On National Signing Day, we get to celebrate the few students who earned the privilege of not only taking their game to the next level, but also to continue their education. Receiving a full or partial scholarship opens a door that may not have been available through other means. It doesn’t promise success or happiness, but it does give a high school student an opportunity to take advantage of the plethora of possibilities and resources that colleges and universities have to offer.

Edward Moore Jr., a safety from Southside High School, received a walk-on offer from his dream school, Tuskegee University. As soon as he put on his Tigers cap, he couldn’t stop smiling.

Ty’Quarius Murray at Keith High School earned a full scholarship to Central State University in Ohio. A running back from the small town of Orrville won’t have to pay a for tuition or room and board to get a college education. All he has to do is get to Wilberforce, Ohio, go to class and play football.

Moore and Murray aren’t the first athletes from Dallas County to make it to the next level, and they won’t be the last. There is plenty of talent around Selma, and more opportunities should be on the horizon. Through all the celebrations for National Signing Day, don’t forget that it’s your grades that will get you that next opportunity. Coaches may drool over your speed and strength, but if you’re grades aren’t in order, they can’t and won’t be able to extend you a scholarship. Congratulations to Moore and Murray on their signings and good luck to them as they continue their education and football careers.