Kayta Aronson’s Harvard Summer Adventure

Mingus Union High School’s Kayta Aronson recently embarked on a transformative journey by attending Harvard University’s Secondary Summer Program in Boston. For four weeks, she immersed herself in advanced studies and gained valuable insights relevant to her ambition of becoming a neurosurgeon.

Growing up in a small town presented limitations in academic opportunities, prompting Aronson to seize this once-in-a-lifetime chance. “Rigorous academic activities have been few and far between,” she explained. The program enabled her to earn four college credit hours in bioethics and bolstered her aspirations.

A dedicated student, Aronson is active in several extracurricular activities, including A Troupe of Ridiculous Thespians, Interact Club, and the Student Council, while also excelling in honors and advanced placement courses. Her commitment to her education is as commendable as her tenacity in pursuing her dreams.

During her time at Harvard, Aronson was inspired by her surroundings, including Joel Babb’s 1996 oil painting “The First Successful Kidney Transplantation” located in the Harvard Medical Library. This artwork commemorates a historic medical breakthrough executed by Dr. Joseph Murray in 1954.

Her journey was made possible through steadfast support from various community organizations. Aronson actively fundraised and received assistance from entities like Low Income Student Aid and the Verde Valley Children’s Fund. “Miss Aronson advocated for herself and created a beautiful presentation to explain her financial need and the importance of this internship,” noted LISA president Kelcy Lyons. “We love seeing young people chasing their dreams.”

Looking ahead, Aronson is determined to continue her pursuit of excellence. She plans to apply for early action admission to Harvard for the fall of 2025, positioning herself advantageously ahead of the standard application timeline.

Her mother, Megan Aronson, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support received from the Mingus faculty, stating, “The staff at Mingus has always made her believe Harvard was a dream she could achieve.” With encouragement from her teachers and mentors, Kayta continues to make strides toward her goals, setting a powerful example for her peers.