WORTON — Signing Day was Tuesday, May 19 for three Kent County High School senior athletes who ceremoniously inked national letters of intent to play sports at the collegiate level: Ke’yare Hawkins, Salisbury University, track and field; Scottie Ford, King’s College in Pennsylvania, wrestling; and Mary Jane Joiner, Roanoke College in Virginia, lacrosse.
Each already had officially committed to their respective NCAA Division III school.
Tuesday’s event was held at 5 p.m. in the KCHS auditorium in the presence of family, friends, teammates, coaches, Principal Kris Hemstetter and Athletic Director Kolyn Kirby.
“Today is about much more than athletics. It’s about commitment, perseverance, sacrifice and years of hard work that have led these students to this incredible milestone,” Kirby [KCHS Class of 2004] said in his welcome.
“While we celebrate the athletes today, this moment also belongs to the parents and families sitting beside them,” Kirby added.
“Behind every practice, tournament, meet, match and long bus ride or car ride were parents making sacrifices that often go unseen. Early mornings, late nights, weekends spent traveling, schedule juggling, encouragement after difficult moments and unwavering support through every step of the journey — those things matter.”
Kirby noted that the commitment required to become a college athlete is truly a family commitment, “and today is a reflection of that dedication as much as it is an athletic achievement.”
Speaking directly to Hawkins, Ford and Joiner, Kirby said, “Your work ethic, resilience, leadership and character have made our school proud. You have earned this opportunity through years of dedication, and we are excited to watch you continue to grow and succeed at the next level.”
Hawkins is the school record holder and region champion in discus and shot put. She intends to major in secondary education and history with a double minor in health education and psychology.
Ford is a conference and region champ many times over, four-time state qualifier and two-time consolation finalist in the state tournament. He will major in criminal justice.
Joiner, the outstanding female athlete in the Class of 2026 and Bayside Conference Senior Scholar Athlete, has been a triple-threat all four years, earning a total of 12 letters in soccer, swimming and lacrosse. She plans to major in environmental science.
— Photo by Trish McGee
