The John Cooper School Launches New Alumni Leadership Program

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The John Cooper School recently welcomed alumni back to campus for two powerful events that celebrated connection, mentorship, and life beyond Cooper. Together, the annual Alumni Panel and the launch of the new Young Alumni Professional Development program offered Upper School students an inspiring look at college, careers, and the many paths that follow graduation.

The Alumni Panel brought nearly two dozen graduates back to campus to share reflections on their time at Cooper, their transition to college, and the lessons they have learned along the way. Alumni spoke candidly about balancing academics and extracurriculars, navigating the college application process, and adapting to the academic and social expectations of college life. Panelists encouraged students to stay curious, manage their time with intention, and take full advantage of the close relationships with faculty that define the Cooper experience.

Sydney Kelly ’25 underscored the valuable learning experiences at Cooper: “I’m really well prepared for college, and I’m especially well prepared to pick myself up from challenging situations. At Cooper, I developed my resilience, and it has helped me change my approach to a class or refine my study habits.”

Luke Turner ’23 encouraged students to take advantage of the time and opportunities they have at Cooper: “You’re surrounded by great people and wonderful resources, so make the most of your time.” He especially highlighted the value of his Global Online Academy course in affirming his interest in his major.

Kaden Davis ’24 highlighted the value of the close relationships students and faculty have at Cooper, telling students: “Your small classes have prepared you well to connect with your college professors, so you’ll be ready to develop a rapport and ask questions of your college faculty.”

Isabelle Guidry ‘24 shared how the writing she learned at Cooper has helped her to be successful in college: “The writing skills that you are learning at Cooper will help you tremendously in your college courses and be an effective communicator.”

Owen Baadsgaard ‘23 offered encouraging words to our seniors: “Keep working hard, keep moving forward. All of the hard work and resilience that you’ve experienced at Cooper will help you get to where you want to be. You will face challenges along the way, but eventually, opportunities will open up for you.”

Carlos Calderon ’24 inspired students to pursue their interests at Cooper: “Cooper has so many resources. If there is an idea you want to explore, seek out your teachers or your advisors because they can direct you on how to best explore your interests further than you thought possible.”

Abigail Guidry ’24 said, “Cooper taught me how to reach out. Now I know how to use office hours and how to get to know my teachers to help me succeed in my classes.”

Building on that spirit of connection, Cooper also launched a new initiative this year, Young Alumni Professional Development. Designed to connect students and recent graduates with alumni actively navigating their professional lives, the program featured an afternoon of alumni-led panels, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Dr. Stephen Popp, Head of School, highlighted the purpose of the program, saying, “This initiative gives our students and alumni the opportunity to continue to build upon their Cooper connections, to foster lifelong learning, and to expand the tremendous network of Cooper alumni all around the country and world.”

Dr. Karim Asi ’11 is an assistant professor in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at UTHealth. He reflected on the lasting impact of the School, sharing, “It’s great seeing the tremendous growth and all the school has added to the experience, while also seeing how Cooper has held on to its roots.”

Alumni from a wide range of industries, including healthcare, engineering, law, finance, media, technology, and social impact, shared real-world insights on career paths, leadership, wellness, and professional growth. Throughout the day, conversations focused on advocating for oneself, aligning careers with personal values, managing mental health, and building meaningful professional relationships. The event also included networking opportunities and professional headshots, emphasizing practical preparation and confidence-building.

“Even though I’m no longer a student, I’m still benefiting from being here and continuing to learn," said Amy Tian ’24.

Dr. Popp also emphasized the lasting impact of alumni engagement, noting, “Our alumni exemplify the values we inculcate here at Cooper. Bringing them back to campus creates powerful moments of reflection, opportunities for mentorship, and inspiration for the future.”

Together, these events highlighted the strength of the Cooper alumni network and the School’s commitment to lifelong connection. Whether sharing college advice, career insights, or personal stories, alumni continue to play a vital role in inspiring and supporting the next generation of Dragons. Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon.

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