05/13/24
Students receive GED during graduation ceremony
Gadsden, Ala. — Gadsden State Community College hosted its 2024 Adult Education Graduation for 36 students who earned their general equivalency diploma. The ceremony was held May 7 at Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center.
“Your commitment to your education is truly inspiring,” said Alan Smith, dean of Workforce Development. “You’ve overcome obstacles and proven that with determination, anything is possible. Earning your GED is a significant accomplishment that deserves to be celebrated.”
During the ceremony, Smith awarded full scholarships to Tabatha Sellers and David Gallegos.
In two short months, Sellers earned her GED, the Alabama Career Essentials certificate, the Mobilizing Alabama Pathways (healthcare) and Silver WorkKeys. She plans to continue her education at Gadsden State and hopes to one day work in healthcare management.
Gallegos came to Gadsden state to improve his English skills through Adult Education Services. In addition, he earned a GED and has enrolled in the ACE class. He wants to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering at Gadsden State.
All of the GED completers are eligible for one free class at Gadsden State as well.
The GED graduates include Wesley Adams, Dylan Anthony, Tyler Ashworth, Joseph Blanton, Nathaniel Blood, Jeremiah Cash, Lee Ann Clifton, Madalyn Davis, Jeremiah Dennis, Kandace Donahue, Daniel Fitts, David Gallegos, Elijah Greaves, Kelly Greer, Bradford Grimes, Cale Humphries, Crystal Hunter, Jose Miguel Jarquin-Collis, Kevin Jones, Jacob Lopez, October McWilliams, Ciaria Mayorga, Shelby Miller, Ariana Murphy, Paul Myers, Ashlyn Nelson, LaShana Scarbrough, Tabatha Sellers, Briley Sitz, Angela Smothers, Buckshot Brandon Sullivan, Matthew Turner, Savana Varnon, Athenacia Wise, Michael Wombles and Autumn Yancey.
Graduates who spoke at the ceremony were Athenacia Wise, Michael Wombles and Cale Humphries.
Diplomas were awarded by Dr. Kathy Murphy, president of Gadsden State, and Hollie Patterson, director of Adult Education Services. Ricky Tillis, director of the Valley Street Campus, challenged the graduates to keep improving themselves and their quality of life.
“Let me remind you that the road to get here wasn’t easy because it required sacrifice, sacrifice and more sacrifice,” he said. “It was all worth it because you were investing in yourself, which will yield future rewards.”
For more information about the GED program as well as other programs and services offered in Adult Education Services, visit www.GadsdenState.edu/AdultEd.
See an album of photos from the event:
