North Lawndale College Prep - Chicago IL

As many of you know, we are preparing to unite our two campuses into one flagship school this summer—a major milestone for NLCP and a moment that’s years in the making.

With this new chapter comes new leadership—and I’m thrilled to announce that Ms. Kyera Bradley will serve as the principal of our united flagship campus.

She leads with intention, compassion and high expectations—and both staff and students respond to that. Congratulations Ms. Bradley on this well-deserved role!

As we conclude another strong school year, we are pleased to announce our new full-time Athletic Director: Mr. Terrence “Coach Gooney” Redmond.

Director Redmond has been a dedicated educator and coach at North Lawndale College Prep High School for over 13 years. Under the mentorship of the late Coach Lewis Thorpe, Director Redmond has been instrumental in fostering academic achievement, athletic excellence, and community engagement among our students.

He began his journey at William H. King Elementary School, where he co-founded a 100% volunteer-based afterschool program dedicated to empowering young people through the arts, mentorship, education, and community involvement. He later became a tutor, coach, and counselor at NLCP, where he has cultivated deep connections with both scholars and staff.

Director Redmond steps into this role with a comprehensive plan to expand NLCP's sports offerings and enhance our Physical Education program. His strategic vision aims to have 60% of NLCP scholars participating in a sport of their choice within the next three years. He has already demonstrated his leadership and talent by leading our track team all the way to the State Championship.

His unwavering dedication to uplifting youth in our community underscores the profound impact a committed mentor can have on shaping future generations. We are honored to have him serve as our Athletic Director at North Lawndale College Prep.

RED. RED. RED.

📰 A Must-Read: Op-Ed by NLCP Board Member Pastor James Brooks

Pastor James Brooks, CEO of Lawndale Christian Health Center, shares his powerful perspective on why investing in schools like NLCP is key to Chicago’s future.

🗣️ “We must support schools that empower students and reward initiative.”

Read the full article here:
👉 https://www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/north-lawndale-college-prep-key-chicagos-future-opinion

🔥 RED, RED, RED!
We’re beaming with pride as we celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our Girls Track Team, who competed with strength, focus, and heart at the IHSA State Finals and Championship at Eastern Illinois University last week.

From day one, these student-athletes have shown unmatched dedication, resilience, and leadership—on the track and in the classroom. Competing at the state level is no small feat, and our Phoenix runners rose to the challenge with grace and grit.

👏 A huge thank-you to our phenomenal coaching staff for your tireless support, encouragement, and belief in our girls. Your leadership is truly shaping champions.

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Ravin Sapp, Class of 2011
Owner, Ravishing Hearts Mortuary Services
B.S. in Mortuary Science & Funeral Services – SIU Carbondale

Ravin Sapp is a Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator, and Insurance Specialist with over 14 years of experience in the funeral service industry. She is the proud owner of Ravishing Hearts Mortuary Services—and credits NLCP as the place where her vision first took shape.

At just 14 years old, Ravin shared her dream of working in funeral services with her NLCP counselor, Mrs. Alycia Wilkins. Though Ravin’s knowledge of the field was limited at the time, Mrs. Wilkins believed in her and connected her with local funeral directors, helping her deepen her understanding and passion. That early exposure laid the foundation for the career she has built today.

Ravin reflects fondly on her time at NLCP, especially the exposure it gave students to the world beyond their neighborhoods. “NLCP showed us that the world is ours—we just have to go after it,” she shared.

Throughout her career, Ravin has worked for both family-owned and large corporate funeral homes. Her diverse experiences have equipped her to serve families during life’s most difficult moments—with dignity, distinction, and class.

the Chicago Board of Education voted to renew the NLCP charter for the next 4 years!!!

This is more than just a green light—it’s a powerful vote of confidence in the work NLCP has been doing for 25 years. The board validated our work as a school for North Lawndale and have shown that they have faith in us to continue to live out the mission.

🌍 Join Us for Odyssey Day of Service – June 12!

Help us build the Beloved Community by showing up for those in need. Together, we’ll support veterans, feed the homeless, and beautify our local neighborhoods.

📍 Where: NLCP Christiana Campus
🕣 When: 8:30 AM | Wednesday, June 12

Whether you’re a student, alumni, parent, or neighbor—your hands and heart are needed. Let’s serve with purpose!

USE THE QR CODE TO RSVP!

🎓✨ BIG NEWS from our Class of 2025! ✨🎓

This year, our incredible seniors have earned 267 college acceptances from 77 different colleges across the country! 🙌
🔹 82% are heading to 2- or 4-year colleges
🔹 18% are pursuing trade programs
🔹 98% completed their FAFSA—earning a jaw-dropping $6.5 MILLION in scholarships! 💰🎉

We’ve been with them every step of the way—offering powerful programming to prepare them for life beyond graduation, including:
✅ Dual credit classes & dual enrollment opportunities
✅ College tours—including a spring break trip to Southern HBCUs
✅ Personalized college counseling & FAFSA support
✅ Young Scholars Professional Day with career workshops & leadership training
✅ A pilot entrepreneurship program where students are launching real businesses! 🚀

We’re SO proud of our scholars and the bright futures ahead of them!

🌟 Student Spotlight: Leo Williams 🌟
Leadership. Excellence. Growth.

Leo Williams is a shining example of what it means to lead with purpose at NLCP. As president of the Peace Warriors, our student-led restorative justice group, and captain of the track team, Leo has embraced every opportunity to lead, grow, and uplift others.

From building confidence through restorative practices to preparing for college through the Phoenix PACT scholarship program, Leo says NLCP has challenged him to rise to a higher standard—one he now holds himself to every day. 💪

Next up? Leo is headed to Grand Valley State University, a Phoenix PACT partner school, where he’ll major in sports management, minor in business, and attend with no out-of-pocket cost. This summer, he’ll get a head start through a pre-college program—and maybe even earn a spot on the track team! 🏃‍♂️✨

🎓 Your support makes stories like Leo’s possible.
When you donate before June 30th, you help us finish the school year strong and launch critical summer programs that prepare students—like Leo and the Class of 2025—for success in college and beyond.

🔗 https://www.nlcphs.org/support

North Lawndale College Prep celebrates and supports our students entreprenurial spirits!

Our own Jessica Thurmond continues to go viral for offering free hair makeovers to classmates in need-- right here at NLCP. Her kindness and skill are bringing confidence and joy to our community.

Jessica recently spoke to ABC7 Chicago about the inspiration for her salon and how NLCP is helping prepare her pursue her dream career.

Full story: https://abc7chicago.com/post/jessica-thurmond-gives-free-hair-makeovers-north-lawndale-college-prep-school-bathroom-tiktok-video-goes-viral/16008930/

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: From NLCP to MBA Grad & Youth Advocate 🎓

After graduating from North Lawndale College Prep (Christiana) in 2019, this determined Phoenix Pact Scholar continued his academic journey at Colby-Sawyer College, where he earned his B.S. in Business Administration in 2023.

But he didn’t stop there—he went on to complete the accelerated 4+1 MBA program, joining the third cohort of future business leaders. 📚💼

Now, he’s paying it forward as a College & Career Navigator with GEAR UP New Hampshire, guiding 6th–8th grade students from low-income backgrounds as they explore higher education pathways. Through mentoring, tutoring, and college prep, he’s opening doors for the next generation.

This is what the Phoenix Pact makes possible. 🌟