Sivaad Brooks’ journey to college has been defined by determination. This fall, he’ll begin his next chapter at York College of Pennsylvania, supported by multiple merit-based scholarships to use toward tuition, an achievement he’s especially proud of.
Just a few years ago, Brooks made the difficult decision to leave his previous school, unsure what would come next. It was his grandmother who suggested the accelerated program at Excel Academy to his mother, a decision that he now describes as life-changing.
“I didn’t know what I was going to do,” he said. “But when I came to Excel, it gave me a fresh start.”
At Excel Academy North, Brooks quickly emerged as a leader and role model. His strong attendance record, positive attitude, and commitment to his peers stood out. He served as an executive in student government, where he helped lead school assemblies, welcomed new students with tours, and acted as a consistent “big brother” figure on campus.
But it wasn’t just his leadership that set him apart. Brooks immersed himself in his academics and found unexpected joy in subjects like political science and English, especially when discussing books like The Great Gatsby and A Raisin in the Sun.
“I tend to overthink, and these books really make you reflect,” he said. “The conversations we had in class were deep. They helped me learn things I never knew.”
Beyond the classroom, he participated in programs like Temple University’s Youth Conflict Resolution program, which taught him skills in communication, empathy, and leadership.
At York, Brooks will major in cybersecurity management. “I’ve always liked tech and my family encouraged me to turn that into something meaningful,” he said. “I want to gain skills that help me be self-reliant, to do things on my own, and to build a better life.”
Brooks is excited to attend the same university where a family member earned their degree. “It feels like an achievement. It shows all the work I’ve put in means something.”
For other students who may be struggling or unsure about their future, Brooks has some simple but powerful advice: “If you’re not going to do this for anyone else, do it for yourself. Ask for help when you need it. Stay out of trouble. Follow the rules. The work is easy. It’s your behavior that matters.”
“Sivaad is a leader,” said Kevin D. Marx, M.Ed., director, Excel Academy North. “He’s shown incredible growth, commitment to his peers, and a willingness to always do the right thing. We’re proud to have had him at Excel, and we’ll always be here for him.”