Academic Signing Day

It is not unusual to see media coverage when high school athletes sign letters of intent to participate in college-level sports, but students who achieve academic success typically do not attract public recognition.

The PEF, the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Centennial Bank joined forces to host Academic Signing Day to showcase the success of 61 seniors from Little Rock's five public high schools. Many members of the Class of 2009 received significant academic awards and substantial scholarships, and a number of them will attend some of the nation's most prestigious universities. Academic Signing Day honors a select few of high-achieving students in the Little Rock School District.

To qualify, all students honored must have a high level of academic achievement throughout their high school years and must have also been offered or received a significant academic scholarship at a major college or university.

"Many times we save our highest tribute for those talented students who have excelled in athletic competition; however, this event rightly continues a tradition of showcasing those student champions who have excelled in the classroom," stated Bob Birch, Regional President for Centennial Bank.