Dustin Berry 2020 graduate was a dedicated swimmer at Kashmere High School, where he made remarkable achievements in the pool. Having been a swimmer all his life, he has shaped the new generation to take his accomplishments and instill that anything is possible with a little hard work. He competed at the state level in the 100 butterfly, placing 10th overall in his 5A division — and proudly stood as the only athlete from Houston ISD to qualify for any swimming event. With the guidance and support of his hardworking coach, Chivas Pritchett, he pushed himself beyond limits and set a standard of excellence for others to follow.
After graduating from Kashmere, Dustin continued his academic journey at Prairie View A&M University, where he majored in English with a minor in History, and is currently pursuing his plan to attend Law School in fall 2026. While using the determination and focus that began in high school, he successfully earned his Bachelor of Arts in English last spring in May 2024, continuing the legacy of being a 5th generation college graduate from the institution.
Dustin’s time at Kashmere shaped him into the individual he is today. His administrators taught him what true leadership looks like. His teachers instilled discipline and the importance of balancing academics and athletics as a Top 10 student and student-athlete. Kashmere showed him that there is so much more to life beyond what’s familiar — that his talent and dedication in swimming and in the classroom could carry him to places he never imagined. Above all, Kashmere taught Dustin that support from peers and a community that believes in him can serve as the inspiration he needed then — and continue to carry with him today.
Dustin began his professional journey by giving back to the community that raised him—returning to Kashmere High School, the very place that helped shape him into the person he is today. He currently serves as a Paraprofessional for Special Education under the leadership of Thomas Frazier, who has also been a witness to his continued growth and success. Dustin refers to this position as “the starting point to new beginnings,” as it allows him to make a difference in students’ lives while preparing himself for his future in law. Through his experience working with special education students, Dustin has developed a deep understanding of both the care and patience required to support children with unique needs and the legal responsibilities that ensure their rights and protections. Each student he works with has shown him something new about resilience, individuality, and compassion—qualities that continue to shape his perspective and strengthen his desire to pursue law.
Beyond his career in education, Dustin is passionate about fitness, which has become a major part of his life. He not only maintains a disciplined fitness routine for himself but also encourages others to improve their health and confidence through exercise. He creates personalized workout plans for individuals—often at no cost—based on their fitness levels and goals. His mission in fitness is to help others develop the same discipline and motivation that have guided him in his own journey. Through his dedication to education, service, and personal growth, Dustin Berry continues to embody the values that Kashmere High School instilled in him—leadership, perseverance, and a commitment to uplifting others as he prepares for an even greater impact in the years to come.
Dustin’s success and character are deeply rooted in the love and support of his family. One of his greatest supporters is his mother, Debra Berry, the woman who gave him life and has been his constant source of encouragement and strength. He also acknowledges his aunts, Lia Berry and Rosemary Berry-Thorn, and his uncle, Leslie Berry III, whose guidance and belief in him have helped shape his path. His grandparents, Leslie Berry Jr. and Cecil Berry, and his great-aunt, Aunt Freddie, have instilled in him the importance of family values, faith, and perseverance. Dustin also recognizes his cousin, Lynn Marie Revis, who plays a big sister role in his life, providing advice, support, and a guiding hand through every milestone. His siblings, Natrisha and Dwayne Cook Jr., along with a host of cousins and close family members, have celebrated his victories and stood by him through every challenge. Among his mentors, Julian Wilkins and Coach Chivas Pritchett hold a special place in Dustin’s journey. Julian helped mold him into the swimmer he became, teaching him the discipline and drive needed to succeed both in and out of the pool. Coach Pritchett refined those lessons through leadership and persistence, showing Dustin what it truly means to commit to excellence. All of these individuals—his family, mentors, and coaches—have played an essential role in shaping the man Dustin Berry is today. Through their love, wisdom, and unwavering belief in his potential, they have helped him build a foundation rooted in integrity, ambition, and the desire to uplift others.
