Southeastern Community College honors adult education graduates in Chadbourn
CHADBOURN, NC (WWAY) — Southeastern Community College’s Transitional Studies program recognized 22 graduates during a ceremony June 4, highlighting students who completed high school equivalency requirements while balancing work, family and other responsibilities.
College officials said the program is designed to provide flexible pathways for adult learners, including classes held at off-campus sites in Columbus County and surrounding communities.
Veronica Powell, associate dean of Transitional Studies and Prison Education, said expanding access remains a priority.
“Eliminating barriers that would hinder our students is a priority for us,” Powell said.
According to the college, instructional sites included Men and Women United for Youth and Family in Delco, Fair Bluff Fire and Rescue in Fair Bluff and Grace Fellowship Church in Tabor City.
Several graduates participated in the Basic Skills Plus program, which allows students to pursue both a high school equivalency diploma and workforce credentials in fields such as welding, early childhood education, heavy equipment and Nurse Aide I.
Larry Everette, Transitional Studies recruiter and high school equivalency examiner, said persistence was a defining trait of this year’s class.
“What I’m most proud of is that they didn’t quit,” Everette said.
Graduates completed the HiSET exam, which assesses skills in reading, writing, math, science and social studies.
College staff said many students faced challenges including transportation, work schedules and time away from formal education.
Cheri Phillips-Barkley, career coach for Transitional Studies and Basic Skills Plus, said many students returned to the classroom as adults while managing multiple responsibilities.
“These students didn’t just pass a test,” Phillips-Barkley said. “They showed up every day while managing adult responsibilities, and they proved to themselves that they were capable of more.”
College officials said earning a high school equivalency diploma can expand access to employment and postsecondary training opportunities.
The ceremony included remarks from college administrators, student honors for valedictorian Keniah Nevadia Williams and salutatorian Tyree Montkeith Lewis, musical performances and a keynote address by former Transitional Studies graduate Alyssa Willoughby.
The event concluded with a reception following the graduation ceremony.
