URBAN PREP CHARTER ACADEMY FOR YOUNG MEN
THE LION’S ROAR NEWSPAPER April /May 2022 Volume 2, No. 4
Urban Prep Seniors Announce College Choices at Signing Day
Photos: Ian Isbell
Mr. Contrell Lopez and his brothers from the Urban Prep West/Downtown Campus sign the Annual Signing Day banner after announcing the college or university they are attending this Fall; Messrs. Antonio Milian and Jawon Rogers from the Englewood Campus after announcing their college choice.
On May 19th, seniors from Urban Prep's Englewood, West/Downtown, Bronzeville Campus took to Daley Plaza in Downtown Chicago to announce the four year college or university they will be attending this fall. The weather was beautiful as onlookers, parents and supporters gathered to celebrate this memorable event for the Class of 2022. Mr. Tim King, Founder and CEO of Urban Prep gave a speech and announced that for the 13th consecutive year in a row 100 percent of Urban Prep graduating seniors have been admitted into college. This year's theme is 100 Percent Indomitable. In his speech, Mr. King explained "Indomitable means you are unconquerable. It means you will not falter in the face of any obstacle placed before you. It means that although the world will try to keep you down, you are ready to pull yourself up with every fiber of your being." During the event Mr. Troy Boyd, Chief Operating Officer announced a scholarship on behalf of Top of the World Hats (TOWS) to the senior with the most college acceptances. This year's recipent was Mr. Amari Austin from the Bronzeville Campus, who received LION’S ROAR
73 college acceptances, the most in Urban Prep history. At Signing Day, seniors lined up, approached the mic and proudly announced to the world the school they would be attending then they donned the hat of that school. Seniors then signed the event banner and the credimus book with their name and the school they are attending. This is significant because every graduating senior class has done so since the inaugural Class of 2010. There were juniors from all three campuses present. This was very impactful and meaningful because next year they will have the great opportunity to announce the school they will attend in Fall of 2023. While Urban Prep has been hosting Signing Day since 2010, this year's event was most special because for the past two years we have not been able to gather in this fashion due to the pandemic. It was a great experience . "College Signing Day means so much to me, just so we can change the narrative of young Black men not attending college" said Dorian Hill, Class of 2022 and Editor-in-Chief of the Lion's Roar from the Bronzeville Campus.
Mr. Baraka Myart-Sapho from the Bronzeville Campus announces that he’s attending Western Illinois University.
Photo Credit: Michael Kardas
COO Troy Boyd, Principal of the Bronzeville Campus Joffrey Bywater, Senior Amari Austin, Founder and CEO Tim King and Chief Academic Officer Dennis Lacewell
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What’s UP in the world?
Mother's Day Tribute Cartoon Kevin Velasquez
Cartoonist Englewood Campus Class of 2025
NEWS Urban Prep Sophomore competes in National Kiwind Challenge Mr. Bricen Ward, Class of 2024 from Urban Prep's Bronzeville Campus competed in the National Kidwind Challenge in San Antonio, Texas May 16 - 18, 2022 and won “Best Dressed Turbine” Award along with his teammates. They competed against 53 student teams from 15 different U.S. states and Mexico. The event was hosted by the American CLEANPOWER tradeshow. They designed a turbine that operated with the best efficiency and a second “floating offshore turbine” that was able to sustain wave action and winds. Mr. Ward and his team also participated in Quizbowls to test their knowledge in solar and electricity against other teams. During the event, Mr. Ward won 2
Photo: Bricen Ward
Mr. Bricen Ward (center) in San Antonio, Texas with his team after winning several medals.
the Bronze Medal Award in Engineering and Chemistry for his project, “Wait! Don’t Trash it! Used Vegetable Oil is Needed for Immediate Action!” at the NAACP Southside ACT-SO Awards Show at Dunbar Vocational Career Academy on May 14, 2022.
Mr. Ward created biofuel blends to replace half of the gasoline used in cars to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and decrease the amount citizens have to pay for the high cost of gasoline.
