On Thursday afternoon, May 1, Westerville South High School hosted its third Fine Arts Signing Day. A dozen students who have been given scholarship dollars to pursue careers in the fine, performing, visual, technical and digital arts gathered together to announce their destinations and pledge their intent to further their education.
Student athletes signing Letters of Intent are a longstanding tradition in high schools throughout the country. After years of hard work and dedication to their craft, the signing ceremony marks a rite of passage before they advance their careers to the next level at colleges or universities.
Arts Signing Day is similar – a chance to celebrate those who are choosing to start a life for themselves in the arts or arts-related fields. Graduate Desmond Fernandez came up with the idea two years ago, and he returned to South from Otterbein University to host the ceremony. South Theatre Director Matt Wolfe hopes this type of recognition becomes a tradition embraced by all high schools. “Schools should support and celebrate all students who further their passions in life beyond high school,” he said. “We are very appreciative of the administrative and teaching faculty at South for their support of this wonderful day.”
Pupils signing before well-wishers in the school auditorium were:
- Claire Gunian, Savannah College of Art and Design
- Baylee Roberson, Otterbein University
- Gacie Denbow, The Ohio State University
- Lilah Benjamin, Kent State University
- Tori Perdue, Otterbein University
- Jesse Adair, Capital University
- Katie Graves, Berklee College of Music
- Kristin Moore, Kent State University
- Taylor O'Neill, Full Sail University
- Oliver Runyon, Ohio University
- Ethan Riehle, Otterbein University
- Caleb Jingo, Ohio Northern University
Following the signing ceremony, a reception and art exhibit was held in honor of these soon-to-be high school graduates.