It was part of a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the Charger College and Career Path that leads to the school's gymnasium.

For the school's 57 graduating seniors the walkway symbolizes the commitment of the faculty, staff and system administration.

“I'm overly excited for my classmates and myself,” said Dantavius Pittman who is going to Winston-Salem State University to play football and study business administration. “Teachers and parents supported us over our high school years.”

Bracy helps Burton cut the ribbon.

Pittman wants to come back to Halifax County after college graduation and start a learning and recreation center for young teens.

Weldon City Schools Superintendent Elie Bracy III said the path to100 percent acceptance started their freshman year with advisors and counselors working with the students to identify their future plans. “We work on a four-year plan so the students will have an idea of what they want to do.”

Bracy said the achievement for the second straight year shows a level of commitment that runs from the students to staff. “It shows the kids here they are being prepared to move on to the next level.”

Six students alone are bound for Winston-Salem.

To make it a third straight year, Bracy said, “We will work on the juniors to make sure they have everything they need. We tell them to apply to more than one college. If they don't get accepted to their first choice, the chances are favorable they will be accepted at their second choice.”

Coletta Edwards, a counselor at the school, said before the ceremony, “It's a big deal. It's an accomplishment for them. It shows hard work pays off.”

Devan Mitchell, the school's college advisor, came up with the idea for the path and secured grant funding to make it happen. “We wanted to leave a permanent mark at the school. It's something the students can see. It's something the students can enjoy. It shows how great Weldon is doing and shows other students they can do it, too.”

Members of the senior class pose for a group photo.

During the ceremony, Kashara Lynch, a senior bound for North Carolina A&T State University to run track, play football and study mechanical engineering, told his classmates and guests, “The class of 2014 has finally made it. We've had bad times and amazing times. We've had a college advisor with us and although she couldn't be with us the entire day, she was definitely with us when it counted. All the hard work has paid off.”

School principal Michelle Burton told the students, “I am so proud of you and I love you. You've had great teachers and faculty. You have a wonderful future ahead of you. We expect great things from you.”

Lynch said following the ceremony the achievement shows, “Weldon High School has something to offer.”