Gadsden, Ala. – Gadsden State Community College hosted its 2026 Adult Education Graduation for 59 students who earned their general equivalency or high school diploma. The ceremony was held May 5 at Wallace Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus.

Twenty-three students earned their GED, which requires them to pass four test subjects, including language arts, math, science and social studies. Most of the students took advantage of Gadsden State’s free GED preparation courses taught in Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Etowah, and Cherokee counties.

Students recognized for obtaining their GED are Jessica Allen, Dakota Bonner, Kerrigan Carpenter, Donny Donahue, Rowyn Goodwin, Chase Anthony Gramling, Brooke Grizzard, Brandon Hayes, Anthony Lara Hernandez, Jennifer Hodge, Alan David Kilpatrick, Courtney Marie Meredith, Austin Neil Miller, Killian Parris, Makayla Posey, Matthew Shirley, Deeanna Sims, Cheyanne Smith, Forrest L. Smith III, Keyahara Speights, Gabrielle Thomas, Michal Thomas, Christian Matthew Thrasher, and Ilia Wooldridge.

There were 35 students recognized for earning their high school diplomas through the Non-traditional High School Diploma Option offered in partnership with the Alabama Community College System and the Alabama State Department of Education.

The HSDO is available for an adult who attended an Alabama high school and earned enough credits to graduate but did not pass the high school graduation exam as well as adults who earned 10 or more credits from an Alabama high school but required additional credits for high school completion.

The following students received a high school diploma from the last Alabama high school they attended: Lindsey Alford, Keith Anderson, Daylen Baise, Taylor Bentley, Savannah Brantley, William Dalton Busby, William Walter Clevenger, Tamia Clifton, Sonya Collins, Richard Colvin, Emma E. Cothran, James Brock Duncan, Alex Dunn, Martasia Garrett, Alexis Guinn, Elisabeth Hancock, Alexander Lamar Jordan, Bilma Escobar Lopez, Keira Lovelidge, Samuel Lutes, Kayla Nicole McKendree, Ana Morales, Jariya Nolen-Norris, Olivia Pinson, Edward Ranson, Nicholas Rollins, Jonathan Shadwrick, Kalina Smith, Joseph Studdard, Derek Tucker, Trivia J. Verges, Kimberley Walker, Jamila Whisenant, William Wilson, and Gracie Wood.

Attendees were welcomed by Hollie Patterson, director of the Adult Education Program. Opening remarks were delivered by Alan Smith, president of Gadsden State, and Judge Allen Millican served as the keynote speaker. Student guest speakers included Kerrigan Carpenter, Deeanna Sims, Courtney Meredith and Alan Kilpatrick.

Every Adult Education graduate represents a success story, including both those who participated in the ceremony and those who were unable to attend, as each student demonstrated remarkable determination and perseverance while overcoming personal challenges and barriers throughout their educational journey.

“Each graduate leaves our program with a story of resilience, determination and achievement,” said Hollie Patterson, director of Adult Education. “By earning a GED or High School Diploma Option credential, these students have opened new doors for their futures. Their accomplishments inspire our faculty, staff, families and community as they continue pursuing higher education, career advancement and personal success.”

This year’s ceremony marked the largest Adult Education graduation celebration since the COVID-19 pandemic. Gadsden State Adult Education expresses appreciation to the many friends, family members and supporters who attended the ceremony to honor and encourage graduates during this important milestone. Special appreciation is also extended to members of the executive cabinet and college leadership for their continued support of Adult Education and student success, including President Smith, Dr. Tera Simmons, Dr. Joey Battles, Dr. Derrick Griffey, Dr. Dana Davis, Dean Jessica Slaten, Dean Andy Robertson, Dean Andy Green and Alabama Community College System representative Zach Lee.

Gadsden State Adult Education proudly celebrates the accomplishments of each graduate and looks forward to the opportunities ahead for its students while anticipating continued success with the Class of 2027.

For more information about the GED program, Non-Traditional High School Diploma Options and other programs and services offered through Adult Education Services, visit gadsdenstate.edu/adulted.

Photos from the event can be found HERE.