In most cases, high schools will hold an intimate affair in front of a small group of supporters when a student-athlete signs his or her national letter of intent to compete at the college level. Pictures are taken, speeches are given.

This week at Pitman High, multiply that by eight.

The administration, along with parents and other supporters, honored eight student-athletes who will compete in their respective sport starting in the fall. The demonstration was broken down into two separate days.

Soccer players Karina Maldonado (Huntington University in Indiana) and Hannah Verschelden (Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont) and basketball standout Jasmine Washington (Cal State L.A.) were honored Wednesday, while baseball players Clay Cozzitorto (Bethany College in Kansas) and Brandon Lewis (Concordia University in Irvine) and track athletes Caitlin O’Connell (Fresno State), Aman Hundal (Chico State) and Hailey Stroud (Chico State) were recognized Thursday. Both events took place at the school’s library in front of family, friends and coaches.

Maldonado and Verschelden led the girls soccer team to a league title, while Cozzitorto and Lewis were the two top pitchers for the Pride baseball team that advanced to the playoffs for the first time in six years. Washington, one of the top scorers in the Stanislaus District, carried the girls basketball team to a runner-up finish in the league standings behind Turlock High.

And O’Connell, Hundal and Stroud have set personal and school records all season for the Pitman girls track team.

To contact Chhun Sun, e-mail csun@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.