College Park High School Celebrates Fine Arts Signing Day

Updated: May 2

Students honored for commitment to music, theatre, visual arts, debate, and dance

Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 9:15 a.m.

The Woodlands, Texas — On Tuesday morning, College Park High School held its annual Fine Arts Signing Day, celebrating seniors committing to continue their fine arts studies in college. Families, teachers, district leaders, and classmates gathered in the school auditorium to honor these students' dedication and recognize their next steps.

The event opened with remarks by Dr. Robert Horton, Director of Fine Arts for Conroe ISD, who praised the assembled students and teachers. "There is over 100 years of experience on stage today," Dr. Horton told the audience, highlighting the combined expertise of the faculty guiding these students. Principal Robert MacFarlane followed, calling the students "future leaders" and emphasizing the strong support system they carry into the next chapter.

Campus secretary Anita Henao and student organizer James Massey, a senior in choir and a member of the debate team, were thanked by Head Band Director Jeff Gorring for their efforts in planning and setting up the event.

Gorring was the first to introduce students, and then each fine arts director — including those from choir, orchestra, debate, dance, theater, visual arts, and band — took turns stepping to the microphone. One by one, they introduced their students to the audience, highlighted their achievements and accomplishments, and proudly announced the colleges and universities the students would soon attend. Families applauded warmly as each student was recognized on stage.

following the ceremony Dr. Horton closed the event with inspiring words, noting, "It's incredible to see the way our teachers have guided them through this process. They've taken that knowledge and now made it their own, moving into the next phase with confidence and competence."

Orchestra Director Emmanuel Coraza echoed the importance of fine arts: "Fine art being part of any student’s life is very important. It teaches not only individual discipline but also how to be a better person."

James Massey, the student organizer, reflected on the growth of the event: "Honestly, this has really gotten so much bigger over the years. Since last year, I got this idea, and we've wanted to expand fine arts recognition to give it the support it deserves. I feel like all the programs are amazing. Whether it's athletics, fine arts, chess, or debate, we all deserve support and recognition for the hours we put in. Choir has camps through the summer; theater has workshops; band members are out in the heat on the parking lot. The time and practice it takes are equally as demanding as athletics."

Fiona Sammer, heading to NYU for acting, said, "It felt really good today. I tried to control my smile, but it was amazing to see how many people are that committed." Fiona, who has participated in USC's four-week Summer Conservatory, added, "Doing interdisciplinary studies like psychology and criminology will help me become a better actor because you learn so much from other fields."

Fiona's mother, Marla Sammer, said she felt "very proud and excited" watching her daughter receive her accolades. Fiona, an AP student graduating in the top 10%, balances her passion for acting with rigorous academics in calculus, economics, environmental science, and literature.

The event underscored the shared commitment across fine arts programs — whether students are on stage, behind the scenes, in a rehearsal hall, or crafting visuals, they all carry a deep dedication and a drive for excellence into their next chapter.

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Marching Band Students Recognized:

Daman Sahni, Colorado School of Mines (Band extracurricular, Environmental Engineering)
Luca Bisono, Oberlin Conservatory of Music (Percussion Performance)
Mae Cooper, Texas A&M (Band extracurricular, Nutrition major)
Daniel Alvarez, University of Texas at Austin (Music Performance, Bassoon)
Kolton Kramer, University of Texas at Austin (Band extracurricular, Petroleum Engineering)
Evan Sabaj, Sam Houston State University (Music Education)
Julia Randle, University of Arkansas (Band/Visual Arts extracurricular, Journalism)

Visual Arts Students Recognized:

Rachel Yau, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Graphic Design), credited with creating graphics for the theatre department
Kaliyah Riley, University of Houston (Theatre & Visual Arts, Industrial Design)

Theatre - Technical and Performance Students Recognized:

Jade Catlett, Stephen F. Austin State University (Theatre, Acting/Directing)
Edgardo Cruz, University of Texas School of Design and Creative Technology (Theatre)
Ethan Watson, Texas State (Technical Production, Stage Management)
Hannah Nuttall, Texas State (Performance & Production)
Andy Cone, Brigham Young University–Idaho (Theater Performance)
Alfredo Gomez Esteller, University of Texas–Dallas (Visual & Performing Arts, Theatre)
Fiona Sammer, New York University (Acting)
Ellie Yankee, Florida Southern College (Musical Theater), also a member of the choir

Choir Students Recognized:

James Massey, University of Alabama (Choir/Debate extracurricular, Business major)
Alexandra Contreras, East Texas Baptist University (Music minor)
Nelson Moya, Lone Star/Sam Houston (Choir extracurricular, Cybersecurity major)
Michelle Ye, University of North Texas (Music Education)

Debate Students Recognized:

Jessie Merriwether, Baylor University (Debate extracurricular, Political Science major)
Finley DesOrmeaux, Texas State University (Debate extracurricular, Marketing major)

Orchestra Students Recognized:

Michelle Ye, University of North Texas (Music Education)
Zayla White, Northern Illinois University (Orchestra minor, English major), also a published author

Dance Student Recognized: