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.
A Path to Healing: Jonathan Hermosillo
Jonathan Hermosillo is well on his way to achieving his dream of becoming a pediatric dermatologist, a goal fueled by his desire to help people who are struggling with skin conditions that can affect their confidence. A graduate of the pre-nursing and pre-pharmacy pathway at PRP, he was accepted to the University of Louisville on a full-tuition scholarship, a testament to his hard work, including a 32 on the ACT.
The Academies at PRP gave Jonathan invaluable real-world experience. He has applied his skills in a nursing home, where he learned to transfer and feed patients. He also participated in a HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Teddy Bear Clinic at a local elementary school. The HOSA event was designed to teach kindergartners not to be afraid of going to the doctor by teaching them about handwashing, blood pressure, and pulses, and by giving them their own teddy bears to take home. When asked what advice he would give to incoming freshmen, Jonathan encourages them to apply themselves to get good grades and scholarships to avoid college debt.
A Hands-On Approach: Sophie Mayhew
Sophie Mayhew's journey through PRP's Academies was one of self-discovery and adaptability. Initially drawn to the welding pathway for its creative, hands-on nature, she soon realized that her true passion lay in the business world. She made the switch to the business pathway and found her stride, embracing the opportunity to apply her creativity in a new way.
One of Sophie's favorite experiences was working at the "Panther Pit," the school's student store. She and her classmates took on the challenge of revamping the store, creating new logos and clothing designs that are made by PRP students, not outside manufacturers. Her hands-on work in the store's marketing and branding gave her practical skills she will carry into her career. After graduation, Sophie began working full-time for UPS as a route connector, a job she secured through a family connection. UPS will pay for her to attend the University of Phoenix online, where she plans to study criminology. Like Jonathan, Sophie will graduate from high school with a clear path forward and zero college debt.
Building a Future: Sean Alexander
For Sean Alexander, the manufacturing engineering pathway with an electrical track was the key to unlocking his future. He's a perfect example of a student who found his passion in a trade rather than a traditional college path. Sean’s goal is to work for Wagner Electric, a connection he made after a company representative visited his class. He views this path as a more financially sound option than a four-year university, where he would accumulate significant debt.
Sean feels ready for the real world because of the certifications he earned at PRP, including his OSHA 10 and NCCR app certifications. He also became safety and CPR certified. His teacher, who has brought in real-world jobs to the classroom, has taken him to actual houses to prepare him for the journeyman's test. In addition to his technical skills, Sean credits his role as an Academy Ambassador with helping him overcome his anxiety around crowds, forcing him to strategically plan and reevaluate in social situations. He says the vast number of academies and pathways at PRP surprised him, and that it gives students many options to explore their interests.