There are signing days for graduating seniors who are headed off to college to play a variety of sports — baseball, basketball, football, etc. At Pine Bluff High School now, there’s one simply for kids going forward with their studies. How fun!
“When they include us in stuff like this, it makes us feel recognized for the achievements we do get, even though we’re not athletes,” said Marquis Rice, who will be headed to college at UAPB to study biology. “Athletes get most of the recognition at the school, but as students we still accomplish our things, too. It’s a good thing for us to get recognized also.”
Like their more athletically inclined brothers and sisters, the day is not complete without flashing some gear, with those going to college sporting caps and shirts from what will be their new destinations.
Another student, Sylvana Burgess, said the event highlights the fact that the school also cares about them, too.
“It goes to show there are different things all the students want to do, not just sports, not just nursing,” she said. “It just shows that we appreciate it as students that we’re getting recognized, even for the small things we are doing.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
And while those who run and throw sign letters of intent, pledging their athletic services to particular colleges, the other students sign certificates, showing their college or career choices, all of which happens at the College and Career Signing Day ceremony. The theme of the event was Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.”
“I know we had a lot of athletic signing days, so those athletes will be celebrated, but we have several more students who are doing really great things and never get acknowledgement,” said Denesha Evans, a college and career coach who organized the unique event along with other staff members. “Because I work with those seniors all through the year, I wanted to make sure they have their shine just like the athletes because they work just as hard.”
No doubt, there could be some overlap. Some of those going off to college to play football, for instance, might have been able to snag an academic scholarship as well, and those heading to college on their other abilities might get there and contribute to a team by walking on.
Still, at the high school level, there’s no denying that the sports stars grab much of the limelight. In a very real way, this event levels that playing field a bit, giving everyone who worked hard an avenue for receiving laurels.