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Turn of the Tassel: Wood County Adult Education celebrates graduates

By Douglass Huxley 2 min read

PARKERSBURG -- Students from the Wood County Adult Education Center gathered at West Virginia University at Parkersburg Thursday to take part in the annual Recognition Ceremony held for those who successfully completed the program and were eligible to receive their high school equivalency diploma.

"Your perseverance and dedication has paid off," Adult Ed SPOKES Instructor Wendy Mick told students. "You can now say that you have achieved this huge and rewarding goal."

A total of 52 participants who earned their high school equivalency certificate between May 2023 and May 2024 were invited, with 25 attending.

The program provides free classes, distance learning options, and practice exams to help adults prepare for the four-part high school equivalency exam in Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science.

"We have students that may be able to complete it within just a few weeks if they have those previous skills," Instructor Deanna Addis said. "And then we have people that may be there for over a year. So it's an individual path, and the timeline varies from student to student."

The age range of students is also wide, from 17 to 68 years old, emphasizing that it's never too late to continue your education.

"This is a second chance for a lot of people. And maybe even the third, fourth or fifth chance," Addis said. "So we're all about second chances and it never being too late to graduate."

She said earning that high school certificate opens doors to post-secondary education, job training programs and better employment opportunities. She said it also allows individuals to achieve a great sense of personal pride and accomplishment.

"This is not just a credential, this is a big accomplishment," Mick told the crowd. "So whatever the reason was for leading you down this road, you have overcome that, you manage distractions, responsibilities and life's challenges. You have earned this opportunity to sit here today in your cap and gown. Be proud of yourself for finishing what you started."

Those interested in the program can call 304-834-1019, visit the St. Joseph's Landing location at 600 18th St., or visit the Facebook page to get started on the path to a diploma.

Douglass Huxley can be reached at dhuxley@newsandsentinel.com

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