In Loving Memory of Keion Alston: A True KIPP Newark Legacy
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we acknowledge the passing of Keion Alston, a cherished member of our KIPP Newark community. Keion’s journey with us began as one of the earliest students to walk through the doors of KIPP SPARK Academy. From those first steps as a young scholar, to the confident strides he took as a senior at KIPP Newark Lab High School, Keion embodied everything we strive to nurture in our students—resilience, kindness, ambition, and heart.
Keion was not just a student; he was a founding member of our schools—first at SPARK, then KIPP TEAM Academy, and finally, as a proud graduate in the inaugural Class of 2023 at KIPP Newark Lab High School. He was part of the foundation upon which our community was built, and his legacy is deeply woven into the very fabric of who we are.
To know Keion was to know a young man of genuine kindness and quiet strength. His presence lit up a room—not in the loudest way, but in the most meaningful. He was the friend who showed up, the classmate who encouraged others, the student who strove to do better—not just for himself, but for his family, for his future, and for those coming behind him.
Teachers recall Keion as a thoughtful and dedicated learner, a respectful and inquisitive young man who was always ready with a smile or a kind word. His classmates remember him as someone they could count on—a loyal friend, a strong shoulder, and a calming presence in times of stress or celebration.
The loss of Keion is one that reverberates through the halls of every KIPP Newark school he called home. It is felt not only by his family and closest friends but by the teachers who watched him grow, the administrators who guided him, and the students who followed in his footsteps. He was a beacon of hope, perseverance, and promise, and his passing leaves a void that can never be filled.
But while Keion is no longer with us in body, his spirit endures. His journey from a young scholar at SPARK to a graduating senior at Newark Lab stands as a testament to what is possible when determination meets opportunity. He was, and always will be, a Shark—bold, brave, and full of potential.
As we grieve, let us also honor his memory by continuing the work that shaped his life and that of so many others: uplifting young people, building strong communities, and believing in the brilliance within every child. Let us remember Keion not just for the loss we now feel, but for the love, light, and leadership he shared with us throughout his too-short life.
To Keion’s family—we are with you. You are in our hearts, our prayers, and our ongoing commitment to keep Keion’s memory alive in all we do. May his legacy continue to inspire generations of scholars and serve as a reminder of the incredible impact one person can make.
Rest in power, Keion Alston. Your journey was one of courage, heart, and purpose. You will always be a part of the KIPP Newark story. 🦈💙