With faces beaming as they entered the theater, GED graduates from Adult Options In Education (AOIE) participated in the GED Graduation ceremony on June 3 at Hopkins Center for the Arts. The crowd was filled with friends, family, community dignitaries, AOIE teachers and volunteers to celebrate the occasion.
After a greeting by Jane Kono, Coordinator of AOIE, three student members of the graduation class spoke to their peers about the journey to earn the GED. Rob Reid, Shenia Hill, and Penny Barnes each told inspiring stories. They all had their own challenges along the way, but overcame them to be standing at the podium on this special night.
Shenia Hill brought a message of perseverance and a “can-do” attitude. Taking care of her family had become priority number one, while her education had fallen to the bottom of the list. Eventually, she realized that it was time to put her education to the forefront to set a good example for her children and to do something important for herself.
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After studying hard and attending AOIE classes, Shenia passed the GED exam. This spring she started at Normandale Community College and ended her first semester with “3 A’s and a B. That one was in Chemistry, so I’m proud of that one.” Her stellar academic performance landed her on the Dean’s List.
She was also the recipient of the Bernice Brooks Memorial Scholarship, presented to a GED Graduate planning to or attending college. The scholarship is made possible through the generosity of AOIE volunteers, community members, and friends of the program.
Two other awards were given that evening, the Heidi Larson Award and the Lifelong Learning Award. The Heidi Larson Award was presented to Penny Barnes, a graduate who overcame many life challenges and struggles to earn her GED. The Lifelong Learning Award was presented to Audrey Tolle, who finished her GED to set an example for her grandchildren and to show that “at age 86, anything is possible.”
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Diplomas were presented to graduates by: Connie Meyer, Hennepin County Adult Corrections Facility Programs Manager, Hopkins School District Superintendent John W. Schultz, Ph. D., Minnetonka School District Superintendent Dennis Peterson, Ph. D., and Lisa Greene, St. Louis Park Community Education Director.
Adult Options In Education is an adult basic education program supported through the community education departments of the Hopkins, Minnetonka and St. Louis Park school districts, along with the Hennepin County Correctional Facility. For more information about Adult Options In Education or the GED Graduation, call 952-988-5343, email adult.options@hopkinsschools.org or visit our website at www.adultoptions.org.