One plans to help build ships.
Another wants to work in child care.
Two others plan health care careers.
And, that’s just four of the more than 50 graduates who received their diplomas during the 2018 Commencement Ceremony on Jan. 25 at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel.
Some had completed their GEDs. Others had finished the cosmetology program or Early Childhood Apprenticeship. And, there were some receiving high school diplomas, either finishing up credits they needed, or graduating ahead of their class.
All of the graduates had something in common: They smiled broadly as they marched into the auditorium, as members of the audience clapped and cheered.
This was their moment, and they soaked it in.
Graduate Hailey Pecora, of Dade City, plans to enroll at Pasco-Hernando State College, to pursue a degree in nursing.
Her grandmother, Xandra Erickson, came from Jacksonville, to share in the moment.
Her pride was evident. “She has done this graduation thing at 16. She’s already enrolled in college.”
Graduate Sita Ramrattan completed the Early Childhood Apprenticeship.
Next, the 44-year-old plans to earn her associate’s degree, at either Saint Leo University or Pasco-Hernando State College.
Eighteen-year-old Gunter Winkler, of Zephyrhills, wants to pursue welding, with the aim of going into shipbuilding.
He was pleased to be moving onto the next step, and to have his parents, grandparents and best friend there to help him mark the accomplishment.
Sandra Vogel, a school counselor for adult education, simply loves graduation ceremonies.
“It gives you a warm feeling because you know what they’ve gone through to get here.
“They’ve worked really hard, and we’re really proud of them,” Vogel said.
Leslie Ruttle, a resource teacher, said that besides recognizing the graduates, the ceremony can serve as a stimulant for others.
“A lot of our students, the way we get them, it is word of mouth. A relative, or a friend, or something like that has gone through the program,” Ruttle said. “We’ll get some students tonight,” she predicted. “They’ll come here, and they’ll see other people have been successful and they’ll think: ‘I can do it, too.’”
“So many of the students have gone through trials,” said Wendy Beard, program manager for adult education. “Now, another door is opening for them.”
Throughout the auditorium, there were family members, friends and fellow students cheering on the graduates.
Ambrose Helms, 17, of Wesley Chapel had a giant fan club. Roughly 30 people were expected to come help him celebrate.
“I feel excited because he’s graduating early,” said Latoya Lovett, his cousin, who had staked out a place near the front of the auditorium for Helms’ supporters.
Nicole Robinson was there to support Olivia Paradilla, a graduate from Land O’ Lakes High.
“She’s my best friend. I know she’ll do great things,” Robinson said.
Catherine Agovino came to support Niki Atkins and Danielle Cary, who had completed their Early Childhood Apprenticeship. “It’s a big accomplishment,” Agovino said.
Hope Corcoran, who delivered the student address, underscored the reality that high school is not a perfect fit for everyone.
She was born in China, where she was abandoned, as an infant, on the side of the road.
She was adopted and attended schools in Wesley Chapel.
“It didn’t go as I would have liked,” Corcoran said. “I felt like I didn’t fit in. I was constantly bullied and teased. I would come home crying to my mom, and I told her I didn’t want to go back because I felt so different from the other kids.
“I was made fun of for being overweight and for having slanted eyes,” she said.
“It got to a point where I ended up enrolling into home-school,” she said.
“And, then I found out about the GED program and that I could finish high school and get my diploma.
“It was through this program that I met Miss Linda Rockwell.
“I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to meet this incredible woman. She cares about her students and wants to see them achieve the best future possible,” Corcoran said.
Along the way, Corcoran said she learned some lessons.
“I have learned that people drop out for different reasons. Sometimes bullying. Sometimes academic reasons and family struggles. Everyone has their own story.
“Many students feel lost in high school and don’t know where to begin. There are so many things that go on, behind the scenes, that we are unaware of.
“It’s expected that students all learn the same way, with the same lessons, same techniques and same books, when that is simply not the case. High school isn’t for everyone.
“Some students have jobs, to help support their families. Or, need to stay home to take care of them, along with other responsibilities, outside of school that can get in the way of academic work,” Corcoran said.
“A few nights ago, I was texting Miss Rockwell and I was telling her I wasn’t sure what else I should talk about. Her response was: ‘Talk about how there’s more than one path to success. How each person chooses their path. You can talk about how not everyone has the same definition of success, and that getting a GED is just the first step to success.’”
Corcoran observed: “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
Published January 31, 2018