Fluvanna County High School Athletic Director Scott Morris emceed the proceedings. First up to sign their letters were: Dylan Garrett, Emily Haden and Jesse Van Dyke. Garrett signed to continue his pole vaulting career with the Mary Washington track and field team. Sitting behind him as he signed were his parents Chris and Cindy Garrett. Haden signed to play volleyball at Virginia Wesleyan University. Seated behind her as she signed were her parents, Leigh and Clay Haden. Van Dyke signed to continue his career as a wide receiver for the football team at Emery and Henry University. He was accompanied by his mother, Ellie Van Dyke.
The signing table in the cafeteria was not long enough to accommodate all five athletes at once, so the second wave of signings included Matt Fragola and Nicki Douma.
Matt Fragola became the first Fluco lacrosse player to sign a letter of intent to play at the college level. He signed to play at Emmanuel College, which is located in the Boston area. Last but not least to sign was Fluco running standout Nicki Douma. She signed to run cross country at Longwood University. Fragola was accompanied at the signing by his mother, Kim Bisulca, while Douma also had her mother, Donna Douma, in attendance.
In interviews after the signing ceremony, the athletes expressed their enthusiasm for continuing their athletic careers. Van Dyke commented that it was a “dream come true: for him to be able to play football at the college level. Garrett noted that he feels that Mary Washington is a perfect fit for him. Haden says that she is “excited and relieved” to have it established that she will be continuing on in volleyball at Virginia Wesleyan. Fragola also commented that he was relieved to have the process of deciding where to go completed. Douma noted that it was a “tough decision,” but said that the nursing program at Longwood was a factor in her decision.
