Saquon Barkley addresses the student body at Downingtown High School East, sharing his inspiring message about overcoming adversity, pursuing dreams, and the importance of wellness.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley visited Downingtown High School East (DHSE) today, October 2, 2024, delivering an inspiring address to the student body about overcoming adversity, achieving dreams, the importance of hard work, and wellness. The event was a highlight for students, who had the opportunity to hear from one of the NFL’s most admired athletes.
Known for his talent and dedication on the field, Barkley shared his journey from growing up in Pennsylvania to becoming a standout NFL running back. Since joining the Eagles, Barkley’s leadership and commitment both on and off the field have made him a role model for many.
His message of resilience and self-care inspired students, as he encouraged them, saying, “You guys can do anything you want, as long as you put your mind to it. That was something that was told to me when I was a little kid… Any time I get an opportunity to talk to kids, I make sure I say that message because anything you want to do, you can accomplish it.”
After his talk, Barkley opened the floor for a Q&A session, engaging directly with students, allowing them to learn more about his experiences and insights.
Downingtown Area School District (DASD) thanks Saquon Barkley for volunteering his time to visit and speak with our students. This event was made possible by DASD’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) department, highlighting the district’s commitment to bringing positive role models to students.
DEI Director Justin Brown commented on the importance of the event: “Having someone like Saquon Barkley here to speak with our students about the value of perseverance and hard work is a powerful reminder that no matter where you come from, you can achieve great things. His story is one of resilience, and I’m confident it will leave a lasting impact on our students.”
DHSE teacher Jynelle Sass echoed this sentiment: “We are thrilled to have Saquon Barkley join us today. His words of wisdom and his success story are exactly the kind of message we want our students to hear—that hard work and determination can take you far. It was an incredible experience for our entire school community.”
This event reflects DASD’s ongoing efforts to provide meaningful opportunities for students to grow beyond the classroom, inspiring them to pursue success in all areas of life.
To learn more about DASD’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program, please visit www.dasd.org/diversity.
