CHICAGO (CBS Chicago) — CBS Chicago joined LEARN Hunter Perkins eighth-grade scholars for the school’s annual Preparing to Prosper celebration, a meaningful experience designed to build confidence, pride, purpose, and a strong sense of possibility as scholars prepare for high school and beyond.

The annual celebration brought together scholars, families, mentors, community members, and special guests for a day centered on encouragement, reflection, and the possibilities ahead.

Pearls of Wisdom

As part of Pearls of Wisdom, LEARN Hunter Perkins’ young women received words of affirmation and encouragement from the adults and mentors who gathered to celebrate them. Each scholar was then presented with a pearl as a symbol of her growth, value, and limitless potential.

Tied to Greatness

During Tied to Greatness, the school’s young men heard life lessons and words of encouragement from mentors who shared their experiences and offered guidance for the journey ahead. Mentors then helped each scholar tie his new tie, creating a meaningful reminder of his connection to purpose, possibility, and greatness.

Together, these experiences gave scholars an opportunity to pause, reflect on how far they have come, and look ahead to the next chapter of their educational journey.

LEARN is grateful to the parents, mentors, community members, and special guests who poured into our scholars and helped make Preparing to Prosper such a meaningful celebration.

We also thank CBS Chicago for joining us and capturing the experiences, voices, and spirit of this special day.

Watch the CBS Chicago story (above) to see Preparing to Prosper in action and hear from our scholars and community.