Several of the area's highest-achieving students who will graduate this spring are choosing to attend the University of Nevada, Reno. The University is partnering with area high schools in ceremonies reminiscent of high school athletes' "signing days" to acknowledge the decision of these "best and brightest" scholars to attend the University of Nevada, Reno.

The signing-day ceremonies will kick-off next week with an event at Spanish Springs High School Monday afternoon where one National Merit Scholarship Finalist and four Presidential Scholars will "sign." This is the first time the University has held a signing event at Spanish Springs, and University President Marc Johnson will be on hand to congratulate and welcome the scholars who will enter the University in the fall.

Additional signing events scheduled for this week and next include ceremonies at Fernley High School on Tuesday, Reno High School on Thursday, TMCC High School on Friday, and Bishop Manogue Catholic High School on Tuesday, May 31. More scholars from Clark County School District schools will also "sign" over the next couple of weeks.

WHAT: Third annual "Nevada Scholars Signing Day" ceremonies recognizing several Nevada schools' high-achieving 2011 graduates who will attend the University of Nevada, Reno.

WHO:

• Spanish Springs, Fernley, Reno, TMCC and Bishop Manogue Catholic High Schools' National Merit Scholarship Finalists and Presidential Scholars
• Spanish Springs Principal Tasha Fuson, Fernley Principal Kent Jones, Reno High Principal Robert Sullivan, TMCC High Principal Susan Mayes-Smith and Bishop Manogue Catholic High Principal Tim Jaureguito
• University of Nevada, Reno President Marc Johnson, University deans and other University officials

WHEN:
Spanish Springs High: 12:30-12:55 p.m., Monday, May 23
Fernley High: 2:15-2:40 p.m., Tuesday, May 24
Reno High: 11:30-11:55 a.m., Thursday, May 26
TMCC High: 10:15-10:40 a.m., Friday, May 27
Bishop Manogue Catholic High: 2:35-3 p.m., Tuesday, May 31

WHERE:
College and Career Center, Spanish Springs High School, 1065 Eagle Canyon Drive, Sparks
Library, Fernley High School, 1300 Hwy 95 Alt., Fernley
Library, Reno High School, 395 Booth St., Reno
Third floor, Red Mountain Building, TMCC High School, 7000 Dandini Blvd., Reno
Chapel, Bishop Manogue Catholic High School, 110 Bishop Manogue Drive, Reno

BACKGROUND: The University of Nevada, Reno was officially notified of its approval for sponsorship status by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation two years ago. Scholarships awarded through National Merit programs are regarded as some of the highest academic honors attainable by U.S. high school students. The University's student body currently includes ­­­34 National Merit Scholars, the largest number ever enrolled at Nevada. National Merit Scholars receive a $15,000 annual scholarship and Presidential Scholars receive a $5,000 annual scholarship funded through the University's scholarship and aid budget.