Twenty-six students completed coursework to graduate from the Adult Education Commencement Ceremony at Arkansas State University-Newport on Monday, May 13, 2019.
Students attended GED classes at one of the four centers Arkansas State University-Newport operates. Those centers are located in Newport, Jonesboro, Marked Tree and Trumann. At the ceremony, students walked across the stage to receive their diplomas that are equivalent to high school diplomas. It's also known as a General Education Diploma.
A student from each location gave a speech about their journey to receiving their GED. Their words were heartfelt and conveyed the struggles they each overcame to achieve their goals. Many also thanked the Adult Education faculty and staff for their support and encouragement.
The spring 2019 GED graduates are Brandon Blake, Brittany Brown, Allyson Burleson, Madison Byard, Sara Dorton, Chase Driver, Oprah Ewing, Arissa Farmer, Ty Gardner, William Johnny Gibson, Charles Gregg, Mandolin Gunter, Courtney Hull, Carlos Luevanos, Carlos Mancilla, Shirley Mills, Meghan Montgomery, Siona Neshae Oats, Ricky Sefers, Angela Slaughter, Alyssia Stoner, Christopher Grant Taylor, Ethan Taylor, Callie Templeton, Rachel Treadway and Lee Watt.
One of the graduates received special recognition early this year at the Arkansas State Capitol for scoring in the top 25 in the state on the GED exam. Arissa Farmer's score was 20th in the state.
For more information on ASU-Newport's Adult Education Centers and programs click here.