Local Songwriter Celebrated As Star Student In Mendham

MENDHAM, NJ — Star Students are found in classrooms, on concert and theater stages and at debate lecterns, and out in the community doing good things to make life better for all of us.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize Star Students, and we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding kids to their neighbors.

This submission comes from Kristen who nominated Megan of Mendham. Kristen is Megan's mother.

Star local student’s name

Megan Turner (Megan Pepper, stage name), 10th grade

Star local student’s home state

New Jersey

How do you know the star local student?

Parent

Why do you believe the star local student should be recognized?

Megan started writing songs during the pandemic. As a middle school student, she was separated from all of her friends by last name when the school went to A/B cohorts. It was a tough year. She expressed herself through songwriting and taught herself about music production.

After sharing her work with NewRoots Nashville, she was invited to apply for a singer-songwriter weekend that is typically reserved for 18+ women. She was 14.

She came home from that weekend intensive inspired, and she wrote, performed, recorded, and produced an album. She was also inspired to start a local coffeehouse where singer-songwriters and performers could share their passion and talent with the community.

She is the musical force behind Music on the Hill in Mendham, a free-admission coffeehouse that accepts donations for local charities. The 22-23 season was successful, raising nearly $4000 to support organizations that fight food insecurity, that build and repair homes in Appalachia, and that provide summer camp experiences for underserved youth.

At age 15, Megan has found the intersection between passion and purpose, and she is giving back to the community in ways that matter.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star local student?

She is authentic. She is compassionate. And she cares deeply about others. She expresses all of this through her music. (This might seem like many things, but it's really one.)

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Megan!

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Know an outstanding student?

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