For some young people, Cunningham isn’t just a place they stay — it’s the place they grow up. They arrive as children, carrying uncertainty and big questions, and over the years they grow into confident young adults. Along the way, they learn how to trust, how to belong, and how to believe in their own potential. By the time they leave, they aren’t just moving on as high school graduates, they’re stepping into the world with skills, resilience and hope shaped by the years they spent calling Cunningham home.
Just before Christmas, our Gerber Education Program celebrated a milestone moment: the high school graduation of Ishmael*. Over the past seven years at Cunningham, “Ish” left a lasting mark on staff and teachers alike. At the ceremony, Ms. Kat shared about him and here are some of those words:
“A young boy with a bright smile and big head arrived at Cunningham… His big blue Duffy jacket might have entered the room before he did. But the jacket wasn’t as big as his personality… The energy running through his veins was so powerful, but he needed to have control over it… The fear of making a mistake, the fear of not belonging, the fear of losing control grew inside him… He shied away and kept to himself hoping someone would notice and luckily, they did.
Ish found comfort and laughter in the support from staff around him… From the beginning in Ms. Ward’s class, to the deep relationships with Ms. Deb and Shannon, Ish gained control over his powers… Every day was a grind of learning new skills and new information, choosing to work through obstacles day in and day out. Ishmael’s demeanor began to change. His bright smile returned and the laughter ensued.
He had a rhythm about him… His peers picked up on his rhythm and followed along. Ish began to mentor the younger kids in PE, teaching them to gain control over their emotions… His beat led the school.
But Ish was ready for something new… As he steps away from Gerber, his journey continues—carrying everything he’s learned, continuing to harness his gifts, and sharing his rhythm with the world. Ishmael, I am so incredibly proud of you and can’t wait to see all that you will become.”