Blue Ridge Honors 2024 Graduates of Adult High School and High School Equivalency Programs
Published December 17, 2024
Featured photo: Graduates of Blue Ridge Community College’s Adult High School and High School Equivalency programs proudly pose together after their graduation ceremony. Back row, left to right: Priscilla Pitchman, Melody Godwin, Amber McCall, Mariah Piskor, Adelle Kindlinger, Sarah Pipkin, Sandra Waroe. Front row, left to right: LaDesma Chavez, Aciano Gonzalez, Aundreah Blackman, Kristian Berryman, Elizabeth Barnette, Courtney Flores. (Photo by Rich Keen, Marketing and Communications Dept.)
On December 16, 2024, Blue Ridge Community College hosted a graduation ceremony for 48 graduates of the Adult High School and High School Equivalency programs in the Thomas Auditorium.
The Adult High School (AHS) program prepares students for higher education and the workforce by helping them complete their high school diploma. The program is offered on a web-based platform with instructor guidance and support. The High School Equivalency (HSE) program prepares students to earn a North Carolina Community College High School Equivalency Diploma by passing the ETS HiSET or Pearson VUE GED tests. Subjects covered include reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
The ceremony began with a special welcome by Blue Ridge President Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, who praised the graduates for their accomplishment during a particularly challenging season.
“In the aftermath of the hurricane, we now see not just the physical rebuilding of homes and communities, but also the rebuilding of hope and opportunity,” she said. “You are a shining example of that hope, proving that no storm can extinguish your ambition and the power of education.”
The event also included remarks from High School Equivalency graduate Sarah Pipkin and a keynote address by Dr. Katherine R. B. Greysen, a retired communication studies professor from Haywood Community College.
Blue Ridge Dean of Adult Education and Literacy Robin Paulison performed the presentation of graduates. Diplomas were then conferred by Dr. Leatherwood, and Vice President for Instruction Kathy Allen delivered closing remarks. To enthusiastic applause, the graduates were then dismissed to celebrate with their friends and families.
The full list of Fall 2024 AHS and HSE graduates included:
Adult High School
Aundreah Alexis Blackman
Anthony Branks
LaDesma Chavez
High School Equivalency
Rylee Abbott
Adriana Abee
Elena Alcantar
Justus Banks
Elizabeth Nicole Barnette
Charles Barnes
Kristian Berryman
Quentin Call
Stephen Call
Haden Dalton
Blanca Diaz Leal
Timothy Dunlap
Khrystian Farmer
Boris Ferrera Menendez
Tamia Fletcher
Courtney Flores
Ariel Foreman
Maria Fuentes
Melody Godwin
Aciano Gonzalez
Justin Hilbert
Johan Hurtado Gelvez
Nilson Hurtado Gelvez
Jesse Jones
Adelle Kindlinger
David Luker
Blaine Mast
Austin Mast
Amber McCall
Dannika Michalski
Ivan Munoz
Hayden Owen
Sarah Pipkin
Mariah Piskor
Priscilla Pitchman
America Poe
Joshua Pratt
Collin Radick
Calvin Reddish
Sabrina Rexroad
Noah Stamp
Karina Truckenbrodt
Sandra Waroe
Joseph Zander
Kerrigan Ziegler
To learn more about Blue Ridge’s Adult Education programs, visit www.blueridge.edu/ael.
