NEWS & UPDATES
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Investing in Our Own: Mady Searcy Is the First Teaching & Learning Graduate to Complete the Path from PRP Student to JCPS Teacher
In an era when teacher shortages challenge districts nationwide, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is implementing a long-term solution by investing in its own students through the Academies of Louisville. Nowhere is this strategy more evident than in the story of Mady Searcy, a graduate of the Pleasure Ridge Park (PRP) High School Teaching and Learning Pathway, who has now returned to her roots to inspire the next generation of learners.
The Face of Leadership: Student Ambassadors for the Academies of Louisville
The Student Ambassador initiative exemplifies the core mission of the Academies of Louisville by bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world career experiences. By representing their schools to the community, leading tours, and interacting with business leaders, these young leaders showcase the practical skills and confidence gained through the Academies' innovative approach.
Three PRP Panthers Forge Their Futures
The Panthers of Pleasure Ridge Park (PRP) High School are a diverse group, each with a unique journey to success. Three remarkable 2025 graduates—Jonathan Hermosillo, Sophie Mayhew, and Sean Alexander—exemplify how the Academies of Louisville at PRP have provided them with the tools and experiences to build their own futures, whether through a traditional college path or a skilled trade. These students' stories highlight the power of hands-on learning, mentorship, and self-discovery in preparing them for the world beyond high school.
Retirement and Reflection with PRP’s Deanna Hawks
Pleasure Ridge Park High School is preparing for the retirement of a beloved and longstanding leader, Deanna Hawks. As the Academy Coach, Mrs. Hawks’ passion and dedication have been instrumental in building one of the most successful Academy programs in the district. Over her career, she has consistently created hands-on learning opportunities for students, built a robust network of business partners, and transformed the way high school education prepares students for the future.
PRP Welding Signing Day: Forging Futures, Fueling Louisville’s Workforce
On May 20, the PRP High School Welding Pathway hosted its annual Signing Day—a celebration of skill, partnership, and the transformative power of hands-on learning. As families, educators, and industry leaders gathered in the welding shop, the energy was electric: this was more than a ceremony; it was a launchpad for bright futures in Louisville’s booming skilled trades sector.
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.
IEC Pre-Apprenticeship Program Lights the Way for Future Electricians
In Louisville, a new generation of students is discovering the power and potential of skilled trades through the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) of Kentuckiana’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Designed in partnership with the Academies of Louisville, this initiative offers high school students a hands-on introduction to the electrical industry-connecting classroom learning with real-world applications and mentorship from industry professionals.
A Partnership that Pays Off: The Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters
Hope Harp, Outreach Specialist with CMRCC, says it best: “It’s not just about work—it’s about making sure that young people know there is so much more out there.” In this short video, Hope shares why the Council invests in students at Jeffersontown, Iroquois, and PRP—and how the trades can offer more than just a career path. For CMRCC, this work is about giving back, building community, and helping students discover what’s possible.
CTSOs in Action: SkillsUSA Regional Competition Showcases Academies of Louisville Talent
On February 6, 2025, JCPS Academies of Louisville students competed in the SkillsUSA Regional Competition, demonstrating the power of Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) in preparing students for future success. The event, held at Pleasure Ridge Park High School, brought together talented students from PRP, Jeffersontown, and Fern Creek High Schools to compete in various technical and creative fields.
"My Teddy Bear Has a Heartbeat": The 2024 PRP Teddy Bear Clinic
In a heartwarming display of community engagement and healthcare education, Pleasure Ridge Park High School (PRP) hosted its second annual Teddy Bear Clinic for kindergarten students from Greenwood Elementary School on December 18, 2024. This innovative event, spearheaded by PRP teacher Mrs. Erin Ferguson, brought together high school students, medical professionals, and eager young learners in a unique educational experience that demystified healthcare and inspired future generations.
Real-World Experience in the Classroom: Deanna Hawks’s Path to Teaching and Coaching at PRP
Like many Academy Coaches, Pleasure Ridge Park Academy Coach Deanna Hawks found her calling in teaching as a second career. With a dynamic background in sales and advertising, she brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to her role, helping shape the business and marketing skills of her students.
Framing Futures: How WireCrafters Is Molding Careers in Manufacturing
WireCrafters' partnership with PRP High School has yielded impressive results, with nearly one-third of WireCrafters' welders now being PRP graduates. Through co-op programs and direct engagement with industry experts, students enhance their readiness for the workforce, equipping them with valuable skills for sustainable careers. As this program continues to grow, WireCrafters aims to further increase the percentage of their workforce sourced from PRP, solidifying their role as a vital contributor to the local economy and the future of manufacturing.