Capital One Arena welcomed hundreds of students, teachers and city leaders beaming with pride on April 30 for the District’s first-ever college signing day.
“We are proud of you, we are rooting for you. You entered high school during an uncertain time and now you are graduating and starting the next chapter in your life where you will get to play a big and pivotal role in what our futures look like,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser while donning University of the District of Columbia gear. “You will be making decisions that affect what Washington, D.C. looks like and opportunities for the next generation and opportunities for my generation.”
Much of her speech incentivized students to return to D.C. after receiving their degree in a specialized field.
“Bring your talents back to D.C., a place where people come to change the world,” Bowser emphasized. “Know this about your hometown, we are the most important city in the United States.”
The crowd in attendance packed the first floor of the stadium and showed audible excitement as DJ Jealous played top hits for participants. The main goal was to show students they are not alone as they venture out into a new academic arena.
Other leaders like D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Lewis Ferbee and Monumental Sports CEO Ted Leonsis also shared words of encouragement.
Ferbee highlighted postgraduate resources for students through D.C. Persists which the city cites as a transformative college success program.
“It’s so important to sign up for our alumni program with mentorship, coaching, financial support and emotional support,” Ferbee shared while repping his alma mater in a North Carolina Central hoodie.
He also invited those attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to share their success by applauding their hard work and acceptance letters.
Leonsis said: “I expect one student or many of the students here to own your own sports team, real estate company and build it,” after revealing that he was the first in his family to get a degree.
“You can do it by graduating college and coming back to D.C. when you graduate. We will provide the economic means so that you and your family can focus on nothing but doing well in college,” Leonsis continued.
While on stage, Bowser and Ferbee selected 10 raffle tickets for audience members who received an additional scholarship on site.
High schools like Banneker were beyond thankful to participate in the festivities hoping to set a longstanding tradition for more students in the District.
“I want to shout out all of my 134 seniors who have a 100% graduation and college acceptance rate,” said Anita Berger who serves as the principal at Banneker. “Our students need to know that people recognize this achievement and realize how much we value their accomplishments.”
In addition to the celebration for graduating seniors, the day served as an inspiration to underclassmen who are preparing for their future and sparked a special announcement from Eric Waldo, CEO of D.C. Cap.
“We are setting out a goal to announce by the year 2050 we want to eliminate the college achievement gap in D.C.,” Waldo stated. “We want everyone to graduate from college and we’re announcing that we are going to have an 80% graduation rate.”
