Cathedral Prep has produced many decorated and accomplished alumni throughout the years. Many have started businesses, started families, or even followed their dreams because of the help Prep has given them as they went into their lives. One alumni in particular has been able to follow his dreams and his name is Benjamin Prylinski, class of 2012. Benjamin’s story of why he chose Prep is actually a very interesting one.

“Weird enough, my brother and sister went to McDowell because we lived in Millcreek, but my father knew I needed a push or a different schooling environment, which was the deciding moment that I was going to attend Prep and I couldn’t be more grateful today with that decision,” Prylinski said.

The time he had at Prep seemed to never have a dull moment. Prep is all about preparing its students for not only college but life in general. Prylinski talked about his favorite part about Prep and how it got him ready for life after high school.

“As common as this answer may sound, my favorite thing about Prep was the connections that I made,” Prylinski said. “Being a part of a smaller graduating class, compared to other schools, allows for more personal relationships to be formed. This is what the Ramblers refer to as ‘the brotherhood.’ The friends you make there become lifelong connections almost similar to family bonds.”

These connections and lessons learned from Prep go a long way in life.

“Prep prepared me for life after high school in many different ways,” Prylinski said. “Having a strict dress code every day prepared me on how to properly present myself in a professional setting. Most people dread the thought of wearing a tie, but through the exposure, it has become second nature to me, and I prefer wearing a tie.” 

There were many other practical benefits of a Prep education as well.

“Another major advantage I quickly noticed as I went to college was that I could complete any large research paper assigned quicker than others,” he said. “Through my extensive exposure to writing and how to properly use a laptop, writing papers was an easy task. Lastly, having the option to take a video production class set me up for success. Being exposed to certain Adobe programs at a younger age and having hands-on experience with camera equipment allowed me to be the person I am today.”

Prep is an amazing school, as you can see from Prylinski’s explanation, in the way that it gives students so many opportunities to further themselves and make a solid foundation for their future endeavors. 

Prylinski is currently finishing up his 5^th year as a middle school science teacher. He also owns two online businesses and is working on a third. He has even started his own magazine in October of 2021 and finished near the end of December 2021.

“If you don’t follow me on social media or follow my YouTube channel they are unaware of everything going on,” Prylinksi said. “This magazine was a solution to reach a bigger audience and showcase my skills and passions. As I advanced in my career this magazine was another addition onto my professional portfolio. And the smallest part of me wanted to be able to say ‘I did that,’ but more importantly ‘I did it by myself.’ I always love a new challenge, and I can definitely say I have conquered this one.”  

He is a very driven man who is self-motivated and hardworking. These qualities are what drive him and will get him far. He has many goals for his magazine which are very interesting.

“My goal for this magazine is for my supporters and the world to stay updated (annually as of now) with everything going on with Prylinski Productions,” he said. “Staying updated on things such as new websites being published, new logos being created, new designs being created, new videos being created, adventures and stories being shared from around the world, national parks, interviews, volunteer work and donations, and much more.”  

Prep, college, opportunities, hard work, motivation, and connections made because of it all have brought Ben Prylinski to where he is now.

“This is only the beginning,” he said. “As I start to master more skills, more doors become open. Ultimately, I believe this upcoming website will be my cherry on top! I’ve been creating separate logos for every single national park and am currently building a plan to distribute these designs across every visitor center in the U.S. Over these last couple years of owning and operating my own business I have learned where my true passions lie, which is with protecting and conserving our own National Parks. I won’t tell you all the details, but this website will partner with National Parks and their visitor centers to ultimately raise money and put that money directly towards the protecting and maintaining National Parks.”