The Lion's Roar Newspaper: Volume 4 No. 3

Urban Prep's Great Debaters Excel in Debate Competitions

Urban Prep Debaters Messrs. Johnathan Hollins, Zechariah Smith, Michael Rollins, and Myles Brown, Class of 2024 pose with their awards, certificates, and gavel they received this school year. Debaters preparing for their arguments during tournaments held at Sarah E. Goode STEM Academy.

The Urban Prep Debaters have been competing in various tournaments this school year. The Debaters placed 4th and 7th as a team and also received the most valuable debater award. Mr. Myles Brown came in 1st for speaker of all rookie competitors in the city.

Photos Credit: Jessie Mack

What's UP in the world?

The Impact of Technology on Education

By Elijah Cooper

By Messiah Ingram Staff Writer, Class of 2024, Englewood Campus Freelance Writer, Class of 2024, Englewood Campus

In recent years, technology has become increasingly integrated into educational settings, causing revolutionary changes in the ways students learn and teachers instruct. From interactive whiteboards and online learning platforms to educational apps and virtual reality simulations, technology

has provided countless opportunities to enhance the educational experience. However, it also presents challenges and raises important questions about its long-term effect on teaching and learning. In this forum, we invite students, teachers, and community members to share their perspectives on the role of technology in education. How has technology changed the

way you learn or teach? What are the benefits and drawbacks of technology in the classroom? How can educators effectively integrate technology into their teaching practices? Join the discussion and explore the complex relationship between technology and education.

Black History Month: Someone You Should Know

Malcolm X, also known as Malcolm Little, is a prominent figure in Black History who inspires many with his dedication to justice and self-determination. His journey from a troubled youth involved in crime to a leading figure in the civil rights movement shows the power of personal growth and resilience. Malcolm X's fight for Black empowerment, his fearless criticism of racism, and his efforts to promote Pan-Africanism have made a lasting impact on the quest for equality. What strikes me most about

Malcolm X is his willingness to evolve intellectually. He started with the Nation of Islam but later embraced Sunni Islam and engaged in global activism. His message of self-respect, self-reliance, and the importance of challenging oppression still resonates today, reminding us to stand against injustice and work towards a better world. Malcolm X's legacy is a symbol of hope, showing that change is possible, even in the face of adversity, and that fighting for justice requires courage and determination.

UP Englewood Black History Greek Showcase

Members of the Divine Nine Black Greek-letter organizations present and perfrom for students during a special greek assembly; Englewood Principal Mr. Ron Bryant, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc; Englewood Pride Leader and Urban Prep Alumnus Mr. Joseph Jones, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc; Director of Arcs Mr. Brandon Lenore, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Director of Institutional Advancement and Urban Prep Alumnus Jessie Mack and B.A.M. Coordinator Mr. Danny Gibson, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Manager of Student Recruitment and Alumni Programs, Mr. Adam Welton and special guest Mr. Jordan Goss, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

