HSE grads recognized for work, achievement
Rhonda Smith, left, MCC adult education college and career navigator, congratulates Simone Hardy Henry,
a High School Equivalency (HSE) graduate.
In a ceremony celebrating completion and accomplishment, students who earned their High School Equivalency (HSE) in 2023 were recognized during Meridian Community College’s HSE Commencement.
Ten walked across the stage, shook their hands with MCC President Dr. Tom 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 credentials. Twenty-nine individuals received their HSE diploma from January through July 2023 from MCC.
Two graduates, Hannah Buchanan and Aiyana Espey, were spotlighted for their achievement of excellence by earning a score of 170 or above on a subject area.
Three graduates, Carson Boutwell, David ‘Jamey’ Downs, and Simone Hardy Henry were recognized for completing the Mississippi Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (MIBEST) Program. Each student received a certificate, a blue and white graduation cord and a $200 incentive. The MIBEST Program allows adult education students to enroll in college credit or workforce training courses and earn a High School Equivalency at the same time. Boutwell and Henry have completed the one-year Culinary Arts Technology Program while Downs has earned eight NIMS Certifications and completed the first year of the Precision Machining Engineering Technology Program.
The College offers the High School Equivalency Test through the Adult Education program, and when an examinee successfully passes the test, MCC offers one free academic or workforce class. Plus, the Adult Education program provides foundational assistance in math, reading and writing to help students gain skills needed to earn an HSE diploma, go to college and or join the military.
HSE recipients for 2023 included Bailey Arellano, Legand Benton, Carson Boutwell, Kameron Branning, Devon Brown, Hannah Buchanan, Margaret Bunch, Keri Dillard, David Downs, Aiyana Espey, Timothy Harding, Alexis Harper, Simone Henry, Ritchie Hillhouse, Tyrese Howard, Alexa Johnson, Lillian McMahan, Dominique Nickerson, Evan Perdue, Samuel Pittman, Jimmy Rasco, Emma Ray, Bruce Shearon, Donnie Singley, Eden Skinner, Cedrick Smith, Ellis Tidwell, Lorena Torres and Blake Upton. Branning, Buchanan, Dillard, Espey, Hardin, Howard, and Johnson earned honors designations.
HSE graduate speaker, Simone Hardy Henry, shared experiences that impacted her journey in the Adult Education Program since she was 17 years old. This year she turned 30.
Life happened and it was difficult to stay committed to the program, Henry said, as she shared that she lost a child and her mother within the last few years, which took a physical and mental toll on her. But when she re-enrolled in the Adult Education Program, it felt different. However, she said it was also her mother's voice inside of her telling her "Mo, you got to keep going this time," that gave her the strength to move forward.
Henry said that she received a lot of encouragement and support from the Adult Education staff and also from MCC Culinary Arts Program Coordinator and Instructor AnHoward Hill and Hospitality Technology Program Coordinator and Instructor Anthony McOlgan, which made the transition this time smoother. Henry encouraged her fellow graduates. "Your journey may be delayed, but don't let anything stop you from making it to the finish line. You will succeed if you hold on and put in the work. Never give up. Never quit. Keep going. You can do it; I did. So, you can, too,” she added.
Visit meridiancc.edu/adulteducation to learn more about MCC’s Adult Education program.