Adult Education Graduates Overcome Challenges

by Rachel Dahl -- We’ve all had adversity in life and had to figure out a way around or through to move on, but for this group of graduates, the way was up. The Churchill County School District held a graduation ceremony for the adult education program last week where graduates were recognized for their achievements. On Thursday evening, May 23rd in the CCHS Auditorium, these students were honored: Adult Diploma Elizabeth Carter, Jennifer Comstock, Breanna Currier, Kanyon Daugherty, Destinee DePaulis, Jared Miller, Nickole Renfro   GED Ashlee Thomsen, Justin Thibault Superintendent Summer Stephens gave the graduation speech, reminding students, in the words of Nelson Mandela, “education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world” and from Oliver Wendell Holmes, “man’s mind once stretched by a new idea will never regain its original dimensions.” “You are forever changed,” said Stephens, “by the work leading up to tonight, and by the learning you’ve done, and the diplomas you’ve earned tonight -- you will never be that some person that walked in here tonight.” She then counseled graduates to “remember, you can take every opportunity you have now to learn and its not going to be connected to earning that diploma, every place you turn around you can learn something new. Know that the skills you built while earning your diploma can now be your badge of honor and you need to be proud of that.” The graduates were given time to make brief remarks, and they each thanked the many people who helped them through the program. Jared Miller said that he was one semester away from graduation when family issues derailed his education. He thanked the staff of the adult education program who “gave us all a second chance.” Elizabeth carter took two long years of procrastinating and debating before she finally succeeded in finishing her program. She aims to be a foster youth advocate and work in the police force to help kids. Justin Thibault said he had tried the old public speaking advice and picture the audience naked but, “it doesn’t help.” He said he is, “one step closer to my goals,” and he also thanked the staff for the second chance and congratulated his fellow graduates. Ashlee Thomson thanked the staff for their cheery faces, as did Kanyon Daugherty. He said he has a full-time job in construction and debated not completing his program. “It was a struggle,” he said, thanking his family and displaying the grit that got each student to their goals. Chantelle Johnson, director of the Adult Education program presented the diplomas, and Kelsey Lee, instructional assistant gave the closing remarks. Lee said, “several of our students are moving on to other pursuits after graduation. Breanna Currier plans on attending nursing school, Destinee DePaulis wants to apply to the Air Force, Jared Miller and Justin Thibault will be joining the Army, Nickole Renfro is earning her degree for her kids, and Elizabeth Carter wants to be a foster care advocate after graduation.”   Never miss the local news -- read more on The Fallon Post home page. If you enjoy The Fallon Post, please support our effort to provide local, independent news and make a contribution today.  Your contribution makes possible this online news source for all things Fallon.