Nease High School hosted a ceremony on Monday, April 16, to commemorate 17 students signing their letters of intent to play sports at colleges and universities like Jacksonville University, Gordon State College, Flagler College and Davidson College, among others.
Isaiah Zaccheo, who committed to play golf at Florida Atlantic University, said he was thankful to his family and God for helping him succeed.
"I would like to first start off by thanking God because without him I wouldn't be where I'm at right now," he said. "Right behind him I'd like to thank my family for all the support they've given me throughout the years. I greatly appreciate every bit of time, energy and effort you all have given me along the way to help me achieve my goals."
Lauryn Albold, a volleyball player who signed a Davidson College letter of intent, said she could not have gotten a collegiate scholarship alone.
"I would like to thank my teammates, some of which are here," she said. "Thank you for pushing me every single day in practice to be a better athlete and a better person."
Meanwhile, swimmer Lucas Pels – who is joining Chowan University – said he was thankful for his coaches, family and friends.
"I would like to thank the academy for my award," he joked. "Really, I would like to thank my mom for the amazing support she has given me for the past four years of high school. I know how difficult it is bouncing between everything I'm doing and your job – always on the run – I really want to thank you mom. I love you."
Other students who signed letters of intent at the ceremony include Matt Eden, baseball, Gordon State College; Kyle Huber, baseball, Daytona State College; Tyler McKay, baseball, Flagler College; Katherine Jakeway, golf, University of Tulsa; Ryan Rabalais, swimming, Wingate University; Jareem Westcott, football, Stetson University; Kenny Whitehead, football, Southeastern University; Dani Anderson, soccer, Jacksonville University; Sydney Washington, soccer, Florida International University; Bailey Pattison, softball, Mercer; Shannon Cotter, lacrosse, Jacksonville University; William Delarm, lacrosse, Methodist; Joseph Pappaceno, lacrosse, Florida Southern College; and Ashton Wood, lacrosse, Mercer.
