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Featured photo: Adult Education and Literacy graduation group lineup, left to right: Front row:
Michael Fox, Alaiya Duckett, Ethan McIntosh, Elizabeth Skye Rogers. Middle Row: Finch Serra, Kaly Galloway, Skylier Marie Waltz, Yenifer Carrillo de Alba, Angiel Diaz, Alma Garcia Gayoso, Lauren Philbrook, Fernando Ruiz Martinez. Back row: Ava Sampler, Venus Magnolia Few, Logan Jablonski, William Leavell, Luis Fernando Montano Rueda, Krystal Ramos, Haley McCall, Jasmine Brown. (Photo by Rich Keen.)
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With a mission grounded in opportunity and second chances, Blue Ridge Community College honored its Adult High School and High School Equivalency graduates on December 9, 2025. The celebration took place in the Bo Thomas Auditorium on the Henderson County Campus, marking the beginning of a new chapter of career and educational opportunity for graduates.
Blue Ridge’s Adult High School (AHS) program prepares students for higher education and the workforce by helping them earn 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 PSI HiSET exams. Subjects covered include reading, writing, math, social studies, and science.
Blue Ridge President Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood provided a warm welcome to the graduates at the special event.
“Completing your high school education as an adult brings lasting benefits. It opens doors to new careers and promotions, strengthens confidence and personal growth, and sets a powerful example for your family and community,” she said. “You have proven that dedication and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.”
President Leatherwood also recognized and congratulated Dean of Adult Education and Literacy Robin Paulison on her upcoming retirement.
“For more than a decade, Paulison has led our Adult Education & Literacy programs with compassion, steadiness, and an unwavering belief in every learner,” Leatherwood said. “Under her leadership, these programs have helped thousands of students overcome barriers—whether gaining English language skills, strengthening foundational academics or employability skills, or completing a high school diploma or equivalency to pursue better opportunities. Because of Robin’s dedication, Blue Ridge has remained a welcoming and accessible starting point for those seeking a fresh path forward.”
Amani Duncan, instructional coordinator for the Adult Education & Literacy program at Blue Ridge, introduced the first speaker, Adult High School graduate Skylier Marie Waltz, who shared congratulations to her fellow graduates.
Dean Robin Paulison introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Katherine R. B. Greysen, retired communication studies professor at Haywood Community College. Paulison performed the presentation of graduates. Diplomas were conferred by President Leatherwood, and Vice President for Instruction and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Dolly Horton provided closing remarks and congratulations to the graduates and their families.
“Graduates, as you close this chapter and step into the next, I hope you carry forward the perseverance, courage, and determination that brought you here tonight,” Dr. Horton said. “This achievement is more than a diploma, it’s a testament to your strength and the belief that it’s never too late to chase your goals. I encourage each of you to keep reaching higher, keep learning, and continue building the future you envision.”
The full list of graduates included:
Adult High School
Logan Jablonski
Skylier Marie Waltz
High School Equivalency
Maranda Barrett
Joseph Bloch
Jasmine Brown
Yenifer Carrillo de Alba
Hannah Case
Alaiya Duckett
Venus Magnolia Few
Michael Fox
Kaly Galloway
Alma Garcia Gayoso
Malachi Girmann
Andres Grande Luna
Avery Harpster-Fonfara
Caleb Henderson
Jordan Hunnicutt
William Leavell
Fernando Martinez
Haley McCall
Ethan McIntosh
Luis Fernando Montano Rueda
Freya Onderdonk
Lauren Philbrook
Katelyne Powell
Krystal Ramos
Elizabeth Skye Rogers
Ava Sampler
Kaley Serra
Megan Shelton
Joseph Shropshire