WSWHE BOCES honors graduates of High School Equivalency Program
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> WSWHE BOCES recently held a graduation ceremony honoring its 2020 and 2021 High School Equivalency (HSE) Program graduates.
Program students attended classes and studied for the TASC exam (formerly GED). Once they passed the TASC test, they earned their high school equivalency diploma.
“These students persevered and earned their diploma through not just typical hard times but also through a pandemic,” a repress release from WSWHE BOCES said. “Whether they had to stop meeting in person and change over to remote learning when things shut down, or had to take more responsibility at home with their families, these students stayed strong and continued forward to make their goals a reality.”
For some, this diploma has already opened up new job opportunities, while others plan to continue their education in college or technical school.
Graduate Avonlea Stiles from Ballston Spa said in the release, “I absolutely recommend the HSE program to anyone looking to earn their diploma. This program does such important work, and much more behind the scenes. If you need a program that is flexible and supportive of your needs, this is it. I am so grateful for my instructor and for HSE.”
Stiles credits her supportive teacher for being her advocate and part of her support system.
She is currently enrolled at SUNY Adirondack and plans to continue her education to become an English teacher.
The graduation ceremony, held following CDC guidelines, was well received by the graduates and their supporters.
During the ceremony, Dr. Turina Parker, assistant superintendent for educational and support programs at WSWHE BOCES, spoke to the students. “Today presents an opportunity not only for celebration, but also, reflection. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the skills and qualities that have brought you here, to this moment. It’s an opportunity to realize that you have succeeded. You adopted an attitude of perseverance and determination. You set a goal, and achieved it,” she said to the graduates. “It is your attitude, and your efforts, that have resulted in this moment.”
The WSWHE BOCES High School Equivalency (HSE) Preparation Program offers students pathways to earn their high school equivalency diploma. Classes are offered in three locations, Glens Falls, Saratoga Springs and the Bryant & Stratton College Malta Extension Center. Students learn at their own pace from as little as a few months to years. Study programs can be taken in-person classes or via a hybrid method. Individual attention is given to students to prepare them for the TASC test. HSE aims to help encourage and motivate adult learners to obtain the education they need to take the exam and earn their diplomas.