Ms. Acosta plans to attend Wofford College and is undecided in her major.

"I was very excited and happy that the hard work paid off," she said. "I'd like to thank Mr. Simmons and Mr. Burnett because they helped me develop my love for history. I'd also like to thank my parents for helping me get here."

Ms. Johnson plans to attend Davidson College and major in English

"It was really exciting, because you have worked for it for so long. It is also really nice that I get to share my experience with others on stage," she said. "I would like to thank my teachers, because getting into writing is a hard thing, and they have always encouraged me to do it and go for it."