College’s HSE commencement spotlights grads, high achievers
Gloria Blackshear Brown, left, and Jamila Brown Coleman, right, congratulate Brittany
Lannan as the Gloria Blackshear Brown High School Equivalency Scholarship recipient.
The scholarship was presented during MCC’s HSE commencement. Coleman, the lead instructor
in the College’s Adult Education Department, is Brown’s daughter.
In a ceremony celebrating completion and accomplishment, students who earned their High School Equivalency in 2021 were spotlighted at Meridian Community College’s McCain Theater during the HSE Commencement.
Seventeen walked across the stage, shook their hands with MCC President Dr. Thomas Huebner, and later moved the white tassels on their green mortarboards to the left, symbolizing graduating from the College’s Adult Education Program with their HSE. Forty individuals received their High School Equivalency (HSE) degrees in 2021 from MCC.
Three graduates, Justin Miller, Brittany Lannan and Sarah Smith were spotlighted for achievement. Miller earn recognition for his high scores on his GED Test.
Lannan, currently an MCC student taking pre-requisite courses for the Radiologic Technology Program, received the Gloria Blackshear Brown High School Equivalency Scholarship, an award given to a student who demonstrates academic ambition and financial need. The $1,000 scholarship is given in honor of MCC alumna Gloria Blackshear Brown who went back to school at age 57 and received her GED and later three higher education degrees.
Smith, a student in the MCC Cosmetology Program, received the High School Equivalency Rising Eagle Scholarship. This award is given to one who exemplifies excellence in academics, work ethics, skills, strength, and determination to push forward through all adversity and show a financial need. The scholarship is full-time tuition for four semesters or at the completion of a career and technical education program.
The College offers the General Educational Development and High School Equivalency Test, and when an examinee successfully passes the test, MCC offers one free academic or workforce class. Plus, MCC’s Adult Education program provides foundational skills in math, reading and writing to help students gain skills needed to earn a HSE diploma, go to college and or join the military.
HSE recipients for 2021 included Christopher Alvarez, David Anderson, Shelia Anderson, Brooklyn Bealis, Braylee Blalock, Quashun Brumfield, LaDarrius Coleman, Abbie Cooper, Daniel Dean, Jasmine Field, Menda Finch, Kaleb Freeman, Phoebe Fulton, Alex-Shelton Gray, Shawanna Green, Charles Haguewood, Lorenzo Hudson, Hannah Jones, Brittany Lannan, Regina Lewis, Ja’lea Madding, Michael McDonald, Joshua McDowell, Cameron Miller, Justin Miller, Gage Moore, Kyra Moore, JaBarence Pickett, Logan Pollock, Chaeli Rash, Kaylenn Rettig, Lauryn Rutledge, Randal Savell, Nicholas Smith, Sarah Smith, Terrence Stephens, Lynda Thedford, Madison Tripi, Jayden Williams, and Brittany Winn.
In his keynote address, Cedric Gathings, MCC vice president for engagement, thanked the graduates, encouraged them to celebrate themselves, and began a new chapter in their lives. “Today is a significant accomplishment. But as you begin your new chapter here at Meridian Community College, we want you to continue your education,” he said.
Gathings added, “I ask you to keep this in mind. As you enter your new chapter, begin with the end in mind.”