Urban Prep's Class of 2024 Graduates Soar to New Heights
Urban Prep's 15th Annual Commencement was held on Saturday, June 8th at the Greenwood Oasis.
Over one thousand guests including family, friends and supporters were present to celebrate the Class of 2024. The event began with the Urban Prep Djembe Drummers playing as Urban Prep's Founder, Chiefs, Board of Directors and Faculty processed in.
After the faculty arrived to their seats, the Djembe Drummers concluded their performance and the song "Pomp and Cirumstance" began to play.
It was an exciting moment filled with cheers, pictures and tears as the Class of 2024 from Urban Prep's Englewood and Bronzeville Campus entered the auditorium.
The program began with a welcome from Urban Prep Chief Operating Officer Troy Boyd, Jr. followed by a special video presentation showing the graduates' baby pictures being morphed into the Urban Prep crest. The Valedictorians from each campus, Mr. Elijah Cooper and Mr. Myles Brown gave their valdictory addresses and gave a charge to their fellow classmates as they embark upon the new jorney of life and college.
The event also included the presentation of diplomas, awards, the Alumni Association induction, Passing of the Book ceremony, a speech from Urban Prep's Interim CEO Dennis Lacewell and video presentations with special messages from Urban Prep Alumni and celebrities: Cedric The Entertainer, Mya, Deon Cole, Rotimi, and more.
The event concluded with the Class of 2024 going on stage to turn their tassel as official graduates and recite the Urban Prep Creed publicly one last time, led by Senior Class Presidents Mr. Cooper and Mr. Ward.
Urban Prep's Class of 2024 recite the creed led by senior class presidents Messrs. Elijah Cooper and Bricen Ward; Valedictorians Messrs. Elijah Cooper, Englewood Campus and Myles Brown, Bronzeville Campus; Messrs. Elijah Flowers, Englewood and David Simmons, Bronzeville Campus pose with Senior Class Presidents Messrs. Elijah Cooper, Englewood and Bricen Ward, Bronzeville and Urban Prep Alumnus and Board Member Mr. Joseph Olalusi Class of 2015 and Urban Prep Alumnus Brandon Black, Class of 2022, Bronzeville Campus; Urban Prep's Founder Tim King presents the Alfred B. Lee and Dr. Mary E. Pattillo Scholarship Awards and the Founder's Medal .
Photos Credit: Michael Kardas
What's UP in the World?
The Clash of Narratives: Timberwolves' Ascent and Kyrie's Redemption Tale
By De'Mear McKinney Freelance Writer, Class of 2024, Englewood Campus
Sports are thrilling; it provides individuals delight, foster unity, and instill a competitive spirit in them. Recently my favorite team played against the team I want to win the championship. The team I want to win the championship is the Minnesota Timberwolves, and my favorite team is the Dallas Mavericks; It's really my favorite team because I'm fond of the player Kyrie Irving. The Timberwolves have come a long way both Karl Anthony Towns, and Anthony Edwards were 1st picks in the nba draft and received a lot of doubt and backlash from other players and fans. Now that Ant (Anthony Edwards) is better and has worked on himself everyone wants to praise him. Kyrie Irving has also received a lot of
lashing as of recently he has been putting in so much work however, the NBA and fans only care about his performance although he has stressed that players are also people and sometimes deal with problems outside of playing basketball. Kyrie received fines and criticism for speaking how he felt and expressing his opinion/feelings, some people also believe Kyrie never would've gotten a championship ring if it wasn't for LeBron James. So if the Dallas Mavericks win I feel like it will give Kyrie his opportunity to prove to the world that he doesn't need LeBron to win and he will finally earn the respect that he deserves. Either way I will be satisfied with whoever wins out of these two teams. So in conclusion, recently my favorite team played against the team I want to win the championship. However, either way I will be satisfied with whoever wins out of these two teams.
Urban Prep Englewood Seniors Rights of Passage Ceremony
Photos Credit: Greg Davis
Urban Prep seniors Joshua Smith, Tristan Hunter, Elijah Cooper and Lavell Scott stand with their classmates during the ceremony as they recite poems during the ceremony; Dr. Mustafa Moyenda, faculty member and Mr. Johnny Dorsey, Personal Counselor and Senior Pride leader facilitate the ceremony.
