ADRIAN — Close to 50 graduates took the stage last week and participated in the 41st graduation ceremony for the Adrian Community Education Center.
A total of 49 graduates, including students from the Alternative program and the Adult Education program, received their high school diplomas May 24 at Adrian High School’s Julianne and George Argyros Performing Arts Center. Among the graduates, 40 successfully completed the requirements through the Alternative Education program, while nine accomplished their goals through the Adult Education program, a news release from Adrian Public Schools said.
The ceremony featured three student speakers who shared their personal stories of resilience and determination. Kylee Preston-Draton, a graduate of the Alternative Education program, and Vanessa Mendoza and Eralynn Brock, graduates of the Adult Education program, each delivered “moving speeches,” the release said, about their personal journeys and the various obstacles they had to overcome to meet their goal of graduation.
Linda Brennan, Adult Education lead teacher, commended the graduates for their perseverance and personal growth.
“The journey these graduates have taken is truly remarkable,” she said in the release. “We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and the positive changes they have made in their lives.”
Adrienne Phelps, lead teacher of the Alternative Education program, also praised the graduates’ resilience and determination, stating, “We have witnessed their growth and dedication throughout their time at Adrian Community Education Center. They have overcome challenges and embraced the opportunity for a brighter future.”
Adrian Assistant Superintendent Derrick Richards praised the dedication of the staff at Adrian Community Education Center, emphasizing their pivotal role in supporting students on their educational journey.
“The remarkable commitment of the teaching and support staff to our students’ success and well-being is truly exceptional,” Richards said in the release. “I am proud of the passion and dedication they bring each and every day to help these students.”