Clarkston, Ga. – It was standing room only on April 20, 2023 as graduates, invited guests and loved ones came together to celebrate more than 100 students from Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s adult education division. The students worked hard to earn either a high school equivalency or an English as a Second Language (ESL) certification. And in some cases, both!

A packed house at the recent GPTC adult education graduation
It was a packed house at the recent GPTC adult education graduation ceremony.

One of the highlights of the ceremony came when GPTC’s first graduate from the state’s Career Plus track addressed the crowd. Yalanda Aaron not only earned her high school equivalency but will also be walking across the Georgia Piedmont graduation stage on May 20, 2023 with two Technical Certificates of Credit that focus on information technology – one in PC Repair/Network Technician and the other as a Network Support Specialist.

Georgia Piedmont’s Vice President for Adult Education Dr. Meghan McBride said, “We are so proud of Yalanda, GPTC’s very first Career Plus graduate. She took advantage of this new option for the HSE (High School Equivalency) and was able to complete the program in just two semesters. She paved the way for future Career Plus students and graduates.”

GPTC's first Career Plus adult education graduate, Yalanda Aaron addresses her fellow graduates.
GPTC’s first Career Plus adult education graduate, Yalanda Aaron addresses her fellow graduates.

A common theme at the celebration was recognizing the support from family and friends. Even the guest speaker, longtime political cartoonist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Mark Luckovich, found himself a little choked up at the energy and love in the room.

AJC political cartoonist Mark Luckovich
After his heartfelt remarks, AJC political cartoonist Mark Luckovich drew a portrait of Vice President of Adult Education, Dr. Meghan McBride.

Many of the adult education graduates will continue on their higher education pathway as students at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. For more information about the high school equivalency or ESL programs, visit the adult education page on our website.

Congratulations to all!