SBHS Grad Fights for Change Through Music

Amidst the raging winds and mass power outage that wreaked havoc on South Brunswick one year ago during Hurricane Sandy, township resident Kennedy Hart found inspiration.

Hart, at the time a senior at South Brunswick High School, sat in the darkness after his power went out like the rest of the township, and began writing a song about change while choas reigned just outside his window.

"It was during Hurricane Sandy and the lights were out," Hart said. "Everything was crazy outside and it seemed like things were disintegrating. That's where the inspiration came to me."

With his own future ahead of him, Hart began reflecting on the journey to his graduation and the song "Look How Far We've Come" was born. For Hart, music has always been a part of his life, as he looked to spread positive messages performing at school talent shows and local events.

Hart also captured the spirit of the SBHS football team's run to a state title last year, recording the squad's unofficial anthem "Valhalla at Me." 

During the recording process for "Look How far We've Come," Hart looked at profound events occurring throughout the world and found a new meaning to the song as he watched the destruction caused by tornados in Oklahoma. He leaned on fellow SBHS Class of 2013 graduate Eileen Young to sing the hook for "Look How Far We've Come," with the chorus emphasizing the message to not look back and keep pushing forward.

"I heard about the Oklahoma tragedies and I wanted to do something to raise money for the victims with the message look how far we've come," he said. "So I started selling bracelets saying 'Look How Far We've Come' for the graduating class (of 2013) to raise money for victims. The song speaks to overcoming obstacles, and as I was nearing graduation and moving on in life, the next part of the song says 'but we can't stop now.' We can celebrate how far we've come but we need to keep pushing because there's always room for improvement while supporting others who don't seem like they have much of a future right now."

Hart began selling his bracelets throughout the middle schools and high school, raising nearly $300 for the American Red Cross. Hart, whose slogan is "celebrate our future while supporting the futures of others," is still selling the bracelets to raise money for the relief organization.

Hart is collecting donations starting at $5 or more and those who donate will receive a "Look How Far We've Come" bracelet. People can donate through PayPal by clicking here or email Hart at kennedyhart24@gmail.com. 

As he takes the first steps beginning his own future post-graduation, Hart continues to try and inspire others through his love of music.

"Music is a great outlet and a form of expression," he said. "My whole life I've tried to give back to the community and I always try to strive for people to like my music. I thought it would be perfect if I could put how I feel about helping others in a song for people to hear and maybe inspire them to be the best they can be, so it trickles down and maybe some day the whole world can have that same view."