LION’S ROAR
NEWS Urban Prep Senior attends Bulls Game with Former President Obama
Photo Credit: Cameron Barnes/Obama Foundation Steven Morgan, Class of 2022 from the Bronzeville Campus, who is one of the Obama Foundation Youth Jobs Corps (OYJC) Interns, attended the Bulls game with Former President Barack Obama in April. Mr. Morgan also had the opportunity to meet and sit next to Former President Obama during the game.
U P E n g l e w o o d C a m p u s H o s t s A n n u a l S e n i o r Tr o p a i a
Messrs. Armarrion Harris, Cari Bates, Tyron Jackson and Jacob Thompson posed after receiving Senior Superlatives during Senior Tropaia; Salutatorian Mr. Brian Peters posed with a representative from Marquette Bank after being announced as the bank’s 2022 scholarship recipient. URBAN URBAN PREP PREP ACADEMIES CHARTER ACADEMY
On Wednesday, May 25th, the Urban Prep Englewood Campus held their Annual Senior Tropaia at Kennedy King College. Parents, Faculty, Staff and students gathered with great anticipation of who would be recognized. Senior Tropaia is a celebration that recognizes the achievements of the senior class. Salutatorian Mr. Brian Peters gave a speech reflecting on his time at Urban Prep and encouraging his fellow brothers to make wise decisions on what they choose to do for the rest of their lives no matter where life leads them. 3
NEWS
Urban Prep’s Annual Mom Prom Returns
Photos: Dorian Hill On Friday, May 6th, students on all grade-levels across the network (Englewood, West/Downtown and Bronzeville Campuses) came together with their mothers, aunties and mother-like figures to celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend. The night was filled with great food, music, dancing, a 360-booth, a red carpet and the mothers being serenaded by their young
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LION’S ROAR
NEWS
Bronzeville Hosts Annual Senior Tropaia
Messrs. Zontrell Hawthorne, Malachi Maddox, Travon Powell and Dorian Hill posing with their senior superlatives; Messrs. Powell, Julian Keith, Jayden Shorter, Brandon Black and Jermaine Robinson posed after Tropaia. Mr. Brandon Cole posing with his senior superlative for being the "Biggest Nerd".
On Tuesday, May 31st, seniors from the Bronzeville Campus gathered with their teachers, classmates and families to celebrate the end of their senior year. This year, Senior Tropaia was held at Fogo de Chão in Downtown Chicago. Seniors received medals for academic excellence, most improved, and much more. Salutatorian Mr. Jayson Hayes encouraged his brothers to follow their hearts. "It's not about the fame or the money but its about wherether I can make a difference in the world."
FEATURES
Meet Urban Prep’s Managers of School Operations By Dorian Hill
Editor-in-Chief, Bronzeville Campus During the month of April, administrative assistants across the country are recognized for their important role in various industries. At Urban Prep, students value the impact that teachers, prinicipals, and administrators have in their lives. It is an understatement when it comes to the Managers of School Operations. They are responsible for keeping the school upand-running. The main office is where you go when you have an emergency, not feeling too well and when you need information. We, as students, may not realize the impact of the office staff but they are needed. In honor of Administrative Assistants Week, we interviewed Urban Prep’s three Managers of School Operations: Ms. Syesha Hampton from the Englewood Campus, Ms. Alexandra Moore from the West/Downtown Campus and Ms. Bridgette Simmons from the Bronzeville Campus. Ms. Hampton started working at Urban Prep 4 years ago. She graduated from Concordia University. What she likes about being the Manager of School Operations at the Englewood Campus is that it resembles an old african proverb “it takes a village to raise a child.” To her, the Class of 2022 has contributed to what resonates with her most about Urban Preps Mission; which is this,“The soul that is within me no man can degrade.” - Frederick Douglass. Ms. Moore started working at Urban Prep just this past year. She graduated from Clark Atlanta University. Being the Manager of Operations at the West/DownURBAN PREP ACADEMIES
Ms. Syesha Hampton Englewood Campus
Ms. Alexandra Moore West/Downtown Campus
Ms. Bridgette Simmons Bronzeville Campus
town Campus allows her to engage with everyone including teachers, staff, and students. Most of the time, she is the first person that they see and she strives to make sure she is exemplifying the true value of Urban Prep. The thing that resonates with her the most about Urban Prep’s mission is that it is pushing students to succeed in greatness. Ms. Simmons started working for Urban Prep 12 years ago. She is the veteran amongst the office staff within the network. She originally started at the West Campus. She later joined the
Bronzeville Campus. She graduated from Chicago State University. For her, being the Manager of Operations at the Bronzeville Campus is all about the students and interactions. With Urban Prep being a smaller school, it's all about the family culture. What resonates with her is a line in the creed that states that “We are college bound.” She loves to see the young men grow, succeed and come back to visit. This speaks to the impact of Urban Prep and
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FEATURES
Class of 2022 On To The Next One UPdate Students who recieved their ties during the month of April
Photos: Jessie Mack/Alexandra Moore
West/Downtown and Bronzeville Seniors pose after having their college acceptances announced and recieving their red and gold striped ties.