Photos Credit: Tristan Hunter

NEWS

CELEBRATING STUDENT EXCELLENCE: ENGLEWOOD

Cum Laude

3.0GPA - 3.49GPA

Jeremiah Jones, Class of 2026

Malcolm Barefield, Class of 2025

Damien Crawford, Class of 2024

Jaylen Walter, Class of 2024

Machai Cotton, Class of 2026

Dearies Ball, Class of 2025

Aaron Jenifor, Class of 2026

Jaydon Johnson, Class of 2026

Kevin Velasquez-Lozano, Class of 2025

Angel Gonzalez, Class of 2025

Josiah Morris, Class of 2026

Seth Williams, Class of 2024

Gabriel Tucker, Class of 2024

Darius Thomas, Class of 2027

Jamel Leverett, Class of 2024

Rashad White, Class of 2027

Deondre Griffin, Class of 2025

Jomare Coleman, Class of 2024

Ryan Mapps, Class of 2024

Josiah Morris, Class of 2026

Magna Cum Laude

3.5GPA - 3.74 GPA

William Hoskin, Class of 2027

Raekwon Owens, Class of 2027

KShawn Moore, Class of 2025

Jayden Davis, Class of 2027

Amir Sanni, Class of 2025

Amarion Gholar-Washington, Class of 2026

Dreyon Adams, Class of 2025

Damarion White, Class of 2025

Summa Cum Laude

3.75GPA - 4.0GPA or higher

Malik Owens, Class of 2024

Melvin Mack, III, Class of 2026

Kamari Woodall, Class of 2024

Jordan Shaw, Class of 2026

Raymond Gardner, Class of 2025

Ezekiel Assabill, Class of 2027

Caleb Igess-Harris, Class of 2026

Stephon Harden, Class of 2026

Johnny Parker, Class of 2025

Michael Redman, Class of 2024

Latrell Scott, Class of 2024

Kenneth Bailey, Class of 2024

James Hill, Class of 2025

Nasir Poole, Class of 2025

Joshua Smith, Class of 2024

Davion Harris, Class of 2026

Kelvion Vassor, Class of 2026

Tavaris Powell, Class of 2024

Tristan Hunter, Class of 2024

Jerlyon Carter-Hyde, Class of 2026

De'Mear McKinney, Class of 2024

Elijah Cooper, Class of 2024

Eriyonn McGee, Class of 2026

Jeremiah Williams, Class of 2025

Photos Credit: Josyah Spell/ Sema'J Coleman/Jessie Mack

Englewood students pose with their certificates; Mr. Timothy Wright, Class of 2025, Mr. Adareyan McIntosh, Class of 2025 and Mr. Jerlyon Carter-Hyde, Class of 2026 pose with their certificates from the awards assembly.

AND BRONZEVILLE HOST 1ST SEMESTER ASSEMBLY

Cum Laude 3.0GPA - 3.49GPA

Class of 2027

Malakhi Calahan

Antonio Collins

Preston Dudley

Demetrius Franklin

Tyrese Mitchell

Deandre Scott-Brown

Class of 2026

Zion Addai

Phoenix Barksdale

Ke’Shawn Bennett

Kamarion Coleman

TeAndre Jones

Keibo Little

Floyd Pearson

KeJuan Williams

Class of 2025

Ameere Bryant

Giovanni Hill

Maurice Hughes

Quincy Patterson

Jeremiah Payton

Class of 2024

Tyler Boyd

Deonta Harvey

Elijah Jones

Breair King

Jatiuan Marshall

Damarion Mosley

Asher Ottley

David Proby

Damarre Rawls

Elzhi Reynolds

Paul Robinson

Camron Rush

Marshawn Starks

Tony Vaughn

Jamar Washington

Cavon Wilson

Magna Cum Laude 3.5GPA - 3.74 GPA

Class of 2027

Luke Barnes

Sema’J Coleman

Tyler Nelson

Jalen Owens

Jacob Roberson

Class of 2026

Allen Montinez

Renauld Dunn

Amir Ferguson

Pharell Hart

Jaylan Mickell

Antwon Shelton

Montrell Starks

Class of 2025

Keshawn Crockrom

Jo’siah Jackson

Jose Sanchez

Class of 2024

Avantice Bryant

Jayden Jeter

Joseph Lewis

Sean Simmons

Zachary Smith

Michael Woodard

Summa Cum Laude 3.75GPA - 4.0GPA or higher

Class of 2027

Derrick Timmons

Class of 2026

Deon Anderson

Michael Burton-Hill

Sincere Dawson

Zaire Dilworth

Camario Dowd-Cuthrell

Lorenzo Haggins

Donovan Hassell

Kaleb Hayden

Amare Jefferson

Quran Muhammad

Larry Scott-Brown

Daniel Yesudian

Class of 2025

Juavon Burns Jr.

