Prep for Prep

Tuesday, May 12 marked a groundbreaking moment for the Prep for Prep community. More than one hundred students, alumni, staff, families, and friends gathered at the 71st Street Brownstone to celebrate the opening of the inaugural Prep for Prep Art Gallery. The exhibition features 22 multimedia works by 12 student artists alongside eight pieces by six alumni artists. The artworks span the genres of photography, painting, knitting, and more. Prep for Prep CEO Diahann Billings (VI/Grace Church, Poly Prep, Yale) JD, Columbia, spoke about the inspiration behind the exhibit: "This room was probably the room with the most kind of character....I thought, wow, we could take this opportunity to give our home more character while also ensuring that young artists who submitted work could walk into this space and feel seen and valued for who they are and how they see themselves. I’m incredibly proud of this moment because I think we’ve accomplished that. King David, David Rampersad Jr. (XXIX/Dalton, Gettysburg), co-leader of Prep in Arts alumni affinity group, expressed gratitude to the Alumni Affairs Team and the broader alumni community for supporting the vision behind the exhibition: “Your work makes this whole place feel much more alive than it ever has. It’s amazing to see [the art gallery] come to fruition.” Four students were awarded the Prep in Arts Prize, each receiving $250 to support their future artistic endeavors. Upon reviewing the overall artistic technique and originality of the works, the Prep in Arts jury selected four exceptional pieces to be prominently displayed throughout the Brownstone lobby. The prizes were fully funded by Prep in Arts. Salif K. (P9 XLII/Collegiate), one of the four recipients of the Student Art Prize, reflected on his artistic process:“I ended up deciding to paint how it felt while I was painting. I really loved it. It was freeing.” We are so proud of the student and alumni artists who came together to showcase their incredible work. The artwork will be on display through May 2027. Schedule time to view the exhibition by emailing alumniaffairs@prepforprep.org.

Prep in Arts is building a creative community across Prep for Prep. 🎨 Founded in 2015 by alumni and staff, with Akili Tommasino (XXI/Poly Prep, Harvard) MA, Harvard; PhD, Harvard, and shayna jeffers (XVIII/St. Luke's, LREI, Wesleyan) serving as founding chairs, Prep in Arts is a network of over 70 alumni artists and creatives connecting across generations to share work, build community, and expand access for Prep for Prep students in the arts. Today, the group is co-led by Derrick Biney-Amissah (VI/Trinity, Georgetown) MFA, Pratt, and David Rampersad, Jr. (XXIX/Dalton, Gettysburg). Through this network, alumni help drive the Prep for Prep Arts Initiative, which creates opportunities for students to engage with the arts through mentorship, exposure, and hands-on learning. Programs like the Prep for Prep x Sotheby’s Summer Art Academy were developed through this work and continue to introduce students to art history, visual culture, and arts careers through an immersive four-week summer experience, with alumni remaining actively involved. At the same time, Prep in Arts fosters engagement with the arts through gallery visits and exhibition walkthroughs across New York City’s cultural landscape. Experiences have included visits to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Bronx Museum, Storm King Art Center, The Drawing Center, Charles Moffett Gallery, and the Wilmer Jennings Gallery at Kenkeleba House, amongst others. That engagement comes full circle in moments like the inaugural Prep for Prep Gallery, which opens this evening, where alumni shared their expertise to help guide the exhibition by advising on high-school and undergraduate submissions, sourcing alumni artwork, participating in the jury process, supporting student prizes, and assisting with installation. For alumni, Prep in Arts offers a way to stay creatively and professionally connected through shared experiences and direct involvement in programs that support the next generation of Prep for Prep artists and creative leaders. Are you a Prep for Prep alum working or creating in the arts? Join the Prep in Arts community by following pfp_arts on Instagram and reaching out to the Prep for Prep Alumni Affairs team. #PrepforPrep

Prep for Prep proudly celebrates Katy Knight (XXIII/Brearley, Penn) on being named to the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders Class of 2026. Selected among an extraordinary cohort of leaders under 40 from more than 50 countries, Katy joins a global community of innovators, entrepreneurs, public leaders, technologists, and artists working to address the world’s most pressing challenges through collaboration, leadership, and impact. Katy’s inclusion in this year’s class reflects her visionary leadership and commitment to driving meaningful change. Congratulations, Katy, on this well-deserved honor! Your Prep for Prep family is inspired by your continued impact on the world stage. #PrepForPrep #PrepAlum #WorldEconomicForum #Leadership #ygl26 📸: Katy Knight

Friday, May 1, was an exciting day for the Prep for Prep community as we celebrated National College Signing Day in the garden of the 71st St. Brownstone.  Following remarks from CEO Diahann Billings (VI/Poly Prep, Yale) JD, Columbia, our high school seniors participated in trivia games and a raffle led by the College Guidance and Undergraduate Affairs departments. We’re so proud of the Class of 2026 and look forward to supporting them throughout the next steps of their journey. To see the full list of colleges our students are headed to this fall, please visit the link in our bio. #PrepforPrep #CollegeSigningDay #ReachHigher #Classof2026 #CollegeBound

