Wallace-Dothan Holds GED Graduation

Matt Boster

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Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: May 03 2016 9:09 AM

Dothan, Ala. – Wallace Community College – Dothan held commencement ceremonies for 20 graduates of the Adult Education GED program on Sunday, April 17 at the Wallace Campus in Dothan.

 

Austin Ray Mesey (Valedictorian – Ozark) and Austin Tyler Andrews (Salutatorian – Ashford) were recognized during the graduation. Andrews told the audience that obtaining his GED was a long journey, one that was inspired by the loss of a long-time friend last year. “People will tell you that you can’t succeed. Prove them wrong,” he said. He plans to transition into the welding program at WCCD.

 

GED Valedictorian Mesey spoke to fellow graduates about leadership and how their decision to pursue the GED proves that they can be leaders. “Leadership is a choice. By taking GED classes, we became risk takers. But, more importantly, we beat the GED test!” he said. Mesey plans to major in Psychology and pursue a four-year degree.

 

This graduating class was a “family” affair. Crystal McBroom (Dothan) and her son, Chris Mullis (Dothan), achieved their GED diplomas together. 

 

Ms. Stefanie Bowie, WCC adult education director, applauded the group and their collective work ethic. She reminded the graduates that the GED was the first step to a better education. “There are 800,000 adults in Alabama who do not have a GED or high school diploma,” she said. “You are no longer one of these.”

 

Keynote speaker Lynn Bell, WCCD dean of business affairs, spoke to the graduates about his path to higher education. Bell’s father taught him the value of an education. “He always told me that the world can take a lot away from you, but it can’t take away what you know.” Bell told the graduates that their GED diplomas were a milestone, not a destination. “Life requires you to be a life-long learner,” he said.

 

The GED program reaches out to everyone who endeavors to complete their high school credentials. Wallace offers one class free to GED graduates. Two of the GED graduates have already enrolled at WCC to continue their education, and another 15 are enrolled to attend summer semester. A high school diploma or equivalency is required by employers for most jobs.

 

Wallace Community College offers free GED preparation classes through its Adult Education program at fourteen locations in Houston, Henry, and Barbour counties. For more information on the program, call (334) 556-2373 in Dothan or (334) 619-3000 in Eufaula.

 

GED graduates receiving certificates were:

 

Abbeville: Angel Nicole Altman, Ishma Nikia Blackmon, and James D. Moat; Ashford: Austin Tyler Andrews and Paige Smith; Dothan: John Lee Adkins, Kortnie Lee, Shauniqua L. Lynn, Crystal McBroom, Chris Mullis, Korey R. Orsborn, and Sailor Powell; Eufaula: Zach Bowden; Gordon:Alex Toole; Midland City: Hannah Marie Chiles, and Steven Edward Schirmer; Newton: Jackie Greathouse; Ozark: Rhonda Eureka Cole and Austin Ray Mesey; Taylor: Lauralee Daughtry.

 

First photo: GED Valedictorian Austin Ray Mesey and Salutatorian Austin Tyler Andrews

 

 

Second Photo: GED graduates Crystal McBroom and her son, Chris Mullis, celebrate their completion

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