VGCC Adult Basic Skills graduates receive diplomas
Vance-Granville Community College held commencement exercises for new graduates of the college’s Adult Basic Skills programs on May 13 in the VGCC Civic Center. The honored graduates included 137 students who completed the Adult High School program and 67 who completed the General Education Development (GED) High School Equivalency program.
VGCC Vice President of Community & Economic Development Vanessa Jones commended the graduates for reaching the milestone in the face of challenges. She encouraged them “to celebrate, to continue your education, to take advantage of opportunities and to do your very best.”
Dr. Priscilla Chavis-Lockley of Creedmoor, a VGCC graduate, was the principal commencement speaker. Chavis-Lockley is a veteran educator, currently serving as the head counselor and college/career counseling coordinator at Eaton-Johnson Middle School in Henderson. But she recalled that her own high school counselor did not encourage her to go to college. “I could have stopped at that point, graduated from high school, and decided that the counselor was right,” Chavis-Lockley recalled. “But that wasn’t the case.” She soon enrolled at VGCC. The day before her final exams to complete a degree in early childhood education, her mother died. “Again, I could have stopped, but I did not,” Chavis-Lockley said. “My mother had grounded me for 19 years with her wisdom, teaching me about the importance of faith and education.” Two VGCC degrees paved the way for her to earn bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. She said that new graduates also should not stop but instead “keep going and moving forward.” They should also give back to their communities once they achieve, she said. “I challenge you to do great things, and I know that you will,” Chavis-Lockley concluded.
In his remarks, VGCC President Randy Parker congratulated graduates and noted that the college has one of the largest GED and Adult High School programs in the state. Parker said that commencement marks a “beginning” and that the college’s curriculum programs “are ready to receive you again to help you further your career.”
After Director of Adult Basic Skills Sue W. Grissom presented candidates for graduation, Vanessa Jones assisted President Parker in conferring diplomas.
Students serving as graduation marshals included Ronald Howard of Vance County, Lauren Watkins and Emily Moody of Franklin County, Sean Hargrove of Warren County and Joanne Daise of Granville County.
Above: As (seated from left) VGCC Vice President of Community & Economic Development Vanessa Jones and President Randy Parker listen, Dr. Priscilla Chavis-Lockley delivers the commencement address to graduates of Adult Basic Skills programs on May 13. (VGCC photo)
