FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hosted First-Ever Magnet Signing Day to Honor Students
(Link to photos and video: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ijvvq1oxvhnxei74qxh8c/ANMrpAF4h2yzPiYLCzUg8XY?rlkey=8er0y9tdhixto0c28yeu55ojc&st=42lp37gn&dl=0)
TAMPA, FL (April 17, 2026) — Students from Blake High School are taking center stage as they celebrate extraordinary college scholarship achievements in the performing and visual arts, earning more than $1.4 million in scholarship awards to date from colleges and universities across the nation and abroad.
Blake recently hosted its first-ever Magnet Signing Day, a milestone event that mirrors the recognition often given to student-athletes, while intentionally placing a spotlight on students whose artistic talent, discipline, and dedication have shaped their high school experience over the past four years.
Collectively, Blake students have committed to a wide range of prestigious institutions, including Berklee College of Music, the University of Miami, University of Florida, Fordham University, SCAD, Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, and the Joffrey Ballet. Students will pursue studies in chorus, band, orchestra, theatre, dance, visual arts, costume design, and mass communications.
Several students earned major awards—including full-tuition offers and six‑figure scholarship packages—reflecting both the competitive nature of arts admissions and the exceptional preparation students receive through Blake’s magnet programs.
“As our premiere Performing Arts school, Blake High School’s programs continue to stand as a model of excellence,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “The success of these students shows that when we invest in the arts, we open doors, create opportunity, and change lives in powerful and lasting ways.”
To learn more about all of the Fine and Performing Arts programs at HCPS, visit hillsboroughschools.org.