Mr. Nasir Stallworth(WST) pose with his parents after receiving his red and gold striped tie. Mr. Jalen Gentry (WST) shakes Assistant Principal Mahone’s hand after receiving his tie. 6 URBAN PREP CHARTER ACADEMY
West Campus Lavon Bradley Charles Byers, IV Jalen Gentry Malik Hammond Treon Jeter Davion Johnson Kevin Jordan Justin Key Nasir Stallworth Treyvon Strong Bronzeville Campus Farrouck Aliou Iniko Austin Shawn Bankston Kierre Battle Dejon Brinker Damen Caldwell Deondre Campbell Eric Crawford Chandler Culler Julian Ford Jaelin Hardy Keon Hetherington Christopher Jones Jeremy Jones Julian Keith Julian King Jaylen Laster Raekown Lee Billy Martin Kaharre Mason Malachi Mattox Antonio Maxwell David McCraven Terrell Morrison Jayshawn Nixon Jones Joshua Ottley Gervais Price Ricky Robinson Kristopher Ross Quincy Sanchez Jadaiyo Shores Jarvis Smith Jahari Stone Trevaughn Stringfellow-Trigg Leroy Walker Ellis White Israel Wyatt
LION’S ROAR
Students Receive Gold Ties for Being STUDENTS Exceptional OF THE MONTH
Mr. Jamel Smith, Class of 2022 - Englewood
Mr. Smith received this gold tie in April. His nominator wrote: “This young man is living out our Creed; Not only is he living out our creed,; he is respecting the 4Rs of our school culture. As an Urban Prep man, he is doing what the lions in the crest on our blazers represent and that is making sure he has his brother's back. He is dedicated, committed and focused. I watched him help a student with his final presentation without hesitation. Over the spring break, he took it upon himself along with one of his classmate to go visit the college he plans to attend in the fall. He also volunteers when asked in class and turns in assignments on time.
Mr. Michael Woodard, Class of 2025 - West
Mr. Woodard received his gold tie during the month of April. His nominator wrote “This young man has shown that he understands what it takes to become a better version of himself, while acting in the spirit of solidary. He has volunteered to participate in our ritual activities as a student ambassador, and supporting parent night events, as well as other extra curricular activities. He also takes time encouraging his peers in doing their best both academically and socially, while attempting to support them by being his brothers’ keeper. He is often asked to do small tasks that support the school community and is a dependable representative of his Pride and Class.”
Mr. Vashon Prince, Class of 2025 - Bronzeville
Mr. Prince, Pride of Relentlessness received his gold tie in Physics during the month of April. His nominator wrote “Mr. Prince has shown incredible responsiblity and awareness of his conduct. He has been excelling in his studies consistently. This is why he is deserving of this recognition”.
Teachers of The Month: Urban Prep Students Speak!
Ms. Stephanie Vargas teaches British Literature, AP Literature, and AP English Composition at the Urban Prep Englewood Campus. She came to Urban Prep mid-year and was able to build relationships with students fairly quickly. Students describe Ms. Vargas as kind, resilient and very helpful. She has helped students in a variety of ways outside of the classroom by writing letters of recommendations for senior class members, helping with essays and speeches.
Mrs. Jennifer Harvey is an Honors British Literature and World Literature teacher at the Urban Prep Bronzeville Campus. Mrs. Harvey is loved by our student body for her loving and caring nature and great teaching skills. She always shows love for her students and builds relationships with them to ensure they receive a great education that is catered to their needs.
