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Featured photo: Adult Education graduates, front row, left to right: Sarai West, Flor Lopez Hernandez, Lizbeth Arguellez Arias, Eliana Marcela Plata, Leidy Carolina Montana, Camila Vega Hernandez, and Francisco Paredes Rodriquez. Back row, left to right: Noah Cramer, Raven Stocum, Regina Gosnell, Justin Kay, Bella Webb, Hunter O’Brien, and Heidi Wiener. Photo by Rich Keen.
Marketing & Communications Dept.
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. -On June 4, 2026, Blue Ridge Community College hosted a graduation ceremony for 19 graduates of the Adult High School and High School Equivalency programs in the Bo Thomas Auditorium of the Henderson County Campus.
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.
The ceremony began with a special welcome by Blue Ridge President Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, who praised the graduates for their accomplishments.
“To reach this day, each of you made a powerful and intentional decision to continue your education and invest in your future. That choice required courage, commitment, and determination,” Leatherwood said. “Earning your Adult High School diploma or High School Equivalency credential represents much more than completing coursework. It is a foundation for what comes next — new career opportunities, continued learning, personal growth, and the ability to create an even brighter future for yourselves and your families.”
Amani Duncan and Matt Gosselin, both instructional coordinators for Adult Education and Literacy, introduced the student speakers: Noah Cramer, adult high school graduate, and Bella Web, high school equivalency graduate.
Director of Adult Education and Literacy Hali McDaniel performed the presentation of graduates. Diplomas were then conferred by Dr. Leatherwood.
Dr. Dolly Horton, vice president for instruction and chief academic officer, concluded the ceremony with inspiring remarks, encouraging graduates to remember that Blue Ridge will continue to support them long after graduation.
“Graduates, we are proud of your accomplishments because we are incredibly proud of you,” she said. “Your dedication, perseverance, and determination have brought you to this occasion. As you prepare for your next journey, remember Blue Ridge Community College is always here to help you reach your next goals.”
To enthusiastic applause, the graduates were then dismissed to celebrate with their friends and families.
The full list of Spring 2026 AHS and HSE graduates included:
Adult High School
Storm Chapman
Noah Cramer
High School Equivalency
Malachi Atkinson
Shantira Burrows
Phillip Etters
Regina Gosnell
Justin Kay
Flor Lopez Hernandez
Leidy Carolina Montana
Gustavo Nieto-Hernandez
Hunter O’Brien
Francisco Paredes Rodriquez
Eliana Marcela Plata
Leonard Provenzano
Raven Stocum
Camila Vega Hernandez
Bella Webb
Sarai West
Heidi Wiener
Information about Blue Ridge’s Adult Education and Literacy programs is available online at www.blueridge.edu/ael.