Congratulations to these graduates and all the young scholars in our community!
NICHOLAS CARROLL
What college are you attending? I plan on attending Southern University.
With your hard work and diligence to get to this point, what does National Signing Day mean for you? This means so much, as it brings joy to my parents and family as they see me blessed to continue my journey in life and take another step.
Are there any mentors/teachers/coaches whom you want to mention and advice they have given you that has been helpful for you? There are too many people to name. All the adults and friends who have been there at my lowest to help me prevail, I am grateful for them being by my side and getting me through challenges that I might not have made it through without their encouragement.
Are there any special awards/honors/accolades/achievements received that you want to
mention? I lettered in academics 2 times in high school and as a student-athlete. This proves that I am more than just an athlete and that there is a deeper surface than what people think.
Are there any clubs/organizations/activities that you are a part of that you want to mention? I want to mention EMBODI and Omega Lamplighters. I want to thank them for teaching me how to become the man I am today and giving me valuable life lessons that I will use for the rest of my life.
College is a different environment than high school. How will you prepare to adapt, not only academically, but mentally to have a successful college experience? Academically I have taken AP and dual credit classes, so hopefully the speed and curriculum will not be too vigorous. As long as I stay focused and have good time management, there should not be a problem.
You can go into college with a certain major or career in mind, but are you open to change and have an understanding that as you mature and experience different things your career choice will change? Not really. I am confident that the plan I picked and the outline I have for the next 4 years will help me get closer to my goals to excel in life and at my dream job.
After graduating from college, in addition to a great education, what else do you hope to gain as far as personal development during your college experience? I want to experience life without my parents. My parents have been there from the moment I was born and I am forever grateful, but they did such a good job raising me that I want to go out into the world and make them proud, showing people what a great young man they have raised.
How does it feel that you are able to go to college, being that there are many young people who can’t afford to go to college, and don’t have scholarships, resources, or support to encourage them in their academics? It is a blessing that my hard work has paid off, having the privilege to earn scholarships.
Do you feel that you have a responsibility to do your best and not take this opportunity for granted, being that your generation will continue to keep our communities strong? Yes! It is my job to take my education seriously and make sure I finish with a degree.
How do you plan to give back to the community, perform community service, and volunteer during college and after you receive your education? I will participate in projects and join organizations as much as I can with my class schedule. I want to be able to make a difference in my community.
Is there a special “thank you” that you want to say to your parent/parents/guardian? To all my family, I am forever grateful. Your belief in me, even when I did not believe in myself is the reason I am here today. I could not have done it without you and I promise I will accomplish eve
MILAN COMEAUX
What college are you attending? I will be attending The University of Alabama.
With your hard work and diligence to get to this point, what does National Signing Day mean for you? I am so proud of the effort that I have made to get to this point and how I have pushed myself to earn an opportunity to attend such a great university. I learned that hard work does indeed pay off.
Are there any mentors/teachers/coaches whom you want to mention and advice they have given you that has been helpful for you? My leadership training coach always said, “If you’re early, you’re on time; if you’re on time, you’re late.” My track coach always promoted hard work. He said, “You don’t work, you don’t eat!”
Are there any special awards/honors/accolades/achievements received that you want to mention? I participated in the Leaders of Tomorrow program and my team won the 2021 regional business case competition. I was also a part of the leadership advisory board for Leaders of Tomorrow. I am the Vice President of the first African American step club at Katy High School. I was also proud to serve at Katy Christian Ministries.
Are there any clubs/organizations/activities that you are a part of that you want to mention? The Leaders of Tomorrow Program, Katy High School Track Team, and Katy High School’s Step Team.
College is a different environment than high school. How will you prepare to adapt, not only academically, but mentally to have a successful college experience? Speaking with my parents, family members, and older friends who have gone before me can give me insight into what to expect from the college experience. I also plan to use to my advantage my study skills and the lessons I’ve learned in time management.
You can go into college with a certain major or career in mind, but are you open to change and have an understanding that as you mature and experience different things your career choice will change? I feel certain about my career choice. However, I have learned to keep an open mind and I will always challenge myself to grow and learn from new experiences.
