Clarkdale High School students and staff congratulated two graduating seniors Friday as they signed letters of intent to continue their talents at the collegiate level.

 

Michaela Meyerhoff, who signed to continue her tennis career at Meridian Community College this fall, said the move is another opportunity to grow and become a better player.

 

“I’m ready for this opportunity to play because not everybody gets this opportunity, and it will help me better myself,” she said.

 

Clarkdale High School Tennis Coach Luke Smith said the school hasn’t seen a lot of students take tennis to the next level, and Meyerhoff is setting an example for future students to follow in her footsteps.

 

“She works harder than anybody else,” Smith said. “She works hard in the classroom. She does great outside of the classroom, and I think she’s a great example for pretty much everybody here at the school to go on and see what they’re capable of if they work hard and take care of their stuff in the classroom.”

 

Jones Walker also signed Friday, electing to take his musical talent to the band program at East Mississippi Community College after graduation. Clarkdale High Band Director Mason Williams said Walker’s signing is both a celebration of his achievements and a good example for other band students of what can be possible with hard work and perseverance.

 

“It’s a big impact on the younger kids because they’re seeing not only can they just do band here at Clarkdale, they can go on and go to a community college or a university and continue their career in band,” she said.

 

Walker said his advice to younger students is to know the discipline and effort put into their band careers now will yield positive results down the line.

 

“Don’t give up. It all works out. It’s all worth it, all the work you put into it. It’ll all be worth it in the end,” he said.