Help Kaden Rodriguez attend Christ the King High School:

Hello, my name is Dashana Gooding, and I am the proud aunt of Kaden Michael Rodriguez—a remarkable young man, a graduate of PAVE Academy JHS, and an incoming freshman at Christ the King High School, a tuition-based institution, for Fall 2025.

Kaden dreams of attending CTK not only for its academic excellence but also to pursue his passion for football. He’s been on the field since he was five years old, so this decision was a no-brainer. After attending New Student Day, he felt an even deeper connection with the school community, and now his heart is fully set on becoming part of the CTK family.

**About Kaden**

Kaden is a driven, compassionate, and intelligent 14-year-old who consistently shows up for others. He maintains strong grades, has earned multiple awards—including perfect attendance, which he cherishes most—and volunteers regularly, helping younger students learn to read. He’s a big brother, a gamer, an anime fan, and a beloved grandson who spends cherished time at his Nana’s house.

Kaden’s character shines through his actions. He’s a natural leader, a thoughtful mentor, and a young man who believes in making a difference despite life’s challenges. Being raised by his mom, his Nana, and myself, we work together to ensure he stays on the path to success despite the world’s ever-changing and uncertain climate. He lives in a community where resources are limited and danger can be close—but also where love, support, and protection from his village are abundant.

**Introducing the “NKG - It Takes a Village” Scholarship**

This year marks the launch of the **first-ever Red Hook “It Takes a Village” Scholarship, proudly sponsored by The NKG Way. This scholarship honors the strength of community and supports Red Hook’s Junior High School students as they take the next big step into high school—especially when tuition and resources are needed to help them thrive.

Kaden will be the first recipient of this scholarship, paving the way for many more students to follow. This scholarship also honors his great-grandmother, Nancy Kearse Gooding, whose legacy of service continues to inspire. Your contribution will help build Kaden’s future and reinforce the belief that it truly takes a village to raise and support our youth.

**Why We’re Asking for Help**

Most scholarships and grants are geared toward high school seniors entering college, leaving families like ours—whose student is transitioning from JHS to a tuition-based high school—with limited options.

CTK’s annual tuition is $11,950, not including additional expenses. We’ve already raised $7,000, but we’re still short. We’re asking for help to raise $15,000 to cover the remaining $4,900 for this school year and provide support for his sophomore year. We want Kaden to focus on academics and football without the fear of having to dis-enroll due to financial hardship.

If Kaden becomes eligible for financial aid next year, as we are praying he will, any remaining funds will roll over to support another student(s) through the “It Takes a Village” Scholarship.

Despite reaching out to local organizations, we’ve hit a wall—because Kaden is a JHS graduate entering high school, not college. Even as a NYCHA Red Hook East resident, he isn’t eligible for their scholarship. That’s why we’re turning to you—his village—to help bridge the gap.

**How You Can Help**

Your donation will go directly toward Kaden’s tuition and school expenses. You’ll be helping a young man with incredible potential access to the education he deserves and continue his journey of growth, leadership, and service.

Donation Timeline: August 20–27, 2025

(We’ve paid through October, but we’re hoping to raise what we can in one week!)

A Legacy of Service

Kaden comes from a family rooted in community activism. In 2023, Red Hook co-named a street after his great-grandmother, Nancy Kearse Gooding, for her contributions to the Red Hook Community and beyond. I’ve served as the Coordinator of a local food pantry for over five years and support many grassroots organizations making a difference.

Kaden has volunteered twice a week during the school year, contributing 8 hours to helping young kids learn to read. His dedication to service, empathy, and integrity are just a few of the qualities that make him stand out.

✨Why Kaden Deserves This Opportunity

Kaden is:

- Committed to contributing value in everything he does

- Supportive and kind, always helping others succeed

- Hardworking and honest, never taking shortcuts

He is charismatic, well-spoken, outspoken, and ready to thrive at CTK. With your help, we can make sure he gets there.

Thank you for your time, support, and belief in Kaden’s future. Let’s show him that it truly takes a village—and that his village is behind him.