The Lion's Roar Newspaper: Volume 3 No. 1

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THE LION’S ROAR

Urban Prep's Class of 2026 Don Blazers at Convocation

By Bricen Ward Staff Writer, Bronzeville

Convocation is one of Urban Prep's richest rituals. It is a symbolic ceremony where the incoming freshman class from each campus comes together with faculty, staff, family and friends to celebrate joining the Urban Prep family. Most notably, at Convocation, freshmen get to don their blazers and officially become UP young men.

This year, Urban Prep's Annual Convoca tion took place on Thursday, September 1st. All freshmen gathered together from each campus at Apostolic Faith Church in preparation of the ceremony.

On the day of the event, students arrived early and were greeted by their fellow broth ers from other campuses as they marched into the chapel holding room. Convocation is a non-ticketed event where the young men are able to invite their family members to wit ness them become an Urban Prep young man. During the ceremony, there are student speak ers who represent each campus. This year, Mr. Melvin Mack, III from the Englewood Campus, Mr. Seth Walker from the Downtown Campus and Mr. Joel Brown from Bronzeville repre sented their fellow brothers expressing what it means to be an UP young man.

Another memorable portion of the event is the My Brothers Keep Ritual. This is when men from the community who are business profes sionals are called to the stage, introduced and they then recite a pledge to the incoming fresh man class. There was also great music provided by Nickolas Hall & Friends. The event ended with the Class of 2026 standing on the stage and reciting the Urban Prep Creed together and publically for the very first time. After this cer emony comes to an end the young men gather with their families and friends in the lobby to take photos and congratulate each other.

Convocation speakers, Messrs. Mack, Walker and Brown lead their Urban Prep brothers in the creed at the end of Convocation; Mr. Brown giving his speech to his fellow brothers, Mr. J'siah Purnell from the Downtown Campus; My Brother Keepers Participants, and the Class of 2026 before the donning of their blazers.

Photos Credit: Michael Kardas

What’s UP in the world?

New Illinois Law Eliminates Cash Bail

By Zachary Smith Staff Writer, Downtown

Breaking News!

On January 1, 2023, there is a new law in Illinois that will go into effect. The first of January is supposed to be a celebration of the new year and past accomplishments.

Instead, people will have to worry about potential threats to society being released from jail without bail. The new law is called the "Safe-T Act" and it eliminates cash bail for offenders. Elected officials have argued

that the new law will usher in a fair system for those who are detained until their trial since they are unable to make bail. They also argue that people are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Many people believe the new law levels the field.

I believe that this new law is a deadly di saster waiting to happen. People who have been charged with murder and other hor rendous crimes will be able to roam in the streets if the judge does not revoke pretrial release.

ILLINOIS SAFE-T ACT NEW LAW PASSED

Urban Prep hosts Back To School Night

By Dominick Williams Managing Editor, Bronzeville

Back to School Night this year was a success. Parents got some insight on their students day to day life as a high school student at Urban Prep Academies. Teach ers got to meet their students' parents and explain how they are teaching their young men and were able to share a little back ground information about themselves

Teachers throughout the network were creative in how they engaged with fami lies. Ms. Hampton from the Bronzeville Campus prepared a presentation for her students' parents and played some speed games giving the parents problems to solve then having their young men assist them in answering it based on what they were taught in her class. All in all, it was a good turn out across the network.

Kevin Velasquez, Cartoonist Englewood Campus Class of 2025

Urban Prep Student In Class (Lions Roar Stock Photo)

Freshman Academy Kicks Off The School Year

Since 2006, Urban Prep has welcomed each incoming freshman to participate in a pre-orientation called "Freshman Academy". This one week pro gram allows freshmen to learn about the history of Urban Prep, the school culture, how to tie a tie, the Urban Prep creed, join their Prides, attend community, meet their principals and teachers as well as their fellow classmates. This pre-orientation typically takes place two weeks before the beginning of the school year and is followed by Convocation where they recite the creed pubically wearing their new Urban Prep blazer, tie and uni form for the first time. This was the first year since the start of the pandemic that Urban Prep has been able to host Freshman Academy. The young men were excited about their new journey and ready to learn what it means to become an Urban Prep young man.

Photos Credit: Jessie Mack/Alexandra Moore

Mr. Colin Berry, Englewood Campus practices tying his tie, Mr. Daniel Brown and Mr. Liljahh Brown with Pride Leader Mr. Anthony Moore from the Downtown Campus learning how to access their lockers; Englewood Dean of Students Mr. Dwayne Carter helping Mr. Josiah Morris with his tie; and the first group of young men who learned and recited the Urban Prep Creed were rewarded with their red tie (left to right - Messrs. Davion Harris, Jeremiah Raddle, Colin Berry and Isaiah Harper from the Englewood Campus).

Urban Prep Students celebrate Homecoming Weekend

DANCE 2022

HOMECOMING PEP RALLY 2022

Mr. Khristhopher Brown, Class of 2026 from the Englewood Campus and Mr.Qwaylin Miller, Class of 2023 from the Bronzeville Campus , participating in the shooting contest during the Homecoming Rally; Rally MC Mr. Fazson Chapman, Urban Prep Alumnus from the Class of 2013 during the dance competition with contestant Mr. Tayson Williams, Class of 2023 from the Bronzeville Campus.

Urban Prep students attend the 2022 Homecoming Dance; Messrs. Khamarja Fisher, Class of 2025 and Joshua Larrieux, Class of 2023 from the Bronzeville Campus with their dates for the dance.

Photos Credit: Dominick Williams

Photos Credit: Ian Isbell/Alexandra Moore

Students Visit Northern Illinois University

Students

Photos Credit: Brandon Lenore

Students Receive Gold Ties for Being Exceptional

OF

Mr. Bloom received his gold tie in Honors Spanish II during the month of October. His nominator wrote “This young man vibrant energy, witty personality and unique style makes him extraordinary. He is always looking out for his brothers and community, highly engaged during the spanish class and has proven himself to be extremely responsible and trustworthy. This is why is deserving of a gold tie.”

Mr. Vassor received his gold tie during the month of September. His nominator wrote “This young man is optimistic about the present while looking forward to an amazing future. He demonstrates an awareness of the power of perseverance. He consistently works hard, and smart. He is respect ful and attentive. He is dedicated, committed, and focused in his preparation for the road ahead, and greatness is his forte”.

Mr. Starks received his gold tie in Algebra II w/ Trig during the month of October. His nomi nator wrote “This student has never skipped a beat. He arrives at class on time, participates, completes all of his work and has a 94% in my math class. He never fails because he never gives up and he makes no excuses”.

Teachers of The Month: Urban Prep Students Speak!

Mr. Reggie Ray teaches AP US History, Civics & Social Activism, Honors African American History and Grit Lab: The Psychology of Passion at the Urban Prep Englewood Campus. Mr. Ray is also the Assistant basketball coach. This is his first year at Urban Prep. Students have expressed that Mr. Ray creates a space for students to use their voice during class. He is patient, and students have expressed that he has integrity both inside and outside of the school.

Mr. Anthony Moore is a Pride Leader at the Urban Prep Downtown Campus. This is his first year at Urban Prep. Mr. Moore is a remarkable teacher and he truly does everything he can to ensure the success of students at the Downtown Campus. Mr. Moore constantly shows students what it means to work hard and be dedicated by using his own struggles to educate and help us.

*Students at each campus are polled by the Lion's Roar staff to identify their campus' Teacher of The Month

Mr. Antonio Miller teaches African American History and Civics & Activism (include honors sections for both subjects) at the Urban Prep Bronzeville Campus. Mr. Miller has been a member of the Urban Prep family for 3 years. Students express that Mr. Miller is one of the best history teachers they’ve had by far. He educates us in a way we can understand. "He uses credible sources and books along with his knowledge to show us the real African History. He always makes us feel welcomed in his classroom and knows how to put a smile on our face. He is the real definition and a young Black male teacher and role model."

Mr. Kelvion Vassor Class of 2026 - Downtown

Mr. Terrell Bloom Class of 2023 - Englewood

Mr. Marshawn Starks Class of 2024 -Bronzeville

Varsity Football Team participates in Annual Shoe Painting

An Urban Prep Homecoming Ritual during Spirit Week is for the football team to gather for the Annual Shoe Painting. The varsity foot ball team painted their shoes red and gold in prepartion for the Homecoming Game. Mr. Kevin Scott, Class of 2023 from the Bronzeville Campus, Mr. Robert Howard, Class of 2023 from the Downtown Campus both spray their shoes; Mr. J'siah Purnell, Class of 2026 from the Downtown Campus and Mr. Frank Iverson, Class of 2023 from the Bronzeville Campus pose with their painted shoes.

Photos Credit: Jessie Mack

SPORTS

UP Lions Win Homecoming Game against Dunbar Mightymen

On Friday, October 14th, the Urban Prep Lions Varsity Football Team won their home conference game against Dunbar. It was a complete blow out 46-0 with #25 Senior De'Andre Pratt making two touchdowns for a total of 14 points during the game.

Photos Credit: Dominick Williams

Urban Prep Cross Country Season Recap

Cross Country City Championships (10/15/22)

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Jayden Almo, Class of 2027,

Quran Muhammad, Class of

Qwaylin Miller, Class of

Messrs. Quran Muhammad, Class of 2026, Herbert Wilson, Class of 2025, Jayden Almo, Class of 2026, Davion Worthy, Class of 2024, Jamar Washington, Class of 2024 and Qwaylin Miller, Class of 2023 from the Bronzeville Campus.

Photos Credit: Jessie Mack

UP Wins First Round of IHSA Championship Playoffs SPORTS

Photos Credit: Jessie Mack

#1 Frank Iverson Class of 2023 Urban Prep Bronzeville

UP Junior Varsity Football Team Celebrates Undefeated Season

2022 Junior Varsity Season Game Stats

The Lion’s Roar Staff

Dominick Williams Tristian Hunter

Ward

Woodard

Mr. Lawrenze Norward, Class of 2025 from the Bronzeville Campus; Junior Varsity Football Team pose with coaches Elvin Turner (front) and Winsele Victor (back) after winning the final game of the season with zero loses the entire season; Mr. Raymond Gardner, Class of 2025 from the Bronzeville Campus; JV game against against Hyde Park Career Academy; JV game against Gary Comer.