Florence County School District Three’s Adult Education program presented high school diplomas to 39 graduates during a commencement ceremony at Blanding Street Auditorium Wednesday, June 26.
The graduates include students from Florence County School Districts 2, 3 and 5.
Graduate Beatriz Rodriguez addressed his fellow graduates along with their relatives and friends who gathered for the ceremony.
Rodriguez returned to finish the requirements for graduation in August 2018 and completed the coursework in December 2018. An employee at East Coast Erosion Blankets, Rodriguez said she plans to enroll at Florence-Darlington Technical College in the fall.
“I only had 5 classes to complete and I had so many choices to make, but I decided that the adult education program was right for me because all of the classwork is at your own pace,” she said.
Rodriguez also thanked the adult education staff for helping her reach her goals. “I would encourage anyone that, for whatever reason, has not had the opportunity to complete their high school education to join the adult education program,” she said. “Everyone there helps you achieve your goals and cares about your future. I would like to thank everyone who never gave up on me and helped me through this journey.”
Graduates included: Hiltone Hashim Bailey Jr., Brianna Imani Barr, Patrick Da’Sean Campbell, Kadacsha Denai Carter, Lee Allen Coleman, Dustin Tyler Cooper, Christopher Shane Dennis, Everette Davey Dennis, Carson Steward DuPaul, Tristen James Evans, Kyle Lenhart Geren, Au’Nazjia La’Aja Gilliard, Caitlin Jane Godwin (Tanner), Jonathan Dewey Goins, Robert Zion Gowdy, Christopher Lee Graham, David Curt Hannah, Arthur Harris, Bailey Hudson, Xazvier Jenkins, Shant’e Gracie Johnson, Byran Nathenial Jordan, Tyree Jamaruse Jordan, Myra Alyssa Kelehear, Logen Andrew Langston, Joshua Samuel Lowder, Austin River Matthews, Daulton Drake Matthews, Shaumonica Qualaysha McClam, Jakalya Janae McFadden, Colton Chad Melton, Jeleel Rashade Nero, Dustin Lane Rauch, Tristan Lee Rippy, Beatriz Adriana Rodriguez, Edward Rue Tuten, Jada Lanae Wallace, Trenton Alexander Wallace and De’Asia Uneek Williamson.
FCSD3 Superintendent Laura Hickson praised the graduates for their dedication and perseverance and thanked the family and friends who encouraged them. Mrs. Hickson had a rose for each graduate to give to the person who encouraged him or her the most.
“As you travel your pathway in whatever field you choose to pursue, remember these four things,” she said. “Remember to continue to work hard and never give up, surround yourself with positive people, take time to meditate and be thankful and remember you can do anything you try to do.”
