More than 200 graduating seniors gathered on the floor of the Auburn Mountainview High School gymnasium Monday, huddled at tables decorated in the colors of their college destinations.

Many public and private schools, big and small, were represented – in state and throughout the country.

The rest of the student body, faculty and staff filled the seats to recognize and applaud the seniors. It was all part of the school’s inaugural College Signing Day, an opportunity to showcase the Class of ’17’s many achievements and honor those who are taking the next step in academics. Students signed certificates of accomplishment.

Occupying the head table, fittingly, was the student at the top of the class – Yale-bound Marty Chandler, who received a loud ovation from the house. He was overwhelmed.

“It’s cool to give back to this school, and hopefully my story will help inspire others,” said Chandler, who plans to study theater and Spanish on his full ride to the Ivy League school.

All told, according to student self-reported data as of Monday, 94 students will attend four-year schools this fall, 100 are off to two-year colleges and 13 will attend either a technical or military school. Auburn Mountainview’s graduating class is 324 strong.

Auburn Mountainview students and future Huskies gather at the UW table during College Signing Day at Auburn Mountainview High School on Monday. MARK KLAAS, Auburn Reporter