An Elegant Affair: The Class of 2024 Bids Farewell in Style
Mr. Brandon Williams with his date; Zackary Smith, Isaiah Hymon, Amarion Williams-Vaughn and Tristan Harrell pose together at Prom; Mr. Marshawn Starks with his date; Messrs. Zechariah Smith, Daemari Witherspoon, Cameron Gardner, Dwain Melton and Jayden Jeter take a group picture at prom; Messrs. Michael Woodard and Tristan Hunter dance with their dates; and Mr. Joshua Smith with his date.
Photos Credit: Jessie Mack
Urban Prep's Annual Tropaia and
Messrs. Sincere Dawson and Amir Ferguson playing football; Dakota Street playing connect four; Johnny Dorsey playing chess with a student; Jordan Shaw and Kaleb Hayden pose for pictures with their field day shirts on; Dakota Street, Camario Dowd-Cuthrell and Jamari Lowe playing tug of war; Ronald Brooks playing flag football and Marshawn Whiters towing a bean bag during the bean bag
and Field Day Celebration 2024
A long-time tradition at Urban Prep is the Annual Network Tropaia celebration. Tropaia is derived from the Ancient Greek word, which is the origin of the English word "trophy". It is Urban Prep's end of the school year celebration in which students are recognized for their academic achievements and involvement in various sports and activities. Last year a field day component was added to the celebration to build fellowship amongst the students across the network.
During the field day, the activities included a video game truck, flag football, bean bag toss, tug a rope, connect four, spades, chess and basketball tournaments. Students enjoyed fellowship, food and games after the awards celebration.
Annual
NetworkTropaia & Field Day
Photos Credit: Melvin Mack, III/Caleb Igess-Harris/ Josyah Spell/ Jessie Mack
2024
Urban Prep Academies
Messrs. Angel Gonzalez, Jeremiah Williams, Johnny Parker, Eriyonn McGee and Kevin Velasquez playing bean bag toss; Ezekial Assabill playing tug of war; Demetrius Jones, Johnny Parker, and Tristan Summeries pose with their awards during Tropaia; Mr. Adam Welton, Manager of Student Recuritment and Alumni Programs DJ'd the field day event; Keibo Little playing flag football.
Class of 2024 Senior Tropaia Celebration
Messrs. Quentin Mitchell with his family; Myles Brown poses with Ms. Jessica Chandler, Campus Leader of the Bronzeville Campus; De'Mear McKinney poses with Ms. Lina Betacourt, Teacher at the Englewood Campus; Messrs. Melvin Moore and Myles Brown pose with their awards; Messrs. Zachary Smith and Zechariah Smith pose with their mothers.
Photos Credit: Melvin Mack/Tristan Hunter
Urban Prep Commencement: A Time of Celebration Cont'd
Messrs. Thomas Jefferson and Julius Braggs pose on 360 camera booth before Commencement; Messrs. Zechariah Smith and Elzhi Reynolds pose for a picture; Alfred B. Lee Scholarship Recipients Messrs. Joshua Smith, Englewood and Bricen Ward, Bronzeville pose with Messrs. Tim King, Founder, Troy Boyd, Jr., COO, Dennis Lacewell, Interim CEO, Ronald Bryant and Ms. Jessica Chandler, Campus Leaders; Mr. Johnny Dorsey pose with Djembe Drummers, Messrs. Jonathan Hollins, Ezekial Assabill, Michael Woodard, James Cross and Emmanuel McGhee; Kevin Montfort and Friends perform at Commencement; Mr. Cameron Garnder pose for picture, Mr. Jomare Coleman hugs Ms. Syesha Hampton as they prepare for gradaution; Mr. Geoffrey Heard pose with his mother and Mr. Andre White pose with balloons fter graduation.
