College Signing Day was more than a celebration. We were witnessing the result of years of showing up, trying again, asking questions, navigating systems, and dreaming boldly, even when the road wasn’t easy.
Makeda, an 8th grade Scholar in our program, opened the evening as our emcee. Standing confidently at the mic, she welcomed guests with joy, humor, and gratitude. She set the tone for a night that would honor both where our seniors are going and the incredible journey it took to get there.
Cassandra, our College Success Director, shared what it’s been like to walk alongside these students in her first year on staff. She reminded us that EAGLE Scholars is more than a college readiness program — it’s a community built on trust and support, where we commit to walking with each student from 7th grade to college graduation and beyond.
“To witness the Class of 2025 work hard and grow has been an honor. always know I am in your corner from here on out.”
An alum’s voice: a full circle moment
Valeria, our Development Manager and a proud EAGLE Scholars alum, shared her story — how both she and her sister came through this very program, and how it shaped the paths they’re on today. “I remember exactly what it’s like to sit where you’re sitting,” she told the seniors. Her words were a love letter to persistence:
“You’re going to face challenges. But you’ve already overcome so much. You got this. And we’ve got you, too.”
Success isn't a title — it's a legacy
Our keynote speaker, Gabriel Hernandez, brought vulnerability and wisdom. He told the story of losing his grandfather while in college and how that moment reshaped his understanding of success. “Success isn’t about how far ahead you are,” he told us. “It’s about how many people you’ve brought along with you.”
He held up a pencil and reminded students: the value of the pencil is what’s inside, not how sharp or pretty it looks on the outside. “Your value,” he said, “comes from what’s uniquely inside you.”
Seven futures, thousands of hours, one community
Then came the moment we were all waiting for — recognizing our seniors and announcing their next steps:
Shyla – Tarleton University
Mildreth – University of Texas at Arlington
Manuel – New York University
Latifah – Dallas College
Anowar – Dallas College
Raul – University of Texas at Arlington
Lwin – University of Texas at Arlington
Together, they’ve earned over $130,000 in scholarships. But the number is just one piece of the story. Behind it are essays written late at night, FAFSA forms that took three tries to get right, meetings with mentors, encouragement from parents, and peer support every Thursday night.
Lifting as we climb
Before the evening ended, we turned our attention to the future — our incoming cohort of EAGLE Scholars, selected from Sam Tasby Middle School and the greater Vickery Meadow community. After a competitive application and interview process (led by current students!), these new Scholars stood proudly as they received their creed from a graduating senior. That simple gesture — a rolled-up piece of paper tied with ribbon — carried a powerful message: we believe in you, and we’re walking with you, too.
As our Executive Director Dr. Janet shared, the path ahead is full of both possibility and challenge. Cuts to federal and state education funding are hitting students hard. For first-gen scholars, Pell Grants often make the difference between attending college or not. That’s why VMYDF is more committed than ever to providing consistent, long-term support.
She turned to the new scholars. “College may feel far away now, but it’s closer than you think. Look around the room. Many of us have been where you are. We made it—but we didn’t do it alone.” She invited everyone to raise their hands: who went to college? Who had support? Who needed it?
Hands went up—some slowly, some quickly. Some stayed raised through all three questions.
“That’s why this room matters. Network. Get a mentor. Build your team.I want to live in a country where youare sitting at the table.”
College Signing Day is a launchpad. It’s also a promise that VMYDF will walk alongside every Scholar, every step of the way. Our Scholars are already doing the hard work. With your help, we can make sure they don’t have to do it alone. Help us keep showing up. Help us keep building a future where young people know their value, feel their power, and never walk alone.
