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The 2017 balloons mark the Class of 2017's College Signing Day. (All photos by Dean Bibens)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee held its fourth annual College Signing Day for 115 high school senior club members on Wednesday.
The seniors announced their college of choice and signed letters of academic intent while families and friends cried out joyfully each time a name was announced.
“This is a culmination of their hard work,” said Telemachus Rafaelidys, development and communications manager for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. “By signing their academic letters of intent these teens are making a pledge to go to college and a commitment to complete their schooling.”
One student, Demetrius Nelson, a future Wisconsin Badger, addressed his peers prior to the signing. “We’ve all persevered through tough times along this journey,” he said. “I’m just happy that I didn’t give up and I am standing in this position today.”
All of the teens who participated in the event, held at Direct Supply at 6663 N. Industrial Road, were part of the Clubs’ Graduation Plus programming. More than 95 percent are first-generation college students. Cumulatively, the participants have been awarded about $5 million in scholarship funding.
“This is our fourth year and it just keeps getting better and better,” said Vincent Lyles, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs. “I am looking forward to seeing more and more club members get into college.”
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