Teen, Who Was Once Homeless and ‘Almost Gave Up,’ Delivers Valedictorian Speech to His Graduating Class

In an emotional graduation ceremony last month, 19-year-old Prince Weeks delivered a powerful valedictorian address to his peers, sharing an inspiring message of resilience and determination despite facing significant hardships in his life. Once homeless and struggling with hunger, Weeks highlighted the crucial role that perseverance played in his journey towards earning a high school diploma.

Born in upstate New York, Weeks grew up in a household characterised by financial instability. He lived with his mother and sister until the age of 14, during which time the family faced ongoing monetary challenges, managing to survive but barely getting by. At 14, he moved to North Carolina to live with his father, which brought its own set of difficulties. Weeks described their experiences navigating through unstable living conditions while staying with friends and family members amidst economic struggles.

Weeks withdrew from school during his 10th-grade year, seeking employment to help ease the financial burden on his family. At 18, he and his father relocated to New York City, where his father secured a job at a ticket company. Unfortunately, the meagre income proved insufficient, leading them to the streets and compounding their struggles.

Frequently alternating between shelters and friends’ homes, the father-son duo often found themselves going hungry. Reflecting on this difficult period, Weeks recounted how desperate he became at times, mentioning instances where he would visit hospital emergency rooms, pretending to be ill in order to secure food. “It was a struggle,” he shared.

In December 2025, a glimmer of hope appeared when a counsellor at a local employment centre introduced Weeks to the Pathways to Graduation programme. This initiative, operated by the New York City Department of Education, is aimed at students who may find traditional educational settings challenging. Intrigued by the opportunity, Weeks enrolled, motivated by his aspiration to advance his education and eventually attend college.

Pathways to Graduation provides flexible class schedules, including both daytime and evening options, for students aged 17 to 21. Participants are required to complete a curriculum encompassing essential subjects such as reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Additionally, the programme offers breakfast and lunch provisions, as well as a MetroCard for transport. Remarkably, Weeks completed the course in just two months, obtaining a high school equivalency diploma.

Donny Swanson, the principal of the Staten Island branch of the programme, praised Weeks for his academic achievements and enthusiastic participation in classes designed for vocational training. Swanson referred to him as an “inspirational young man” and a role model due to his dedication and focus.

Weeks was informed in May that he had been selected as valedictorian, a moment that preceded his heartfelt speech on June 22, where he stood proud before his 117 fellow graduates, educators, and family members. He spoke candidly about his life journey, describing it as one marked by perseverance amid hardship.

In his address, he conveyed, “Like my fellow graduates, I’ve faced a lot of hardships. Through poverty, discrimination and self-doubt, I kept pushing to make it where I am today.” He elaborated on his experiences of homelessness and hunger, revealing the dark moments when despair nearly overwhelmed him.

Weeks also took the opportunity to share words of wisdom with his classmates, emphasising the importance of resilience. He urged them, “Stay determined and never falter because everyone here has greatness inside of them waiting to be unleashed.” His speech resonated with many, fortifying the spirit of hope and perseverance among the graduates.

With his diploma now in hand, Weeks has set his sights on ambitious future aspirations. Currently residing with a family member, he has secured employment as a sanitation worker at LaGuardia Airport. He aims to save sufficient funds to pursue his college education, with the goal of becoming a scientist. “I need to make ends meet for now, and then I can continue my path to greatness,” he explained, illustrating his unwavering resolve.

As Prince Weeks embarks on this new chapter of his life, his story serves as a reminder of the power of determination and hope in the face of adversity. He stands as an inspiring example for others navigating their own struggles, proving that with hard work and belief in oneself, it is possible to overcome even the most daunting challenges.