Meridian Community College: College's HSE Commencement Spotlights Grads, High Achievers

Press release from Meridian Community College:

January 24, 2022

In a ceremony celebrating completion and accomplishment, students who earned their
High School Equivalency in 2021 were spotlighted at Meridian Community College’s McCain
Theater during the HSE Commencement.

Seventeen walked across the stage, shook their hands with MCC President Dr. Thomas
Huebner, and later moved the white tassels on their green mortarboards to the left,
symbolizing graduating from the College’s Adult Education Program with their HSE.
Forty individuals received their High School Equivalency (HSE) degrees in 2021 from
MCC.

Three graduates, Justin Miller, Brittany Lannan and Sarah Smith were spotlighted for
achievement. Miller earn recognition for his high scores on his GED Test.

Lannan, currently an MCC student taking pre-requisite courses for the Radiologic Technology
Program, received the Gloria Blackshear Brown High School Equivalency Scholarship,
an award given to a student who demonstrates academic ambition and financial need.
The $1,000 scholarship is given in honor of MCC alumna Gloria Blackshear Brown who
went back to school at age 57 and received her GED and later three higher education
degrees.

Smith, a student in the MCC Cosmetology Program, received the High School Equivalency
Rising Eagle Scholarship. This award is given to one who exemplifies excellence in
academics, work ethics, skills, strength, and determination to push forward through
all adversity and show a financial need. The scholarship is full-time tuition for
four semesters or at the completion of a career and technical education program.

The College offers the General Educational Development and High School Equivalency
Test, and when an examinee successfully passes the test, MCC offers one free academic
or workforce class. Plus, MCC’s Adult Education program provides foundational skills
in math, reading and writing to help students gain skills needed to earn a HSE diploma,
go to college and or join the military.

HSE recipients for 2021 included Christopher Alvarez, David Anderson, Shelia Anderson,
Brooklyn Bealis, Braylee Blalock, Quashun Brumfield, LaDarrius Coleman, Abbie Cooper,
Daniel Dean, Jasmine Field, Menda Finch, Kaleb Freeman, Phoebe Fulton, Alex-Shelton
Gray, Shawanna Green, Charles Haguewood, Lorenzo Hudson, Hannah Jones, Brittany Lannan,
Regina Lewis, Ja’lea Madding, Michael McDonald, Joshua McDowell, Cameron Miller, Justin
Miller, Gage Moore, Kyra Moore, JaBarence Pickett, Logan Pollock, Chaeli Rash, Kaylenn
Rettig, Lauryn Rutledge, Randal Savell, Nicholas Smith, Sarah Smith, Terrence Stephens,
Lynda Thedford, Madison Tripi, Jayden Williams, and Brittany Winn.

In his keynote address, Cedric Gathings, MCC vice president for engagement, thanked
the graduates, encouraged them to celebrate themselves, and began a new chapter in
their lives. “Today is a significant accomplishment. But as you begin your new chapter
here at Meridian Community College, we want you to continue your education,” he said.

Gathings added, “I ask you to keep this in mind. As you enter your new chapter, begin
with the end in mind.”

This press release was produced by Meridian Community College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.