Scholar Spotlight

Rasul Pollard

2nd Grade

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In Rasul's Own Words...

I want to be an artist, gymnast, policeman, rapper, and race car driver. Being a race car driver and a policeman are at the top of my list!

I know that going to college will help me reach my  dreams, and Breakthrough will prepare me for high  school.

From Rasul's Teacher...

Rasul is full of positive energy and always willing to add his creative thinking to any class discussions. He takes his time when writing to ensure that his thoughtful ideas are written legibly. He loves learning new things and sharing what he has learned with others.

-Mrs. Doederlein

Scholar Spotlight

Glori'Lynn Barnwell

2nd Grade

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In Glori'Lynn's Own Words...

I love my teachers—they are kind, sweet, loving, and some are even handsome!

My favorite things that I have learned are reading and comparisons. When I grow up, I want to be a teacher or a daycare worker like my mother.

From Glori'Lynn's Teacher...

Glori’lynn is the student every teacher dreams of having! She loves learning and is self-motivated to do her best always. She is above grade level in all subjects. She has a strong sense of justice and a heart for helping others. She has a great sense of humor and is such a joy to be around. We can always count on her to participate and contribute or ask great questions. She’s the best!

-Ms. Chapek

Scholar Spotlight

Auset Duncanbey

2nd Grade

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In Auset's Own Words...

I love my principal and teachers! My favorite subject to learn is math.

I want to be an artist, and my school is preparing me to be the best artist I can be. I also want to go to college!

From Auset's Teacher...

Auset is a joy to have in the classroom. She has tremendously improved her reading ability and math skills this year. She tries hard every day. She works to her potential and loves to be called on so she can explain her work. Her genuine smile and enthusiasm shows her love for learning.

-Ms. Malone

Alumni Spotlight

Micah Caldwell

cliffs '15

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Middle School

E Prep Cliffs
Class of 2015

High School

Laurel School
Class of 2019

College

Morgan State
Class of 2023

In Micah's Own Words...

Why did you choose to go to college? What did you major in?

College was always going to be my choice. I attended Morgan State and graduated with a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism. I'll never forget seventh grade when my homeroom was Clemson, and then eighth grade, when my homeroom was Yale.

What has been the most rewarding thing about your educational journey?

When I run into people from previous schools, and I get to tell them I just graduated, I just found a job that I'm happy to have, and it has to do with my career and my dreams.

What is next for you?

I plan to go to graduate school starting in September and have been accepted to Kent State University. I will be starting their criminal justice grad program, which focuses on victimology. I feel like a lot of blessings are coming my way, and I'm just excited to experience all of them and share them with the people I love.

Why is Beyond Breakthrough special? How has the program helped you?

I don't know too many people whose middle school still checks in on them, sending emails or texts asking how they are and if they need help with things like master programs. I have the privilege of knowing that if I need a scholarship, a connection, or to network, I can rely on them to help.

Alumni Spotlight

Joe Herriot

cliffs '12

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Middle School

E Prep Cliffs
Class of 2012

High School

Benedictine High School
Class of 2015

Current job

Co-Founder
Overtime Sports Group

In Joe's Own Words...

What did you learn from your time at Breakthrough?

They taught me principles, discipline, morals, and other things that you should learn to be successful.

What was your most impactful memory from Breakthrough?

I remember my 7th-grade year; they implemented an entrepreneurship class. It had a huge impact on my life as far as where I wanted to go. It was a business competition. I remember he took us to University School. That’s what led to my curiosity and what got me into Benedictine.

What do you do now?

I'm the co-founder of a company called Overtime Sports Group. We source marketing opportunities for (high school, collegiate, and professional) athletes, helping them with their brand recognition and actually building a brand.

What do you wish Breakthrough alumni knew about Beyond Breakthrough?

I ask anyone I know who attended my school, "Are you guys connecting with Breakthrough?" I always say that they are doing amazing things, and they’re trying to help us with our lives and give back to the next generation.

Alumni Spotlight

Javion Robinson

cliffs '19

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Middle School

E Prep Cliffs
Class of 2019

High School

Bard High School Early College
Class of 2023

College

Bucknell College
Current Student

In Javion's Own Words...

What's your major and current class schedule at Bucknell?

I'm currently a double major in Accounting and Spanish with a minor in economics and business analytics.

Can you share your experience with math, given your major?

Going to tutoring in middle school and having the time to really think things out and learn how I want to do things helped me then and now. It showed me that I could go to my teachers, ask them for help, and utilize my school's resources.

Funny enough, it got me to the point where at the end of my senior year, I got an
award for having the highest in mathematics in my grade.

Why is Beyond Breakthrough is special, and how they've supported you?

I was hesitant because I didn't know what it was, but when I reached out, they welcomed me with open arms and said, "We're here for you."

They really helped me out, whether it was getting through the tough spots of senior year, getting my medical reports, or even helping me pay for college for my first semester.