After graduating from college, in addition to a great education, what else do you hope to gain as far as personal development during your college experience? I hope to learn more about various cultures, ethnicities, and people from different backgrounds. I hope to establish great relationships and lifelong friendships.
How does it feel that you are able to go to college, being that there are many young people who can’t afford to go to college, and don’t have scholarships, resources, or support to encourage them in their academics? I feel so blessed and thankful for the opportunities that I have and I realize how fortunate I am. I am happy that I have the support system that I have. I feel that I am obligated to take advantage of these opportunities.
Do you feel that you have a responsibility to do your best and not take this opportunity for granted, being that your generation will continue to keep our communities strong? I certainly feel a responsibility to work as hard as possible to achieve my goals. Leading by example, hopefully, I can encourage others to make positive contributions to their communities.
How do you plan to give back to the community, perform community service, and volunteer during college and after you receive your education? I will continue to perform community service and try to help those who are less fortunate than me. I take a lot of pride in giving back and community service is a great way to help those in need. Also, community service is a tool I can use, applying what I learned in school to the real world.
Is there a special “thank you” that you want to say to your parent/parents/guardian? I want to say thank you to my amazing parents for providing a great example and environment. You guys always instilled in me to have a great attitude and work ethic. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and praying for me every step of the way.
PARKER REED
What college are you attending? LSU
With your hard work and diligence to get to this point, what does National Signing Day mean for you? National Signing Day for me means that I can celebrate my accomplishments. I can truly take a moment to think about and celebrate all that God has brought me through and all the work that I’ve done to get to this point. I’m attending my dream school and studying my passion. All of that I couldn’t have done without God. Secondly, I get to celebrate with my closest friends from way back when, and now we all have the opportunity to be great at what we love to do. It’s truly inspiring.
Are there any mentors/teachers/coaches whom you want to mention and advice they have given you that has been helpful for you? Firstly, I’d like to shout out my second-grade teacher Ms. Fields for showing me that working hard is more important than talent. I’d like to shout out my Little League football coach Rod Kinney for reminding me that effort can’t be taught. And lastly, I’d like to shout out my dear friend the late Reverend Christopher Maxie for showing me how to let God use me rather than me trying to run the show.
Are there any special awards/honors/accolades/achievements received that you want to mention? I’d like to mention my 2nd Team All-District linebacker honor for football. Also, I successfully completed two mission trips in Haiti and performed over 100 volunteer hours.
Are there any clubs/organizations/activities that you are a part of that you want to mention? I’d like to mention Boy Scouts and Leaders of Tomorrow.
College is a different environment than high school. How will you prepare to adapt, not only academically, but mentally to have a successful college experience? In high school, I took a few college-level courses so I have an idea of how it might be, but in terms of being able to adapt, I think asking questions is going to be very important to my success. As my network grows, my resources will as well, and asking the questions I need to be answered will allow me to do my best academically and professionally.
You can go into college with a certain major or career in mind, but are you open to change and have an understanding that as you mature and experience different things your career choice will change? I’m open to change. Plans always change so I think I’ll be able to do what I love in the end and do it for the glory of God, which is most important to me.
After graduating from college, in addition to a great education, what else do you hope to gain as far as personal development during your college experience? I hope to gain lifelong friends, knowledge of different cultures, tons of memories, and lastly, maturity.
How does it feel that you are able to go to college, being that there are many young people who can’t afford to go to college, and don’t have scholarships, resources, or support to encourage them in their academics? I feel blessed. Knowing that people are less fortunate than I am has motivated me to succeed so that one day I can provide others with opportunities that I’ve been blessed with. Being an inspiration to those who dream to be in my shoes is something that makes me who I am.
Do you feel that you have a responsibility to do your best and not take this opportunity for granted, being that your generation will continue to keep our communities strong? Taking this opportunity for granted is not an option. Being able to take advantage of all the opportunities I have is a must because as minorities we don’t get the same amount as our white counterparts. Being an inspiration to other people who look like me is my goal.
How do you plan to give back to the community, perform community service, and volunteer during college and after you receive your education? I plan to give back through philanthropy and volunteer work.
Is there a special “thank you” that you want to say to your parent/parents/guardian? I want to thank my parents for supporting me through everything, exposing me to the things of this world, and teaching me how to be a respectful young Black man who loves God.
