• 2009 Berkeley High School Class of 1951/Berkeley Community Fund
• High Hopes Scholarship recipient
• University of Southern California

My house has been robbed, gunshots heard on a regular basis, and recently a few doors up a neighbor was beaten and raped. In my neighborhood, not many African American young men finish high school, let alone attend college. Far too many times I have seen young black men from the neighborhood go no further than the corners on which they stand. I have always wanted to go against the trend, rise above the statistics, and head in the opposite direction. These realities have sent me searching for a different path in life. I want to be a role model for my younger brother and kids who are stuck in similar living situations. I hope to show them that academic success and another less violent way of life is possible.

Diepriye’s updates

“He is a dedicated student, a compassionate community member and an extremely hard-working young man. He seems to work hard because he wants his work to be outstanding and has a very high standard for his own success. This dedication is incredibly rare in a student and Diepriye’s commitment to learning inspires me everyday.”

Teacher, Berkley High School