State Legislator helps celebrate VGCC Adult Basic Skills graduates

Vance-Granville Community College held commencement exercises honoring graduates of the college’s Adult Basic Skills programs on May 8 in the VGCC Civic Center. Participants in the ceremony were among those students who have completed either the Adult High School Diploma program or the High School Equivalency program in the past year.

 

VGCC Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs Dr. Angela Ballentine welcomed graduates, families and friends to the celebration. Congratulating the graduates, Ballentine said, “when this ceremony is over, you will have a diploma, but it is not just a diploma. It is also a key that will open the doors of opportunity for each of you.” She encouraged graduates to continue their education at VGCC by enrolling in a curriculum degree, diploma or certificate program . “We will help you make the transition to college, and we will advise you through the academic and career pathways that will allow you to take advantage of new possibilities,” Ballentine said.

 

Speaking on behalf of the graduating students during the ceremony was Tra-Ron Williams of Henderson. Williams said he was determined to obtain his high school diploma in the face of numerous challenges. When he was without transportation on two occasions, he walked from Kittrell to VGCC’s Main Campus (a distance of 13 miles) to attend classes. Williams also later took online classes. Despite struggling to pass his last test, he completed the High School Equivalency program in December 2013, just before the expiration of the previous version of the GED test. “This high school diploma has already opened the door for me to attend a culinary arts school in Kentucky,” Williams said.

 

Rep. Bobbie Richardson, a retired educator who represents House District 7 (including parts of Franklin and Nash counties) in the North Carolina General Assembly, was the principal commencement speaker. She applauded the graduates for making education a priority. “Now is the time to apply the skills and knowledge you have acquired to change your life,” she said. She gave graduates the example of the late South African President Nelson Mandela as someone who demonstrated courage and “living for a purpose.”

 

Following Richardson’s address, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of VGCC, applauded the Basic Skills faculty for preparing students to succeed. As an extra incentive for graduates to move on to the next level of education, she announced that each would receive a certificate worth free tuition and fees for one semester of courses in curriculum programs at VGCC, if they do not receive federal financial aid. “I’m looking forward to each of you realizing the endless possibilities that this college provides,” the president said. “You are now able to further your education, start a career, and become a lifelong learner. This is your new beginning.”

 

After Adult Basic Skills department chair Cathy Barham announced the candidates for graduation, Dr. Angela Ballentine assisted President Williams in presenting diplomas.

 

Above: State Representative Bobbie Richardson addresses VGCC Adult Basic Skills graduates. (VGCC photo)

 

 

 

Above: Tra-Ron Williams of Henderson speaks to his fellow Adult Basic Skills graduates during the May 8 commencement exercises in the Civic Center. (VGCC photo)