BEAM Awards Sun Prairie

Don't get it twisted. Black students make up less than 13% of the Sun Prairie Area School District, yet it appears our BEAM Awards Recognition Program is/has been considered “racist” by some, if not more from "silent" community members, according to the recent FB screenshot. Not to mention, at the same time, the remaining 87% of the student body (majority White) continue to have opportunities to be majority represented in multiple, positive recognition programs.

In Sun Prairie and across the country, Black students have historically been under-recognized and often disproportionately associated with negative narratives. Because Black students often experience disparities in recognition, opportunity and outcomes in EDUCATION -- historically and currently -- the BEAM Awards Recognition Program, established in 2019 (yes, only seven years ago), was hence created to address those recognition **GAPS** so that Black students, in particular, are also seen, uplifted, affirmed and celebrated intentionally and unapologetically in ways that reflect their full value ... beyond the decades old, "why-can't-you be-satisfied-with-football-or- basketball-recognition" instead.

Equity isn’t "favoritism". It’s making sure all students are actually included in recognition, not just in theory. It also means making sure every group is seen and supported especially where gaps exist. Celebrating Black excellence with BEAM Awards adds to our community. It doesn’t take away from anyone else.

Which questions resonates with you? Or, email us [email protected]

1. "Tell us about a time you partnered with a community-led organization that served a specific cultural or racial group of students. What was your role, what challenges came up, and what did you learn?"

2. "If you discovered that a district-sponsored recognition program was consistently failing to reach or celebrate Black students at the same level as other students, what would you do and how would you view a community organization that stepped in to fill that gap independently?"

3. "A community organization that previously partnered with the district ended that partnership due to challenges with how district staff understood and implemented the collaboration. As the new Superintendent, how would you rebuild that trust and what would you put in place to make sure the same breakdown doesn't happen again?"

Meet the Superintendent Finalists!

The Sun Prairie Area School District invites you to meet the finalists for the Superintendent position. Join us for an evening to learn more about Dr. Jeff Fleig, Michael Harris, and Dr. Antoine Reed as they share their vision for our school district. We look forward to your feedback on each candidate and hope to see you there.

Monday, April 13
6:30 - 8:40 p.m.
Central Heights Middle School Auditorium

Your voice matters! We want to hear from you! Be a part of the conversation!

Our BEAM TEAM (pictured) showed unshakeable commitment today and persevered through this transformative 7th year of BEAM Awards Sun Prairie to uphold our mission: celebrating Black excellence in Sun Prairie. Thank you to our community members who attended. Stay tuned for more photos.

Today is the Big Day!
We cant wait to see you all!

This day isnt possible without our Donors, Please Thank them when you see them!

The BEAM Experience (Black Excellence Achievement Makers) is the first and only event in Sun Prairie that celebrates the brilliance, resilience, and achievements of our Black youth. This community-led event is all about uplifting and recognizing excellence—and we need your help to make it unforgettable.

We’re inviting individuals, families, and supporters to become personal sponsors of BEAM. Whether it’s $25 or $250, your contribution directly supports an event unlike any other in our city—one that centers Black joy, pride, and achievement

Help us shine a light on BLACK excellence. Every donation counts!

📍 Donations can be made via:
👉 Venmo:
👉 PayPal:
👉 In-person: Bank Of Sun Prairie

📅 We’ll also be sharing sponsorship opportunities in our event brochures on Saturday, May 3rd — be sure to grab one!

Let’s show our kids and our community that Black excellence lives here.

🌟 Celebrate Black Excellence at the 2025 BEAM Experience! 🌟

Join us for an inspiring day dedicated to uplifting and celebrating Black excellence in Sun Prairie! The 7th Annual BEAM (Black Excellence Achievement Makers) Experience is happening on:

🗓 Saturday, May 3rd, 2025
🕙 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Westside Community Building, 2598 W Main street Sun Prairie, WI

This transformative event will feature dynamic, community-led sessions focusing on:

Academics – Empowering learners and recognizing achievement

Teamwork – Building strong connections through collaboration

Peer Leadership – Inspiring and cultivating leadership within the community

Personal Growth – Encouraging self-improvement and resilience

Community Leadership – Strengthening ties and advocating for meaningful change

🎤 Meet Our Esteemed Session Hosts! 🎤

We're thrilled to introduce a lineup of influential Black leaders, educators, and changemakers who will be leading our sessions. Each day this week, we'll spotlight two of these remarkable individuals, sharing their stories and the invaluable insights they'll bring to the BEAM Experience.

Stay tuned for our daily features and get ready to be inspired!

👉 Reserve Your Spot Today!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKGGOttCR1xs4FvI_zbURzN7tZBizFphUhywI4ZVJVaiO5lA/viewform?usp=sharing

Together, let's honor and amplify Black excellence in our community!