RCC lauds Adult High School and High School Equivalency Grads

Richmond Community College held a graduation ceremony June 16 for students from Richmond and Scotland counties who completed either the Adult High School or High School Equivalency program.

RichmondCC’s College and Career Readiness program awarded 112 High School Equivalency diplomas and 23 Adult High School Diplomas from June 2015 to May 2016.

Dr. Dale McInnis, College president, recognized the hard work of these students and also applauded the parents, family and friends who supported the students along the way. He also recognized the many organizations throughout Richmond and Scotland counties that partner with the College to support the adult education programs and the many instructors who teach the classes. 

“Tonight is a special night. Each one of these students has a story, and I’m excited because tonight we build on your story. You get to add another chapter,” McInnis said. “It is not the end of your book. It’s when you get to write another chapter in your book, in your life and in your journey because you have a new future in your hands.”

McInnis also noted that many of the graduates would be attending RichmondCC to continue to build their skills and knowledge for success.

Workforce and Economic Development Vice President Robbie Taylor presented scholarships to students who will be enrolling in classes at RichmondCC this fall semester.

Antoin McNeill received the Barbara S. Conder Basic Skills Scholarship.

Latasha Wall and Jonathan Nails Jr. received scholarships from the Rockingham Civitan Club.

Gloria Paige Frye received the Emma M. Stancil & Captain Walter R. Stancil Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

Caleb Adcock received the RCC Trustees Basic Skills Scholarship.

Sharing a piece of their story during the ceremony were graduates Caleb Adcock and Arnold Bennett. They each spoke briefly about their journey to complete their high school education and offered words of encouragement to their fellow classmates.

Adcock, the 16-year-old son of Kevin and Stephanie Adcock, was homeschooled before making the decision to complete his high school education through the College and Career Readiness program. He made exceptionally high scores on all the High School Equivalency tests and will be attending RichmondCC in the fall. He is interested in pursuing a career in neuroscience or biology.

Bennett had to quit high school and seek employment to help sustain his family, but he never gave up his dream of completing high school. He kept this goal in sight over the years as he worked hard to provide a good life for his family. Finally, last summer he had the opportunity to pursue his GED. Since earning his GED in July 2015, he has been enrolled in the Welding Technology program at RichmondCC.