Academic Signing Day, also known as Decision Day, is a commemorable day to celebrate the senior class as they decide what their post-secondary path will be. CCHS hosted this event on-campus for the Class of 2021, with modifications to meet the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) social distancing guidelines, while also providing seniors with an afternoon to remember.
Decision Day is a tradition at CCHS, and the senior team ensured that the Class of 2021 would not miss out on their opportunity to celebrate. With the abnormal year that the seniors have had, this event brought back a sense of normalcy amidst the pandemic.
“It is the tradition at Cooper City High School that we celebrate the students’ commitment to their post-secondary plan on Academic Signing Day,” Principal Vera Perkovic said. “I am personally so proud of our Class of 2021 and the challenges that they have gone through. They have persevered and they turned those challenges into opportunities. I know that the Class of 2021 graduates are going to be much stronger and better for it.”
Although Academic Signing Day is typically on May 1, CCHS held it on Friday, April 30, during both A and B lunch. Seniors were encouraged to come to school for the day and participate in this event, which was planned by the Class of 2021 officers, Broward Advisors for Continuing Education (BRACE) Advisor Christine Siwek and the senior team.
“We just wanted to capture everyone’s accomplishments, even just graduating, which is such a big deal.”
Class of 2021 Historian Madison Valachovic
“Obviously, with this year, we got nothing and we are just trying to make this year as memorable as possible with what we are able to do,” Class of 2021 Historian Madison Valachovic said. “No matter if you are going to school, if you’re working, whatever you are doing, it’s an accomplishment and we want to recognize that. We just wanted to capture everyone’s accomplishments, even just graduating, which is such a big deal.”
Decision Day events included having students create a four-by-six index card indicating their post-secondary track. CCHS seniors have a variety of plans for after high school including attending college, joining the military, taking gap years, working and so on.
“I think [Decision Day] is a cool idea,” senior Michael Sigal said. “After high school, I am going to be taking a gap year in Israel and do some personal growth, learn another language and participate in a few programs with their army and their version of the Red Cross. After that, I’ll be going to Ohio State University.”
Students participated in Decision Day by wearing clothing representing their post-secondary path. There were snow cones, games and various photo opportunities for students. The most notable moment for seniors was placing their decision card on a large banner to leave their mark on CCHS and become excited about their future.
“Academic Signing Day just brings everybody together.”
Principal Vera Perkovic
“Academic Signing Day just brings everybody together,” Principal Perkovic said. “I see a lot of Gator shirts and a lot of Seminole shirts and they’re getting along just fine. It is an important milestone and it’s important to be recognized.”
Being that this year was far from normal, it was important to adapt this annual event in order to meet the needs of the pandemic. Decision Day took place outside in the Red Awning this year, with students receiving individually wrapped treats to celebrate their success and future. Students were required to wear masks and follow CDC guidelines.
This event is an important milestone for the CCHS BRACE office, which has spent the past four years preparing these senior students for their post-secondary paths. Decision Day marks a huge milestone for the Class of 2021 as they move on from CCHS.
“I just love seeing the pure excitement of [the seniors’] next journey.”
Broward Advisors for Continuing Education (BRACE) Advisor Christine Siwek
“I just love seeing the pure excitement of [the seniors’] next journey,” Siwek said. “They finally have gone through the senior stress of the process and now they know where they are going and they can relax a little bit.”
Academic Signing Day signified the Class of 2021 moving forward and starting the next chapter of their lives. Senior Assistant Principal Kenneth May shared some advice for the seniors as they prepare for their next journey.
“Continue to work hard,” May said. They’ve been through the last year, which has been a hard time, and they’ve learned a lot. [I hope they] take what they’ve learned and step forward and work hard as they go on to their next endeavor.”
Check out Head Editor Sasheen Joseph‘s photo gallery from the event here.
Photo by Sasheen Joseph
