These seniors are still in the game, and ready to continue their athletic journeys at the collegiate level. As a beloved and annual tradition at Viewpoint, nine scholar-athletes were recognized for their peak performance and path to college sports on Tuesday, May 19.

• Anniston Aragon (Softball/Amherst College)
• Derek Kessler (Cross Country/Track/Chapman University)
• Monty Koonce (Basketball/Cal State University San Marcos)
• Anna Lee (Lacrosse/Colgate University)
• Neo Mishan (Soccer/UCSB)
• Olly O’Connor (Cross Country/Track/UCLA)
• Noah Oduwole (Soccer/Sarah Lawrence College)
• Emjay Peck (Softball/Washington University, St. Louis)
• Tanner Tyminski (Football/Moorpark College)

Our college-bound athletes were joined by students, teammates, faculty, coaches, counselors, and their families in the Paul Family Athletic Center (PFAC) as they ceremoniously “signed” to their respective schools. The program kicked off with a heartwarming and nostalgic slideshow featuring each athlete through the years of their sports journey. 

The program was emceed by Tanaz Nourian, Associate Director of College Counseling, and Travis Kikugawa, Associate Athletic Director, Director of Tennis Operations, and Director of College Bound Athletes, who collaborate closely to guide students through their recruiting journeys. 

“We have the unique privilege of seeing these students from multiple perspectives,” said Nourian and Kikugawa. “We’ve watched them compete under the lights, on the courts,  on the field, and beyond—but we’ve also seen the discipline behind the scenes: the late nights balancing academics and athletics, the resilience through setbacks, the leadership shown to teammates, classmates, and younger students, and the commitment required to pursue their goals at the next level."

Josh Frechette, Director of Athletics delivered congratulatory remarks and words of wisdom for these seniors. 

“Each of you has earned the opportunity to compete at the next level — across all 3 divisions of the NCAA and the CA Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) — and that is no small achievement,” said Frechette. “Only a small percentage of high school athletes go on to play in college. In fact, we know from the NCAA that only 6% of high school athletes nationally go on to compete at the NCAA level. And you're among that group because of your drive, your discipline, and your love for the game.”

Next, Tanaz and Travis helped mark the moment by announcing each senior, facilitating their signing to commemorate the moment, and presenting each athlete with a graduation cord. In an annual tradition, each athlete’s parents read a personal note to them as they signed and posed for photos. 

Our Head of School, Mark McKee closed the program with inspirational words for each college-bound athlete:

“This school year, we have spent a great deal of time talking about excellence as one of Viewpoint’s core values,” said McKee. “And today, we see that value fully alive in the students seated before us. You have earned this moment. You have represented Viewpoint with pride, determination, and heart. And while today celebrates what you have accomplished, it also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter filled with even greater opportunities for growth and achievement.”

We applaud these students for their passion and perseverance, and wish them luck in their college journey.