MacArthur High School Celebrates College ‘Decision Day’

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Administrators and high school counselors at MacArthur Senior High held a celebration on May 16 at the campus for students who have committed to attend a college, university or trade school as well as those who decided join the armed forces 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.

Students assembled in the cafeteria wearing their college or university shirt or t-shirts with “College Bound General” printed across the front.

Principal Nancy Blackwell and Assistant Principal Marguerita Guerra welcomed everyone including the college, university and armed forces representatives who were present to support the seniors who have committed to attend their institutions. They also lauded the students for their academic achievements and for choosing to pursue a higher education.

As Guerra addressed approximately 200 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.”

Wesley James Livingston from the MacArthur Class of 2010 served as guest speaker. Livingston attended Prairie View A&M University where he graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s of science degree in architecture. He is a student leader and member of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). Livingston has also been awarded for outstanding performance in the AIAS Freedom by Design community project in which he served as design captain. He is also a member of Brothers Leading and Cultivating Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K) and Tau Sigma Delta, which is the National Honor Society for Architecture.

“Seize the opportunities you will be given in college and in life,” stated Livingston. “Take the opportunity to expand your mind and to challenge yourself. You might realize you are capable of more than you ever imagined. And don’t forget to give back to your community.”

The soon to be graduates also received some college advice from a number of former MacArthur High Graduates, including Will Ríos from the Class of 2012 who is currently attending Harvard University on a full scholarship.

As part of the ceremony, the students signed a Commitment Card Pledge. Génesis Garfio, senior class president and valedictorian of the Class of 2013, led in reading the 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.”

Some of the technical schools, armed forces, colleges and universities students will be attending or joining include Columbia University, Cornell University, Howard University, the University of Texas-Austin, the University of Texas-San Antonio, the University of Houston, Baylor University, Xavier University, the University of St. Thomas, Sam Houston State University, University of Iowa, Houston Baptist University, Lone Star College, Texas State University, Prairie View A&M University, Houston Community College, Louisiana State University, Texas College, Abilene Christian University, Army, Blinn College, Culinary Institute LeNotre, Marines, Navarro College, Lane College, Navy, the University of North Texas, The Art Institute, the University of Arkansas-Little Rock, Trinity Valley College, the University of Houston-Downtown, the University of the Incarnate Word, Our Lady of the Lake University-San Antonio, Ranger College, Stephen F. Austin University, San Jacinto Community College, Texas Southern University, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and Lamar University.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board sponsors the Advise TX College Advising Corps through the College Access Challenge Grant and private foundations and businesses. The goal is to foster a schoolwide college-going culture.

Pictured above (seated, l-r) are Advise TX Advisor Courtney Riley, Principal Nancy Blackwell, Wesley J. Livingston, a campus counselor, and Assistant Principal Marguerita Guerra.

Below are additional images from the event.