Prep for Prep is proud to be an official charity partner of New York Road Runners for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. Our team is hitting the pavement to make every mile count for educational access and leadership development. You can support them at https://lnkd.in/eDqZip9x. Meet Team Prep for Prep 2026 Kate Brennan — Associates Council member, NYC-based runner, and mother of four. A lifelong New Yorker and Substack writer, she’s running her fourth NYC Marathon, combining her passion for distance running with her commitment to Prep for Prep’s mission. Myles Christian — Associates Council member, Manhattan-based Relationship Manager at Brown Brothers Harriman, and Dartmouth graduate. A four-time marathoner, he enjoys reading, traveling, Atlanta sports, and time with his wife and dog. Liza Gurtin — Co-founder & CEO of Indexed Labs and former leader at Slack and Robinhood. Introduced to Prep for Prep through a close friend and alum, she’s a proud supporter who enjoys reading, hosting dinners, and yoga. Steven Lee — Works in marketing and communications and has been connected to Prep for Prep through lifelong friendships with alumni he met while attending Exeter and Dartmouth. A seasoned endurance athlete, he has completed 10 Ironman races and is running his second NYC Marathon. Alejandro Luciano — Director of Mental Wellness at Prep for Prep and alum (P9 I/Exeter, Wesleyan) MSW, Smith. He supports student and family wellbeing at Prep for Prep and enjoys running, reading, and live music. Liz Luciano — Prep alum (XXIII/St. Luke’s, Berkeley Carroll, St. Lawrence) MEd Lesley, and Chief of Staff to a top-earning commercial real estate team at Savills Inc., based on Staten Island. A mom of two, she enjoys travel, sports sidelines, and running in support of her Prep for Prep community. Jared Orellana — Queens native and Prep alum (XXXI/Trinity, Columbia) working at DBI Projects. A lifelong runner and photographer, he’s running his first marathon to inspire younger students to live Prep for Prep’s values. Steve Simmons — Prep alum (XXI/Town, Westminster, UNC Chapel Hill) MBA, Duke, and Senior Director at Walmart. Based in Arkansas, he’s running his first marathon as a way to give back to the program that shaped his journey. Nicholas Strong — Associates Council member, lifelong New Yorker, and student at Harvard Business School. Excited to further his support of Prep for Prep’s mission by running the marathon this fall. Isabel Wheeler — Prep staff member supporting development and partnerships. Inspired by the impact of Prep for Prep’s programs, she’s taking on her first marathon as both a personal challenge and a way to deepen her support. Aaron Zheng — Prep alum (XXXI/Trinity, Claremont McKenna, Columbia) MBA, Stanford, and Consultant at Boston Consulting Group. A former high school track and cross-country runner, he returned to long-distance running in graduate school and is taking on his first marathon.

This week, the inaugural Prep for Prep Gallery began to take shape during installation at the 71st Brownstone as student and alumni artwork filled the space, bringing to life the creativity, range, and imagination of our community. We are especially grateful to Renangie Alcantara-Polanco (XXIX/Poly Prep, Bergen Community College), Jocelyn M. Goode (XVI/Saint Ann’s, Amherst) Post-Bac; AA, San Francisco Art Institute), David Rampersad (XXIX/Dalton, Gettysburg), and Kimblie Silva-Laboy (XVI/Town, Miss Porter's, Hamilton) volunteered their time on-site to help install the exhibition. #PrepforPrep #PrepInArts #CreativeLeader

We’re hiring for the summer! Join us in helping students build the skills, confidence, and opportunities that shape their futures. Open roles: 📚 Summer Teachers (Prep & PREP 9 Preparatory Components) 🩺 Summer School Nurse If you’re ready to teach, support, and make a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Click the link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eFGBcgW #PrepforPrep #EducationJobs #SummerTeaching #NowHiring #MakeAnImpact

We are pleased to share a special message from our CEO, Diahann Billings (VI/Poly Prep, Yale) JD, Columbia, inviting our community to this year’s Lilac Ball. The Lilac Ball is a meaningful tradition that celebrates the excellence and commitment of our students, honors our graduating high school seniors, and recognizes the partners who make their success possible. Join us on Monday, June 8, or make your gift today, in support of the next generation of leaders. Click the link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/e5sUfr5K #PrepLilacBall #PrepforPrep #CelebratingLeadership

Last week, Prep for Prep alumni came together for an Alumni Town Hall, a powerful evening of connection, reflection, and shared purpose. The evening opened with a welcome from Dalton’s Head of School and Prep for Prep Trustee, José De Jesús (IX/Horace Mann, Wesleyan) MA, Tufts; MA, Teachers College, setting the tone for a meaningful gathering of alumni. The program continued with a dynamic fireside chat between Jemina Bernard (IX/Trinity, Yale) MBA, Columbia and our CEO, Diahann Billings (VI/Poly Prep, Yale) JD, Columbia, followed by Diahann’s compelling keynote centered on the strength of our alumni and the role each alum plays in shaping its future. The event celebrated the achievements of our students, explored how Prep for Prep continues to evolve across generations, and reinforced the importance of showing up for one another. #PrepforPrep #PrepFamily #Alumni #Leadership #FutureLeaders

Getting a look at life on campus 🎓 This spring, our students traveled across the Northeast, visiting 12 college campuses and getting a firsthand look at college life. From campus tours and information sessions to dining hall meals and connecting with Prep for Prep alums, each visit offered a deeper understanding of what the next chapter could look like. Seventy-five percent of Prep for Prep juniors participated, with each student joining a trip that included visits to two campuses. These experiences were made possible through the leadership and dedication of our College Guidance Team: Shari Fallis, Director of College Guidance, and Karen Alonzo (XXIII/Nightingale, Stanford), Assistant Director of College Guidance. We are grateful to the following colleges that hosted our students: Brown University, College of the Holy Cross, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, Muhlenberg College, Swarthmore College, Trinity College, Tufts University, University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, Wesleyan University, Yale University #PrepforPrep #CollegeAccess #CollegeBound #FutureLeaders