College ‘Decision Day’ Celebrated at MacArthur Senior High

Disponible en:

Administrators and high school counselors at MacArthur Senior High held a celebration on May 3 at the campus for students who have committed to attend a college or university to pursue their educational endeavors.

The event formed part of the Advise TX Program. Courtney Riley, Advise TX adviser at MacArthur Senior High, organized the event along with help from campus counselors and administrators.

Assistant Principal Marguerita Guerra welcomed everyone including the 10 college and university representatives who were present to support the seniors who have committed to attend their institutions. Additionally, representatives from the Advise TX Program were also present.

According to Guerra, the event was created to inspire students to continue their post-secondary education.

“We wanted to make sure the students are aware that we are proud of them,” said Guerra. “This gave us the opportunity to praise the students for their academic achievement and their decision to seek higher education.”

As Guerra addressed approximately 300 seniors, she stated, “You have done the work, been accepted, and now it’s time to celebrate!” she exclaimed. “Whether you are going off to the armed forces, community college, technical school or university, you have chosen to further your education and we honor you today for making that commitment.”

Serving as guest speaker was Michelle Boldon from the MacArthur Class of 1990. Boldon attended Texas A&M University and served as an information technology management consultant for IBM for many years. During that time she also completed her MBA at Houston Baptist University. A few years ago, she decided to pursue a different path and went on to obtain a law degree from Penn State University; she interned for the Honorable Jack Cagle. Currently she is starting a law practice that focuses on technology law, business law and estate planning. Boldon spoke to the students about her college experiences, the doors that were opened to her because of the higher education she obtained and advised students to enjoy their college experience but to stay focused on their goals and their dreams.

“My college experiences gave me a multitude of opportunities,” stated Boldon. “I was able to participate in things I never thought were possible such as internships that allowed me to work and study in Cairo, Egypt and the University of Cape Town in South Africa. I also worked for IBM and had the opportunity to work on projects for World on Trial at Penn State.

“A college education opened many doors for me. I want you to know that you can reach your dreams too. Have a plan of what you want and what you need to do to reach your goals. While you will be exposed to a variety of experiences in college, remember to have fun but also remember to stay focused to achieve your goals.”

Boldon also acknowledged her former high school counselor, Shirley Benn, who was also present.

“Mrs. Benn was a huge help to me,” said Boldon. “I never realized how much she had helped me until I left for college. I advise you to seek guidance from your counselors and to listen to them. They really do have your best interest at heart.”

Riley also had kind words to share with the Class of 2012.

“I have constantly been motivated by each and every one of you,” said Riley. “You have been more than inspiring to those that walk the halls of MacArthur. You are about to set the world on fire with your brave commitment to pursue a higher education.”

As part of the ceremony, the students signed a Commitment Card Pledge. A part of the pledge read, “I am making a commitment to myself… to strive and reach the highest level of education that I can possibly attain… I will do my best in every endeavor… I understand the road to success is filled with obstacles, failures and setbacks, but I will not yield… My dreams and desires are valued treasures that I will protect and never give up.”

The students present at the event have committed to the following technical schools, colleges and universities: Harvard University, Baylor University, the University of New Mexico, Le Cordon Bleu, Memphis College of Art, University of Central Florida, McMurray University, Berkelee College of Music, Bowdoin College, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas-Austin, the University of Houston-Main Campus, the University of Texas-San Antonio, Texas State University, Stephen F. Austin State University, the University of Houston-Downtown, Lone Star College, Prairie View A&M University, Ranger College, the Air Force, the University of Texas-Dallas, Sam Houston State University, Miramar College, Texas State University, the University of Texas-Arlington, Lamar University, the University of Texas-Pan American, the University of North Texas, Tarleton State University, Houston Community College, Fortis Institute, Culinary Institute of America, Brigham Young University-Idaho, Remington College, Georgia Tech, Louisiana State University, and Wiley College.

Local businesses that supported MacArthur Senior High’s Decision Day included Sam’s Club and Chick-Filet. Respectively, each one provided a cake for the students and the breakfast meals for special guests.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board sponsors the Advise TX College Advising Corps through the College Access Challenge Grant and private foundations and businesses. Advise TX places exceptional recent college graduates from all fields of study on high school campuses as near-peer college advisers to lead low-income and first-generation students to college. They provide high school students with information in various areas such as college access, college admissions, and financial aid. Advise TX works in partnership with colleges and universities across the state, drawing on their infrastructure and resources. To foster a schoolwide college-going culture, Advise TX Advisers serve the whole school and live within their service areas, involving themselves in the communities they serve. Advise TX focuses on best-fit colleges, encouraging students to attend schools that will serve them well both academically and socially.