Students, administrators and family members filled the gym at Quitman High School on Tuesday to celebrate the accomplishments of 11 seniors during signing day ceremonies. With the audience cheering them on and families at their sides, the students publicly committed to continuing their education, athletics and military service after graduation.
One student signed to continue in marching band, nine signed to compete in college athletics and two students committed to military service. One of the military signees, Dylan Rose, who signed with the Army at a different time, was not present during Tuesday’s ceremony.
Jessica Van Vleet, who signed with Tyler Junior College to participate in band, was the first student to sign after introducing herself and thanking her family for their support.
After Van Vleet signed, several student-athletes introduced themselves to the crowd before signing letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Colten Barkdull signed to play baseball at East Texas Baptist University, while Davis Watson and Jonas Prather both signed to play baseball at Mission University in Missouri.
Brayleigh Wood signed with Southeastern Oklahoma State University to compete in cross-country. Annabelle Popek signed to play basketball at East Texas Baptist University, and Lynlee Taylor signed with Concordia University in Austin for basketball.
Powerlifters Hannah Hollinquist and Journey Dillard both signed with Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kansas, to continue their athletic careers.
Sebastian Camp committed to the U.S. Marine Corps, while Rose signed with the U.S. Army.
Quitman Athletic Director Shane Webber praised the students for their dedication and willingness to pursue their goals beyond high school.
“It takes a lot of courage to do what these young people are doing — to go off on their own away from the security of their families, and now they have to trust in their coaches or squad leaders to shape them into the types of men and women they want to be,” Webber said. “This is a commitment level like no other. A lot of kids grow up saying they want to play at the next level, but very few do because it is such a commitment. I could not be more proud of these young men and women who have decided to chase their dreams.”