Golden Key is happy to introduce Kyle Dortch, one of Golden Key’s 2021 Graduate Scholarship Award winners. Kyle started studying for his Master’s in Music Education at East Carolina University in the fall of 2020 and joined Golden Key in the spring of 2021.

“I wasn’t active in any honors societies in my undergrad years and thought it would be a great opportunity to strengthen my resume,” Kyle says. “Several of my friends wondered why I would join an organization on campus when I was a Distance Education student, but I knew I could still help out even virtually!”

Kyle is highly involved in his Golden Key chapter.

“After being inducted and officer positions came up, I volunteered to be Director of Membership for ECU’s chapter,” Kyle mentions. “I have served in that capacity since and regularly help out with membership drives and communications and programming, even being away from campus. The chapter has made it an acclimating job, and I have helped out with several new members and on the admin team.”

Kyle is not only a graduate student but a full-time teacher and father.

“Outside of graduate school, I am a full-time Elementary Orchestra teacher in Alamance County, NC,” Kyle shares. “I received my undergraduate degree from North Carolina A&T in Music Education in 2010 and have been teaching music ever since. I have two children, a 10-year-old son and a 6-year-old daughter.”

Kyle is dedicated to his professional development and is involved in multiple academic societies.

“At East Carolina, I am also involved with the Omicron Delta Kappa Honors Society, the Graduate and Professional Student Senate, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity,” Kyle remarks. “In my personal life, I am active with Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, of which I am an alumni advisor, Freemasonry in Greensboro Lodge no. 76, the National Association for Music Education, the National Association of Educators, specifically our Alamance Chapter, and am an avid runner and music arranger. I also work as the adjunct percussion instructor at Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia, teaching online.”

Kyle is grateful to be a part of Golden Key.

“Golden Key represents a chance for me to push myself in both an academic and leadership focus,” Kyle says. “This award allows me to finish paying for my master’s degree, and as a working teacher dad of two children, being able to afford a degree is incredibly important.”

Kyle is thankful to Golden Key for this scholarship and encourages others to join Golden Key.

“Knowing that Golden Key has provided me a massive return for my time, effort, and monetary investment, I encourage everyone who has a chance to join this amazing organization to do so and begin investing in their future,” Kyle exclaims.

Thank you for being a part of the Golden Key family, Kyle; we wish you the best of luck finishing your Master’s in Music Education!

Golden Key is happy to introduce Natnael Berhane Debru, one of Golden Key’s 2021 Undergrad Achievement Award winners. Natnael is from Asmara, Eritrea, studying physics at Khalifa University and will be graduating in the Spring of 2023.

“I have always been curious to study the fundamental laws of nature, and I chose a degree in physics as it would satisfy my curiosity while enabling me to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to go into an academic career in physics research,” Natnael says.

Natnael plans to further his studies after obtaining his bachelor’s.

“Once I graduate, I plan to further my studies by pursuing graduate studies in physics and eventually a Ph.D.,” Natnael reveals.

“Being a recipient of this award is incredibly important to me as it is a testament to my efforts in academic excellence and community service; values I know Golden Key is very keen on,” Nanael explains. “As such, this award is a huge encouragement for me and will push me to make the most of my very fortunate position and pursue my aims further. In particular, this award will motivate me to enhance my efforts to pursue a career in scientific research and inspire younger students, who might come from a background that looks upon it unfavorably, to do the same.”

Natnael plans to use his scholarship to further his education.

“As an international student intending to apply to graduate schools across the world, the scholarship will be of great benefit to me, and I plan to use it towards my graduate school application fees and related costs,” Natnael mentions.

Natnael is thankful for all the support he has received throughout his academic journey.

“I would like to thank my family, who have always supported and encouraged me throughout my academic journey, as well as my friends, professors and mentors, without whose support I would not have been able to stand in the position I am in,” Natnael remarks.

Natnael advises new Golden Key members to keep working hard.

“I encourage new Golden Key members to keep doing what they are doing and uphold Golden Key values by pursuing academic excellence in the context of the greater community,” Natnael shares.

Thank you for being a part of the Golden Key family, Natnael; we wish you the best of luck applying to graduate school!