New principal Dr Peters arrives on a mission to improve grades and discipline, but a mass brawl and the threat of further violence gives him a swift reality check. Meanwhile high-achieving pupil Jalena begins college applications, but with college fees costing more than a house, will she even be able to afford to go? Male cheerleader, Vernon, and star football player, Kordel, each prepare for the big Friday night football game. Can a win for the school help to get Dr Peters’ ambitions back on track?
In episode 2, we uncover a revelation about Rendull, captain of the basketball team. Handsome, charismatic and popular, he seems to have the world at his feet but a discovery about his personal life throws his plans for the future into disarray. Vernon, a male cheerleader, has moved out of his family home and is sleeping on the floor of his best friend, Breezy. But with a crucial basketball game coming up can he convince his estranged mother to come to see him perform? Meanwhile, star pupil Jalena finds out whether she’s been accepted into her dream college, and Dr Peters tries to re-house a homeless student.
The school's sports stars are busy trying to secure athletic scholarships to college, but for football player Kordel his dreams of leaving Orangeburg - and experiencing a more ethnically diverse America - seem tantalisingly beyond his grasp. We meet Mykenzie, one of the few white students at O-W. Her mum recently sent her to O–W to try to combat ethnic segregation in the town, but when Mykenzie invites a number of new friends to her 16th birthday party, things don't quite go to plan. Meanwhile, star pupil Jalena tries to recover from some disappointing news, and basketball captain Rendull seeks some fatherly advice on his future.
Student TJ has style, charm and intelligence. He also has a father serving a long jail sentence. Determined to avoid the same fate, TJ is working hard at OW and developing a thriving business customising trainers, but one moment of madness throws his future into sudden doubt. With his school basketball career behind him, and no sign of a college scholarship, Rendull is struggling to face up to his responsibilities, including the upcoming birth of his daughter, Harmoni. Can some tough love from his mum – Chemeka – help him to step up to the plate in time for the big family babyshower? As Spring Semester comes to an end, male cheerleader, Vernon, makes an impulsive decision, and school principal Dr Peters is driven to breaking point by some outrageous student behaviour.
As the seniors prepare for their Vintage Hollywood-themed Prom, two members of the organising committee - Vernon and Breezy - are no longer on speaking terms. Student TJ anxiously awaits the results of his expulsion hearing, and makes a visit to his dad - in prison. Meanwhile, Mykenzie gets into some serious trouble and her mum, Linda, launches an initiative to try to help racial integration in Orangeburg. With just days to go before the Prom, Rendull is anticipating the birth of his daughter, and Dr Peters makes a life-changing decision.