Video Testimonials

Class of 2025 Video

In the Class of 2025 video above, you’ll hear Kobi-Skye Padgett, Michael Ross, and Ryan Pope reflect on their Berkeley journeys.

Kobi-Skye, now a student at Princeton University, speaks about the support she received early in her Berkeley career. “My first grade teacher really sticks with me. I had Mrs. McDonough, and I remember her calling me her ‘math girl.’ She encouraged me and really uplifted me. Even when I got to senior year and I was taking AP Calculus, I would think back to how she told me I could do math.” She also reflects on the progression of her Berkeley experience—from watching the Upper Division female a cappella group, the Mello Divas, perform at All-School Convocations to joining them in high school, and from becoming part of the Varsity Track & Field team in eighth grade to serving as captain her junior and senior years.

Michael, now a student at Dartmouth University, credits Berkeley’s Debate Team and academic classes with helping him develop important skills. “I became a better writer through debate and Berkeley’s intense English classes. I became a better researcher. I think I took almost every class in the history department by the end of high school. In a lot of ways, everything I’ve done at Berkeley—or that Berkeley has done for me—has developed a different skill.” He also emphasizes the school’s promotion of curiosity from an early age. “Even in pre-K, every special event had some sort of message about curiosity. There were a lot of fun activities, but the message was always, ‘What can we learn from this?’”

Ryan, now a student at Wesleyan University, was heavily involved in Berkeley’s football and theatre programs. “I won a state championship and played Harry in ‘Mamma Mia.’ Teamwork on a football team and in a musical ensemble are very alike. Using the lessons I learned in theatre has helped me become a more well-rounded individual.”

Class of 2026 Video

In the Class of 2026 video above, Emmy Kuhn, Alan Risal, Demi Iuzzolino, Serena Kachhi, Kostas Saravanos, Will Lindsey, and Ben Linsky highlight how their Berkeley experiences have shaped who they are and prepared them for the future.

They describe engaging classroom environments, strong teacher support, unique, hands-on lab opportunities, and a wide range of options in the arts, athletics, and student organizations. The students credit their time at Berkeley with their growth as young adults, noting that they’ve gained lifelong skills and feel ready for college and beyond. Many also highlight the strength of the Berkeley community and how it has given them the space to take risks, grow, and discover their interests.

Serena says, “There are so many different things you can do here, whether that’s being an athlete in various sports, or being a student in different classes, or being a leader in a club. I feel like it’s allowed me to grow beyond the classroom and grow skills that will last me a lifetime.”

Will says, “I’ve grown so much in my time at Berkeley, especially with all the things I’ve gotten to be a part of like the Berkeley Academy, the Italy trip, the Berkeley Health Sciences Institute, Guides, and the Writing Center. With all of these experiences, I’m learning how to be a young adult as I go on the college, and I think that’s why so many people come back and say they feel so well prepared for college because they have a Berkeley education.”

Alan says, “Our community spirit, overall, has been really conducive to me growing as a student, and it’s one of the best things that I could have for my high school years. So, thank you, Berkeley.”