Page 8 - 2017 Annual Report Final

SAADIQ’S STORY canaan, nY

Saadiq graduated from Berkshire Jr./Sr. High School in June 2017. Below is his graduation Speech.

My name is Saadiq and I came to Berkshire at the age of 12. Back home in Brooklyn, I was struggling in school both
academically and behaviorally. My mom and my school district saw that I was heading down the wrong path. They
also saw potential in me and that is why I was referred to Berkshire’s Twombly Leadership Academy. I was excited
about my new school and making new friends. From day one, staff supported me and treated me like family. My first
two years at Berkshire, I was a high honor roll student and took advantage of all the opportunities Berkshire was
offering. I prided myself on being a respectful, kind-hearted person.
As time went on, my priorities were less on academics and character and instead shifted towards popularity and
fitting in. Just like most teenagers, my focus became about being accepted by my peers and not about staying true to
my authentic self. My grades dropped significantly, my behavior deteriorated, and I found myself becoming a follower
who surrounded myself with kids who did not care about my success. I feared disappointing my friends more than I
feared disappointing myself.

Because of endless support and encouragment I received at Berkshire,

overtime, I was able to get back to my authentic self.

I never thought I would be saying this, but to my mentor, my teachers and my staff at Berkshire, I want to say
THANK YOU. Thank you for holding me accountable for my words and actions. Thank you for never giving up on me
even during some of my most challenging times. Thank you for never lowering the bar and for always pushing me to
be better and do better. Most of all, thank you for embracing me like family and introducing me to friends who have
now become my brothers for life.

I am by no means perfect, but I now know who I am and the man I want to become. I graduate today with my head
held high knowing that I am now entering the next chapter of my life letting MY light shine. I am no longer afraid
to be successful. I am no longer afraid to say that I am a kind person, a respectful person, and I want my life to be
a positive example for others. In the fall, I will begin my freshman year at St. Francis College to study business
administration. I would not be attending college if it were not for Berkshire’s support.
I leave here as a high school graduate, but I promise to return as a proud Berkshire alum and continue our legacy of
brotherhood and support for the next graduating class.