Eight LEAD Students Announce Plans to Attend Vanderbilt University at LEAD’s 13th Annual Senior Signing Day
On May 14, seniors from LEAD Academy High School and LEAD Southeast High School took center stage at Belmont University’s Curb Event Center for LEAD Public Schools’ 13th Annual Senior Signing Day, a tradition celebrating students’ next steps after graduation.
In front of nearly 3,000 students, alumni, educators, family members, and supporters from across the Nashville community, more than 200 graduating seniors walked across the stage to publicly share their college and career plans while being cheered on by the entire LEAD network.
This year’s celebration marked another milestone for LEAD Public Schools, with eight graduating seniors committing to attend Vanderbilt University this fall:
- Elizabeth Binuelo-Robles, LEAD Academy High School
- Gideon Byiringiro, LEAD Southeast High School
- Kelycia Covington-Brandon, LEAD Southeast High School
- Amanuel Gebeyaw, LEAD Southeast High School
- Sarahi Nabor-Lopez, LEAD Southeast High School
- Emmy Ramzy, LEAD Southeast High School
- Giovanni Rios-Carrera, LEAD Southeast High School
- Derrick Salvador-Rodriguez, LEAD Academy High School
The Class of 2026 earned $12.9 million in scholarships and will continue their journeys at colleges, universities, technical programs, military pathways, and careers across the country.
“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 high 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 is one of LEAD Public Schools’ most anticipated annual traditions, highlighting every senior’s postsecondary path, whether that includes a four-year university, community college, certification program, military service, or direct entry into a career field.
For younger LEAD students in attendance, the event also serves as a powerful reminder of what is possible through hard work, perseverance, and community support.
As the Class of 2026 prepares to graduate, LEAD Public Schools celebrates the achievements, resilience, and ambition of its seniors and looks forward to the impact they will make in college, careers, and beyond.
