More than 2,000 high-school seniors from over 40 high schools across the state converged on the South Carolina State House May 7 for the third annual South Carolina College and Career Decision Day rally, an event that celebrates graduating high school seniors who have made the commitment to further their futures by attending college, entering the military, or entering the workforce.

Mirrored after National Signing Day and organized by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, this event is an opportunity for the state to recognize and applaud the work of graduating seniors as they enter the next phase of their academic or professional careers. College and university representatives set up tables at the celebration rally on the State House North steps and lawn and were joined by representatives from the business community and the military.

“Today is all about you. Being here today is a testament to your determination, your ambition and your unwavering commitment to shaping your futures,” said CHE Acting President and Executive Director Dr. Greg Little. “Today we want to celebrate each and every one of you… your generation will be the next driving force behind our state’s continued growth and prosperity.”

“Hard work has gotten you to where you are today, and hard work is going to take you to the net step of your future,” said South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver. “We have so many amazing pathways here in South Carolina. And our commitment to you and to the students coming up behind you is that we’ll continue to grow them.”

Co-emcees Whitney Sullivan, WLTX News 19 Columbia, and Mikel Hannah-Harding, WRDW News 12 Augusta, Ga., welcomed the crowd, gave words of encouragement, and kept the seniors energized throughout the program.

Last year, approximately 1,700 students from 40 high schools attended the event.

May has also been proclaimed as College and Career Decision Month in South Carolina.