The more than 7,680 seniors that have submitted at least one application to a two- or four-year postsecondary institution were recognized and honored on Friday as part of GenTX Decision Day.
Seniors received an I Decided! T-shirt from the Dallas ISD Postsecondary Success department, and multiple high schools on Friday held ceremonies to celebrate their college-bound seniors.
“We are very proud of our graduating seniors for the hard work they have put in throughout their academic careers and into the college application process,” said Keisha Crowder-Davis, Dallas ISD Director of Postsecondary Success. “Decision Day was one way to celebrate the students for their incredible accomplishments.”
To recognize their college-bound seniors, campuses such as Lassiter Early College High School (LECHS) on Friday hosted a ceremony celebrating their graduating class. Each student stepped up to a microphone to announce which college or university they would be attending, and an enthusiastic audience of parents and family members cheered in response.
“I want every graduating senior to know just how proud we are of you and the work you have put in to get here today,” LECHS Principal Michael St. Ama said.
Crowder-Davis also shared her appreciation for campus staff who support students in learning about various application deadlines, requirements and best practices. In Dallas ISD, where the majority of students will be the first in their families to attend college, Crowder-Davis said administrators realize the need for this type of support and have implemented several programs and partnerships that help monitor students’ progress in completing admission and financial aid applications.
The College Access Program staff work in partnership with high school counselors to assist seniors and their families with each step of the college admission and financial aid processes. The district’s Institutions of Higher Education Partners, including Upward Bound, Go Centers and UT Outreach, also support seniors and with these processes. Seniors enrolled in AVID receive additional support and are required to report their progress on admission and financial aid applications to their AVID teachers.
It is not too late for seniors to apply to a postsecondary institution. For assistance with the application process, students should see their college access advisor or counselor.