Photos Credit: Michael Kardas
Teachers Who Shine: Student Poll Reveals Top Picks for 2023-2024 School Year
Best Dressed Teacher
Ms. Alexandria Richardson – Englewood Campus
Tie: Ms. Jennifer Harvey and Mr. Kendell Harris – Bronzeville Campus campus
Most Popular Teacher
Mr. James Jefferies – Englewood Campus
Ms. Bernice Hampton – Bronzeville Campus
Favorite Subject Teacher
Ms. Alexandria Richardson – Englewood Campus
Ms. Bernice Hampton – Bronzeville Campus
Funniest Teacher
Mr. Talib Wise – Englewood Campus
Mr. Kendell Harris – Bronzeville Campus
Most Strict Teacher
Ms. Kenyatta Jackson – Englewood Campus
Ms. Bernice Hampton – Bronzeville Campus
Most Athletic Teacher
Ms. Talib Wise – Englewood Campus
Tie: Mr. Jeffrey Fisher and Mr. Kendell Harris – Bronzeville Campus
Most Chilled/Laid Back Teacher
Mr. Stephen Thorpe – Englewood Campus
Ms. Jennifer Harvey – Bronzeville Campus
*The entire student body was polled. Results reflect 21% of the student body at the Englewood and Bronzeville Campuses.
Students Receive Gold Ties For Being Exceptional
STUDENTS
OF THE MONTH
Mr. Haneef Ingram
Class of 2026 - Englewood Campus
Mr. Ingram received his gold tie in Pride during the month of May. His nominator wrote “ This young man is "RISES(ing) FAR". Last week while in Mr. Jones' class we were discussing Self Awareness and the word FEAR came up, and I explained to the class how FEAR can sometimes be False Evidence Appearing Real. This young man was in a situation last week where he was asked to deal with Conflict resolution. While at the time he could not see it. He trusted the process nevertheless and worked with me through it. What really made me proud is that I stated to him sometimes whether right or wrong we must do the right thing, because we are still responsible for our actions. Our Creed states we will not falter in the face of any obstacle placed before us. Later on that day as he was getting to go home he said thank you Mr. Dorsey for your help. I am so proud of this young warrior. It is an honor to nominate him for a gold tie."
Mr. Maurice Hughes
Class of 2025 - Bronzeville Campus
Mr. Hughes received his gold ties in World Literature. His nominator wrote "This young man has shown growth this week. In life, we must learn to navigate through challenging situations and triggering personality types. When we decide not to give others power over our emotions, reactions, and mood - we win. I'm impressed with how quickly this young man turned it around, and how well he's implemented the tools teachers and staff have provided this week."
Urban Prep Seniors Receive College Scholarships
Urban Prep Bronzeville senior Mr. Reginald Abernathy received Pay It Forward Scholarship, Inc., Mr. Isaiah Hymon, Bronzeville and Mr. Jamel Leverett, Englewood received scholarship from Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. and The Cochran Firm Chicago.
Urban Prep Sports Recap: Seasons
SEASON 2023
Raymond Gardner Class of 2025 Englewood Campus
Raymond Gardner Class of 2025 Bronzeville Campus
Seasons Deliver Nonstop Thrills SPORTS BASKETBALL
De'Mear McKinney
Jakari Dismukes Bronzeville Campus
BASEBALL SEASON 2024
Davion Hardaway Class of 2024
Bronzeville Campus
TRACK & FIELD
Khamarja Fisher Class of 2025 Bronzeville Campus
SEASON 2024
WRESTLING
Urban Prep Senior Competes in IHSA State
and
time of 22.24 and
The Lion’s Roar Staff
Sema'J Coleman, Bronzeville
Caleb Iguess-Harris, Englewood
Davion Hardaway, Bronzeville
Tristan Hunter, Englewood
Melvin Mack, Englewood
De'Mear McKinney, Englewood
Josyah Spell, Bronzeville
Kevin Velasquez, Englewood
Michael Woodard, Bronzeville
Photographer
Photographer
Staff Reporter
Staff Reporter/Photographer
Photographer
Freelance Writer
Photographer
Cartoonist
Staff Reporter
Joshua Smith Class of 2024 Englewood Campus
Mr. Tristan Hunter, Class of 2024, Englewood Campus finished in 1st Place during the Boys 2A Track & Field 200 M Dash during sectionals and qualified for State Finals. He traveled to Eastern Illinois University on May 25th
finished 18th place overall with a
finished 8th Place in his heat. Mr. Hunter is the 18th fastest young man in the State of Illinois.
Finals