Newberry High Honors College Signees During Spring Ceremony

From uncertainty after surgery to signing a college softball scholarship,  Sarah Burns’ journey highlighted a signing day ceremony centered around perseverance at Newberry High School on Tuesday. 

Burns, who signed to play softball at Johnson & Wales University, was one of six athletes honored during Newberry’s spring signing ceremony

The remaining signees include TJ Norris, who signed to play football at Erskine College; Olivia Tharp, who signed to play softball at Florida State College at Jacksonville; Desmond Taylor, who signed to play baseball at St. Johns River State College; Juwan Scippio, who signed to play basketball St. Petersburg College; and Brandy Whitfield, who signed to play women’s basketball at Daytona State College.

Family members, teammates and friends packed the room, and voices were quiet, with a calm understanding that this moment belonged to the athletes. Athletic director Bryan Roundtree opened the ceremony congratulating the athletes.

Coaches then reflected on the athletes’ journeys both on and off the field.  Baseball coach Mike Spinia, softball coach Michele Roundtree, girls basketball coach Jessica Ross, boys basketball coach Patrick Green  and football coach Edward Johnson each spoke about the character and perseverance their athletes showed throughout high school. Parents followed with emotional messages about the pride they felt watching their children reach this milestone.

“It’s been a blessing in disguise to keep her focus, and we’re super proud of her, so it’s awesome,” said Christopher, the father of Sarah Burns.

A common theme throughout the ceremony was adversity.

Several athletes reflected on injuries and obstacles they overcame during their high school careers. Burns was one of them, battling an elbow injury before returning to post a season that helped earn her an offer from Johnson & Wales.

“I went through a whole mental journey,” Burns said. “A lot of people don’t understand the toll that surgery takes on you, especially when you’re away from your sport for so long.”

Burns said the work she put in during recovery helped her return stronger than before.

“I just worked my butt off,” Burns said. “Every week, every month, trying to get back into it, last season was a pretty good season, but it wasn’t the season I had this year.”

Taylor also reflected on adversity and family influence. His father was a four-year starter in high school basketball, but Taylor chose to carve out his own path through baseball.

“I’m following his footsteps in a way, but I feel I’m more so building off what he did,” Taylor said.

After each athlete shared their story, they officially signed their letters of intent, marking the culmination of years of work and the beginning of their collegiate careers.

“If you just continue to put hard work in and you continue to believe in yourself, you will go on to do great things, whether it’s in your sport or not,” Burns said 

Category: Newberry High School