A powerful message of perseverance echoed through Illinois Valley Community College’s 44th annual Adult Education Recognition. Keynote speakers Martha Flores, Caleb Chambers, and Margret Morse each described overcoming personal and academic challenges to pursue their dreams. Flores conquered language barriers and age concerns to earn her CNA certificate. Chambers found new opportunities through IVCC’s welding program, expressing gratitude for both life and job skills gained. Morse, who struggled for years with math, completed her GED after passing the math section this spring. In all, 68 students were honored for completing GEDs, citizenship, or career pathway programs this spring.
Sebastian Stadler has been awarded a $500 scholarship from the IVCC Foundation after meeting the rigorous test score requirement of at least 175 in each subject area. Alongside Stadler, Nicholas Jungles also achieved the necessary scores, earning both students valuable college transcript credits as an added incentive. These achievements reflect the ongoing commitment to academic excellence promoted by the foundation, which continues to support students who surpass testing benchmarks.
Receiving their completion certificates at the ceremony:
Illinois High School Diploma recipients – Amal Abushanab; Patricia Anderson; Nevaeh Bernard; Cortney Bland; Andrea Cortes; Caleb Crabbe; Cassidy Downey; Paige Downey; Gavin Ebert; Raven Gebhardt; Gavin Wampler, Lorilee Kaley; Angelina Kurdi; Keiran Leisure; Breana McDaniel; Adrianna Moore; Margret Morse; Aracely Payan; Kelsey Price; Madison Schramm; Marisela Spence; Ava Wallace; Keisha Wimbley; Stephen Woods and AJay Young.
ICAPS completers – Martha Flores, Milena Ribeiro and Evelyn Tejada. Bridge to Careers completers – Musab Ahmed; Maribell Herrera; Jenyffer Rosas; Ana Jones; Magdaly Neira; Alejandra Medellin; Musab Mohamed and Evelyn Tejada.
Citizenship honorees – Aracely Payan.