Mingus Union High School student Kayta Aronson spent four weeks of her summer fulfilling her dream of attending Harvard University, in Boston.
Aronson was admitted to Harvard’s Secondary Summer Program this year. “Growing up in such a small town, rigorous academic activities have been few and far between,” Aronson said. “With such few options in my area, I decided to apply for the Harvard Secondary School Summer Program, a once in-a-lifetime opportunity that directly relates to my goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.”
Aronson is part of A Troupe of Ridiculous Thespians, the Interact Club and Student Council and is an honors and advanced placement student. While enrolled in the program, she earned four college credit hours in bioethics.
Photo courtesy of Mingus Union High School
“Kayta is an outstanding student whose authenticity and drive are not only admirable, but infectious,” MUHS teacher Susanna Ventura said. “She is relentless in the pursuit of her dreams and gives so much of herself to her many causes, interests and academics willingly and generously. I am proud to know her and can’t wait to see what she does in the world.”
Aronson actively fundraised and sought aid from the clubs she is involved in and around her community, receiving assistance from Low Income Student Aid and the Verde Valley Children’s Fund.
“Low Income Student Aid, Inc. was honored to help Miss Aronson attend the Harvard summer program,” LISA president Kelcy Lyons said. “Miss Aronson advocated for herself and created a beautiful presentation to explain the financial need, and importance of this internship to help her pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. We love seeing young people chasing their dreams and pursuing excellence.”
Being accepted into this competitive program is just the beginning for Aronson, since she has big plans once she graduates from Mingus. She is applying to early action for admittance to Harvard in the fall of 2025, so that she can get a decision well in advance of the regular response date.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it possible for Kayta to attend the Harvard Summer Program,” Kayta’s mother Megan Aronson said. “The staff at Mingus has always made her believe Harvard was a dream she could achieve. From her Student Council advisor and president of LISA Mrs. Lyons to her guidance counselor Mrs. Myers, as well as Ms. Ventura, Mr. [Stephen] Renard, and many other supportive teachers, we’ve been so blessed by the amazing faculty at Mingus that have gone above and beyond for Kayta throughout her time at Mingus.”
