WHAT: As part of first lady Michelle Obama’s nationwide call to action, hundreds of Firebaugh High students will take their first step toward college during College Signing Day, a White House program initiated to encourage all students to attend college and support those already planning their college ventures.

Firebaugh High seniors will sign symbolic letters of intent for their future colleges, universities or military branches in front of a crowd of underclassmen, hoping to motivate all grade levels to strive toward their college goals.

During the ceremony, the top 10 seniors, along with the valedictorian and salutatorian, will be announced.

WHEN: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, May 18

WHERE: Firebaugh High School gym, 5246 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Lynwood

DETAILS: On May 1, 2014, first lady Michelle Obama rolled out the Reach Higher campaign to inspire every student across the country to pursue and complete a postsecondary degree, whether at a traditional four-year college, a two-year community college, or through an industry-recognized training program. Obama is encouraging communities across the country to host their own local College-Signing Day events to show their support for this call to action.

Students, media and others covering or involved in College Signing Day are encouraged to post about this event on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #ReachHigher.