More Than a School: How Hull Helped One Student Believe in What’s Possible

At Hull, we meet children and youth at some of the most challenging moments in their lives—and walk alongside them as they begin to heal, grow, and discover what’s possible.

A former student from our William Roper Hull School, recently returned to share how his journey at Hull helped shape who he is today — how it gave him the tools, confidence, and support to grow into a confident and capable student. 

Diagnosed at a young age with severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Forrest Whyte began attending Hull in 2011. But progress and growth didn’t happen overnight. It was a slow and steady process for both Forrest and his teachers. 

“When I was five, I was the kid teachers would say was ‘dangerous’, one who always got into trouble,” recalls Forrest. Speaking to the 2025 William Roper Hull graduating class this June, Forrest shared his inspiring story of transformation.  

The difference Forrest saw at Hull was that he didn’t feel like he was a problem. He felt like he had potential. 

“Like many young learners who face challenges, staying focused and navigating the demands of the classroom didn’t always come natural to Forrest, but what made him truly remarkable was his resilience and determination,” says Derek Bohn, Director of Educational Services with Hull School.  

Hull’s school provides specialized therapeutic programing focused on the development of academic and daily living skills for students with behavioural, emotional, and mental health challenges. Every classroom and curriculum is designed to meet the unique academic and treatment needs of the individual. 

As  Forrest progressed, he made his way into our student transition and reintegration (STAR) classrooms, where he was doing high-level math at a young age.  

“Forrest went from the main campus school to our STAR classroom because of the academic growth and social, emotional, and behavioural stability he had shown over the time he spent in our main location. The classroom team saw growth in his ability to work independently (as appropriate for his age) and handle situations that were once stressful without staff support. In collaboration with the classroom team and his parents, the school leadership team felt he had progressed and was in a good social, emotional, and academic space to take the next step towards full community school integration,” Bohn says, adding that as time went on in the STAR classroom, Forrest showed independent growth in all areas of his life that he no longer needed Hull’s support. 

“I was learning, growing, and for the first time, truly thriving.”

In 2017, Forrest transitioned back to his community school in grade 6. And while he thought it might be challenging for him, he instead found it to be lonelier, receiving less support than he did at Hull.  

But Forrest was ready for the challenge that the ‘normal’ school brought to him, all because of what he had learned at Hull: how to study, how to focus, and most importantly, how to believe in himself. 

Now 20, Forrest is in his third year of Chemical Engineering at the University of Calgary and is currently completing an internship with Vermilion Energy, working on a water handling project—something that once felt out of reach. 

Standing at the podium in Hull’s gym, addressing graduates from the very place that launched his journey, Forest offered a message of hope: 

“If you’re sitting here today thinking you don’t belong, I’m here to tell you you’re wrong. You are not less, you are smart, and you are strong. 

“You can achieve things that people say are impossible. I couldn’t have gotten to where I am today without the teachings and guidance from Hull School, the teachers and staff. 

[To the teachers and staff] “Thank you. You didn’t just change my life; you gave me one. And to the graduating class, I can’t wait to see what you all will do, because I know it’s going to be amazing.” 

While many students face challenges and barriers in their educational journeys, Forrest’s story is a powerful reminder of how resilience, determination, and having integral support systems in place can help lead people to incredible achievements. 

If you would like to share your story or experience with Hull Services, please visit our Hull’s Voices of Lived Experiences website.