Adult students earn high school equivalency diplomas
Posted on 06/14/2018
Approximately 50 of the 130 adult students who met the requirements, at Washington Irving Adult and Continuing Education Center, to earn a national high school equivalency diploma, crossed the stage in cap and gown Thursday evening at Schenectady High School.
In order to earn the equivalency diploma, candidates must pass an (TASC) assessment that measures a level of achievement relative to that of graduating high school seniors and Career and College Readiness standards.
Washington Irving serves as a TASC testing center and provides an array of classes, preparation and study classes to help adults achieve their educational goals.
Shelette Pleat, SCSD early literacy coordinator, shared her own story of inspiration and offered encouragement and advice.
Pleat explained that, like many others in the room, she dropped out of high school as a senior. But, that wasn't the end of her story. She went back to school and eventually earned her GED at the age of 21. She took a couple of classes at Schenectady County Community College. She then went to Hudson Valley, St. Rose - where she earned herself a spot on a dean's list and a bachelor's degree - and the University at Albany, where she earned a master's degree.
Pleat shows no signs of stopping. She told the students that she is now interested in pursuing a doctoral degree.
Pleat encouraged the adults to find something that they love and "don't stop."
Five students, De’Neane Surgick, Pattie Sellie, Crystal Peguero, Anthony Perez, and Romona Mangar, were presented with awards.
READ THE DAILY GAZETTE STORY HERE.