Gadsden, AL – Gadsden State Community College honored 35 graduates during its 2025 Adult Education Graduation Ceremony, held May 1 at Beck Gymnasium on the Wallace Drive Campus. The event celebrated the achievements of students who earned their General Educational Development (GED) certificates or high school diplomas through the college’s Adult Education Services program.
“Congratulations, graduates,” said Hollie Patterson, director of Adult Education Services. “You have made the first step in your journey. We want to watch you fly. Enjoy, celebrate and plan your next steps.”
The ceremony recognized 15 GED recipients and 20 students who earned diplomas through the Non-traditional High School Diploma Option (HSDO). This program, made possible through a partnership with the Alabama Community College System and the Alabama State Department of Education, serves adults who either lacked the necessary credits or did not pass the high school graduation exam when they originally attended high school in Alabama.
During the ceremony, Candida Pedro Aguirre was awarded a scholarship worth over $2,100 to continue her education at Gadsden State. A married mother of three and a native Spanish speaker, Aguirre shared her journey of perseverance and her motivation to earn a diploma to set an example for her children. She plans to pursue a career as a professional translator.
In a show of continued support, all program completers are eligible for one free class at Gadsden State.
The following students earned their GED:
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Alex Carson, Clayton Chapman, Mary Cote, Brandon Evans, James Floyd, Lonna Holloway, Jade Holloway, Magen Johnson, Miguel Martinez, Ava Miller, Logan Rosado, Stuart Stanley, Anthony Wallace, Christine Wyatt, and Ranie Zvodar.
The following students received their high school diplomas through the HSDO program:
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Daisy Watts, Luna Wallen, Santanner Walker, Triston Taylor, Derrick Taylor, Chelsie Loveless Storey, Jessica Roberts, Ryan Pierce, Candida Pedro Aguirre, Lucas Ledbetter, LaTiffani Knight, Billy Manning Hunt, Kristy Hicks, Bessie Hatcher, Ava Fronek, Rodreka Croft, Micki Chambless, Magen Carroll, Byron Tasheem, and Christina Aguilar.
Graduates James Floyd, Luna Wallen, and Magen Carroll gave heartfelt speeches reflecting on their paths to graduation and their hopes for the future.
Dr. Alan Cosby served as the keynote speaker, offering words of encouragement and inspiration, while Dr. Tera Simmons, executive vice president of Gadsden State, awarded the diplomas.
“This is the beginning of a new day for you and your families,” said Dr. Simmons. “You have overcome obstacles and difficulties to come to this defining moment – your graduation. Continue to move forward. Continue to dream. I’m confident that with your hard work, you will achieve your goals.”
To learn more about the GED program and other adult education services, visit gadsdenstate.edu/adulted.
