Summer 2021• Issue 3 ConGRADuations!

ST. LOUIS GAZETTE

Summer 2021• Issue 3

ConGRADuations!

With Covid restrictions not quite yet lifted, Adult Education held its May graduation ceremony outside at the main campus on a sunny Wednesday morning. Students and their families drove up and then posed in front of the Adult Education sign with our administrative team.

It was a beautiful day, and we loved every minute of celebrating with those who participated! Please see our website for videos of the commencement ceremony and live stream recordings of both the north and west ceremony locations.

IN THIS ISSUE

Commencement Speeches

· 2-4 ·

Pictures from the Ceremony!

· 5-8 ·

Student Reflections

· 8-12 ·www.clarkcountyadulteducation.net

2 Corporate Newsletter • April 2012 • Issue 214

In a year of unprecedent-ed educational obsta-cles, your efforts, hard work, and determination have paid off. You have done it!

Graduates, this is the first major milestone in your educational career; you are a role model to others. We hope that you can continue to pursue education beyond this point; whether it be college, university, trade school, or apprenticeship training, we hope this is the first of many diplomas!

We would also like to extend congratulations to all of those who helped you make it to this point, whether it was your parents, other family members, spouses, or close friends, we thank them for their support. While they helped, the important thing is that you did not give up on yourself. We are here to celebrate YOUR accomplishment.

To the class of 2021, pat yourself on the back and go make a difference in this world! The staff at Adult Education was honored to share this journey with you.

Eric GantExecutive Director

Commencement Speeches

No matter what struggles life brings, never give up on yourself. When you don’t give up and push through, you can accomplish and achieve your vision. I dropped out at the age of 16. I figured I did not need school, and I was ready to live an adult life. 21 years later, as a 37 year old woman, I now know education is the most critical asset to a successful life.

With a high school diploma, we can gain better job opportunities and a better chance at life. Adult Education is all about second chances; the teachers and staff are all rooting for you. I would like to thank some unforgettable teachers who helped me to the end: Ms. Felicia Taylor in science, Ms. Kelly Balliet in math, Mr. Joseph Holguin in electives, and Mr. Robert Fewins, one of the counselors. Mr. Robert was one of the first people in Adult Education who let me know that this was not a death sentence. These teachers understood dedication.

I am honored to be standing here talking to you today. This is a childhood dream come true. You are in control of your life and it is never too late for positive change and self growth. Everyone has a vision for their life; this is the first step to not giving up!

Roshawnda LomaxClass of 2021

I approached Adult Education with one and a half credits. Seven months and 19 credits later, my journey is complete. When you want something in life, go for it, it’s all up to you. We have lived in uncertain situations this past year but that did not stop us from completing our educational dreams. Class of 2021, being here today, you have set an example of leadership for your family, friends, and those who believed it was too late. Thank you and congratulations!


I always said I wouldn’t have one of my children beat me to graduation. We all have our reasons for quitting, we all have our own stories; mine is longer than most, but still, it is the same as most.

I dropped out my junior year of high school after I was told “you will never graduate from this school”. This, from my dean, the one who was supposed to guide and do everything in his power to help me graduate. I went home that day and I told my mom what he had said. She made an appointment with him the next day.

With fire in her eyes and in mama bear mode, she marched her four foot eleven and a half self into the dean’s office to confront him. Once again he repeated to my mom that I would never graduate from that high school. She looked him dead in the eye and did something I never thought she would do. She told him to withdraw me from school; that I would do it somewhere else.

From there, we drove down to an adult education building, where my mom enrolled me for independent studies. We both thought this was the best because I could graduate on time with my class. And it worked, for the first month. I was doing all of my assignments, plus some. But, there was a drawback. I had to take the bus three hours each way to test; I stopped going.

She didn’t say it, but I knew my mom was disappointed in me. I had been working a full time job for a couple of years, but that was all I had going for me. I told myself that I didn’t need my diploma since I made as much as most adults did in this city. I was right about that, I did. At 21, I was making a hundred thousand dollars a year. I was doing well for myself and for my son and I didn’t even have to graduate high school.

A few years went by, and I had my second child, and I realized I wanted better for my kids. I didn’t want them to become statistics as well. I was the one they looked up to and looked to for doing things the right way. Once again, I marched into an adult education office to enroll myself in high school, with my two little boys in tow. I was asked if I wanted my GED, but that was never an option for me because I have always known what I was capable of. I responded with “no, I want my diploma.” Well, in order for me to get my diploma I would have to sit in class six hours a day for two years. I looked over at my boys who were in elementary school; I knew it was impossible to get to work, get them both to school, and then get myself back in time to get them on time. I looked at the woman sitting across from me and responded “I apologize for wasting your time; this is something I can’t possibly do right now.”

