Photo credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images
The work continues! Today, “Forever First Lady” Michelle Obama hosted her fourth annual College Signing Day at The Public Theater in New York City to celebrate the accomplishments and future plans of over 200 college-bound seniors.
Mrs. Obama created College Signing Day in 2014 under her “Reach Higher” initiative and “Better Make Room” campaign, which seeks to inspire students aged 14-19 to aspire to higher education beyond high school. Since then, every year in May, a countless number of graduating seniors across the country participate in the event by posting a photo on social media wearing their college gear.
The BLSYW step team, an all-Black and all-girls dance squad from Baltimore kicked off the event with a routine that incorporated one of Mrs. Obama’s most famous quotes: “When they go low, we go high…”
From there, Mrs. Obama, who wore a t-shirt from her alma mater of Princeton University, discussed the power of education, asking for help, building a strong support system, and surrounding yourself around people that inspire you. She also reaffirmed her post-White House promise to continue to support education and our leaders of tomorrow.
“I might not live in the White House anymore, but Barack and I are going to keep on celebrating you all, and supporting you and lifting you up no matter what house we live in,” said Mrs. Obama.
Robin Roberts, Tamron Hall, Jidenna, Nick Cannon, Andra Day, Soledad O’Brien, Quest Love and more participated in the celebration, and along with Mrs. Obama, offered students words of wisdom. Mrs. Obama concluded the event by telling students:
“There’s stuff going on out there and thankfully we have you to take up that challenge. Right? You’re gonna be the next leaders of tomorrow. So don’t ever get discouraged. Remember this day… We need you, alright? And I couldn’t be more proud of you.”
Better make room world, here comes the class of 2017!