Grant Union

High School

May Newsletter

Grant Mentor Adriel Shankar leading workshop.

In April, brothers participated in four engaging workshops focused on leadership development, personal growth, and practical life skills. Through interactive and reflective activities, they sharpened their communication abilities in structured debates, crafted confident personal introductions for interviews, and explored routines to support a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, they gained valuable financial insights on car ownership and connected those lessons to future career planning. Each session promoted critical thinking, self-reflection, and empowered brothers to make informed decisions about their personal and professional paths.

Structured Debates
In this interactive session, participants engaged in structured debates that allowed them to deepen their understanding of important topics previously discussed. The activity encouraged brothers to articulate their opinions, consider and challenge alternative viewpoints, and defend their positions thoughtfully. To ensure full participation, brothers who were less familiar with certain subjects were provided with prepared talking points, giving them the support needed to contribute effectively. The ultimate goal was to foster critical thinking, teamwork, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively, all of which are essential in leadership and collaboration.

Junior Mentors leading Pegasus chant for programming

“Tell Me About Yourself” Interview Prep
This session focused on helping brothers confidently navigate one of the most common and challenging questions asked during job interviews: "Tell me about yourself." Participants reflected on their personal journeys, identifying key experiences, aspirations, and strengths that define them. With structured guidance, they crafted a well-organized and compelling personal introduction that conveyed their unique qualities and future ambitions. By honing these responses, brothers improved their public speaking abilities, built greater self-confidence, and developed a deeper understanding of how to present themselves effectively in both personal and professional settings. This workshop not only prepared them for interviews but also inspired creative thinking about their ongoing personal and career development.

Healthy Work-Life Routines
Understanding the crucial need for balance between work and personal life, this workshop focused on helping brothers create routines that support both their professional responsibilities and personal well-being. The session encouraged participants to explore different ways to start their day with intention, setting positive, proactive goals to guide their activities. Additionally, the workshop emphasized the importance of establishing routines to unwind after work, ensuring that brothers could separate the stress of their jobs from their personal lives. Through various exercises, participants discovered techniques to de-stress and recharge, fostering a healthier mindset that supports sustained productivity and mental well-being. The key takeaway was that a strong work-life balance is integral to long-term success and happiness.

Financial Literacy & Car Ownership
In this session, brothers delved into the financial aspects of car ownership, a key responsibility many face as they transition into adulthood. The workshop provided an overview of the costs involved in purchasing, maintaining, and operating a vehicle, from monthly payments to insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Participants learned how to budget effectively for these expenses, with a focus on making informed financial decisions when considering the purchase of a new or used car. The workshop also included a practical element, where brothers researched different career paths and job opportunities that could support the costs of owning and maintaining a car. This activity strengthened their financial literacy and connected the dots between smart financial management and long-term career planning.

Da'Reil Sheppard

11th Grade

Da’Reil Sheppard, a junior at Grant Union High School who’s making his mark in more ways than one. Whether it’s on the football field, in the classroom, or at an IYT programming session, Da’Reil shows up with energy, humor, and heart.

Life hasn’t always made it easy for him, but Da’Reil has a way of turning obstacles into fuel. He’s one of those students you notice right away, not just because of his quick jokes or natural charisma, but because people gravitate toward his leadership. His brothers follow him because he leads with authenticity and positivity.

Da’Reil dreams big. His goal is to play football at Ohio State University while majoring in business, chasing both his athletic passion and a future in entrepreneurship. And he’s putting in the work to get there. Despite a busy schedule, he consistently makes time for study hall and programming sessions, even if it means catching two or three buses to get home afterward.

Outside of school and sports, Da’Reil is an artist at heart. In his free time, he channels his emotions into music, using it as a way to tell his story and process what life throws his way. It’s his personal outlet and creative space, and it’s a side of him that makes his story even richer.

Da’Reil Sheppard isn’t just chasing success, he’s creating a future built on resilience, leadership, and self-expression. And if you ask anyone who knows him, they’ll tell you: he’s just getting started.