Amir Cummings

Carl Dixon

Christian Engman

Paris Harris

Jaylen Hearts

Christian Jackson

Cornelius Macon

Raymond Nutall

Lavell Scott

David Simmons

Class of 2024

Reginald Abernathy

Javion Auston

Myles Brown

Cameron Gardner

Davion Hardaway

Treston Harrell

Geoffrey Heard

Johnathan Hollins

Emmanuel McGhee

Dwain Melton

Quentin Mitchell Jr.

Melvin Moore

Dakota Preston

Michael Rollins

Jeremiah Scott

Elijah Sheally

Zechariah Smith

Bricen Ward

Amarion Williams-Vaughn

Daemari Witherspoon

Davion Worthy

Bronzeville students pose with their certificates; Messrs. Emmanuel McGhee, Reginald Abernathy, Geoffrey Heard, Davion Worthy, Class of 2024 and Jamar Booker, Class of 2027 pose with their certificates from the awards assembly.

FEATURES URBAN PREP'S CLASS OF 2024 SOARS

Seniors pose after receiving their striped ties for being admitted into college; Mr. Geoffrey Heard pose with his mother; Messrs. Jayden Jeter, Avantice Bryant and Myles Brown, Class of 2024 carry Mr. Michael Rollin to the stage to receive his tie; Messrs. Jaelyn Pittman, Jaylen Walters, and Latrell Scott, Class of 2024, pose with Englewood College Counselor Mr. Stephen Thorpe and Urban Prep's Chief Academic Officer Mr. Dennis Lacewell; Mr. Avantice Bryant , Mr. Tristan Harrell and Mr. Dwain Melton celebrate and carry Mr. Dakota Preston

the stage to receive his tie.

to

Photos Credit: Sema'J Coleman/ Josyah Spells/Jessie Mack

TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS SUCCESS

Englewood Campus

Jaelyn Pittman

Michael Redman

Latrell Scott

Jaylen Walter

Kamari Woodall

Bronzeville Campus

Elijah Sheally

Dakota Preston

Dwain Melton, Jr.

Treston Harrell

Geoffrey Heard

Myles Brown

Sean Simmons

Isaiah Hymon

Bricen Ward

David Proby

Cavon Wilson

Jaivion Auston

Michael Rollins

Joseph Lewis

Melvin Moore

Zechariah Smith

Zachary Smith

Emmanuel McGhee

Davion Hardaway

Photos Credit: Sema'J Coleman/ Josyah Spells/Jessie Mack

Englewood and Bronzeville Seniors pose after recieving thier striped ties; Mr. Jaylen Walter, Class of 2024 pose with his mother; Mr. Michael Redman pose with his Dad; Mr. Zechariah Smith pose with his mother; Mr. Melvin Moore pose with the list of colleges he gained admission into.

Students Receive Gold Ties For Being Exceptional FEATURES

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

Mr. Thomas received his gold tie in Pride during the month of January. His nominator wrote “ Ever since this young man has taken the opportunity to play the drums in the morning for community, not only has he become a better student, but also a better brother to his peers. One of his fellow peers realized at the last minute that he was not fully prepared for community and was out of dress code. This young man asked me if he could be his brother's keeper and run to his locker for his fellow brother. He gave his peer an extra tie that he had in his locker along with deodorant and cologne. He also made an announcement to the rest of the class that he would be willing to help them as well if they ever needed it. This is truly exceptional as it shows the positive relationships that can be built here at Urban Prep just through a simple act of kindness."

Mr. McGhee received his gold tie in Civics & Activism during the month of January. His nominator wrote "Mr. McGhee comes to class with a positive attitude. He completes all of his assignments. He participates in the class lectures. He is a pleasure to have in my Civics & Activism class.

Urban Prep Students Speak: Teachers of The Month

Mr. Johnny Dorsey is the Senior Pride Leader and Personal Counselor at the Urban Prep Englewood Campus. He has been working at Urban Prep for 8 years. Students shared “Mr. Dorsey operates in excellence when working with students. We appreciate his love and care for students' personal and spiritual growth. He invests time in students to connect with them on a deeper level. Students appreciate that he builds personal bonds beyond the school, and that’s why Mr. Dorsey is our teacher of the month.”

