Students Prove It’s Never Too Late to Earn High School Diploma

WHO: 
Howard Community College (HCC) will honor more than 120 students this Saturday, November 11, who have earned a Maryland high school diploma over the past year through the college’s Adult Basic Skills (ABS) program.

WHAT:
HCC offers language arts and math classes for students working to earn their high school diploma or improving skills for work or college. Funded by state and federal grants and provided through the Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, ABS provides two opportunities to earn high school diplomas: General Educational Development (GED) exam preparation and National External Diploma Program.

WHY: 
Students in the ABS program have compelling stories about why high school didn’t work for them or why they dropped out of school. The ceremony will feature students sharing how their diploma will transform their lives and the lives of their families. 

Student speaker Joyce White, a resident of Columbia, dropped out of high school when she became pregnant with her first child. Now a grandmother and a federal government retiree, she has passed the GED exam at age 64. With her high school diploma in hand, she is planning to tackle her next challenge – college! 

“Stopping my education is not an option,” explained White, whose mortarboard will be decorated with the saying, “I’m 64, and I’m coming back for more.” 

WHEN: 
Saturday, November 11, 2017, starting at 1 p.m.

WHERE:
Howard Community College
Smith Theatre in the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center
10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044

VISUALS:
A celebratory graduation ceremony with students in caps and gowns, and proud family and friends cheering with signs and balloons.