Lancaster High School seniors took part in the National College Decision Day ceremony on Monday, May 2. The day represents the deadline for students to sign letters of intent to attend a college or university. Additionally, Lancaster High School utilized the day to announce its seniors' post-high school plans to family members and friends.
Although National College Decision Day is a nationwide event that highlights the importance of attending college, Lancaster High School focused on providing an exciting celebratory signing day typically seen during a sports signing event for students with high academic accomplishments. Seniors participating in the academic signing day represented the selected schools by wearing t-shirts and baseball caps adorned with their college logo. Additionally, as students were called to the stage, they were each presented with a letter of intent to sign.
"I'm so proud of this group of seniors. Watching them become excited and ultimately commit to a college was a great thing to witness," said Bevelon White, Lancaster High School’s College, Career, and Military Counselor. "It feels amazing knowing I have made an impact on a student's life by helping them take the steps needed to attend college next year."
The academic signing day is a way for students to feel proud and accomplished about their academic achievements. It also allows all students to be celebrated for choosing to pursue college. White said a great deal of planning went into this event to make sure it was special and lived up to expectations of the past events held in the district.
"I couldn't have done it without the senior committee and the LHS Student Council. It took a lot of brainstorming and collaboration, but the seniors came together, and we pulled it off."
More than 40 seniors participated in Academic College Decision Day. They made their way to the stage as their names and college choices were announced. Students committed to schools including Prairie View A&M University, Texas Southern University, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of North Texas, the University of Houston, and the U.S. military.
"I loved being involved with College Decision Day," said senior Demireon Williams, who will be attending the University of Houston in the fall. "It was fun to be a part of something bigger than myself and help send my fellow students off to college in a fun way."
Bevelon White and Quanae Miller, Advise TX College Advisor for Lancaster High School, play integral roles in preparing the students for life after graduation. They assist students with navigating the pre-college process in several ways, including filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, applying for colleges, applying for scholarships, going on college campus tours, and more.
With the help of the LHS College and Career Center, the Class of 2022 has been awarded more than $19 million in scholarships.
"I feel grateful to help our students get to their next step in life," said Miller. "When I was in high school, I didn't have the resources to know the ins and outs of the college admission process. It brings me joy to be on this journey with our students."
Miller says parents have also played a significant role in preparing the seniors for college.
"I encourage parents to get involved with the process since it can be overwhelming," she said. "Parent involvement makes a huge difference because they help their students keep track of important deadlines and motivate them to choose the best fit school."
By celebrating College Academic Decision Day, the hope is that Lancaster ISD seniors will be even more excited about their academic accomplishments and what they can achieve after graduation.
After a challenging two years, the Class of 2022 persevered and found success within the walls of Lancaster High School. Lancaster ISD thanks the LHS administration, teachers, and staff for their unrelenting support, commitment, and dedication to our students.
