Some high school graduates go through the motions; not realizing what is happening with their lives, what they accomplished, or where they are headed.
Nothing could have been further from that this past Tuesday night when Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC) graduated 17 students from their Middle College program with inspiring, moving speeches, the understanding of how precious a high school education is, the ability to overcome obstacles, and the realization that there is nothing standing between these students and their dreams.
Local graduates who received their GED from PHCC’s Middle College program included: Henry De La Cruz of Patrick Springs, national career readiness certification (NCRC), gold level and college enrolled; Tristen Chase Ingram of Spencer, NCRC, silver level and college enrolled; and James Tyler Jenkins of Stuart, NCRC, silver level and college enrolled.
Middle College assists 18- to 26-year-old students who have not completed high school with obtaining their GED and with academic and career readiness training. Most students who graduate from Middle College enroll in college courses within the year.
During Middle College, students can also take the National Career Readiness Certificate test which provides proof to future employers that they possess essential workplace skills success such as applied math, reading, and information processing. Nationally, less than 20 percent of individuals who earn an NCRC credential achieve the gold level or higher.
The speakers of the evening included PHCC President Dr. Angeline Godwin, Student Success Center Director Christy Yaple, Middle College Instructor Christy Spencer, Crystal Caldwell a parent of two former Middle College graduates, and Middle College graduate Henry De La Cruz.
For those interested in the Middle College program contact Pam Holland at (276) 656-0222 or pholland@patrickhenry.edu for more information.
