At Union County Public Schools (UCPS), college signing days aren’t only reserved for outstanding student athletes.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural Academic Signing Week event, UCPS will celebrate the academic achievements of its high school seniors again this year by hosting Academic Signing Days on May 21 and 22.

“Our school district is very proud of the Class of 2018 and I am very impressed with their accomplishments,” said UCPS Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan. “We began Academic Signing Week last year and it was a big success. I am excited to continue this event and celebrate our seniors as they prepare their post-secondary plans.”

The UCPS Academic Signing Days will recognize the seniors who have plans to attend community college, trade and vocational school, and two and four-year colleges as well as students who have enlisted in the military, have internships or are prospective public service employees. Graduating seniors will wear shirts and/or school colors of the college, military branch or university they plan to attend. Parents and underclassmen have also been invited to help celebrate the students’ accomplishments.

Academic Signing Day events will be held at the following schools:

• Central Academy of Technology and Arts: Monday, May 21 and Tuesday, May 22
  • Each student will come to the stage and sign letters announcing their post-secondary plans. Scholarships and departmental awards will also be announced during the event.
  • One academic signing event per academy will be held on the following dates:
    • Monday, May 21: 9 a.m., Medical Science Academy; 10:30 a.m., Pre-engineering Academy; 12:15 p.m., Performing Arts Academy
    • Tuesday, May 22: 9 a.m., Transportation Academy; 11 a.m.  Information Systems Academy
• Cuthbertson High, 8 a.m., Tuesday, May 22
  • Students will be recognized by the school they plan to attend or branch of military they plan to enlist in after graduation. The students will also sign their names and post-secondary plans on a large banner, which will be displayed prominently in the school.
• Forest Hills High, 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22
  • Seniors will walk towards the auditorium to a modern Pomp and Circumstance musical composition and will be recognized by the school they plan to attend or branch of military they plan to enlist in after graduation. They will sign their names on a large banner. Afterwards, students and parents are invited to the courtyard for a breakfast and balloon release.
• Marvin Ridge High, 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22
  • Students will be recognized by the school they plan to attend or branch of military they plan to enlist in after graduation. They will take group pictures announcing their post-secondary plans in front of a school backdrop.
• Monroe High, 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22
  • Students will be recognized by the school they plan to attend or branch of military they plan to enlist in after graduation. CNN political commentator and lawyer Bakari Sellers will be the keynote speaker, and scholarship awards will also be announced during the event.
• Parkwood High, 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22
  • Students will be recognized by the school they plan to attend or branch of military they plan to enlist in after graduation. The students will also sign their names and post-secondary plans on a large banner, which will be displayed prominently in the school. They will also take group pictures announcing their post-secondary plans in front of a school backdrop. Students from Prospect Elementary, Waxhaw Elementary and Western Union Elementary will be also be in attendance.
• Piedmont High, 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22
  • As part of their “Donuts for Decisions” event, students will be provided with donuts to help celebrate their commitment to post-secondary education. Each student will sign a letter announcing their post-secondary plans. The students will also sign their names on a large banner, which will be displayed prominently in the school.
• Porter Ridge High, 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22
  • Students who received scholarships and departmental awards will be recognized during an assembly. Seniors will also be recognized by the school they plan to attend or branch of military they plan to enlist in after graduation. The students will also sign their names and post-secondary plans on a large banner.
• Sun Valley High, 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22
  • Each graduating senior will sign banners based on their future plans. There will also be games, music, photos and a prize raffle for students. A light breakfast will also be provided to the students.
• Weddington High, 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22
  • Students will be recognized by the school they plan to attend or branch of military they plan to enlist in after graduation. The students will also sign their names and post-secondary plans on a large banner, which will be displayed prominently in the school.

Members of the media are invited to attend the events and talk with students about their post-secondary plans. For more information about Academic Signing Day events and activities, please contact UCPS Communications Coordinator Ashley Ford at ashley.ford@ucps.k12.nc.us.