The Lion's Roar Newspaper: Volume 3 No. 5

Spring Break: Urban Prep Students Visit LSU and Southern University

By Dominick Williams Managing Editor, Bronzeville Campus

This year, a group of juniors (plus two seniors, who were admitted into the school) were invited to attend a spring break college tour in Lousiana. For many of us, this would be there first time getting on a plane or even leaving the state as well as staying on a college campus. We had so much fun from the time we boarded the plane to the end of the trip. The students were greeted by LSU officials when arrived to the airport and then boarded the shuttles for an hour-long bus ride to Baton Rouge Louisiana where their college tour experience would begin. Once we arrived at the hotel it was time to get checked in and changed for our welcome reception dinner with LSU Director of Admission, Mr. Phil Verpil and LSU student ambassadors. Following the reception, the student ambassadors took everyone on a shuttle tour of the campus visiting the den where their tiger lives on campus, various campus buildings and their state of the art REC Center. Students were able to play basketball and various games to end the shuttle tour. For the first full day, students were shuttled to Southern University where there were presentations about the admissions process, information about the university, a student panel, a tour of the campus and bowling. Students were also able to bowl in the student center. When we returned to LSU, we received a VIP tour of the amazing football stadium on campus. We toured the locker room and field. Since the LSU Women’s Basketball Team won the championship, we were forunate to have close up spots to see the celebatory parade in honor of the team’s victory. Students received beads, sunglasses and other LSU paraphernalia. On our last night, students accompanied by chaperones enjoyed the hotel pool and hot tub before packing up for their last day at LSU. Students on the last day were able to visit the LSU School of Medicine and Nursing.

Urban Prep Students pose with Lousiana State University Student Ambassadors during their shuttle tour and at Southern University.

Students talked to doctors, nurses, and even got a chance to use the medical dummies in different simulations similiar to exercises that nursing students do in class. During the simulation, students were given directions on how to listen to their dummy’s heart and breathing patterns. In some scenerios the medical dummy would talk; yes they talk now. From the simulation, students would learn that their medical dummy was showing signs of having a ride-sided stroke. Overall, the students enjoyed their trip and were not ready to return back to Chicago. Wait… Oh did I mention we almost had a chance to see the ladies

of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Neophyte presentation along with other NPHC organizations on campus? We arrived at the end and was about to see a taste of the college party scene. All in all, everyone had a great time, we learned a lot, and were given a unique and special opportunity to travel to Lousiana during Spring Break. It was truly a time to be alive. There were two seniors who attended the trip, who later accepted their offers to attend Lousiana State University this fall The trip truly came full circle and is testament to our Creed which states “We Are College Bound”.

Photos: Jessie Mack

What’s UP in the world? College Isn't An

Urban Prep College Counselors Highlight

This is Ms. Ludens' first year at UP and she was asked how she felt as students announced their colleges at Signing Day. "I was really excited for them. As someone who loved my undergrad experience, I get giddy thinking about them hopefully having a wonderful time these next four years. The prospect for growth and the experiences they will have is like no other time in their lives and I’m grateful for helping them get there."

Option;

It's My Choice

By Eriyonn McGee

Freelance Writer, Englewood Campus

This is the 14th year that 100% of Urban Prep seniors were accepted into colleve. I believe that with everything they have learned at Urban Prep will help the Class of 2023 achieve greatness as they go on to college. This was the first year that freshmen have been able to attend College Signing Day downtown. It was a memorable celebration of the seniors announcing the colleges they will be attending this fall. It was the result of years of hard work knowing that college isn't just an option is our choice. Watching my Urban Prep brothers that day filled me with delight and the opportunity to witness their transition into college motivated me and others knowing that one day we will be in their position.

This is Ms. Conway's 4th year at UP and she was asked how she felt as the students announced their colleges at Signing Day. " I love signing day because it brings out my emotional side. The Class of 2023 was a special class for me because I started at Urban Prep when they were starting their freshmen year here at Urban Prep, so I've spent the entire 4 years with this class! I always joke and call my students my adopted babies, but this year it held meaning. Seeing every single one of my adopted babies walk up to the mic and announce where they were heading next fall was an experience close to the heart: happiness, joy, love, confidence. I can't express how proud I am of this class.

