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Jennifer R. Lloyd: First Lady Michelle Obama Speaks At UTSA Today
San Antonio’s college-going efforts got a palpable push from first lady Michelle Obama, who spoke Friday at College Signing Day at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Clad in a the t-shirt of her Princeton University alma mater, the first lady told a rowdy crowd of about 2,100 seniors from 37 area high schools at UTSA’s convocation center to look ahead to finishing the college journey they’re embarking upon. “I also want to talk to you about another big day that is on the horizon for you and that is the day you graduate from college,” Obama said. “Reaching a milestone like this means you’ve just raised the bar for yourself.” “Just getting into college isn’t the ultimate goal,” she continued. “You have got to stay focused once you get there and you’ve got to get that degree or that certificate.”
The visit by Obama took its place among her national efforts to promoting the Reach Higher Initiative, which includes helping students understand their college and career options and their financial aid legibility. The effort feeds into the president’s 2020 goal of landing the United States on top of the list of nations with the highest proportion of college graduates. Friday’s event came toward the end of the city’s fourth annual Destination College week, which culminates Saturday with a summit at San Antonio College for high school students to learn about college and scholarship applications and career pathways.
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First Lady Michelle Obama speaks to high school students at the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA), during College Signing Day, an annual celebration of San Antonio high school seniors committing themselves to higher education, in San Antonio, Texas
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Join @FLOTUS in inspiring young people to #ReachHigher and own their future! Post a photo in your school colors: vine.co/v/MrXYxz0pxBa
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Reach Higher (@ReachHigher) May 02, 2025****
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Follow @ReachHigher for the latest on the First Lady's initiative to encourage young people to complete their education. #ReachHigher #FF
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The First Lady (@FLOTUS) May 02, 2025****
San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro and First Lady Michelle Obama greet high school students during College Signing Day
First Lady Michelle Obama leads high school students in a pledge for higher education during College Signing Day
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KSAT: Michelle Obama Challenges San Antonio Students
First Lady Michelle Obama on Friday joined a growing annual celebration of San Antonio high school seniors who are committing themselves to higher education. Obama was the star attraction as some 2,100 students from 38 high schools around the area participated in “College Signing Day,” part of Mayor Julian Castro’s long-term initiative to improve the area’s high school graduation rates and increase the number of residents with college degrees. She talked about the importance of pursuing and completing some form of higher education.
“While we adults have to do our part, really at the end of the day, the most important person is you,” Obama said. Obama urged students to complete their education beyond high school. “While it’s good news that high school graduation levels are high, we know that in today’s world, it’s simply not enough,” she said. The first lady said she knows the challenges facing today’s higher education students, recalling her days at Princeton, where she attended college. “I learned that the same things that got me through high school would get me through Princeton and law school,” she said. “Those moments when you feel anxious, or insecure, those are the moments when you shape into who you want to be.”
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White House.gov