Lilac Ball Smashes Records: $4.2 million Raised to Support Next Generation of Diverse Leaders
Prep for Prep’s Lilac Ball on June 8 was a remarkable success, raising a record $4.2 million and attracting over 1,300 guests to The Waldorf Astoria. The gala was a tribute to longtime Prep supporters and Trustees Bonnie & Richard Reiss and Anita Volz Wien & Byron Wien, who combined have supported Prep for 67 years. Lauren Frank, daughter of the Reisses and goddaughter of the Wiens, served as Event Chair. The Lilac Ball was also a celebration of the 129 members of Prep’s High School Class of 2015, which included class presidents, two Gates Millennium Scholars, a Princeton Prize in Race Relations winner, an acclaimed photographer, and a Siemens Regional Finalist. More than 140 Prep alumni supporters were on hand to cheer our students and to announce the creation of Prep for Prep’s Alumni Association.
A key theme emerged from the student speakers this year – the importance of striving for more and paying it forward. Prep developed their foundations for leadership and achievement; our independent school partners offered them the opportunities to flourish and lead.
Elanie Paredes (XXXI/VCS '11, Columbia Prep '15, Barnard), an ANNPower Vital Voices Fellow and the face of Ann Taylor’s leadership campaign, told the audience, “I now know that the true value of Prep is to teach students how to push through obstacles and to become innovative problem solvers. Because of Prep, I don't fear taking on issues that seem too large to handle – even gender equity.”
Brian Zhao (XXXI/Dalton ’15, Brown) worked on pioneering Alzheimer’s research throughout high school. He applied for a patent at age 17, which was later purchased by a pharmaceutical company. Despite all of his academic accolades, Brian noted his most memorable accomplishment was improving literacy skills of immigrant children at his neighborhood school. “Seeing the change I had been able to inspire as a mentor and tutor was remarkable. It confirmed that I could improve the lives of other students, just as Prep has done with me and my fellow graduates.”
“The time for development of diverse leadership in our society is now, and Prep for Prep will ensure it happens.” Hamza Usman (P9 XXIV/Middlesex ’15, Harvard) served as senior class president, varsity team captain, chief newspaper writer, and school musical star during his time at Middlesex School.
The Lilac Ball Honorees have supported increasing educational access and opportunities like these for many decades. They imparted some advice to the high school graduates, including this from Byron Wien: “Your own personal history is behind you and cannot be changed. Keep looking forward. You will face many challenges, experience countless setbacks, but spend your time molding your future. The best tool for doing that is a good college education where you learn critical thinking.”
Elanie Paredes (XXXI/VCS '11, Columbia Prep '15, Barnard), an ANNPower Vital Voices Fellow and the face of Ann Taylor’s leadership campaign, told the audience, “I now know that the true value of Prep is to teach students how to push through obstacles and to become innovative problem solvers. Because of Prep, I don't fear taking on issues that seem too large to handle – even gender equity.”
Brian Zhao (XXXI/Dalton ’15, Brown) worked on pioneering Alzheimer’s research throughout high school. He applied for a patent at age 17, which was later purchased by a pharmaceutical company. Despite all of his academic accolades, Brian noted his most memorable accomplishment was improving literacy skills of immigrant children at his neighborhood school. “Seeing the change I had been able to inspire as a mentor and tutor was remarkable. It confirmed that I could improve the lives of other students, just as Prep has done with me and my fellow graduates.”
“The time for development of diverse leadership in our society is now, and Prep for Prep will ensure it happens.” Hamza Usman (P9 XXIV/Middlesex ’15, Harvard) served as senior class president, varsity team captain, chief newspaper writer, and school musical star during his time at Middlesex School.
The Lilac Ball Honorees have supported increasing educational access and opportunities like these for many decades. They imparted some advice to the high school graduates, including this from Byron Wien: “Your own personal history is behind you and cannot be changed. Keep looking forward. You will face many challenges, experience countless setbacks, but spend your time molding your future. The best tool for doing that is a good college education where you learn critical thinking.”
This fall, an impressive 92% of the Prep high school senior class will matriculate at colleges characterized as "Most Competitive" or “Highly Competitive,” according to Barron’s 2015 Profiles of American Colleges. Wesleyan is the leading college choice, with 10 students enrolling from this year’s class, followed by Cornell (8), Columbia (6), Harvard (6), Princeton (6), and Penn (5).
Since 1986, the Lilac Ball has served as Prep’s keystone event. It not only honors leaders with a commitment to education and young people, but also celebrates the hard work and achievements of our high school seniors. Proceeds from the event support Prep’s mission of creating a more diverse national leadership pool by providing New York’s most promising students of color access to a superior education and life-changing opportunities.
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We envision a nation guided by ethical and effective leaders that reflect our diverse society.
Prep for Prep's mission is to develop future leaders by creating access for young people of color to first-rate educational, leadership development and professional opportunities.
Prep for Prep's mission is to develop future leaders by creating access for young people of color to first-rate educational, leadership development and professional opportunities.
