It was no ordinary morning for Senior Sean McKinney, an extraordinary student athlete.  November 12, 2009 was the date of his signing ceremony, a service that signified the beginning of his future as a diver.  Former teachers, coaches and McKinney’s family gathered in the Presidential Conference Room to honor his continued efforts and a momentous decision.

After years of training and diving on various teams both for the AHS Swim and Dive Program and on his club team, PDC, McKinney’s success has been recognized in the numerous offers he has received to dive on Division One college teams next year.

“Sean has been working hard in not only in school, but also in his diving for as long as I can remember,” said Sean’s father Bob McKinney.  “Our goal has always been for him to sign to a D1 school and I am so proud of his success.”

Following five recruiting trips to colleges including:  University of Alabama, University of South Carolina, Louisiana State University, Virginia Tech and University of Minnesota, McKinney made a decision that would not only determine his future in diving, but also in other aspects of his life.

“It was a difficult decision,” said McKinney.  “There were a lot of factors that I had to consider when making my decision: the dive programs, the cost and even the distance from home.  And the best fit for me seemed to be at LSU.”

His commitment to the team earned him a scholarship that will cover 65% of his expenses for attendance at the University.  This accomplishment was not only an accomplishment for McKinney, but also for the school and all the programs McKinney has been involved in.

At the ceremony, McKinney’s teachers, coaches and family members had the opportunity to speak on his behalf, before his letter of intent was signed and the “Congratulations Cake” was cut.  It was a ceremony that marked a reward for the continued academic and athletic commitment of McKinney who represents the epitome of a student athlete.