February Reflection #1 National Signing Day

National Signing Day is a very important day in the lives of student athletes who have played high school football and have been offered a football scholarship to take them to the next level. National Signing Day was on February 5, 2020. I was approached in January by my Principal and Athletic Director to help organize, and set up for National Signing Day at Atkinson County High School. I enlisted help with the set up for the program and reception. I asked my Mentor Mr. Floyd to speak on behalf of the athlete signing and to give some words of inspiration to him, his family and members in the audience. The family, friends, coaching staff, football team and administrators were invited to the event. This event was highlighted on our web site, Facebook page and local newspaper.

As an educational leader the following standards correlated with this event. 1. Instructional Leadership, 2. School Climate, 4. Organizational Management, 7. Professionalism and 8. Communication and Community Relations

I so enjoyed this opportunity to plan, organize and carry out the signing and reception for our student athlete on National Signing Day. This is part of leadership that is shear joy. Organizing and planning celebrations that honor students and promote our community is so rewarding.

If there is anything I could change about this event I would have changed the location....which was out of my control. Most of our signings or special events occur in the Media Center. However, on this day the Media Center was closed due to testing. So we had to improvise and set the program and reception up in the front foyer of the gym. It was a bit crowded and not everyone had a place to sit down.

As I have learned in this journey celebrations are important. Days like this bring people together and it is important to recognize achievement and monumental milestones. For "success isn't just about what you accomplish in your life; it's about what you inspire others to do." - Author Unknown.