Special signing day honors academic achievement

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) —  Hoggard High School held their second annual academic signing this morning. Just under 30 students committed to attend schools across the country on academic based scholarships.

“I was just really proud to see all my fellow classmates getting recognized for all their achievements and just seeing how far we’ve come along in our high school career,” said Jacky Zheng, a senior who will be attending UNC in the fall.

Everyone has heard about signing days for star athletes, but at Hoggard, students are also celebrated for scholastic achievement.

“It’s really good that the academic-minded kids get the same amount of recognition as the sports kids,” said Melanie Ferreir who will be attending Wake Forest in the fall.

Organizers said it is important to them that these seniors are also recognized. These students shine in the classroom rather than on the field.

Ashley Frye had her heart set on attending Davidson to pursue a degree in political science, but one thing stood in her way. She needed some help financially.

“I fell in love with Davidson whenever I visited. The only thing that was stopping me was monetary issues and I had already gotten a full ride to NC State. So if I didn’t get this full ride I probably would have ended up at NC State. So I’m really happy that I got this one because Davidson was where my heart was at,” said Frye.

Organizers say students reported $4.7 million in scholarships this year.