Clarkston High School seniors walked out of the school’s doors on Tuesday for the last time, but for seven seniors new doors were opening for them.
They recently signed their letters of intent to the college of their choice. MacKenzie Bedor signed on to play tennis at Taylor University while classmate Alec Genter will play tennis for Alma College.
“I feel accomplished,” Genter smiled, signing on May 7. “After four years of hard work I get to do something that means something to me. Especially after freshman year I realized if I keep working at it there is a possibility I can do it. It is almost like a dream come true.”
He added he has played golf competitively for the last four years but has played the game since he was younger.
“My grandpa and my dad were my biggest push to pursue golf,” he said about getting competitive. “They thought I played well. I went out my freshman year, made the team and started to work really hard on my game.”
Bedor narrowed her choice down to Taylor University after visiting the campus and being around the community.
“Everyone is really welcoming and accepting,” she smiled. “It is my favorite part. Also, they are a very strong school academically, and they are a Christian school, and that was really important for me. I am really excited. It is one step closer to being there.”
The lacrosse program congratulated five of their players as they took the next step on May 16. Lauren Sharkey was the first one to sit and sign her name to University of Detroit Mercy. She also became the first female varsity lacrosse player to play Division 1.
“Everything I have worked for has paid off,” she smiled. “I am so happy to be a role model to the girls. A lot of them want to pursue college and hopefully I get a lot more girls into the program. I am excited for what’s ahead. Signing makes it so official. Reality hits.”
The four Wolves from the boys varsity team followed as Jordan Moore signed to North Dakota State; A.J. Schlaff, DePauw University and Evan Kneisel and Kyle O’Grady, Albion College.
Each will also chose their colleges based on academics and field of study. Genter will study engineering; Bedor, pre-med and biology; Schlaff, pre-law and education; Kneisel, history and education; Moore, computer science; O’Grady, business and marketing; and Sharkey, communications.
The Wolves also take with them lessons they have learned playing for Clarkston.
“The girls pushed me,” Sharkey said. “They were always pushing me and I love them for it.”
“I learned a lot about teamwork and working collectively,” Moore added. “We bring each other up.”