More than 180 Prep Students set a new school record this month by raising a tremendous $85,856 (surpassing last year’s record of $76,222) in donations in support of Covenant House at the 2025 Student Sleep Out, an annual fundraising event during which Prep students sleep in our courtyard in solidarity with the millions of young people who experience homelessness each year. Thanks to student efforts, Prep currently represents the #1 fundraising team in the nation.
Covenant House New Jersey is a nonprofit that “empowers young people to overcome homelessness and trafficking by providing them with safe housing, food and clothing, and relentless support.” Sleep Outs hosted by schools and other groups across the country benefit their mission annually.
Following weeks of preparation and multiple “text and email blitzes,” opportunities for students to gather during the school day to energize their own networks to get involved, participants gathered in Prep’s gymnasium on March 21 for an unforgettable evening of learning, community, and celebration.
The Sleep Out began with remarks from Assistant Director of Campus Ministry Mr. Keith Cummings, ‘10, whose leadership has allowed this annual initiative to prosper at Grand & Warren, and the student committee: Peyton Monaghan, ’25, Evan Nguyen, ’25, Luke Bae, ’26, John McClelland, ’26, Patrick Naughton, ’26 & Sasha Tyazhelkov, ’26
“Your commitment and dedication to this cause is a beacon of light to others,” McClelland, who has slept out for three years, said as he addressed his fellow students. “And I cannot express how grateful I am to call each and every one of you a Prep brother.”
McClelland also led the way in student fundraising this year by collecting an impressive $6,350 toward the cause.
Throughout the evening, Prep students heard from representatives of Covenant House about the realities of youth homelessness and the impact their fundraising would have. At 10 PM, they then adjourned to Prep’s courtyard for a candlelight vigil and prayer service to affirm our commitment to doing justice.
Participants then retrieved cardboard boxes to create shelters before settling down for the night.
We thank the Campus Ministry Department, including Director of Campus Ministry Dr. Susan Woolever and Campus Ministry Associate Ms. Maureen Hess, P’17, 19, for their support of these efforts. We also thank Prep faculty and staff Ms. Samantha Martinez, Mr. Rocco Tejada, and Mr. Stephen Fahy for joining us this year, as well as the entire Operations Team.
Sleep Out fundraising efforts continue through June. Learn more at spprep.org/sleepout.
