PRESS RELEASE: JUNE 24, 2024

SJR State Honors Adult Education Graduates

Students earning their high school diplomas through St. Johns River State College were recently honored during the College’s annual adult education graduation. The ceremony represented more than just the passing of an exam, it represented countless individual achievements, struggles and challenges that are the very fabric of every GED diploma.

The graduates include Brittany Arrington, Destiny Bartimus, Emily Botley, Zachary Budd, Francesca Cannon, Lisa Capones, Naomi Cone, Caleb Crawford, Tommy Donohoo, Troy Donohoo, Kylie Drescher, Amara Driggers, Ian Everett, Samantha Goodman, Shae Howe, Marty Hubbard, Johnny Mabry, Diamond McDonald, Michael Michael, Christopher Miller, Caleb Moore, Ambria Nobles, Brittany Odom, Stephen Smith, Audrey Sweat, Rylee Summy, Macon Tyrrell, Tyler White and Hunter Williams.

During the ceremony three students were recognized for their achievements, class leadership, and/or determination throughout the program. Samantha Goodman was recognized by instructor Michael Harris for her perseverance and determination. “Though math initially presented a hurdle, she never wavered in the pursuit of knowledge,” Harris said. “Samantha tackled the challenges head-on, transforming into a more confident and well-rounded student during her time in the course. She is a testament to the power of perseverance and a growth mindset.” Goodman plans to pursue a career in nursing.

Kylie Drescher was recognized by instructor Richard Jones, who praised her for her personal growth during the program. “Kylie blossomed from a fragile personality to an outgoing go-getter… sitting in the front row of class and leading lesson plans and class discussions,” Jones said. Drescher plans to pursue photography at Florida School of the Arts.

Instructor Troy Lockhart recognized Ian Everett, who never let his struggles with transportation become an excuse. “Many times his car would break down in the parking lot at the school, yet, he would get a jump from security. I would not expect him to return the following day due to car trouble, but he would make it in the same vehicle, risking the chance of the vehicle breaking down again. That showed his determination to complete the journey. Ian's resolve reminds me of the poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, ‘Don't Quit,’” Lockhart said.

“Ian's future plans are to enlist in the United States Navy, where he hopes to be one of the many great men and women serving our country. I wish him much success as he pursues his goals and dreams. Remember Ian, don't quit!!”

Also among the graduates was Brittany Arrington, 32, of Palatka. After dropping out of high school in Georgia at the age of 16, it was always in Arrington’s plans to earn her diploma, but like many students affected by the complexities of divorce, it had a long and negative impact on her decision to enroll in a homeschool program.

Sixteen years later, Arrington enrolled in SJR State’s GED program. And although she discovered she would have difficulties in focusing on her work, she persevered and learned something new about herself in addition to completing her GED. “With some discipline, I am capable of accomplishing whatever dreams I have. No matter how big or small,” she said.

Arrington also contributes her success to the instructors. “I had the luck of getting Mr. Lockhart for my GED teacher. He was 100% a huge contributor to my success… There were plenty of days when I thought I wasn't smart enough, or was too tired, or was just simply second guessing myself in any manner. He was always there to say... ‘You can and you will!’ Arrington said. “I can honestly remember him saying multiple times... ‘it's WHEN you finish Brittany, not IF you finish. I know you can.’ He made me WANT to come to school and finish. I could not have been blessed with a more perfect teacher or supporter.”

“Then there was Mr. Jones,” Arrington continued. “I met him briefly because he didn't technically teach my class. He was just leaving sometimes and I had the pleasure of meeting him, by chance. He understood how my mind actually worked… but he saw me, helped and took time from the end of his day to help me understand things in a different way.

Arrington plans to continue her education in the College’s radiology program. “I really would love to feel like I'm contributing to society and paying my own way again. That's important to me as an American.”

The ceremony’s guest speaker was Tara Wildes, director, general services for the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. She shared a message of how education is a lifelong process that contributes to the strength of society. “More education means that you have expanded job opportunities. Don’t let it stop here. Keep learning. It’s something that can never be taken away from you. You are the author of the chapters to come in your book,” Wildes said. “Education is something you have earned. It is yours. You can lose your health, your car…. your husband or wife…. but you can’t lose your education. That is something you have earned.”

“Education fosters critical thinking, problem solving abilities, intellectual growth, personal development and self-confidence… Education is important for us to truly achieve equality,” Wildes said.

SJR State’s Adult Education program prepares students to earn a Florida high school diploma through the GED program. The program consists of self-paced and computer-assisted instruction, use of textbooks and handouts, and dedicated, qualified instructors. Registration for the test prep classes is ongoing.

For more information, call the Adult Education department at 386-312-4080, or visit the website at https://www.sjrstate.edu/adulted.

Graduates attending the ceremony are from left, first row Richard Jones (instructor), Brittany Arrington, Shae Howe, Brittany Odom, Naomi Cone and Audrey Sweat.

Second row, Hunter Williams, Kylie Drescher, Michael Michael, Emily Botley, Christopher Miller, Lexis Wegner (program specialist), Third row, Michael Harris (instructor), Tyler White, Marty Hubbard, Ian Everett, Stephen Smith, Caleb Crawford and Troy Lockhart (instructor).

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