“Keep going. We believe in you.”