Prep for Life Speaker Series

List of 6 items.

• David Snyder '89, P'26

  Integrating Hazard Zet Forward into Life Beyond High School
  Thursday, December 5, 2024
  SHP Dean of Academics Dave Snyder '89, P'26 will kick off the “Prep for Life” speaker series with a presentation focusing on practical strategies to integrate our Hazard Zet Forward philosophy into life beyond high school. Dave will chat about examples of how he has used our new Hazard Zet Forward initiative to become more effective in his roles at The Prep, and in his family life – especially as a father. If you are not aware of our Hazard Zet Forward initiative strategies, please visit shp.org/hzf

• John Merklinger '08

  The Art of Effective Communication: Listening, Speaking, and Building Relationships

  Thursday, February 27, 2025
  Effective communication is often misunderstood as simply being able to speak well. In reality, it’s a delicate balance between listening, speaking, and building meaningful relationships—skills that are foundational to both personal and professional success. In this presentation, SHP public speaking teacher John Merklinger '08 will explore how public speaking isn’t just about delivering a message but also about crafting a conversation, fostering empathy, and understanding others’ perspectives.
  
  

• Chris Barnitt '88

  Cultivating Contentment in an Anxious Age
  Thursday, May 15, 2025
  What is the ‘good life’ and how do we achieve it in the midst of uncertainty and a dizzying array of distractions?  Join SHP Director of School Counseling Chris Barnitt '88 for a presentation on how to think about and pursue greater contentment in our lives.'
  
  

• Mike Hulsy H'25

  Success without Ambition

  Thursday, November 7, 2025
  Join SHP Dean of Men Mike Hulsy H'25 as we kickoff year two of our Prep for Life Speaker Series! Mike will talk about how our transactional and materialistic society has crept backward into youth sports and education, and that aspiration for the unattainable leads to a lack of fulfillment, because perceptions of success are wildly skewed.
  
  
  

• Dr. Anthony Cannella '00

  All “IN”: Music, Meaning, & Mission 
  Thursday, February 19, 2026
  Join Doc Cannella on February 19th at The Prep for a discussion on his perspective on the intersection of philosophy, positive psychology, and Jesuit tradition and how each relates to the modern person. Learn about Doc’s journey and the inspirations that formed the practical skills he uses to help others (and, perhaps, even yourself!).
  
  

• Marty Berman H'05, P'11, P'14

  Leadership On and Off the Field

  Thursday, April 23, 2026
  

  Join us on Thursday, April 23 for our final presentation of the 2025-2026 Prep for Life Speaker Series! Marty Berman H'05, P'11, P'14, Head Soccer Coach and English Teacher will be sharing his thoughts on Leadership On and Off the Field: A look at what makes a good coach or leader.