Students, staff and family members filled the Atlantic City High School auditorium for the announcements. The athletes were escorted into the auditorium by the Atlantic City High School marching band and a crowd of cheering students celebrating their accomplishments and future opportunities.

• Maren Depersenaire will continue her field hockey and lacrosse careers at The College of New Jersey.
• Peyton Moore will continue her basketball career at Widener University.
• Taison Parker will join the Division I track and field program at North Carolina State University.
• Summer Stevenson will continue her rowing career at Nova Southeastern University.

Both the field hockey and lacrosse programs at TCNJ are among the most successful NCAA Division III programs in the country and have a long-standing tradition of national competitiveness and championship success.

Widener’s women’s basketball program competes in the MAC Commonwealth Conference and is recognized as a highly competitive NCAA Division III program that regularly contends for conference championships and postseason appearances.

NC State competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference and is nationally recognized for producing elite distance runners, All-Americans and championship-caliber athletes.

The women’s rowing program at NSU has quickly re-established itself as a competitive NCAA Division II program with a strong tradition of success.

Atlantic City High School Principal Constance Days-Chapman commended the students for their hard work, dedication and perseverance throughout their high school careers. “As the principal of Atlantic City High School, I could not be more proud of the resilience, growth and determination displayed by our Class of 2026,” Dr. Days-Chapman said. “Today was not just about choosing a college, career, military path or future opportunity. It was about celebrating the courage to take the next step toward their dreams.”

Decision Day celebrations have become a growing tradition at high schools and colleges across the country. Inspired by the national college signing process and the “College Decision Day” movement promoted each spring, schools use the event to recognize seniors for their post-secondary plans, whether they are attending college, joining the military, entering the workforce or pursuing career training programs.

“No matter where life takes them, I want our future graduates to remember that they are capable of greatness, and they will always be Vikings,” Dr. Days-Chapman said. “I congratulate our seniors. Their futures are bright, and I am so proud of them.”

Dr. Days-Chapman urged students to continue striving for success as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.

“I encourage them to lead with purpose, work with passion and never stop believing in themselves,” she said. “I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Viking Pride, Viking Strong!”