Fast forward: life, two more kids, some trade school, and a pandemic. I was talking to a cousin and she told me she was getting her diploma and it was 100% online. Of course, it piqued my interest. I knew this was my time. So she sent me all the information. That night, after being asked GED or di-ploma, I enrolled myself in high school.

I had a lot of credits to make up: about three years worth. I started my journey at the end of July. With the help of my amazing husband, I had a plan to do it this time. Wanting it too bad to give up, and after many long nights and weekends, I was able to take my last final exam at the beginning of March.

We had the most amazing teachers: men and women who believed in us and who knew it was our time. I would like to thank

Amber Baumann, Hannah Clement, and Judy Roberts in the English department; Kelly Balliet in math; Patricia Salas, my counselor, who kept up with me and kept giving me more classes pretty much every single week. These are the women who went to bat for me every chance they could.

I would like to thank my husband for putting up with the kids and with me not paying him as much attention, and my mom who always knew that I would do it and do it well. I have shown my kids that it is never too late to reinvent yourself, to better yourself, or to even go back and finish something you started, to follow your dreams.

Remember, whatever your reasons for quit-ting, you went back, and whether it took you an extra year, or like me, 21 years, we have accomplished something great. Be proud of yourself. I am also happy to an-nounce that I did keep my word; as I stand here before you now, with diploma in hand, I will be watching my oldest son receive his diploma in four days.

Nothing is impossible with a little bit of drive, faith, and a whole lot of determination, we can accomplish whatever we put our minds to. Congratulations to the class of 2021; it is better late than never!

Kendra Proctor Class of 2021


On behalf of the support staff, counselors, teachers, and administrators at Adult Education, I sincerely want to congratulate this year’s extraordinary high school graduates.

Despite the complex uncertainties we have faced during these unprecedented times, you have grown focused, motivated, and without question, exceptional. Your proven academic success is inspirational, not only for our staff, but for your children, wives, husbands, parents, families, and other family members dear to you.

Thank you for never giving up, but instead, for rising up well and beyond. These truly are the days for which we live; may you have many more. Congratulations class of 2021; keep reaching for the stars.

National Adult Education Honor Society Graduates

Jeff Krantz Coordinator III

Jennifer KeiserAssistant Director

This has been a challenging year for all of us to say the least. Education has suffered the most, in my opinion. However, the students that have enrolled, prepared, and completed coursework for the High School Equivalency or High School Diploma with the Department of Adult Education have surely thrived. The administrative team would like to congratulate each one of the students from the class of 2021 for all of their accomplishments this past year.

It is my great honor to announce to you our 2021 National Adult Education Honor Society graduates. The following students have earned a grade point average of at least 3.5, have earned at least 5 units of credit with Adult Education, and have demonstrated exemplary school and class citizenship - Perla Jimenez Mariscal and Deja Ladera Owens. Congratulations to our honor graduates for all of their dedication and hard work.

Hailey MorganTurning of the Tassel

Class of 2021

The turning of the tassel sym-bolizes each of us transitioning from a candidate for gradu-ation to becoming an actual graduate. Congratulations class of 2021, you did it, we are now graduates!

Anthony SozaPledge of Allegiance

Class of 2021

Commencement Presenters


M a y 2 6 t h , 2 0 2 1

Sandra JuarezNavaeh Jaramillo Kaleb Walls

Elidia Cervantes Garrett KingenEmily Garcia

Maylin Romero Rodriguez

Rosalba Gonzalez

Carmen Manriquez

Santos


M a y 2 6 t h , 2 0 2 1

Nabeel AkhtarErica Watson Hassan Akhtar

Claudia Lopez A’Laezia Williams

Peter QuintanaGuielsie RosadoJanet Jones

Dagem Golla


M a y 2 6 t h , 2 0 2 1

Mario ClaytorJavier Servin

Marlen Perez

Paul Arabos

Hannah Kidane

Sebastian Vivanco

Karen Dimaano Antonio Cortese

Heber Hernandez


M a y 2 6 t h , 2 0 2 1

Albert LorenzanaSasha Lazo Ana Vlastnik

Anthony Soza Hailey Morgan

I took classes for eight months to earn my diploma. I would like to tell future students to keep pushing; it doesn’t matter how long it takes as long as you finish!

Nya HallClass of 2021


Student Reflections

Meet Jen’s Family!

Anisah Taylor

My destiny was delayed, but

never denied!

My biggest challenge this year was focusing on my school while my son was attending virtual learning as well. His being in school pushed me even more to “GET THIS DONE.”

