Drew D.

Class of December 2010

Andrew D. came back to The Family Foundation School on April 15, 2011, to visit the students and staff. Drew arrived at The Family Foundation School on February 1, 2008, and graduated December 18, 2010 with a New York State Regents Diploma.

Drew was in Family Seven (Talbot House) for the majority of his stay, and switched into Lake House for support during his last semester. His biggest help while at The Family Foundation School came from Family Leader Jan Cheripko, “I wanted the peace that he had and he always seemed to see what I couldn’t see. Eventually, I shut up and started to listen to him. He was also the first person I ever fully trusted.”

He was also assisted by his two closest friends from The Family Foundation School, Blake J. and Josh K. “We were like the three amigos,” Drew said. After graduation, Drew began attending Broome Community College, where he is majoring in music, and is planning on transferring to a college in New York City. However, there are some things that he misses about The Family Foundation School, “To this day, I still struggle with loneliness. For a long time, I didn’t know anybody. It was different than living with my friends 24/7 like at school. He is also auditioning for an off-Broadway show this summer, to help kick start his performing arts career.

Drew says, “Oddly enough, I do miss this place. Something happens when you graduate…all of a sudden, you become grateful for everything that you were given at The Family Foundation School. I hear people who have left on bad terms or have gotten taken out early have said the same thing. So, I’m not lying.” His advice to the newcomer, “Stick with it, it is not that bad. You will get through it.”