Northwestern High hosts college, career signing for seniors

Dozens of students signed their intent to attend college or the military Wednesday at Northwestern High School, the second Rock Hill school to host a college academic signing day.

The celebration with balloons and cake was held during all three lunch periods to honor seniors who plan to continue their education at two- or four-year college or career programs or join the military.

Trinity Stafford said he plans to study construction and electrical work at York Technical College, and Megan Toney is going to attend Winthrop University. Both seniors lined up to sign their plans.

English teacher Patti Tate said the school’s Olympians, a senior student leadership group, suggested the idea of honoring students who have made plans to continue their education or to train for a career.

“It came from their heart,” Tate said about the Olympians. “They wanted to recognize academics. This was student-driven and student-led.”

School guidance counselors were considering a similar idea. South Carolina education leaders have encouraged all high schools to host a college signing day, said counselor Debbie Cabaniss. So the two groups teamed up.

A similar signing day was held earlier this month at South Pointe High. And York Comprehensive High plans to show a PowerPoint presentation recognizing two- and four-year college- or military-bound students.

At Northwestern, graduating seniors crowded around a table in the school courtyard to sign certificates that state their college or career plans after high school. They also ate cake and won door prizes.

Lara Breitkreutz, a Northwestern senior and a member of the Olympians who plans to attend Duke University, said the project shines a light on all students who are making plans.

“Usually schools make a really big deal about their athletic programs,” said Breitkreutz. “But most students are making college or career plans. This allows some attention to be put on those students. And it’s really a lot of fun.”

This story was originally published May 18, 2016 at 9:11 PM with the headline "Northwestern High hosts college, career signing for seniors."