Cougar College and Career Pep Rally Sets Scholars Up for Success

Uniondale Union Free School District’s California Avenue Elementary School recently held a Cougar College and Career Pep Rally, encouraging young scholars to begin preparing for their future. The school was filled with college spirit, with scholars and staff all wearing college attire.

The Uniondale High School marching band kicked off the pep rally with a dazzling performance. During the performance, California Avenue scholars marched through the room wearing college pennants they had designed in class. Willie Pride, the mascot for Hofstra University, greeted scholars, and Hofstra’s dance team and cheerleaders each performed.

Following the fan-fair performances, a college and career panel discussion was held, highlighting the importance of preparing for college early, and understanding different post-secondary options available to scholars. California Avenue staff then participated in a college fashion show, walking the runway in their academic regalia as their degrees and schools were announced.

“When scholars begin to develop an academic plan early on, they are more likely to be prepared for life after high school,” said Principal Bryan Bruno. “Planning for your future, even in elementary school, eases some of the stress that will come later in scholars’ school careers. When scholars are educated early about the college experience, it helps them to build an understanding and even expectation for what they hope to achieve. One of the projects we had our scholars do this week was research colleges and universities they are interested in and share their findings with their peers. A simple research project could help our scholars unlock a passion for a particular school or degree and set them on the path to success. We thank guidance counselor Ms. Natasha Garrett for her hard work in putting this fantastic event together.”

Throughout the school year, California Avenue scholars will continue to be exposed to information about post-secondary education to continue to build interest and foster a college-going culture at an early age.

For more information about the Uniondale Union Free School District, please visit the District's website at https://district.uniondaleschools.org, and 'like' our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/uniondalek12.