LEAD Public Schools Celebrates 12th Annual Senior Signing Day
Today, LEAD Academy High School and LEAD Southeast High School seniors announced their college and career pathways in front of nearly 3,000 students, alumni, teachers, family members, and supporters from across the Nashville community in an emotional and inspirational Senior Signing Day celebration.
“Our seniors look forward to LEAD Senior Signing Day for years, having witnessed this tradition since they were in 5th grade,” said LaVoe Mulgrew, head of schools for LEAD Public Schools. “Today, with family members and our supportive LEAD community gathered around them, each senior enjoyed their moment in the spotlight. This celebration marks the culmination of our students’ dedication and perseverance, and we are incredibly proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
Senior Signing Day spotlights all seniors, many of whom have overcome great obstacles and are first-generation college attendees, by celebrating their efforts over the last four years to be ready for college and ready for life. More than 87% of LEAD students are students of color, over 66% are considered economically disadvantaged, over 35% are English Language Learners, and 13% have disabilities.
LEAD Public Schools’ Class of 2025 represents more than 15 different countries of origin and 13 languages spoken across both high schools.
“Every one of our graduating seniors has shown exceptional dedication to arrive at this milestone of Senior Signing Day,” said LEAD Public Schools CEO Dwayne Tucker. “Our mission at LEAD focuses on providing students with the tools for both academic success and life beyond the classroom. This celebration creates a special opportunity for our entire LEAD family to come together in support of our seniors as they commit to their future paths.”
Each student participated in an intensive college seminar to determine the college, university, or career pathway that is the best fit for them. At LEAD, it’s tradition to keep your final college or career choice a secret until Senior Signing Day each year. From Vanderbilt University to the U.S. Air Force to Nashville State, LEAD’s Class of 2025 proudly declared where they plan to go after graduation.
To date, LEAD Academy High School and LEAD Southeast High School seniors have earned more than $8 million in scholarships.