I’m so thankful for God, my son, my family, and the Adult Ed staff for being my support system on this journey. I am very proud of my achievement, and it is such an amazing feeling to have my diploma in my hands; if I can do it, you can do it, and you will!

In your vocabulary, always use “I CAN, I WILL, and I MUST” and you will achieve! To quote Maya Angelou, “You may not control all the events that will happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” Shaquiesha Walden


It took me about six months to finish my classes, and now I am looking into college. One of the biggest challenges was trying to work school into my hectic schedule, but the staff at Adult Education were always helpful and encouraging. I am most proud of my little sister, Sasha Lazo, for completing school with me. I would like to tell future students that no matter what, it is always possible!Danielle Jablonsky Sasha and Danielle

My biggest challenge last year was having a near death experience. I was in the hospital for five days and because of the pandemic I could not have my family with me. I am happy that I made it, and when I got out I decided that it was my opportunity to move forward with school. My academic journey actually started in 2017, but with work, my husband working in another state, and three kids at home, I was making progress very slowly. I needed six and a half credits to graduate. So when 2020 happened, I turned a pandemic into an opportunity by finishing my remaining credits. Everyone at Adult Edcuation was so friendly, and I was surprised how happy everyone was to help me, even during a pandemic. I was probably the one asking to many questions in zoom! I finsihed my last class in December of 2020.

I have started taking some photography classes at UNLV continuing education and in August I will be attending cosmetology school. I am proud that I have come this far. I would like to tell future Adult Education students that it is never too late to graduate, and that anything is possible when you really want it! Thank you to everyone at Adult Education.

Antonia Gutierrez


I’m most proud of finishing high school in a short amount time. Being pregnant at a young age and having so much on my plate was not easy. I was working a full-time job, and going to regular high school classes was just not working for me. I had to find something flexible so I could still get everything done. In December I had my son and had to take a break from classes for a while, but when I was ready to get going again, Adult Education and the teachers were right there to help me. I passed all my classes and graduated just on time! I’m so grateful for this program and for the opportunity to graduate, both for myself and for my little one.

Ashley Alvarado Mejia

I have been with adult education since September 2020. Through those months, the teachers were always kind, respectful, and super helpful. They made it easy for me to understand everything and pass. My biggest challenge was algebra. It was super difficult, but my math teacher supported me and made it a breeze. If I got to speak to future Adult Ed students I would tell them “Dont worry about the teachers or work being difficult. With some help, everything will be a breeze. Coming here shows your determination not to give up on your education. You should be proud of yourself for that.” I’m proud that I went back to school and graduated after having dropped out of high school. I plan on getting sales experience and eventually become a real estate agent or car dealership owner. Jacoby Alvarez


The St. Louis Gazette is pub-lished quarterly by

St. Louis Adult Education

2701 E. St. Louis

Las Vegas, NV 89104

Ph: (702) 799-8650

Fax: (702) 799-8608

www.clarkcountyadulteducation.net

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Amber Baumann

DEPUTY EDITOR: Hannah Clement

EDITOR IN SPIRIT: Dr. Ray Williams

CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS: Ashley Alvarado Mejia, Jacoby Alvarez, Eric Gant, Antonia Gutierrez, Nya Hall, Danielle Jablonsky, Jennifer Keiser, Jeff Krantz, Lupe Sanchez, Anisah Taylor, Shaquiesha Walden

The Clark County School District Department of Adult Education is an educational program designed to serve adults and out of school youths 18 years of age or older who desire to earn a high school diploma or obtain a Nevada State Certificate of High School Equiva-lency. The program also serves students enrolled in comprehensive high schools who are credit defi-cient. Adult Education is a 12-month program. After initial registration, classes are conveniently offered, morning, afternoon, evening, and online at over 55 locations through-out Clark County.

I just want to say that what I’m most proud of is getting to this moment after a lot of hard work. I’m grateful to Adult Education teachers for giving me a second chance at my education. Having my diploma is very important to me, so to others I say: don’t let go of what you want; keep your faith and never be discouraged! I want to say thank you to adult education for everything and all the love you’ve shown me. Love you guys!

Sharon Smith

Lupe Sanchez

I have been working on earning my diploma since 2019. My biggest challenge this last year has been trying to motivate myself, but I love all the teachers I have had at Adult Education and have loved the support that they gave me. My goal was to graduate high school before I turned 50, and I finished one week before my birthday! I would like to tell future students to have hope, be strong, laugh loud, live and play hard, dream big, smile often, remember that you are loved, and never give up! As Audrey Hepburn said, “Nothing is impossible; the word itself says ‘I’m possible.”

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C o n g r a t s g r a d s a n d f a m s !


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Summer 2021• Issue 3 ConGRADuations!

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