The Poteau Adult Learning Center held the 2024 Graduation Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Center in Poteau.
This year, there were thirty-two graduates from the program, which has classes in Poteau, Stigler, and Howe.
According to Mrs. Myrna Davis, Poteau Adult Learning Center Program Director, “These students have worked really hard to overcome the barriers they encountered on the path to high school graduation. In our program, students must pass five core subject area exams in order to graduate and receive their high school equivalency diplomas–math, science, social studies, witing, and reading. We are proud of these men and women who chose to get their high school equivalency diplomas to better themselves for job promotions, continued education, or for whatever reasons they decided to do it.”
Of the thirty-two graduates, several plan to enroll in classes at Carl Albert State College, Kiamichi Tech, and cosemetology school. Others planned to get a job or get a better job or higher paying job since they now have a high school education. Not having a high school diploma often keeps adults from entering the work force or allows them to be hired for minimum wage with little opportunity for advancement.
Mrs. Myrna Davis, Poteau Adult Education Program Director, welcomed the guests after the Pledge to the Flag, led by Donna Deaton, Adult Education Faculty Member. Mrs. Davis then recognized the community partners who support the program and whose representatives serve on the advisory board.
Poteau Public Schools Superintendent Scott Kempenich was the speaker and new 2024 graduate Jimmy Baker provided the Student Reponse. Make It a Double (Dave and Connie Abbott) provided music as guests arrived as well as the song “I Hope You Dance” during the program.
Adult Education Faculty Members Janie Stovall and Don Patchin recognized students who were in the top twenty percent of the graduating class as well as the top student in each of the five subject areas.
Mrs. Davis presented the River Valley Cosmetology and Kiamichi Tech awards. Dr. Jay Falkner, Carl Albert State College President, presented tuition waivers for the 2024-2025 school year.
Enrollment for the 2024-2025 Adult Learning Center classes will begin in late July or early August. Follow the Facebook page or call 918-647-0754 for information about enrollment.
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