Black History Month Highlight: Keith Calloway

Black+History+Month+Highlight%3A+Keith+Calloway

David Bradford, Writer

In honor of February being Black History month, I decided to highlight a close friend of mine and a local leader: Keith Calloway. Among many other titles, Keith holds the position of being one of the most accomplished people that I know. He is a multi-talented person with a high-achieving and open mindset, ready to tackle any challenge that might come his way. His determination and willpower inspires everyone that he comes in contact with.

He is a classical cellist in the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Whitney Young Orchestra, part of a Steel Drum Ensemble, the 2018 runner-up for Chicago Park District Junior Citizen of the year, former lacrosse player, former NJHS president, NHS member, founding member and membership chair of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, a Yearbook Photographer and Editor, a University of Chicago Medicine medical researcher, and a math instructor at Mathnasium–just to name a few.

The two most important activities to Keith are his involvement in steel band and the medical research project. Speaking on the impact of these activities, Keith says “I’ve been playing the steel drums since 8th grade, and I really enjoy being a part a steel ensemble. Playing the steel drums has helped me become a better musician because my pan (the double seconds) is responsible for playing strum patterns, placing an emphasis on rhythmic accuracy.” Additionally, he stated “The medical research project allowed me to see firsthand what it is like to work in a hospital, and is one of the experiences that has fueled my desire to pursue a career in medicine.” Katie Li, ‘19, says, “I have yoga with him and I really enjoy his company. He is a really great person and I’m glad that I had the rare opportunity to become his classmate.” Natalia Perez, ‘19, claims, “He’s a ray of sunshine and is always enthusiastic about everything that he is involved in.”

Thank you, Keith, for being a role model for me and the entire Whitney Young community.