It's signing day in Conway but the students heading to college aren't athletes, this group earned college scholarships because of their academic abilities. Some students say the state of the economy played a large role in where they're going to college and the careers they're pursuing.
Preparing for college is an exciting time. Tuesday Conway students took part in academic signing day. "I graduated from Conway High School," says Taylor Lamb. "I’m going to Ouachita Baptist University."
All of the students maintained at least a 3.8 GPA, earning them prestigious scholarships. "I have received the Honors College Scholarship," says Claire Desrochers.
Mollie Long says, "I received the Honors College Scholarship and the Arkansas Governor's Distinguished Scholarship."
Their colleges of choice are in Arkansas, Texas, Florida and Arizona. As you would imagine this group put a lot of thought into deciding where to go and what careers to pursue. Ethan Ake plans to be a dentist. "My uncle, for one he's a dentist; he's going to be successful. My father, on the other hand, he's an engineer. Engineers, although necessary, it can easily be shipped overseas," says Ake.
"I'm going to the University of Arkansas next year," says Sadie Smith. "I wanted engineering and they have a great engineering program."
Twenty-four of the twenty-seven students will further their education right here in Arkansas and six of the students will attend UCA. Hendrix is lucky enough to get nine of these students.
"Then they choose to stay here for a career, so if we can continue to develop jobs to benefit those students when they graduate we can continue to keep more of them in Arkansas," says Brad Lacy with the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce.
And keeping some of Arkansas' brightest minds here means a brighter future for the state.
