Prep for Prep Lilac Ball: A Virtual Celebration of Leadership

In the spring of 2020, the world stood still and the Prep for Prep community was hit hard by a global pandemic. In the months that followed, we quickly pivoted to offer online programs and support services to our students, and expanded the use of emergency funds to meet the immediate needs of our families. “This year, the mission really did come to life,” said CEO Ruth Jurgensen, “and we know how resilient our students can be, our staff can be, our families can be, and it was proven in this singular year. The fortitude and strength of our students continue to inspire us.”

To adapt to these changes, Prep for Prep hosted this year’s Lilac Ball virtually for the first time. Together, we celebrated the impressive leadership and accomplishments of the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021. We also honored longtime corporate supporter JPMorgan Chase & Co. for providing countless professional and programmatic opportunities for our community. We heard from alumni leaders and from student speakers whose Prep journeys are just getting started.

Viewers joined us on a journey across the city to meet Prep alums embarking on a variety of professional and personal paths. We traveled to Far Rockaway, where recording artist Olivia Harris (XXVII) was filming a music video, joined venture capital funder Cheryl Campos (XXVIII) to learn how she invests in the future, visited a new community development in Flushing with AAFE Co-CEO Thomas Yu (XII), and discussed the latest in tech with Googler Dale Alsopp (VII). Not so long ago, each of these alums were once high school graduates embarking on the next chapter of their own Prep journeys. 

Taking the next step on her journey is rising seventh grader Alexa Lauren C. (XLIII). She and her family shared their congratulations and excitement for the Classes of 2020 and 2021. “If I was in your place right now I’d say, ‘Thank you, younger self for not giving up on this. You were the reason I ended up here,’” said Alexa in her message to the evening’s graduates. Four student speakers from the Classes of 2020 and 2021 were nominated by their classmates to share their challenges and triumphs from commencement to graduation and beyond: Ailyn B. (XXXVI), Mehrab J. (XXXVII), N’deye T. (P9 XXX), and Justin M. (P9 XXX). “Apart from providing incredible career opportunities,” said Ailyn, “Prep has also blessed us with a space where I was able to connect with people that I now consider family.”

The virtual Prep for Prep Lilac Ball was a celebration of our community, and we are grateful to all who gave their time and their financial support. In the words of our CEO Ruth Jurgensen, “At Prep, there's always more we can do and your support is making a huge difference, a profound impact, and together we accomplish far more than we ever thought possible.” We are pleased to announce that the event raised over $3 million to support Prep’s programs. 

Congratulations to the Prep for Prep Classes of 2020 and 2021! We look forward to celebrating all of your future accomplishments.