School District Hosts 2019 College Signing Day Featuring Dawn Staley as Keynote Speaker

PHILADELPHIA — Dawn Staley, a graduate of Murrell Dobbins CTE High School and coach of the NCAA-championship-winning University of South Carolina women’s basketball team, served as keynote speaker at the School District of Philadelphia’s fifth annual #ReachHigher College Signing Day (CSD) event today, Wednesday, May 1 at the Liacouras Center at Temple University.

Each year, CSD celebrates high school seniors choosing to pursue higher education at a professional training program, a community college, a four-year college or university, or the military. The event is in partnership with the District, the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, CF Charities, Temple University, and the Wilt Chamberlain Memorial Fund.

 

“Dawn Staley serves as a great example for our students about how to succeed and persevere both on and off the court, and I am so excited for students to hear her message,” said Dr. William R. Hite, superintendent. “I would like to congratulate all of the students who are headed on to college, career or the military after graduation and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.”

Other special guests included Aaron McKie, former NBA player and head coach of the Temple University men’s basketball team, and Quincy Harris, host of “The Q” on Fox 29.

Representatives from colleges and universities throughout the region were on hand to welcome accepted students and provide resources about opportunities at their respective schools. In addition, students were able to meet other members of their incoming freshman class. The event also will also include scholarship presentations from CF Charities, PhilaSoup and Philly Zetas.

College Signing Day is an event hosted every year by former First Lady Michelle Obama via her Reach Higher Initiative. Mrs. Obama served as the keynote speaker during last year’s Philadelphia event.