High school can be difficult enough for a teen trying to juggle grades and a budding social life.

Add the drive and dedication required of a school sport program into the mix, and you truly get to see the best of the best rise to the occasion in the name of school spirit.

On Monday, Calhoun High School held a forum to salute the elite student athletes in their ranks, whose performance on the playing field has caught the eye of many a college vying to gain their services. The forum was used as a means to announce which institute of higher learning each athlete had signed with.

Nicole Hollings, assistant principal, Calhoun, opened the forum with enthusiastic praise for these successful young men and women.

"We'd like to take a moment to recognize the accomplishments of our student athletes," she said. "These Calhoun athletes have distinguished themselves for their commitment to playing a sport and now have the opportunity to continue to play on the college level. They have all signed letters of commitment to their schools and now await the next chapter of their lives."

One by one, Hollings introduced each student and their respective sport. Each student took a turn at the podium and spoke about what they hoped to accomplish in their college career.

Sal Armano, a baseball player, has signed with Southern Connecticut State University.

"I'm looking forward to the college experience and competing as a student athlete at the college level," he said.

Zach Goldstein, a baseball player, has signed with Southern New Hampshire University.

"I look forward to getting a college education, and pursuing my baseball career," he said. "I chose New Hampshire because of the player development program they have there, because I want to get better and play professionally one day."

Michael Grossane, a baseball player, has signed with Clark University in Massachusetts.

"I’m looking forward to getting a great college education and continuing to play the game I love,” he said.

Mary Hijazi, a soccer player, has signed with Manhattan College.

"I look forward to furthering my education at a school that I really like, and continuing to play soccer,” she said.

Cole Kalibat, a lacrosse player, has signed with the University of Tampa.

"I’m looking forward to furthering my education and continuing to improve at lacrosse,” he said.

Alex Rodriguez, a baseball player, has signed with Caldwell College in New Jersey.

"I’m looking forward to the college experience and furthering my baseball skills,” he said. “I want to do well in school.”

Frank Trimarco, a baseball player, has signed with Monmouth University in New Jersey.

“I hope in my freshman year, I play and win the whole league,” he said. “I also want to further educate myself at the college level.”

Alex Vargas, a baseball player, has signed with Delaware State University.

"I look forward to being on my own and experiencing college life,” he said. “I plan on working hard every day.”

Tom Viverito, a baseball player, has signed with Farmingdale State College.

"I look forward to studying Criminal Justice in my freshman year,” he said.

Hollings also announced that a second round of student athletes are in the process of deciding their college picks. Once these have been decided upon, a second forum will be held to officially announce their choices.