Students & Faculty Inspired by 3rd Annual Alumni Summit
On Friday, April 11, twenty notable Millbrook School graduates returned to campus to participate in the third annual Alumni Summit. Representing graduating classes from 1982 to 2021, alumni spoke to students and faculty about their paths from Millbrook to their latest successes. From the opening performance of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” by the Millbrook Singers and faculty band, The Dores, to a poignant keynote address by Edward Opoku ’15, the day served as a reminder of Millbrook’s core values, particularly this year's focus core value of respect.
Alumni represented a diverse range of careers—politicians, social workers, musicians, and even professional adventurers. Students chose presenter sessions based on their interests, allowing them to gain insights from individuals who have already navigated the career paths they may one day pursue. The summit also offered an invaluable networking opportunity, as many students connected with alumni speakers at the conclusion of presentations.
After splitting up for three sessions with various speakers, the entire community piled into the Chelsea Morrison Theater for Opoku's keynote address, which you can watch below:
Opoku shared the incredible story of how he went from the streets of a small town in Ghana to Millbrook School through the Right to Dream soccer academy program. After setting records and winning championships on the pitch at Millbrook, he played on a full scholarship at the University of Virginia and was eventually drafted into Major League Soccer, playing for Columbus Crew.
Opoku shared the incredible story of how he went from the streets of a small town in Ghana to Millbrook School through the Right to Dream soccer academy program. After setting records and winning championships on the pitch at Millbrook, he played on a full scholarship at the University of Virginia and was eventually drafted into Major League Soccer, playing for Columbus Crew.
However, when an injury cut his career short, he was forced to find his identity outside of soccer. Thanks in part to his connection with Millbrook faculty, who instilled in him the belief that he was more than just a soccer player, he found a second career in the luxury jewelry industry. More importantly, he founded BeHappy Inc., a nonprofit organization through which he gives back to the underprivileged youth of his home country.
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Opoku emphasized that he has gotten where he is today not by luck but by being resilient. He advised his audience that he wasn’t seeking pity or applause; instead, he hoped to inspire them to also be resilient, learning from mistakes without obsessing over them. The theater filled with laughter at his anecdotes, and many attendees had tears in their eyes as Opoku recounted the lessons he learned and thanked the people who welcomed him into their lives during his days as a student at Millbrook. When he finished his speech, the crowd rose to give him a well-deserved standing ovation.
The day was a reminder that this new tradition is one of the most valuable experiences that Millbrook School has to offer its students. We’re already looking forward to Alumni Summit 2026!
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