DALLAS, GA — Students from the Kennesaw State University TRIO Programs: Upward Bound Hiram High School, Upward Bound Rockmart & Cedartown High Schools and, Upward Bound Math-Science East Paulding High School Senior class of 2022 gathered with their families at the TRIO Programs Office on April 30th to celebrate National Signing Day.

According to Dr. DJ Lemelle, KSU TRIO Programs Director, Former First Lady Michelle Obama declared May 1st as “National College Signing Day” in 2014. College Signing Day is a day where we celebrate our students and families who plan to pursue some form of educationand training beyond high school and inspire them and their families to take the steps necessary to achieve their dreams. Our programs are geared towards college going students, but sometimes plans change. So, whether our students plan to attend a community college, a 4-year university, a certification program, the military, or any other education past high school, we display full support for our students and their families in making decisions for their future through our College Signing Day.

KSU TRIO is founded on the belief that every student deserves the tools they need for success, and that premise lives on through their commitment to building the confidence of our youth. In the words of Krystina Leverett, the Director of the East Paulding High School Upward Bound Math Science Program, “It was so heartwarming to see all our students excited about the next chapter in their lives. They have worked so hard and now are able to see the fruits of their labor. I am so excited to see how far they will go & I will always stand in their corners to cheer them on.”

During the peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the need community became apparent to many in the absence of it. Since then, KSU TRIO has made a goal of reinforcing students’ support systems and working to combat the scars that COVID-19 has left behind. “We love to make our students and their families feel special and acknowledge their success as they prepare to leave for college,” said Brittney Sanchez, Advisor of the East Paulding High School Upward Bound Math Science Program. “It was very exciting to see the seniors holding up signs to their college of choice knowing how much work and sacrifice they had to go through to get here. It was also emotional because some of these seniors started in the program as freshman, and now they are graduating. Seeing them transform both academically and individually makes our work worth it.”

Although encouraging individual students was a large part of why KSU TRIO held this event, they accomplished more than just that. “The Senior Day Signing Event gives our students who have worked hard a chance to be recognized, both academically and in their community. This event inspires the younger students who are seeing the successes of our Upward Bound seniors. It also allows families to celebrate a program that supportsthe continuation of student’s education and success,” said Ashley Phillips, Advisor of the Hiram High School Upward Bound Program. KSU TRIO’s mission is to motivate students to achieve their dreams, empower TRIO families to success, and enrich their communities. “While there are many measures to gauge an individual’s success, there is no way to fully grasp the impact that we have on others,” said Jennifer Craton, KSU TRIO Programs Digital Media Specialist. “It is our sincere hope here at KSU TRIO that by including the community in our personal successes, we inspire others with our stories and hope.”

In addition to highlighting the seniors, fellowship followed giving the seniors and their families time to celebrate with their TRIO family. “It truly takes a village to get here, and it is so important to us to show and let the students and families know that our guidance and support does not stop after graduation,” said Christine Smith, event organizer and Director of the Hiram High School Upward Bound Program. Echoing Smith, Dr. Lemelle closed by saying, “One of the many points we try to emphasize is that it takes the work of a team in order for anyone to reach their full potential. I am so proud of the students and parents, but also the staff and administrators from Cedartown, East Paulding, Hiram, and Rockmart High Schools.

Finally, our KSU Staff in the Grants Office and the KSU TRIO Staff are amazing, by far, the best in the Nation. Christine is correct, it does take a village. Without our Village of Support, we would not be able to hold a National College Signing Day during a Pandemic!”

Every day, 7 days a week, for the past 15 months the KSU TRIO staff has held some type of engaging activity for the students, including academic and cultural enrichment. In the midst of offering students access to college admittance test prep bootcamps, coding classes, speed reading/book clubs, live surgeries, mental health workshops, and more, the College Signing Event was a welcomed opportunity to sit back and admire just how far KSU TRIO Seniors had come. “Seeing each graduate's proud families taking photos and acknowledging their students' hard work over the years was a moment that I am happy KSU TRIO was able to provide for families,” said Priscilla Pita, Advisor of the Upward Bound Rockmart & Cedartown High School Program.

The Senior Signing Event was a great success among all three KSU TRIO programs. “It was a great way to celebrate the accomplishments of our seniors and show them that we are proud of their hard work and dedication to KSU TRIO Programs. We are excited to see the opportunities they will pursue in post-secondary education or in the armed forces. The work that the staff and students put into themselves will undoubtedly help them achieve great success in life. They are the products of a very proud KSU TRIO family," said Aleema Dyer, KSU TRIO Office Manager.