Prep for Prep Celebrates the Commencement of PREP 9 XXXV and Recognizes Contingents P9 XXXIII and P9 XXXIV

The air was festive at Congregation Rodeph Sholom as Prep for Prep faculty, students, and family came together to celebrate the commencement of PREP 9 contingent XXXV and recognize contingents P9 XXXIII and P9 XXXIV. In his opening remarks, Akintoye Moses, Director of the PREP 9 Preparatory Component, shared what a privilege and honor it was to celebrate in person after two years apart. The certificate that students receive at the end of the night is proof of their hard work and their exemplification of the Prep motto: excellence, integrity, commitment, and courage. But, continued Akintoye, the proof is also “... in the lasting relationships with your peers, teachers, and newfound systems of support. The proof is in the impact that you’ll make at your schools, finding ways to strengthen your community, making it more equitable, inclusive, and fair. The proof is how you will support contingents P9 XXXVI, P9 XXXVII, and P9 XXXVIII in the next several years on your campuses. The proof is what happens next."

The three contingents also received congratulations from Prep for Prep CEO Ruth Jurgensen who shared the commitment she and the organization have to supporting these young leaders. “Spend time imagining what’s possible for you, and we at Prep for Prep will continue to do the same for you.” Students also heard from speakers that they voted for: P9 XXXV student speaker Denzel D., who will be attending Phillips Academy Andover in the fall, and English teacher Nelson Arroyo, who has taught in the Preparatory Component for six years. 

Denzel gave his congratulations to his fellow contingent mates, reminisced in shared anecdotes, and gave thanks to the faculty and family who saw him through the rigorous 14 months. “Not only did PREP 9 academically impact us,” said Denzel, “but it also allowed for creativity and culture to flow throughout the walls.” The Preparatory Component would not be possible without the welcoming learning environment cultivated by PREP 9 faculty and staff. 

Nelson reminded his students to define success for themselves. “There will be those who will try to define success and your path, but remember in this room there are poets, there are writers, there are mathematicians, there are scientists, there are artists. I could go on, but the point that I’m trying to make is that regardless of what path you take after today, you are in charge of your success and you are only in a race with yourself.” 

The evening was led by Master of Ceremonies, Destiny O. who will be attending Lawrenceville in the fall. 

Commencement is also an opportunity to celebrate students who excelled in the Preparatory Component. Students from contingents P9 XXXIII, P9 XXXIV, and P9 XXXV were recognized for making the honor roll, excelling in a specific subject, and for all-around leadership. The recipients for P9 XXXV were: