DPS Alumni

“DPS is a place that can foster dreams and help the dreams of young people come true. It has inspired me to push beyond imitations and live a purposeful life.”

“I was in DPS all throughout elementary, middle and high school and I absolutely loved it. It really sparked my passion for public education. Being in Durham is such a bubble from the rest of the state and it was just such a diverse community and I feel like that shaped who I am now. I can get along with all kinds of people. I loved my experience. I thought it prepared me very well academically and also socially. It made me a better, more empathetic, and compassionate person.”

“Durham Public Schools is home. Every school that I have attended I found my family, people that I could connect with and build bonds with. Every school that I attended I have had a good experience. From the teachers and staff to the life long friends that I have made. From elementary to high school I attended a Durham Public School and because of the strong bonds and relationships that I formed I was inspired to become a Durham Public Schools employee. ”

“One of my favorite things about being in Durham is the question that comes after learning someone grew up here. “What high school did you go to?” It sparks a joy and immediate connection that often leads to shared stories and discovered degrees of separation. I’ve been in the line at the grocery store, talking with a city worker doing work on the street in front of my home, chatting with new neighbors and made these joyful connections.

For me these feelings of camaraderie and connection bring up core memories of my time at Riverside when for the first time I absorbed the opportunity to learn from, listen to, and become friends with people who had very different perspectives and experiences than my own. I grew in curiosity, empathy and connection.

These experiences and what I learned from them deeply impact the way I lead my life personally and professionally. In today’s world, they are some of my most valuable skills and I’m forever grateful for the teachers, coaches, friends and classmates who played a role in growing them.”

“Durham Public school is home. I grew up here and I was inspired to become a teacher by the amazing teachers I was lucky to have when I was a student. ”

“My experience as a student in Durham Public Schools (DPS) served as a backbone to my personal and academic growth. The supportive and nurturing environment within DPS had a profound impact on my life as my teachers, coaches, and guidance counselors were widely dedicated to my positive development. They instilled in me the values of perseverance, empathy, and the importance of community. Through various school programs and extracurricular activities, such as my high school biotechnology program or being the captain of my high school track team, I discovered my passions and strengths, which was pivotal in shaping my aspirations in higher education and in my career. The experiences and lessons I gained as a DPS student not only prepared me academically but also equipped me with the life skills necessary to navigate the future with confidence and compassion. In essence, DPS played a crucial role in providing numerous learning opportunities that together helped shape who I am today.”

“My experience with Durham Public Schools shaped how I view the world. The diversity of students and staff enriched my learning journey and helped me excel. Mr. Merrill, my government studies teacher at Jordan High School increased my curiosity, taught me to question the status quo, and ultimately prepared me for the career I have today. ”

“I am proud to be a DPS alum! My high school years were so formative. I got into running XC & T&F, I was given opportunities to advance academically, and the community was so inclusive and fun. My experience on the XC & T&F teams were especially positive, that is where I formed lasting friendships and connection with my teammates and coaches. It inspired me to continue running, and I became a Division 1 XC/TF athlete in college at Duke. I remember my teachers at JHS, and my education very fondly. I cannot say enough positive things about my teachers and coaches. I continue running these days, and I stay connected to the team that started it all.”

“I’m a product of Durham Public Schools, having attended from elementary school to middle school to high school. I had some of the most formative experiences of my life there, including building an academic foundation through courses like AP US History, Spanish, and English, helping instill in me a love of literature and current events. Outside of the classroom, I spent much time on the track and loved the camaraderie, hard work, and team building the athletic program instilled in me. Nearly two decades later, I’m still in touch with several of my classmates and teammates today.”

“Attending Hillside was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Being a part of the Marching Band, Soul Singers, Glee Club, Choir, and Theatre Department taught me a lot about life lessons, professionalism, and discipline early on. These experiences helped build my confidence in performing musically and encouraged my own musical endeavors.”