Posted on May 19, 2021
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Categories: News from SDP

PHILADELPHIA, PA The School District of Philadelphia will celebrate members of the Class of 2021 who have committed to a postsecondary pathway during its annual “Our Class, Our Future Senior Celebration” on Wednesday, May 19.

Formerly associated with College Signing Day, this event is a nationwide campaign that celebrates high school seniors as they finalize their decision of where they want to go after high school, whether it be joining the military, entering the workforce or attending a trade school or college.

“Our goal as a District is to prepare students to reach their fullest potential and ensure all students graduate from high school ready to succeed,” said Malika Savoy-Brooks, Ed.D., Chief Academic Support Officer of the School District of Philadelphia. “This event is part of our vision for postsecondary readiness and celebrates all of our seniors, no matter which pathway they choose. We are so excited to support members of the Class of 2021 as they reach this important milestone.”

Emceed by Kyle Morris, CEO of the Education Culture Opportunities (ECO) Foundation, this year’s event will feature the presentation of more than $30,000 in scholarships to 52 graduating seniors and include recorded appearances from former First Lady Michelle Obama, PA State Attorney General Josh Shapiro, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and Philadelphia 76er Matisse Thybulle. Philadelphia-born musical artist Chill Moody will give the Keynote Address.

Senior spotlights include:

  • Cadet Nyla Austin, Philadelphia Military Academy
  • Nathaniel Bell, Overbrook High School
  • Akayla Brown, William W. Bodine High School for International Affairs
  • Andil Fatokonsi, Samuel Fels High School
  • Mazzi Ingram, Franklin Learning Center

The event will also feature musical performances from the following members of the Class of 2021: Semaj Murphy (Girard Academic Music Program), Jaron Hopkins, (Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush), Destiny Felder & Jamia Burns (Kensington Creative & Performing Arts High School) and DJ Blacx Rose (Hill-Freedman World Academy).

This year’s event will take place virtually at 4 p.m., live streaming on the District’s website and Facebook, as well as on PSTV (Comcast/Xfinity Channel 52 and Verizon Fios 20).