Kevin Velasquez, Cartoonist Englewood Campus - Class of 2025

Ms. Ludens graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelors of Arts in Family Services and later obtained her Masters of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania in School and Professional Counseling.

Ms. Conway graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelors of Science in Education and Social Policy with a concentration in Learning and Organization Change.

Ms. Hannah Ludens, Englewood Campus

Ms. Tasia Conway, Bronzeville Campus

Urban Prep Students Visit LSU during Spring Break CONT'D

Urban Prep students pose inside LSU Tiger Stadium on the football field; Messrs. Elijah Cooper and Joshua Smith, Class of 2024 from the Englewood Campus pose with Admissions Director Mr. Phil Verpil; Messrs. Marlon Vaughn and James Avery from the Downtown Campus play pool while visiting the LSU Rec Center; Students pose during medical simulation and take photo together while visiting the LSU School of Medicine and Nursing; Student pose after attending the championship parade where they receive various beads and take aways as well as saw Angel Reese from the LSU Women's Basketball Team.

Photos Credit: Tristan Hunter/Dominick Williams/Jessie Mack

URBAN PREP'S ANNUAL COLLEGE SIGNING DAY:

Messrs. Juawain Jackson from the Bronzeville Campus and Cardell Rush from the Englewood Campus signing their names and the school they'll be attending this fall on the College Signing Day Banner; Chief Academic Officer Dennis Lacewell, Bronzville Principal Joffrey Bywater, Chief Operating Officer Troy Boyd, Jr. pose with Mr. Seven Brimmer, Bronzeville Campus after presenting him with his red and gold striped tie and acknowledging his histroic 91 college acceptances.

By Tristan Hunter Staff Reporter, Englewood Campus

Urban Prep’s 14th Annual College Signing Day was held on April 27th at the Daley Plaza, which is located in the heart of Downtown Chicago. Urban Prep’s Signing Day is an annual event that celebrates the college commitments of young African American males from Urban Prep’s Englewood, Downtown and Bronzeville Campues. College Signing Day is a climax of four years of hard work, perseverance, and academic excellence. It is a joyous occasion where seniors proudly announce their college choices in front of their peers, families, teachers, and community members. The significance of Urban Prep Signing Day goes beyond individual achievements. It challenges negative stereotypes and defies data that suggest limited opportunities for young Black males. By showcasing the accomplishments of these students, the event highlights the potential and promise that lies within every young person, regardless of their background. The event is based

on a joyful atmosphere filled with applause, cheers, and tears of joy. It not only recognizes the students college acceptance but also acknowledges the support and guidance provided by their college counselors, teachers, mentors, and families throughout their educational journey. It also is a friendly competition amongst the seniors to see how many college they get accepted to compared to their fellow classmates. It pushes students to work hard to beat the record of the college acceptance letters each year. This year, Mr. Seven Brimmer from the Bronzeville Campus was accepted to 91 colleges and universities; the most in Urban Prep’s history. He also received over $3 million in scholarships and grants; the most in the network. He will be attending Georgetown University this fall. “Urban Prep was truly instrumental in my historic acceptances. When they say Ms. Conway is the best college counselor ever, it’s literally the truth. I sent about over 100 college applications to her and she was able to send everything necessary over to them without any hassle or anything. She has to

be the most dedicated person I’ve seen because you don’t get people like that. I’ve heard people’s college counselors from other neighboring high schools not put in transcripts for their colleges in time, or send in certain materials in time. With Ms. Conway, everything was immediate and clear with her, and you never had to worry if something was missing from your application. Without her, I wouldn’t be here with 91 college acceptances.”, said Mr. Brimmer.

As you can see, Urban Prep’s College Counselors play an important role in working with seniors to ensure that they get into college. When asked I asked Ms. Hannah Ludens, who is the College Counselor at the Englewood Campus how she felt about the Englewood seniors reaching 100% and this being her first year at Urban Prep and attending Signing Day, she said, “ I was super happy when we finally reached 100%! I had just stepped off a flight to go see my dad in hospice when I had a G-chat from my last student letting me know that he had received an acceptance to a 4 year institution. I was so proud of

Photos Credit: Michael Kardas

"THE CLASS OF 2023 IS 100% IRREPLACEABLE

each and every young man in that moment. Sure I guided them through the application process, but they did it. They received the grades, they wrote the essays, they filled out the applications, and ultimately, they chose to take this next step into adulthood.”

