I’m not sure how you spent your evening this past Friday, but I must share that mine was simply incredible! My evening was exceptional because I was afforded the opportunity to witness the first graduating adult education class from Davidson County! This was the first official graduation since becoming a contractor with the State.
The ceremony, entitled ‘The Best is Yet to Come’, was held at Trevecca Nazarene University located in Nashville. District Director Christina Drones and Assistant District Directors Kathryn Bonecutter and Adam Sones were on hand along with Davidson County instructors and staff.
After the official Pomp and Circumstance, fellow student Jassie Ford was encouraged by her classmates as she sang the National Anthem. Master of Ceremonies Adam Sones welcomed the graduates, and photos of all the graduates were displayed on two large screens. Director of Program Outreach for the TN Division of Adult Education Dee Johnson gave the commencement address before the presentation of graduates. There were a total of 45 graduates walking the line.
I had a chance to visit with the graduates before the ceremony began. The soon-to-be graduates were filled with excitement, pride, and a sense of accomplishment as their realization of receiving a high school equivalency diploma was about to come to fruition. Families and loved ones filled the auditorium anxiously waiting for the ceremony to begin. In speaking with family members, I heard stories of sacrifice and the many challenges that were overcome. I believe the loved ones were just as excited as the actual graduates about to take the stage.
You’ve heard the phrase, “It takes a village” – It truly does. And so when these graduates finally took the stage, it sincerely affected more than just the students. It touched the moms and dads, the husbands and wives, the sons and daughters, the instructors and staff, and myself.
Think back to your high school graduation and remember how proud you were at that time. For most of these graduates, they were so scared to take that first step. Our staff has helped these individuals to become excited about learning, and they truly felt cared for as a student. They were assured that they could take on this personal accomplishment and could truly understand that “The Best is Yet to Come’!
And when I thought the evening could not get any better, we were all surprised by a marriage proposal to one of the graduates. She said YES!
Marketing Specialist Kim Robertson captured photos from the event, and I am sharing a few of those below. Take a moment to visit the Workforce Essentials Facebook page to view all the graduates and the entire ceremony.
I encourage you to attend one of our upcoming graduations; it’s a great way to warm your soul! I’m certainly proud of these first AE graduates, and I’m equally proud of our AE Team in District 5.
Keep up the great work of changing lives one diploma at a time!
Marla
