To all attendees & supporters
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who joined us in person and to those who supported us from afar. Your dedication and generosity directly impact our scholars, and we were thrilled to share such a meaningful evening with you.
A huge congratulations and a heartfelt thank you to our Honoree and Presenting Sponsor, KeyBank. Their long-standing commitment to Breakthrough Public Schools has been nothing short of life-changing, including:
- $1.2M+ in financial contributions.
- Countless hours of volunteer time and professional talent.
At Breakthrough Public Schools, the saying “it takes a village” is our daily reality. We are deeply grateful for the community of supporters, volunteers, and partners who work alongside us to make our mission and vision possible.
Thank you for being part of our village!
Evening Highlights
So Many Breakthroughs!
We are incredibly proud to celebrate two of our standout 8th graders, Nevaeh and Martelis. Both scholars credit their success to the dedicated educators at our Breakthrough Willard Campus, proving that our teachers truly make the difference!
Nevaeh’s hard work and academic excellence have earned her a full scholarship to St. Joseph’s Academy. She is quick to recognize the mentors who pushed her to reach her full potential and supported her journey to this prestigious opportunity. As she heads to the only all-girls Catholic high school in Cleveland, she carries with her a strong foundation in leadership and service that blossomed right here at Willard and will carry her forward to chase her dream of becoming a lawyer and a politician.
Martelis will be continuing his journey of excellence this fall at Benedictine High School. His path to this milestone hasn't always been easy; Martelis initially struggled with reading comprehension, but through his own perseverance and the steady encouragement of his teachers, he has achieved incredible academic growth. A true Renaissance man, Martelis balances his classroom success with a wide range of passions—he is a dedicated football player, a skilled cellist, and has even tested his strength on the wrestling mat. We are so proud of the resilience he has shown and can’t wait to see him bring his diverse talents to his new high school community.
We are so proud of Nevaeh and Martelis. They represent the heart of Breakthrough Public Schools, and we look forward to seeing the incredible impact they will make in high school and beyond!
After a nostalgic screening of his 4th-grade YouTube video (see below!), Teon took the stage to share a story of grit, gratitude, and growth.
Teon’s journey began with a pivotal choice by his mother to enroll him in Breakthrough Public Schools. While he didn't see the benefits then, that foundation led to a full scholarship to St. Edward High School, where Teon made history as the first African American to be named "Man of the Year."
His momentum only accelerated from there. At Boston College, he beat out 50 other players to earn a coveted spot on the Eagles' football team, bringing with him the prestige of being a D1 State Champion. Today, he translates that drive into his professional career, serving as a successful Underwriting Analyst at KeyBank.
Teon attributes his success to his mother’s vision and the many mentors who guided him along the way. His story is a powerful reminder of the impact of the Breakthrough community and the heights our scholars can reach with the right support.
In his own words:
“Breakthrough didn’t just teach me math and reading; they taught me the "Breakthrough Way:" leadership, work ethic, humility, and—most importantly—the courage to chase opportunities.”
Musa and his siblings perfectly embody the "village" at Breakthrough Public Schools. As a graduate of Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), Musa has transitioned from scholar to leader—launching his own company, serving as a Breakthrough Board member, and helping grow our Beyond Breakthrough program. His journey is a testament to the generational impact of a Breakthrough education, creating a roadmap for those following in his footsteps.
That legacy continues at our Woodland Hills Campus with Musa’s younger siblings, Arun and Aasiyah. Their family story, featured in our BASH evening video, highlights how investing in one scholar can transform an entire family’s future. We invite you to watch this tribute to their incredible commitment to education and the enduring strength of the Breakthrough community.
With 200 years of history and a deep commitment to Cleveland, KeyBank is a cornerstone of the Breakthrough Public Schools community. Their mission is simple - ensuring a child’s zip code does not define their future.
KeyBank’s partnership goes far beyond financial support, blending intentional investment with hands-on mentorship:
- Financial Investment: More than $1.2 million donated to support academic success and college readiness.
- Empowering Families: Through the Money, Me & Key® program, 2,000+ volunteers serve as "Money Mentors" to foster long-term economic mobility.
- Strategic Leadership: KeyBank teammates serve on our boards and mentor our scholars, providing the professional guidance needed to lead the world.
As KeyBank begins its third century of service, their unwavering dedication to equity and education continues to inspire our scholars and strengthen our city. We are honored to build a brighter future together.
A Historic Chapter for Our Scholars
Library Vision
Breakthrough Public Schools is celebrating our 15th anniversary with a bold new vision. We believe every scholar deserves a sanctuary for stories and a gateway to knowledge. That’s why we’ve launched a transformative initiative to bring fully-resourced libraries and dedicated librarians to every one of our campuses. This vision was brought to life with the help of a dedicated and generous donor, Cathy Lincoln. Cathy has challenged Breakthrough to raise $1M to match her gift pledged to build this amazing opportunity. Here is how you can help…
The $1M Challenge: Your Gift, Doubled
We have an incredible opportunity to make this vision a reality. Breakthrough has received a $1,000,000 challenge match gift. This means for a limited time, your generosity works twice as hard.
Every dollar you give is instantly doubled. Your $50 becomes $100; your $500 becomes $1,000. This is a historic moment to maximize your impact on the future of Cleveland’s scholars.
Why Libraries Matter
A library is more than just a room full of books—it is the heartbeat of a school. By supporting this campaign, you are investing in:
- Academic Growth: Ensuring all scholars have the high-quality texts they need to master new subjects and excel.
- Lifelong Curiosity: Creating vibrant, welcoming spaces that foster a genuine love for reading and discovery.
- Expert Guidance: Placing professional, dedicated librarians in every school to mentor students and support our educators.