*Students at each campus are polled by the Lion’s Roar staff to idenitfy their campus’ Teacher of The Month
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FEATURES Students Write Notes for Teacher Appreciation Week
"The teacher who impacted me the most was Mr. Johnny Dorsey. He helped me become who I am today. He even helped me become great at playing the Djembe drums".
"The teacher who impacted me the most is Ms. Torrina Dunn because she is a strong intelligent woman who works extremely hard, while being almost eight months pregnant and still being able to come and teach us everyday."
– Mr. Deondrae Gardner, Englewood Campus
"Mr. Alton Cullins impacted me the most becuase I could relate to him. He taught me that it's cool to be smart in and outside of school but its more important to take care of my responsiblities."
– Mr. Devin McGraw, Englewood Campus
"The teacher who has impacted me the most is Ms. Luree Ward. She has inspired me to do the best I can when it comes to school. She helps me understand that my past does not determine my future. For this, I truly believe that she goes above and beyond her duty as an Urban Prep staff member not just for me but for my classmates as well"
"The teacher who has inspired me the most is Mr. D. Hines. He has inspired me to put my goals on paper and focus on them no matter what people say. He also inspires me to take charge of my life."
"The teacher who has impacted me the most was Mr. Ronald Clark because he never gave up on his students and gave us chance after chance until we got it right. He also taught us how to never give up and keep trying. He taught us how to increase our reading and writing skills."
– Mr. Bricen Ward, Bronzeville Campus
– Mr. Jaylen Waters, Englewood Campus
– Mr. Michael Woodard, West/Downtown Campus
"A teacher who has inspired me the most is Mr. Thomas Daniels. He is one of the best history teachers I've ever had. It has been a great experience to have been his student for two years." – Mr. Dominick Williams, Bronzeville Campus
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– Mr. Edwin Bogan, III, Englewood Campus
"Mr. Mikel Muhammad has inspired me the most this year. He has given me a different perspective on life completely. He keeps me on my toes, yet he feels like a big brother to me. Long story short, he's the greatest teacher I've ever had." – Mr. Avery Barnes, Bronzeville Campus
LION’S ROAR
SPORTS
Urban Prep’s Baseball Team goes against Harlan and Phillips
Mr. Londell Overton Bronzeville Campus Class of 2024
Photos: Jessie Mack
Featured Players: Freshman, Lawrenze Norward (BRZ) Junior, Frank Iverson (BRZ) Junior, Micah Turner (ENG) Senior, Julian Keith (BRZ) Freshman, Joshua Hill-Nicholson (BRZ) Sophomore, Londell Overton (BRZ) APRIL STATS: UP vs. Harlan (19-3) Lions Win; UP vs. Little Village (4-10) Lions Lose; UP vs. Perspectives (19-0) Lions Win; and UP vs. Phillips (2-15) Lions Lose
URBAN PREP CHARTER ACADEMIES ACADEMY
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SPORTS
– Urban Prep Lion's Baseball Coverage –
Featured Players: Freshman, Raymond Gardner (BRZ), Sophomore, Dwain Melton (BRZ), Freshman, Jaedyn Garrison (BRZ), Junior, Levi Turner (ENG), Junior, Micah Turner (ENG), Junior, Frank Iverson (BRZ) MAY STATS: UP vs. Dyett (6-8) Lions Lose; UP vs. Bowen (12-1) Lions Win; UP vs. Gage Park (23-3) Lions Win; UP vs. Hyde Park (4-22) Lions Lose; UP vs. Corliss (3-3) Tie Game; UP vs. South Shore International (19-15) Lions Win; UP vs. UIC College Prep (2-13) Lions Lose
Next Month’s Issue Letter from the Editor Senior Prom Network Tropaia Downtown Campus Senior Tropaia Commencement 2022 School Year In Review
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The Lion’s Roar Staff Dorian Hill Avery Barnes Brandon Black Ian Isbell Traivahn Johnson Jaylen Laster Brian Peters Kevin Velasquez Bricen Ward Dominick Williams
Editor-in-Chief Staff Reporter Staff Writer Photographer Cartoonist Photographer Staff Reporter Cartoonist Freelancer Writer Staff Reporter
LION’S ROAR