The Patriot Nation assembled in the Hayes Family Gymnasium on Wednesday, November 13 to celebrate six CDS scholar-athletes as they signed their letters of intent to play collegiate sports.
Signing Days were happening all around the country, at schools just like CDS and on Wednesday, November 13th in The Hayes Family Gymnasium, all eyes and ears were on the CDS Scholar-Athletes that had worked hard for years for this day.
There were six Patriots sitting at the table awaiting their turn at the podium to talk about the people that had helped them get to this moment. The journey for some had started as a childhood dream to play sports at the collegiate level and for others was realized later in adolescence, nurtured by parents and coaches alike. For all, it was a step towards a new future, with the entire Patriot Nation standing behind them in support.
One by one each athlete was recognized and their coach took a moment to talk about not just the athlete they are, but the person. Over and over the crowd heard these coaches use words like hard work, dedication, perseverance, and teamwork. Time and again they would talk about the passion and drive on and off the field these athletes have. One after another the coaches and mentors praised these scholar-athletes who, long ago, set a goal for themselves. Today was a proud day for all the people who had watched them work and strive for an exciting future.
What made today even more special was that each athlete spoke in front of the entire school about how they got to this day. There were words of thanks to coaches and to parents. Shout outs to teammates and best friends. Even apologies to teachers for not being able to sit still in class. There were moments that brought many in the audience to tears and most importantly there was gratitude.
Bringing the event to a close was the last speaker, Maliyah P., who will be heading to Rollins College in the fall to play on their women's basketball team. Through tears, Maliyah spoke to the youngest Patriots in the room but her words resonated with anyone in earshot. "To all the little kids, to all the younger kids, don't ever let anyone ever tell you you can't do something just because of your size. I want all of you to dream big and hold onto your goal and you reach for that goal and you strive for that goal until you reach it." Excellent advice Maliyah.
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Tarriyonna G. - Towson University - Women's Basketball
Tiasia M. - Colgate University - Women's Basketball
Nabaweeya M. - Texas A&M Corpus Christi - Women's Basketball
Maliyah P. - Rollins College - Women's Basketball
Daniel V. - Florida Tech - Baseball
Haley W. - Jacksonville University - Women's Soccer