(Updated Wednesday with news on Eddie Johnson signing with the University of Miami)

A pen to paper, a hat on the head and a look to the future.

For the talented athletes in the area, Wednesday’s National Signing Day ceremonies are the culmination of years of hard work leading to what every high school players craves: a college scholarship.

Here’s a rundown of the stars around town that are making their decisions Wednesday.

Westminster’s highly touted running back, Ralph Abernathy IV, has verbally committed to Cincinnati and is expected to sign with the Bearcats.

Abernathy was beset by a high ankle sprain in his senior season but that didn’t stop him from being heavily recruited. Despite missing two games, he rushed for 679 yards and eight touchdowns and caught 11 passes for 107 yards.

From North Atlanta, star linebacker Eddie Johnson, who had at one time committed to Louisville and then committed to Central Florida, has signed with the University of Miami. 

Another Westminster Wildcat, defensive back John Egan, decided to play for Georgetown after visiting the school Jan. 21. Egan was named the most valuable player after the season, which culminated in a sub-region championship and a trip to the second round of the state Class AA playoffs.

Also from Westminster, receiver and defensive back Khamal Brown (Princeton University), receiver Dylan Jeffay (Princeton) and linebacker Dallis Joiner (Air Force Academy) will sign Wednesday, as well as soccer player Zoe Hayes with the University of Central Florida.

At Lovett, soccer players Allison Bond and Virginia Seiler have made their decisions; Bond will sign with Samford University and Seiler will attend the University of Mississippi. Track and field athlete Edward Brentnall will reveal which college he’s chosen later on Signing Day.

Star Lovett football and baseball player Zach Boden will wait a short time before making his college decision.

From North Atlanta, linebacker Marcus Mack will attend Navy, and running back Chris Henderson has a choice between Tusculum and Concordia. Receiver Brad Brown, lineman Joe Schwartzmiller and defensive back John Eagle are all planning to attend Concordia. Carlton Henry will choose between Tusculum, Virginia Union and Jackson State, and quarterback Zack Wootten is mulling over offers from Rhodes, Johns Hopkins and Glenville, among others. Jim Russell will attend Boston University.

Also, Grace Shea will play soccer for the University of Wisconsin, and Dara DeMatteo will play soccer at Boston University.

From Mount Vernon Presbyterian, receiver Jaylan Adlam will sign to play football for Campbell University.

The decisions of several Riverwood players remain to be seen.

Be sure to visit www.northside-neighbor.com throughout Wednesday for more updates, decisions and photos on National Signing Day.