PRP Freshmen Chart a Course for Success with Future Ready Journey
Pleasure Ridge Park (PRP) High School is redefining what it means to start high school strong. In partnership with the Black Male EDquity Network (BMEN), PRP launched “Future Ready: A Freshman Journey to Success,” a two-part event designed to equip nearly 450 freshmen with the tools, inspiration, and guidance needed to navigate their academic journey and prepare for life beyond the classroom.
Connecting Students with Role Models and Real-World Skills
The goal of “Future Ready” was clear: help freshmen build confidence, develop essential soft skills, and explore a variety of career pathways by connecting them with relatable mentors. BMEN, a collective of Black male doctors and doctoral students committed to educational equity and community transformation, brought a team of guest speakers and facilitators to PRP, each sharing their own story and advice for success.
Event Structure: Inspiration and Interaction
To accommodate the large freshman class, the event was split into two sessions, each featuring a blend of large-group inspiration and small-group interaction. The day began with introductions from BMEN speakers and University of Louisville guests, who shared how their educational journeys shaped their careers. Students received colored tickets, guiding them into smaller groups for more personal discussions in the auditorium and cafeteria.
Interactive Sessions: Lessons that Last
In these small groups, students engaged directly with guest speakers, hearing firsthand accounts of overcoming obstacles, finding purpose, and building careers rooted in passion and perseverance.
Interpersonal Skills: Dr. Douglas Craddock, Vice President of Community Engagement at the University of Louisville and a BMEN founder, emphasized the importance of building relationships and communication. He led activities to help students connect with each other and with the guests, underscoring how interpersonal skills open doors in every field.
Turning Passions into Professions: Lance G. Newman II, a PRP graduate and recent Hall of Fame inductee, reflected on how his English classes at PRP prepared him for a career in the arts. When a student expressed interest in fashion but didn’t see a clear path at PRP, Lance pointed out how media arts and business pathways could help turn that passion into a profession.
College Life and Scholarships: Many speakers shared practical advice about college life and the importance of starting scholarship searches early. They encouraged students to see higher education as an attainable goal, regardless of background.
Values and Personal Growth: Kamari Wooten, Executive Director at the Chestnut Street Family YMCA, encouraged students to pursue self-education, community service, and personal wellness. “The best education is to be the best version of yourself,” he told students, urging them to create a blueprint for others to follow.
Life After High School: Mohammed AlYasseri, a college student and manager at Kentucky Kingdom, reminded students, “You’re in charge of your life,” and stressed that there’s no single blueprint after high school. He encouraged students to seek out summer jobs and take initiative.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Jocari Beattie, a 2014 Eastern High School graduate, shared how he turned an idea into a business, describing the process of invention and fundraising for Besk.
Workplace and Social Skills: Jonah Belance, a Southern High School graduate, drew on his experience at Chick-fil-A to highlight the value of self-worth, making connections, and prioritizing a positive work environment over higher pay.
Academic Focus and Community Engagement: Justice Lee, a Fern Creek graduate, spoke about the importance of taking classes seriously and getting involved in the community.
A Full Circle Moment
For Lance G. Newman II, the event was especially meaningful. “Pleasure Ridge Park High School has always recognized and encouraged the potential of its student body. Even as the school grows and changes with the time, the potential remains, the encouragement steady. It was in PRP classrooms where my potential was recognized and encouraged. From those hallways, I was set on a path of writing, art, community service, and so much more. That path has come full circle and new ones have been made, for myself and the students.”
Students left the event with broadened perspectives and renewed motivation. Jaden, a freshman, shared that he learned there are “a lot of places to go in life.” De’Asia, who plays the tuba and dreams of a career in the arts, felt inspired after connecting with Lance. The curiosity and engagement of the students impressed the guest speakers, who enjoyed linking their own journeys to the students’ aspirations.
A Lasting Impact
“Future Ready” at PRP, made possible by the collaboration between the school and the Black Male EDquity Network, gave freshmen a powerful start to their high school careers. By connecting students with mentors and practical guidance on soft skills, career pathways, and personal growth, the event has set a new standard for what’s possible when schools and community leaders work together. The result: a class of freshmen stepping forward with confidence, clarity, and a vision for their future.