CSM Celebrates Adult Education Graduates for Earning High School Diplomas

“If there’s anyone in the audience who doesn’t have a high school diploma yet please understand that it is never too late.”

Through tears, laughter, and rounds of proud applause – friends and families joined at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) La Plata Campus Wednesday evening Nov. 6 to recognize and celebrate 22 adult students for overcoming personal obstacles to earn their high school diplomas.  

“Tonight, we gather to celebrate your remarkable achievement – the culmination of hard work, determination, and resilience,” CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson told the graduates at the commencement event. “Each of you has embarked on a unique journey, and during this ceremony … you stand as testaments to what it means to be brave and what it means to pursue your dreams, no matter the obstacles. This is such a special occasion, and we are all so immensely proud of you.”  

Ashley Dickerson, who served as the student keynote speaker for her class, drew shouts of praise from the audience several times throughout her remarks.   

“Seventeen years later, I’ve finally did it and I can honestly say I’m very proud of myself,” Dickerson told her fellow graduates. “Being here to celebrate with you all today is honestly one of the high points of my life.”  

Dickerson described the National External Diploma Program as “basically a bunch of 12-grade work piled into one. I’ve learned so much I didn’t know.”  

Working with Trudy Rice, NEDP advisor/assessor for CSM, Dickerson said, “not only did I learn a lot of new things. I also gained a friend. Ms. Trudy was patient and very helpful. I’m not going to lie, there were days when I just wanted to give up on the program because I was so frustrated, but it seemed like every time I was nervous about something my answers were always correct. I really enjoyed this program.”  

Dickerson said she often is asked why she didn’t finish high school years ago.

“A lot of us have our reasons and it’s not always because we’re not smart enough,” she explained. “Sometimes it’s personal, and for me around that time, I had a lot going on. I worked two jobs that didn’t require me to have a high school diploma, so I never thought about it. I figured if I could find jobs where the high school diploma isn’t needed then I’ll be good in life.”  

Now that she has her diploma, she shared that she ‘feels unstoppable.’

“I can finally apply to any job I want,” she shared. “I can finally put my high school diploma on the wall next to [the degrees earned by] the rest of my family. If there’s anyone in the audience who doesn’t have a high school diploma yet, please understand that it is never too late.   

“To my fellow colleagues, it doesn’t stop here,” she offered. “You can be whatever you want to be because it’s never too late.”  

The graduates were also surprised to learn that the CSM Foundation, the fundraising arm of the college, provided a scholarship to each of them for $500 to continue their education at CSM.   

“The CSM Foundation graciously provides these funds through our Adult Education Scholarship program,” Wilson said, “and it is our way to recognize and congratulate each of you for your hard work – and your courage – and it is our way to make true on our promise to walk your path with you.”  

Wilson announced that graduate Jennifer Hudson also received an additional $250 scholarship from the Dr. Richard Fleming Scholarship for a total of $750 in scholarship awards. The Dr. Fleming Scholarship is awarded to the graduate of the Adult Education Program that resides in Calvert County. Hudson completed the National External Diploma Program (NEDP) in May.  

CSM’s Director of Adult and Community Education Shaunda Holt explained the aspects of the Adult Education Program. The program offers fundamental education courses that cover areas such as basic reading, writing, and mathematics, all of which prepare driven students to take the GED test or complete the National External Diploma Program. The Adult Education program additionally offers English as a second language classes to supply students with basic English and life skills instruction for individuals whose native language is not English. Most classes offered by the CSM Adult Education Program are free thanks to support through grant funding by the Maryland Department of Labor, the U.S Department of Education, and local contributions.

A Family Literacy course focuses on the development of workforce skills and GED test preparation to increase students’ education and employment skills while learning to support their child’s academic development.  

“The classes are small and conducted both in person and virtually so that learning can be individualized to meet the needs of each student,” Holt said. “We also have classes inside the detention centers in all three Southern Maryland counties, as well as the Jude House [in Bel Alton] to meet students where they are for their educational needs.”  

“Graduates, as you leave here with your hard-earned diplomas and certificates, remember that learning is lifelong, and there are not limits to what you can achieve,” said Echo Salisbury, adult education specialist with the Maryland Department of Labor’s Adult Education and Literacy Services. “You have the power to transform not only your own lives, but also the lives of those around you and your communities. It all starts with you, and the belief of not just ‘I can,’ but ‘I will.’ 

“In the face of change and challenges, you have proven that resolve and perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements,” she added. “You are living proof that is never too late to chase your dreams, acquire new skills, and make a positive impact on your own life and the lives of others.”  

Receiving their diplomas/certificates in person this week were:  

Tariq Ceophas, Heavyn-Lorraine Childs, Makai Cosgrove, Ashley Dickerson, Tanko Djeri, Meryem Essalhi, Nicole Glover-Wright, Mary Hall, Jennifer Hudson, Nelson Loni, Jessica Lopez, Deseree Mason, David Miller, Stephanie Park, Rachael Ritchey, Arezo Saboor, Rachal Shifflett, Ghislain Brice Sithio Kapya, Therese Thacker, Qashara Wolfe, Alexander Woolwine, and Dominique Wotcheu.

To view photographs of the graduation ceremony, please visit https://csmphoto.zenfolio.com/aedfall2024. To learn more about Adult Education, visit https://csmd.augusoft.net/info/landing/Adult-Education.