Happy Valley High School held a special ceremony on Friday afternoon to celebrate those seniors who plan to continue their education in some way after they graduate.

The senior Warriors took part in “Senior Signing Day” Friday. The students planning to attend a college, university, or technical school, as well as those with plans to join the military,  were invited to sign a special banner.

“This banner will hang in the school for a long, long time,” NiswongerCARE advisor Tiffany Buckles told the students.

Buckles called the students down in groups based on what school or program they would be attending.

The ceremony was witnessed by their classmates as well as by members of the Junior class at the school.

The idea behind the Senior Signing Day came from a desire to recognize those students who are continuing their education. Since many colleges and universities hold signing days for athletes who are committing to their program, Buckles said the school wanted to hold a signing day for the all the students, not just the athletes.

“We wanted to create a culture that it’s exciting to go to college,” Buckles said. “We wanted to have something special for the seniors.”

Many members of Happy Valley High School’s  Class of 2017 will be going on to an educational program or military service after they graduate.

“We have a high secondary school signing rate,” said Dr. Diana Bowers, Assistant Principal at Happy Valley High School. “I give that credit to the dual enrollment program and having a NiswongerCARE advisor here.”

“I also give a lot of the credit to our counselors, Jennifer Ellis and Bonnie Peters,” Bowers continued. “They are the ones there every day working with the students from their first day here.”