Graduates of Blue Ridge Community College’s Adult High School and High School Equivalency programs pose together after their graduation ceremony. (Photo by Rich Keen, Marketing and Communications Dept.)

Blue Ridge Honors 2025 Graduates of Adult High School and High School Equivalency Programs

Published June 9, 2025

Featured photo: Graduates of Blue Ridge Community College’s Adult High School and High School Equivalency programs pose together after their graduation ceremony. (Photo by Rich Keen, Marketing and Communications Dept.) View the full gallery of photos.

Marketing & Communications Dept.

On June 5, 2025, Blue Ridge Community College hosted a graduation ceremony for graduates of the Adult High School and High School Equivalency programs in the Thomas Auditorium.

Within the College’s Adult Education and Literacy department, the Adult High School (AHS) program prepares students for higher education and the workforce by helping them complete their high school diploma. The program is offered on a web-based platform with instructor guidance and support. The High School Equivalency (HSE) program prepares students to earn a North Carolina Community College High School Equivalency Diploma by passing the ETS HiSET or Pearson VUE GED tests. Subjects covered include reading, writing, math, social studies, and science.

Blue Ridge Community College President Dr. Laura Leatherwood welcomed the graduates and guests to the momentous ceremony. She congratulated them on their remarkable accomplishments.

“Each of you arrived at this moment by a different path. Some of you have balanced full- or part-time jobs, raised children, cared for family members, or overcome significant personal setbacks. Many of you have worked to rebuild your homes and lives after Hurricane Helene,” said Dr. Leatherwood. “All of you have carried responsibilities that might have stopped others in their tracks. But not you. You kept going. Most importantly, you didn’t let circumstances define your future – instead, you took hold of it, proving what you can do when you believe in yourself.”

Adult Education & Literacy Instructional Coordinator Matt Gosselin introduced the two student speakers, Jessica Mays and Brionna Moss, who shared from their journeys and congratulated their class on their hard work.

Robin Paulison, dean of Adult Education & Literacy, introduced the keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Katherine R.B. Greysen, retired Communication Studies professor from Haywood Community College. Greysen commended the graduates for their fortitude and diligence.

Following the speeches, Paulison performed the presentation of graduates. Diplomas and certificates were then conferred by Dr. Leatherwood. Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development Scott Queen gave closing remarks before the audience dispersed for cake and punch after the ceremony.

The mission of the Adult Education & Literacy (AEL) department is to provide college and career readiness to adults 16 years of age or older. Its tuition-free programs address the needs of adults who want to earn a high school diploma or equivalency; improve their foundational academic skills; or improve their ability to read, speak, and write the English language. AEL offers several programs to meet the varied needs of area students. Classes meet at various times and days in both Henderson and Transylvania counties.

To learn more about Blue Ridge’s Adult Education programs, visit www.blueridge.edu/ael.

Adult High School

Noah Corban Alderman

Thomas Justus

Isha McDowell

Michael Sharpe

Piper Suttles

High School Equivalency

Jovany Alvarez Aguirre

Jeffrey Black

Arden Bostwick

Misty Cates 

Kendra Dougher

Malia Gossett

Micah Hawelu-Kim

April Hawkins

Gabriel Hoxit

Hannah King

Summer King

Kenjames Lewis

Jessica Mays

Ethan McGarra

Ada McKoy

Kimberly Milholen

Leidy Montana

Brionna Moss

Alex Daniel Nieves

Malachi Sackett

Adeline Scully

Kaitlyn Simpson

McKennah Wood

Clayton Worley