Corpus Christi high schools celebrate seniors' career, college and military plans
High school graduation might be the finish line of K-12 education, but Moody High School's senior signing day Friday focused on what comes next for graduating seniors.
Families gathered Friday in the school gym to support seniors who signed symbolic posters indicating whether they will be pursuing a college education, joining the military or going into the work force.
About 10 Moody High School seniors plan on joining the military. Close to 20 told school counselors they have jobs lined up or plan to go straight to work after high school. Nearly 200 have been accepted to and plan to attend a community college or four-year university.
Parents and relatives were thrilled Friday to celebrate these plans.
When senior A'Maya Burks signed a poster for Prairie View A&M University, her family cheered enthusiastically in the stands, with flowers, a university flag and a large cutout of her face.
When thinking about her post-graduation plans, she was focused on attending a historically black college or university and making the most of the dual credit she's earned in high school, parent Catrina Burks said.
"We're extremely excited," she said.
Throughout the month of May, Veterans Memorial, Carroll, Miller, Ray, Collegiate, Branch and King high schools have held or plan to hold similar events. Modeled after athletic signing ceremonies when student athletes sign with their intended schools, many Coastal Bend schools have broadened their focus to highlight academic and career plans as well.
"It's important that more than just the athletes are highlighted, that children who get where they wish with their academic accolades are highlighted as well," Catrina Burks said.
Del Mar College was the most popular college among Moody's graduating class of 2024, accepting over 115 students who plan to attend courses after graduation.
Other local schools, such as Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, the choice of over 30 students, and Texas A&M University-Kingsville, attracting about a dozen, also proved popular.
Smaller numbers of students are also headed to the University of Texas, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley and the University of Houston-Victoria. Eight other colleges or universities and four technical institutions also attracted at least one Moody High School senior.
Students signed posters for their chosen institution or career or military path. These posters will be hung in the halls to inspire younger students, Moody High School college and career counselor Jessica Bowers said.
"My juniors love going up and seeing and they'll go, 'Oh, that's where I'm going to go to school next year,'" Bowers said.
Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo spoke at the Moody High School event.
"One of the most important things is you've decided to take a path forward and you've worked for it," Guajardo told the students.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Corpus Christi schools hold senior signing events for class of 2024
