by Caroline Crosson Gilpin

Many high school athletes dream of one day sitting at a table dressed in sweatshirts or caps bearing the name of the college of their choice, pen poised to sign a letter of commitment to play their sport at the collegiate level.

This year, Dwight Global began a new tradition, offering a Signing Day dinner held at Dwight New York. The celebration honored all 18 recruited seniors and their families and friends, many of whom were able to make it to New York on April 4 for the gathering. 

These athletes have been recruited by colleges and universities nationwide, and Signing Day honors their commitment to play college sports after graduation this spring, or turn professional. 

Kendall Smith, who will play tennis for Wesleyan University next fall, said, “I'm so grateful to Dwight Global for bringing us together to celebrate Signing Day.”  

“For student-athletes, a college commitment is the result of years of hard work — both on the court and in the classroom,” she said. “ It was inspiring to hear everyone's speeches, connect with my peers, and reflect on how far we've come.  Dwight Global made it a truly memorable day.”

Students and their families and friends gathered for dinner in the Dwight School NY Quad and were treated to congratulations from Dwight Schools Chancellor Stephen Spahn and Vice Chancellor Blake Spahn, both of whom were themselves Ivy League college athletes.

 Chancellor Spahn said it best, “You have all proven to be an elite athlete in your sport, but you have also gained the best education preparing you for college. The lessons you have learned in sports are something that makes you all unique, and I know Dwight has prepared you to take on any challenge that life may come your way.” 

Dwight Global Head of School Louisa Childs, Director of College Counseling Megan Miller, Head of Academics and Student Affairs Liz Hutton, Associate Head of Academics and Student Affairs Shannon Hoffman, Director of Admissions Alicia Morris, IB Diploma Program Teacher Ryan Markatos, Science Teacher Stacie Kilhaney, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Renata Nikolayev, Events Coordinator Jill Brown, and Partnerships Manager Mark Clemente were also in attendance.

Each student athlete had a chance to speak, and to publicly thank those who supported them along the way. Students who were unable to attend in person submitted video speeches, which were played at the gathering.

Dwight Global’s mission is to identify, foster and embrace each childs’ unique ‘spark of genius’.  “We are extremely proud of our athletes, who exemplify Dwight Global’s ‘spark of genius’ ethos,” said Ms. Childs.  “The athletes signed their paperwork in unison to acknowledge their hard work and dedication during high school and their commitment to play their sport at college next year, or professionally.”

Signing Day marks the beginning of a new chapter for Dwight Global’s athletes.  The gathering offered a chance for the Dwight Global community to come together, reflect on the end of the students’ Upper School years, celebrate their past and current achievements, and talk about the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Dwight Global Class of 2025 graduates will be playing tennis at the following colleges and universities: Duke University, Villanova University, Skidmore College, Wesleyan University, Tufts University, Columbia University, Colorado College, Virginia Tech, Vassar College, College of the Holy Cross, Stanford University, University of Chicago, Dartmouth University, Carnegie Mellon, and Emory University.