Ms. Tierra Downing teaches (Honors) Chemistry, (Honors) Biology, and Physics at the Urban Prep Bronzeville Campus. Ms. Downing has been with Urban Prep since 2021. Students shared “her teachings of Physics, Chemistry and Biology carry essences of creativity and sparks of entertainment for students to both learn and gain interest in the field of science. She is new to teaching and had a quick adaptation from last year into this year, learning to transform lessons into enjoyable moments in the classroom.”

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

Mr. Emmanuel McGhee Class of 2024 - Bronzeville Campus

Mr. Darius Thomas Class of 2027 - Englewood Campus

Meet UP Bronzeville's New College Counselor

Mr. Darryl Smith Urban Prep Alumnus, Class of 2013

This school year the Bronzeville Campus has a new College Counselor. Mr. Darryl Smith is no stranger to Urban Prep. He is an alumnus from the Englewood Campus Class of 2013. He graduated from Beloit College in 2017 with a Bachelors of Arts in Music.

We had the opportunity to interview Mr. Smith about his experience as the new college counselor.

1. What have you found to be the most rewarding about returning to work at your alma mater?

Mr. Smith: “Getting to watch the young men go through the same ups and downs of highschool that I went through and being able to provide them with the help that I either did receive or wanted to receive to help them get through those tough times.”

2. What interests you about the Urban Prep culture? As a former student and now a Team UP member.

Mr. Smith: “It is truly like no other. This is the most unique school I have ever experienced and to be apart of that culture / history is truly exciting for me, to know that I had a hand in helping someone be successful is a feeling like no other. The fact that I am a part of the history as an alum from the 4th class in Urban Prep history and now a College Counselor who gets to graduate the 14th class apart of this 100% tradition really peaks my interest and makes me want to stay around for more classes to come. As I like to say, because I started Urban Prep in 2009; 'I have

seen the first class graduate and I will see the last class, there isn't anything you can tell me about Urban Prep”

3. What's the drive for your success?

Mr. Smith: “Knowing one day I won't be the one telling my story, we all have a start and end date in this world and when I leave I want to have a bunch of accomplishments that people talk about for years to come, I want to be a person that people can look back to in history as an example of how/what to be in life in order to be successful and as a symbol of change/growth/maturity."

4. Advice you would give to any young man?

Mr. Smith: “Do not create lifetime consequences for yourself based on temporary emotions, I promise tomorrow will come.”

5. What are your career goals?

Mr. Smith: "Be a Millionaire. Achieve/ Create my own production studio that produces music, film and television for people all over the United States but starting and basing it in Chicago as well as Manage Talent and help people in their entertainment, music and or modeling careers. In addition, to continue to help graduate young black boys from high school on to college, I want the number of young men who I assist with getting into college to increase and be able to one day say I have helped over 1,000 young men getting accepted into a 4 year College/University. Finally, I would love to hold some high ranking position of some sort one day such as a CEO or President.

6. What impact do you hope to have on

Mr. Smith pose with Messrs. Davion Worthy and Melvin Moore, Class of 2024 after an On To The Next One Ceremony in February at the Bronzeville Campus.

your students by the end of the school year?

Mr. Smith: "I hope that even through the tough times and despite how challenging this year has gotten at times, I truly hope my students appreciate the effort and care that I put into them. I want them to know that I really care about them and I care about their success, I hope one day some of them return and teach at Urban Prep in the future. I hope I have helped to open their minds to new things/ideas that they will carry with them for years to come and share with the next generation. Finally, I really hope that they take their lives and the lives of their fellow brother and sisters serious and understand that Urban Prep is a brotherhood and graduating from here is better than joining a gang or being from a "hood" and it is the closest thing to a fraternity, I would say it is better and something that truly should not be taken for granted, you are truly joining a one of kind brotherhood, please do not hesitate to reach back.

