JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Better Make Room and Reach Higher campaigns celebrated students taking the next step after high school to further their education with National College Signing Day on Tuesday.
Better Make Room was started by first lady Michelle Obama, and more than 500 schools nationwide participated in signing day.
Robert E. Lee High had quite the pep rally Tuesday, honoring its seniors who will be continuing their education.
The Generals received more than 250 acceptance letters and over $2 million in scholarships, an accomplishment Principal Scott Schneider said the school hasn't seen in years.
"The commitment that you are actually finishing today from K-12, finishing high school, is a tremendous commitment and probably the ultimate and most important one in your life, so congratulations to you,” Schneider said. "This is what I mean by 'We are Generals and that we are destined to lead,' Congratulations Generals!”
Each senior was announced along with the college he or she will be attending. They all signed the senior banner that will be displayed to encourage the next generation of graduates.
Kyjuana Young was one of those seniors. She will be attending Florida A&M University in the fall.
"I feel like it's an accomplishment. I'm setting a trend for my little sister and other family members who are younger than me,” Young said.
Setting a trend by being the first college attendee in her family.
"I just want better. I don't want a job. I want a career,” Young said. “I want something I enjoy doing, not something I have to do."
Young wants to study social work and is already planning to get her Masters degree, but Tuesday she just enjoyed the party filled with community leaders, family and friends.
“It shows that we have supporters who are supporting us, encouraging us,” Young said. “We have a support system."
Each senior got to represent his or her future alma mater and it was clear they're looking forward to their futures.