Signing ceremonies are commonplace for athletes as they move from high school to college, but they aren’t for other students — and they are quite rare for students going into the military.
In fact, one held earlier this month for Emporia High student Ella Podrebarac is considered the first of its kind at the school for a student enlisting in the Kansas Air National Guard. Podrebarac’s grandfather and an uncle was in the Army during Vietnam, and she says she’s glad to continue that family tradition.
Podrebarac was understandably excited to have family, friends and school administrators on hand for the ceremony, which included an oath of service and the official signing of documents.
Podrebarac is going to the University of Kansas in August and will study pharmacy. She will also go into administration in the Air Force Guard. This summer, she will take part in “student flight,” so she will have drill weekends once a month.
