Daequan Andino (right), seen with StreetSquash Executive Director George Polsky (middle) and Raymond Flowers (left)

Raymond Flowers, now in his mid-30s, says StreetSquash completely changed who he is as a person for the better.

He’s currently studying biology at Lehman College and is working three jobs in the medical industry. 

“Giving back makes me feel great,” Raymond said. “It’s thanks to StreetSquash and how they gave back to me at such a young age.” 

Raymond discovered the program the same way most students do – during a presentation given at Thurgood Marshall Academy. He was one of the original students of the program joining in 1999 as a 13 year old and graduating at 17 in 2005. He says joining was the best decision of his life.

“Once I got to Streetsquash I was eager to experience a new sport not knowing how it would turn out,” Raymond said. “The sport became motivation and drive for me because in order to play I had to have good grades. I was a solid B student once I started to focus and see that education was important.”

His time at the organization allowed him to build lifelong friendships as well.

“The one thing I remember to this day is the bond StreetSquash created between my friends,” Raymond said. “These are not just my friends, these are my brothers and sisters. We have our moments but the love gets stronger every time we see each other.”

Raymond says this is the message he would tell students now who are considering joining the StreetSquash family.

“If I had to recruit a student to StreetSquash I would tell them that StreetSquash creates a foundation for everyday life,” Raymond said. “The greatest lessons are taught by the ones you’re with. George Polsky loves and cares about all of us and he is a pioneer who leads with love and discipline with intelligence and integrity. StreetSquash gives you all the lessons you need in order to survive in adulthood.” 

For Raymond, his transition to adulthood was a struggle. He attempted going to college right after high school, but he wasn’t in a good state mentally. He says he gained hundreds of pounds, but the organization continued to support him through it all.

“StreetSquash motivated me to do better by reminding myself exactly who I am,” Raymond said. “I’m a king worth living. So with StreetSquash and my family I fought hard and regained my life. Now I’m back in school, working three jobs, exercising regularly, and living life how I want.”

Raymond’s current everyday mentality all goes back to his days as a teenager in StreetSquash.

“Without StreetSquash my life would not be as good as it is,” Raymond said. “I have a big family that works with me and loves me. StreetSquash is the movement and the organization we need because they create bonds and not just friendships. StreetSquash bestowed values in me I never had like responsibility, accountability, love, patience, and hard work. They changed what could’ve been a bad situation into gold and for that I’m always indebted to them.”