In a special Q&A for the Key School and Training Center newsroom, we spoke with Gene Saunders, Class of 1996, about his new role as the first Alumni Association Chairperson. Saunders, who is also widely known in our halls as the Technology Coordinator, Student Advocate and Teacher for our students is ready and excited to take on this new role. In the following interview, he details his plans and hopes for the Key School Alumni Association. 

What sparked your interest in wanting to serve as the Alumni Association Chairperson? 

I have always walked in two worlds at Key School as a faculty member and as a member of the first graduating class in 1996. I felt that someone from the first class should be our first Chairperson and since I’m in the building every day and have access to what is going on at the school it made sense for me to run.

What are you looking forward to during your time as Chairperson? 

The unknown, this is the first time we have ever had something like this.

What are some of your goals as Chairperson of the Alumni Association? 

I love being able to shape the association and help it grow. I want to leave it in a good place after my two-year term so that the person who serves after me can seamlessly take over the position.

Take us back to your first day at Key School, and compare that to today. Did you ever think you’d be serving the school in this capacity? 

I don’t remember my first day at Key, Mary Ann Key used to say I started here when I was 4. I went to summer school and then in my sophomore year of high school I came to what we called at the time the ‘Winter Program’. There were 12 of us in 4 rooms in an office building on the west side of Fort Worth. Then it grew from there. The Pillars of what make up Key School were already there; the organizer, the roots boxes and the classics.

I never thought I would be in this position. As a student with dyslexia, I struggled in school and always said there was no way I was going to become a teacher. When we graduated, I was already working here as an assistant. I got out in December ‘95 and started working here in January of ‘96 when the rest of my class was still going to school.

What has changed the most since you were a student at KSFW? 

The easy answer is the number of students and faculty. The harder answer: The students have opportunities that we didn’t have when I was here. The school was solely academic. We still have academics, but we now have extracurricular activities like the different clubs in which students can participate. For example, board game club and RPG club, we have prom and a middle school dance every year. Our electives have expanded with digital production and technology classes. It’s been really cool to see that part of Key School grow and develop into something much bigger over the years. 

As we approach the 60th Anniversary of Key School and Training Center, what would you say is the best thing about our organization? 

Our ability to help students with learning differences. By giving them the tools they need to become successful.

Where do you see Key School and Training Center in another 60 years? 

On the forefront of helping students with learning differences across North Texas if not the entire State of Texas.

How would you describe your impact at Key School? 

Since I went through the school as a student and have been here for so long. I feel I have a unique perspective about the school that few have. Also, I hope that I leave a lasting impression on the students that despite their struggles they have been given the tools they need to succeed.

What are you most proud of being a part of Key School’s staff? 

Being able to work with such wonderful staff and helping students that are going through all the same challenges I did in school.