Senator Napoleon Harris Visits Urban Prep

Messrs. De'Mear McKinney and Tristan Hunter, Class of 2024 pose with Illinois State Senator Napoleon Harris, III and Urban Prep teachers Messrs. Reggie Ray and Talib Wise after the Senator stopped by to speak to students. Senator Harris spoke to a senior Civics & Social Activism class about the electoral process and the typical day of a senator.

Urban Prep Hosts Peer Health Exchange Workshop for Freshmen

Urban Prep Englewood Freshmen attend workshop about topics related to life like healthy choices and was presented by Peer Health Exchange. The group visits students weekly to discuss different topics.

Photos Credit: Brandon Lenore

Photos Credit: Jessie Mack

Capturing the Passion: Urban Prep Lions' Basketball Season

Photos Credit: Jessie Mack Senior Mr. Cameron Gardner, Bronzeville Campus goes for the layup; Sophomore Mr. Amare Jefferson, Bronzeville Campus; Senior Jakari Dismukes, Junior Mr. Jemon Booker, Senior Mr. Davion Worthy and Sophomore Mr. Pharell Hart at the free throw line; Freshman Mr. Malachi Calahan, Bronzeville Campus; Sophomore Jeremiah Jones, Jr., Englewood Campus takes the ball out from side line; Sophomore Mr. Montinez Allen; Freshman Mr. Tristan Summeries shoots the ball.

SPORTS

UP Varsity Basketball Team Celebrates Senior Night with Families

Urban Prep Varsity Basketball Team Players pose with their parents and families during the half time Seniors' Night Celebration. Seniors Messrs. De'Mear McKinney, Jaelyn Pittman, Tristan Hunter, Englewood Campus, Davion Worthy, Jakari Dismukes, Emmanuel McGhee, Cameron Gardner, Melvin Moore, and Quentin Mitchell, Jr. , Bronzeville Campus pose with their parents after presenting them with roses and UP hats.

Photos Credit: Jessie Mack

Season Scores

Varsity Basketball Team

vs. Corliss FF (W)

vs. Agricultural Science 44 – 58 (L) vs. Harlan 68 – 56 (W)

vs. South Shore International 59 – 49 (W)

vs. Christian Fenger Academy 68 – 57 (W)

vs. Woodlawn 63 – 48 (W)

vs. Jones 54 – 51 (W)

vs. Manley 51 – 76 (L)

vs. Mather 58 – 50 (W)

vs. Payton College Prep 51 – 65 (L)

vs. Perspectives-IIT/Joslin 65 – 70 (L)

Fresh-Soph Basketball Team

vs. Corliss FF (W)

vs. Agricultural Science 41 – 53 (L)

vs. South Shore International 39 – 37 (L)

vs. Harlan FF (W)

vs. Christian Fenger Academy 54 – 18 (W)

JV Basketball Team

vs. Gage Park 57 – 33 (W)

vs. Kelly 54 – 47 (L)

vs. BYCP 55 – 44 (W)

vs. ACERO Garcia 44 – 2 (W)

vs. Victoria Soto 50 – 12 (W)

March Issue

Elijah Cooper, Englewood

Sema'J Coleman, Bronzeville

Caleb Iguess-Harris, Englewood

Davion Hardaway, Bronzeville

Tristan Hunter, Englewood

Messiah Ingram, Englewood

Melvin Mack, Englewood

Josyah Spell, Bronzeville

Kevin Velasquez, Englewood

Michael Woodard, Bronzeville

Mr. Jakari Dismukes, Bronzeville Class of 2024 goes for the layup during the game against Walter Payton; Messrs. Tristan Harrell, Bronzeville Class of 2024 and De'Mear McKinney, Englewood Campus Class of 2024; Mr. Tristan Hunter, Englewood Campus Class of 2024 at the free throw line; Coach Stephen Thorpe, Assistant Coach and Urban Prep Alumnus Juwaun Cooper-Muhammad and players Messrs. Tristan Harrell and Quentin Mitchell, Jr. during timeout.