The halls of Longview High thundered with drums, cheers, and celebration as the Class of 2025 took center stage at the school’s first-ever Lobo Decision Day — a high-energy tribute to seniors committing to college, careers, military service, and the skilled trades.
The morning began with a drumline-led campus walk, as seniors paraded through the hallways while staff, teachers, and underclassmen lined the route to offer applause, cheers, and proud embraces. For many educators, the moment was especially emotional — a chance to witness the growth of the students they had supported along the way.
“This is more than a ceremony — it’s a statement,” said Longview High School Principal Shameika Allen. “Whether our students are headed to a university, a certificate program, the military, or a career, they all deserve to be celebrated with the same excitement we give athletic signings. This is the start of a lasting tradition.”
Following the walk, seniors and their families gathered in the Mickey Melton Performing Arts Center for a signing ceremony that reimagined what academic celebrations can look like. With balloons, DJ music, and custom slides projected on a large screen, students took the stage in groups based on their postsecondary plans — each signing a Decision Day Letter of Intent while proudly sharing where they’re headed next and why they chose that path.
Group photos were taken on stage to commemorate the milestone, capturing the unity and pride of classmates committing to similar journeys.
Adding a moment of surprise and excitement, Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard took the stage and spun a golden raffle drum to draw names for college supply crates — 30 trunks filled with dorm essentials, made possible through student-led fundraising and community donations.
“Longview Lobo Decision Day is about celebrating our students’ hard work and the bright futures ahead of them,” said Dr. Sheppard. “Every senior who signed a letter today represents perseverance, growth, and the hope of what’s possible. Today is a reminder that the path after high school is full of purpose, and every one of these students deserves this spotlight.”
The celebration also included live scholarship presentations from donors, who took the stage to personally honor recipients. The entire audience applauded as the total amount of scholarships earned by the Class of 2025 was revealed: $5,360,136, including $4.49 million awarded to International Baccalaureate students and over $150,000 in local scholarships coordinated through the school’s College and Career Center.
“Being able to support Lobo Decision Day is a meaningful way to celebrate the hard work of these students and help set them up for success,” said Kay Ray, Director of the Longview ISD Foundation and Scholarship Coordinator. “Watching students be recognized not only for where they’re going, but for how far they’ve come, is a privilege.”
The day concluded with music, celebration, and more photo opportunities as students exited with their letters of intent in hand and the enthusiastic support of their school community behind them. Lobo Decision Day is now set to become an annual tradition at Longview High School — a celebration that reflects Longview ISD’s commitment to honoring every pathway, supporting student success, and building a college- and career-going culture that lasts well beyond graduation.
