Waldron Seniors Celebrate College Signing Day

On Wednesday, April 23, at 11:15 a.m., the Waldron High School auditorium was filled with excitement, pride, and heartfelt celebration. Students, families, teachers, friends, and community members packed the seats to honor four Waldron High School seniors as they officially signed their college acceptance papers.

The stage was decorated to match the significance of the moment, with each graduate’s table draped in their chosen school’s colors and adorned with items that told their story — medals, trophies, framed photos, letterman jackets, musical instruments, certificates, and floral arrangements. Balloons floated above in matching hues, and the backdrop of “Waldron Bulldogs” banners tied it all together, a vibrant reminder of where their journeys began. The air buzzed with pride and hope as four outstanding Bulldogs prepared to take their next steps into the future.

The afternoon recognized four students: Julio Grano, Randa Rhoades, Blake Bingham, and Lyza Gonzales, each surrounded by their proud families and mentors.

Julio Grano was introduced by Angie Bailey, who spoke to his perseverance and commitment to cross-country. Julio first started running in eighth grade and steadily improved year after year. During his senior year, he fully committed himself to the process, achieving a personal record of 17:33 in the 5K — a remarkable accomplishment that helped him earn the opportunity to compete at Rich Mountain.

Following the ceremony, Julio shared in a private interview, "I enjoy it for how difficult it is. Cross-country is very challenging, especially mentally. So I guess the feeling of overcoming and pushing yourself to do things whenever you can."

He also noted that he plans to earn several certifications across multiple fields, explaining that it will "allow me to always have a job."

Reflecting on the achievement, Julio smiled and said, "It's amazing. It's something I always dreamed of." His advice to younger Bulldogs: "It sounds cringy, but follow your dreams and keep pushing."

When asked how his family felt about this milestone, Julio's mother smiled warmly and said, “Muy orgullosa.” (Very proud.)

Randa Rhoades was one of three students introduced by band sponsor Shanice McFerran, who took a moment during the ceremony to recognize their achievements and emotional impact on the program.

Speaking to the crowd, McFerran shared, "Randa is attending the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where she will major in Crop Science. Her passion for both agriculture and music has always stood out, and we can't wait to see how she shines in her own fields."

Following the signing, Randa privately described the day as "exciting."

 Sharing her reasons for choosing her path, she said, "Maybe because my dad’s an alumni. And I like plants and crops."

Randa expressed her excitement about meeting new people and joining a bigger band, and offered simple but powerful advice to underclassmen: "Just follow what you want to do. Don't stop trying. Don't get discouraged."

Her family summed up the emotions of the day as both "sad" and "proud," recognizing the incredible transition that lies ahead.

Blake Bingham will be attending the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, where he plans to double major in Computer Science and Instrumental Music Performance, while also minoring in Interdisciplinary Studies through the UCA Honors College.

Continuing her introductions, McFerran said, "Blake will be attending the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, where he will double major in Computer Science and Instrumental Music Performance, while also minoring in Interdisciplinary Studies through the UCA Honors College. Blake's drive to pursue excellence in both the arts and sciences is inspiring, and we know he will bring that same dedication to everything he does moving forward."

Privately afterward, Blake reflected on his journey: "They've both been interests for my entire life. I started on computers when I was like a year old — that's actually how I learned to read. I've been on them ever since."

He shared why he chose UCA: "I just love the percussion program. And it was not too small, not too big — so I still feel like I'll have that individual, small-town feel."

His advice to future seniors was clear: "Don't underestimate yourself. And don't let others decide your future."

Blake’s mother, Amanda, could hardly contain her pride. "I'm extremely proud. He's exceeded everything I could have wished for him," she said. "He's a pretty cool kid. We don't know about valedictorian yet, but he shot for it his whole high school years. Whether he gets it or not doesn't matter — he gave it everything."

 (During this moment, Blake’s best friend and fellow valedictorian contender, Randa, jokingly teased him about having a 92 in a class — a lighthearted exchange between friends.)

Amanda added, "He's always been a computer kid, but he really has a love for music now too. I'm so glad he's continuing both."

Lyza Gonzales will also be attending the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, majoring in Instrumental Music Education and minoring in Interdisciplinary Studies through the UCA Honors College.

McFerran closed her introductions by saying, "Lyza will also be attending the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. She will major in Instrumental Music Education and minor in Interdisciplinary Studies through the UCA Honors College as well. Lyza has shown a heart for teaching and a love for music, and we are excited to see her take the next step toward becoming the kind of educator who leaves a lasting impact."

Privately after the signing, Lyza reflected on the day and shared, "It's bittersweet. I'm reflecting on my high school memories and entering a new era of opportunities at the second level."

She shared her passion for teaching, inspired by her own directors: "They created a community for us, and I want to do that for future band students, just like they did for us."

Looking ahead, she added, "Being at a bigger school means more opportunities. I plan to be in the horn choir at UCA and finally be surrounded by more people who play my instrument."

Her advice to younger students was heartfelt: "Do everything. Apply for scholarships. Try new things. You never know what will happen — and you’ll surprise yourself."
When asked to summarize her high school experience, Lyza smiled and said, "a rollercoaster... but when you're up there, it's great."

Her mother, Elizabeth Gonzalez, added through tears, "There are too many proud moments to pick from, but this is part of the culmination. Time really does fly. The baby’s about to graduate and move into adulthood. It’s very real."

The ceremony was a reflection of Bulldog pride, hard work, and dreams realized. While the signing itself was filled with applause and cheers, many of the most meaningful moments happened quietly afterward — in hugs, in laughter, and in words of encouragement shared between students, teachers, and families.

After the event, band sponsor Shanice McFerran summed up her feelings with a beaming smile:

 "I'm so proud of them and beyond excited to watch them shine in their new bands. I'll be the one buying tickets!"

Congratulations to Julio Grand, Randa Rhodes, Blake Bingham, and Lyza Gonzales — your hometown is cheering you on every step of the way.