Carrollwood Day School is proud to highlight the remarkable achievements of Brandon Cleveland, a Class of 2022 alumnus. Currently a junior at NC State, Brandon is excelling academically and making significant strides on the football field and in his community.
At NC State, Brandon plays as a defensive lineman on the football team. His dedication to the sport and his team has earned him the prestigious All-State award, a testament to his outstanding teamwork and performance. Brandon attributes much of his success to the strong foundation he built at CDS, stating that college has been easier than he anticipated "because of his hard work at CDS."
Academically, Brandon is majoring in sports management with a minor in business entrepreneurship. He has ambitious goals for his future, and he is aspiring to coach and invest in real estate. His drive and focus on both his studies and his athletic career are truly inspiring.
Beyond the classroom and the football field, Brandon is deeply committed to giving back to his community. Every Monday at 5:30 PM, he joins Johnny, the owner of Johnny’s Pizza, to hand out pizza and water to the unhoused individuals in downtown Raleigh’s Moore Square. His teammates often join him, reflecting the strong sense of camaraderie and service that defines Brandon's approach to life. During the holiday season, Brandon spreads cheer by visiting Brandon Regional Hospital in his hometown on Christmas Eve. Dressed in a Santa hat, he hands out gifts to the nurses who are working and unable to be with their families. This heartwarming tradition brings joy to those who sacrifice their holidays to care for others.
In Raleigh, Brandon mentors young men at a local elementary school, spending Fridays playing outside and having lunch with them. He also speaks to local Little League football teams, sharing his experiences and offering advice on what it takes to play at the next level. His support doesn't end with words; he attends their games, showing up as a role model and cheerleader.
Brandon is also making a significant impact through his efforts to support the Feed the Pack Pantry, a program at NC State that helps students facing food insecurity. He is currently in the process of raising $10,000 for the pantry, enabling students to access essential groceries for free. So far, he has successfully raised $10,000, highlighting his commitment to helping his peers.
Reflecting on his time at CDS, Brandon fondly remembers the fun times and the strong bonds he formed with friends, teachers, and coaches. These memories and the values and work ethic instilled in him at CDS continue to drive his success and community involvement.
Carrollwood Day School is incredibly proud of Brandon Cleveland's accomplishments and his unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the world. His journey is a shining example of the CDS spirit, and we look forward to seeing all that he will achieve in the future.
We are proud of Brandon's achievements and are delighted to share his updates with the alumni community. If you are a CDS Alumni and would like to share your accomplishments, please contact our Alumni Engagement Coordinator, Carli Gauthier Mianne '16 at cmianne@cdspatriots.org and let us know what you have been up to since leaving CDS. We look forward to hearing from you!