Prospect Schools marked an important milestone this past weekend; board members, friends, parents, and faculty gathered on the evening of April 26th to celebrate the network's "Sweet 16" anniversary. The festive event raised $160,000, honoring 16 years of impact and our commitment to ensuring equitable education for all!
Proceeds will directly benefit Prospect students in multiple ways: subsidizing after-school programs, providing Change Summer scholarships, funding professional development for educators, and supporting transformative international trips for high school students.
Interactive Educational Experiences
The evening began with attendees experiencing Prospect's unique educational approach. Guests participated in "Anytime, Anywhere" and were transported to Trinidad & Tobago, demonstrating Downtown Elementary's cross-disciplinary program, which focuses on a different country each year, giving students opportunities to learn about cultures around the world.
In another interactive segment, high school students led guests through an engaging science lab where attendees participated in experiments. This demonstration highlighted Prospect Schools' Science Program, which aims to ignite curiosity and foster a deep understanding of the natural world through a rigorous, inquiry-based curriculum.
Inspiring Undertakings and Speakers
The program featured impressive performances, including show-stopping numbers from the Clinton Hill Middle School Choir and the High School Musical Theater students.
Marcus Sherriff, a 2024 graduate and current freshman at the University of Michigan, spoke about his time at Prospect and how the International Baccalaureate program prepared him for university studies.
"The rigorous academics offered through the 'IB for All' initiative gave me the opportunity to get an education usually only accessible to private school students," reflected the University of Michigan freshman about his Prospect Schools experience.
Leadership voices from across the network shared their vision, with CEO Tresha Ward joining Downtown Elementary School Principal Folake Akinola Pinard and High School Principal Kylie Taylor Barker in addressing attendees. Reflecting on her experience, Barker shared, "Every day I get to work with some of the most incredible educators I have met in my career and come together to make a difference in the lives of our phenomenal students."
Event co-hosts and board members Antoinette Chukudebelu and Joanne Garce-Rodriguez delivered inspiring remarks about supporting Prospect Schools. Garce-Rodriguez emphasized, "Prospect Schools is giving its students not just knowledge, but true opportunity, anywhere they choose to go."
The successful fundraising event underscored the community's commitment to Prospect Schools' mission of providing excellent education and expanding opportunities for all students.
Community Support and Celebration
The evening continued with a lively silent auction featuring incredible items to benefit school programs. Thanks to our dedicated and committed Event Sponsors, guests enjoyed delicious food and signature drinks and danced the night away with celebrity DJ Max Glazer.
The successful fundraising event at the beautiful Sunset Yards Campus underscored the community's commitment to Prospect Schools' mission of providing excellent education and expanding opportunities for all students as we celebrate 16 years of learning, growth, and impact.