Ms. Tasia Conway, College Counselor from the Bronzeville Campus said," The Class of 2023 had a drive like no other class I've seen. No matter how many essays they complained about writing or how many applications they had to submit, it became a part of their daily life. I had students not only doing work during Monday through Friday: these students were working 7 days a week for the college process. The countless emails, texts, calls, stop bys to my office, my students were determined to make sure they were putting their best foot forward to get into the best schools yet. I also think creating an environment where students had autonomy over their work helped as well. Using each other as teachers instead of only relying on me (the main teacher) was a big help! They were their brothers' keepers and they were able to hit heights like no other!"

Each year, we have a theme for the event that speaks to the senior class. This year’s theme is 100% Irreplaceable. “The work these young men

have done over the last four years is Irreplaceable. Irreplaceable is what they are. Members of the Class of 2023, I thank you. Thank you for being the light that we need in these dark times. Thank you for staying the course. Thank you for being your Brothers Keepers. Thank you for never giving up. And, finally, thank you for being 100% Irreplaceable. You are what happens when We Believe.”, said Troy Boyd, Jr., Chief Operating Officer. The event concluded with Urban Prep students reciting the creed lead by Senior Class Presidents Mr. Billy Haynes, Englewood Campus, Mr. Robert Howard, Downtown Campus and Mr. Seven Brimmer, Bronzeville Campus. After the event, students, families and faculty took photos together to commenerate the celebration. “To see the happiness on my Mama’s face after my brother and I announced our colleges really means the world to me that I get to truly show her I’ve listened to all the things that she has said and I know I would be no where without her. She motivated me the most throughout high school.”, said Mr. Levi Turner, from the Englewood Campus who will be attending. Harris Stowe State University this fall.

Photos Credit: Michael Kardas/Dominick Williams

Englewood Seniors pose together at the end of Signing Day; Mr. Rom'a Nelson from the Bronzeville Campus sporting his Morehouse College cap; Messrs. Dylan Purnell and Josiah Jackson from the Bronzeville Campus; and Messrs. Seven Brimmer, Qwaylin Miller and Myles Johnson showing their college caps before Signing Day begins.

UP Students Volunteer for The Obama Foundations's Earth Day

Urban Prep Students Messrs. Michael Croffet, Elijah Cooper and Joshua Smith, Class of 2024 from Englewood Campus and Messrs. Michael Rollins and Myles Brown, Class of 2024 from the Bronzeville Campus pose with Obama Presidential Center CEO Valerie Jarrett at the Obama Foundation Earth Day Event along with other volunteers.

DePaul University's Law Program host Urban Prep Students

By Dominick Williams Managing Editor, Bronzeville Campus

Students for the Urban Prep Bronzeville Campus visited DePaul University’s Law School in Downtown Chicago. During the college visit, students met with lawyers and worked through different trial examples and situations law students encounter in their classes. Students also learned about various terminologies that lawyers and judges use in court when presenting or defending a case. They also had a chance to tour the campus shortly after and enjoyed lunch on campus before returning to school.

Photos Credit: Brandon Lenore

Students from the Bronzeville Campus listen to a student panel and tour DePaul University Law School.

Photos Credit: Dominick Williams

Urban Prep Celebrates Professional Assistants Day

THANK YOU TO OUR MANAGERS OF SCHOOL OPERATIONS

In celebration of Administrative Assistant's Week, students, faculty and staff at each campus wrote personal notes to Managers of Operations, Ms. Hampton, Ms. Moore and Ms. Simmons in honor of the work they do to keep their campus functional. The boards were designed by Ms. Rose Jefferies.

Ms. Bridgette Simmons Urban Prep Bronzeville Campus

Ms. Alexandra Moore Urban Prep Downtown Campus

Ms. Syesha Hampton Urban Prep Englewood Campus

Students Receive Gold Ties For Being Exceptional FEATURES

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

Mr. Ball received his gold tie in African American Literature during the month of April. His nominator wrote “This young man has made improvements since the beginning of the school year. He strives to turn in his assignments even when his peers fail to do so. While sometimes he can play a little too much he is a bright young man with a great future ahead of him. He deserves to receive this recognition.”

