Yesterday was National Signing Day in Sports and Rowland High School students, staff and the family of RHS senior Nick Rivera gathered to celebrate with a signing ceremony of their own. Rivera received a scholarship for his athlete prowess in track/field for Texas Tech University. Athletics Vice Principal Bob Withers said, “This is a proud achievement for not only Nick and his family, but for our entire community. We try to provide you with the finest coaches and best facilities and a safe environment. At RHS we address the whole person, the spirit of being a winner and giving you the skills you will need going on to work or college. Getting a scholarship is an extremely difficult process – not everyone gets one and a lot goes into it. You have to work hard, get good grades, a good SAT score, be athletically gifted and more important, good character. Nick represents all of these traits.”
Rivera made a heartwarming speech to the crowd, thanking in length his family (Mom is shown crying above with younger siblings) and his coaches. “I want to thank the coaches - Coach Luna has helped me so much with the recruiting process. Even though he’s tough – at the end of the day, he is a really good guy, a good teacher and good coach and I’m glad I had him,” said Rivera. “I also want to give a shout out to my team mates – the cross country team – the journey has been even better with them. I want to thank all of you and the teachers for keeping me in check and making sure I am doing what I am supposed to do and helping me every day. Everyone at Rowland High School – the support you have shown me, I’ll never forget it.”