Phillip Duley walks across the stage to receive a diploma at the Wood County Adult Education annual Recognition Ceremony on June 4. The event celebrated 41 individuals obtaining a high school equivalency diploma between May 2025 and May 2026. From left, keynote speaker Emily Scarbro, instructor Tanner Hunter, regional adult education coordinator Julie Hagan and instructor Deanna Addis.

Local students have been recognized for academic achievements.

Hinton graduates from Ohio Dominican

Elijah Hinton of Marietta has graduated from Ohio Dominican University at Columbus at the school’s 120th Commencement held on May 16. Hinton was in a graduating class of 145 students.

Cottrill on Dean’s List at Shenandoah

Catherine Cottrill of West Union was among more than 1,000 students at Shenandoah University at Winchester, Va., on the Dean’s List for the 2026 Spring Term. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must be enrolled full-time in baccalaureate degree programs and earn a semester GPA of 3.50 or higher.

Holl on Spring Semester Dean’s List at Ohio Wesleyan University

Rainer Holl of Williamstown has been named to the 2026 spring semester Dean’s List at Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. To earn Dean’s List recognition, Ohio Wesleyan students must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale in all applicable classes.

Wood County Adult Education recognizes 41

PARKERSBURG – Forty-one students received their High School Equivalency Diploma between May 2025 and May 2026 at the annual Wood County Adult Education Recognition Ceremony on June 4.

Keynote speaker Emily Scarbro, a 2024 Adult Education graduate, spoke about second chances and choosing growth over giving up. She encouraged graduates to keep moving forward in pursuit of their goals.

“Tonight is proof that your past does not disqualify you from having a future. Your setbacks do not define you,” Scarbro said. “The time you lost does not matter as much as the decision you made to keep going.”

Cynthia and David Puls provided music throughout the ceremony. The Puls are longtime supporters of the program and have become an integral part of the annual event.

Refreshments were served for graduates and their guests following the ceremony.