Mr. Brown received his gold tie in Africana Studies. His nominator wrote, “This young man has demonstrated Exceptionality and Resilience by working hard to fulfill academic eligibility requirements in Africana Studies. In doing so, he returned himself to good academic standing for the class, and has restored his eligibility to participate in upcoming extracurricular activities. He also has demonstrated a greater understanding of how to problem solve, to prevent matters from escalating, allowing him to return to the place where he continues to work towards exceptionality."

Mr. Patterson received his gold tie in U.S History. His nominator wrote, “Mr. Patterson has grown a lot as a scholar and leader since the beginning of the year. I am excited to see him continue to inspire his peers and his community. He goes out of his way to do extra credit and enrich himself with knowledge and culture. I know he will continue to feed his inquisitive mind and give back to the Black community as a whole."

Principal Feature: Mr. Mahone

Mr. Othiniel Mahone is the Principal of the Urban Prep Englewood Campus. He began working at Urban Prep in 2006 and has worked in various capacities such as Athletic Director, Head Football Coach, Pride Leader, Case Manager, and Assistant Principal of the Englewood and Downtown Campuses. This is his first year as a Principal of the Englewood Campus.

Mr. Mahone graduated from St. Xavier University in Chicago and received his Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education. He later pursued his (2) Masters of Arts degrees in Special Education and Educational Adminstration from St. Xavier University in Chicago.

Mr. Ilijah Brown Class of 2026 - Downtown

Mr. Dearies Ball Class of 2025 - Englewood

Mr. Quincy Patterson Class of 2026 -Bronzeville

BatterUP! The Urban Prep Baseball Team Season Begins

Photos Credit: Jessie Mack

Messrs. Londel Overton, Class of 2024, Michael Burton-Hill, Class of 2026, and Jamar Washington, Class of 2024 from the Bronzeville Campus; Micah and Levi Turner, Class of 2023 from the Englewood Campus.

Track Coverage: UP Lion's Sprint to The Finish Line

Urban Prep's Indoor Track Team competing; Messrs. Joseph Coleman, Class of 2023, Joshua Smith and Tristan Hunter, Class of 2024, Englewood Campus pose for a photo before their race; Khamarja Fisher, Class of 2025, Bronzeville Campus; Quran Muhammad and Javonte Jordan, Class of 2023, Bronzeville Campus; Eriyonn McGee, Class of 2026 competing.

Photos Credit: Jessie Mack

Intramural Basketball: Englewood Students vs. Staff

Photos Credit: Jessie Mack

Messrs. Deondrae Gardner, Class of 2023; Tristan Hunter, Class of 2024; Teacher Reggie Ray; Athlethic Coordinator James Jefferies; Personal Counselor Darrick Williams; Principal Othiniel Mahone; Security Shalik Williams, Jemon Booker, Class of 2025; Joquan Coleamn , Class of 2023, Security Juan Brown, Intramural Sports Coordinator and Urban Prep West Campus 2013 Alumnus Lawrence Mead, and Teacher Chianthony Lee.

Urban Prep Baseball Team Season Coverage Cont'd... SPORTS

April Game Scores

4/11 Vs. Phillips (10-5) Win

4/13 Vs. Phillips (24-14) Win

4/15 Vs. Bowen (17-4) Win

4/15 Vs. Bowen (18-8) Win

4/20 Vs. South Shore International (13-2) Loss

4/22 vs. Dyett (FF) Win

4/25 Vs. Perspectives Leadership (23-7) Loss

4/28 Vs. Perspectives Leadership (11-9) Win

May's Issue

What's UP in the world?

Students of the Month

Teacher Aptpreciation Week Celebration

Mom Prom 2023

Senior Tropaia Celebration

Urban Prep's Athletic Ceremony

Outdoor Track Coverage

Baseball Season Coverage

The Lion’s Roar Staff

Dominick Williams, Bronzeville

Tristian Hunter, Englewood

Ian Isbell, Bronzeville

Eriyonn McGee, Englewood

Kevin Velasquez, Englewood

Michael Woodard, Downtown

Managing Editor Staff Reporter Photographer Freelance Writer Cartoonist Staff Writer

Photos Credit: Jessie Mack

Messrs. Maurice Hughes, Class of 2025, Dwain Melton, Class of 2024 and Michael Burton-Hill, Class of 20256 pitching.