Fourteen adults earned high school diplomas from the Barton County Academy this year and were invited to celebrate at the BCA graduation ceremony, Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church in Great Bend.
BCA Site Director Becky Gillette gave the commencement address, talking about “dreams.”
She noted a quote by Colin Powell, “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.”
For these students, earning a diploma was a dream but they didn’t go through the traditional channels. The academy, located at 1010 Taft Street in Great Bend, is a place where people complete their high school education after leaving a traditional school. It is also a place to learn English as a Second Language and other skills.
“It wasn’t an easy dream to accomplish,” Gillette said. “It was a group effort.” Many of the friends and family members who attended the ceremony nodded in agreement.
This year, all of the graduates have earned membership in the National Adult Education Honor Society. “It’s based on the effort that they put in: consistency, hard work and their dedication to getting this done,” Gillette said.
Patty Fletchall from the BCA staff presented the Honor Society awards.
This year’s graduates are: Karla Bates, Michael Elson, Lakin Likes, Margarita Martinez, Steve Nickerson, Tucker Roach, Jennifer Stice, Amanda Elson, Angel Gonzalez, Irene Martinez, Marlene Martinez, Veronica Perales, Daniel Rodriguez and Rocio Tabullo.
While it isn’t a traditional school, the academy offered the Class of 2018 a commencement/recognition ceremony complete with caps and gowns, and the processional music, “Pomp and Circumstance.”
Thursday is the last day of school and after Memorial Day Weekend the staff at Barton County Academy will begin recruiting students for the fall semester.