Tears of joy and celebratory fist pumps dotted the scene during the Allen Community College GED graduation ceremony Monday night. Sixteen graduates received their GED diplomas.
Lorena Gonzalez had the honor of giving the student address. Like many of the graduates, Gonzalez came from a difficult background before arriving at ACC. English is Gonzalez’s second language. She grew up not knowing her father and had little support from her family.
“At the age of 15, I became pregnant and I dropped out of high school at 16,” she said.
Despite having to deal with homelessness, mental and physical abuse, Gonzalez said she didn’t let those things get in her way. Gonzalez will begin her sophomore year at Washburn University next fall.
Each instructor of the adult education program briefly spoke to the graduates.
“It’s amazing to watch the change in someone when they are able to see what their capabilities are,” Julia Martin, adult education director, said.
Instructor Tamara Wallace said she is impressed with how well the class had done this year.
“These are the highest test scores I’ve seen since I’ve been here,” Wallace said. “I want to thank you for teaching me.”
ACC President John Masterson awarded scholarships to students who achieved academic excellence.
