George Rogers Clark High School will host a college signing day March 21, but not for athletes.

The event will instead focus on the achievements of all of the 373 members of its graduating class and what they have chosen to do in the future.

School counselor Austina Bruton said the idea for the event came to staff after the school was named distinguished in the past year’s KPREP results.

“This is a way for GRC to say we’re proud of our seniors,” Bruton said.

About 40 different organizations, including colleges, universities and the U.S. military, will be represented at the event. Students will get to sign a certificate with their families and friends present, and the signings will be followed by a pizza party.

Bruton said that the students have put in a lot of work with the district and programs like Gear Up Kentucky to ensure that students not only have college options, but also some funding to help them begin the next chapter in their academic life.

However, even students who have chosen not to apply to colleges will be recognized, Bruton said.

“Students who decided they don’t want to go to college will receive certificates for their pathways accomplishments,” she said.

Pathways at the school assist students who do not want to attend postsecondary education to learn technical skills to find employment. Many GRC students who are not going to college will graduate high school with technical certifications.

“It’s just a great way to be recognized for a lot of the work that goes unsung,” Bruton said. “It’s a cool way to tell our seniors ‘we’re proud of you and we care about you.’”