From left, SIC Adult Education graduates Caydon Westfall of Crossville, Austin Park of Carmi, Lincoln Lowery of Carmi and Felicia Lowery of Carmi celebrate earning their Illinois High School Diplomas during the SIC Adult Education Graduation Ceremony Aug. 11.
Southeastern Illinois College celebrated the accomplishments of 45 Adult Education students who earned their Illinois High School Diplomas during the past year at the SIC Adult Education Graduation Ceremony Aug. 11 in the Harry L. Crisp Student Center.
More than 170 guests including graduates, family members, and friends attended the ceremony recognizing students from throughout the SIC district who took different paths toward completing their high school education.
Some graduates earned their diplomas through the traditional GED testing route, while many completed the Alternative Method of Credentialing (AMOC). The AMOC pathway allows eligible students to apply previously earned high school credits toward the requirements for an Illinois High School Diploma.
Audrey Talbott, SIC Director of Adult Education, told graduates that their diplomas represented much more than completing academic requirements.
“Your diploma represents much more than a test score,” Talbott said. “It represents perseverance. It represents courage. It represents the decision to believe that you were capable of more.”
Talbott recognized the challenges many adult learners face while returning to school, including jobs, raising children, financial responsibilities and other circumstances that may have interrupted their education.
“Your struggles may be part of your story, but they do not define who you are,” she told graduates. “You are someone who came back. You are someone who persevered. You are someone who learned. You are someone who finished what you started.”
Graduate Griffith Pankey of Harrisburg also addressed his classmates during the ceremony. Pankey completed his diploma through the AMOC pathway and spoke about the people he met at SIC, as well as the structure and guidance he received as an Adult Education student. He encouraged his fellow graduates to explore the opportunities available to them at SIC beyond Adult Education.
Pankey has already taken that next step. This fall, he is continuing his education at SIC as a college student pursuing a career in nursing.
“An Illinois High School Diploma can open the door to a better job, a certificate, a degree, an apprenticeship or career training,” said Dr. Tyler Billman, SIC Executive Dean of Academic Services. “And Southeastern Illinois College is here to help students open all those doors.”
Billman also addressed the graduates during the ceremony, and Talbott presented diplomas.
The Class of 2026 represents students who chose to continue their education despite obstacles that could have kept them from reaching their goals. For some, earning an Illinois High School Diploma may lead to college or career training; for others, it may open doors to new employment opportunities or advancement in their current careers.
SIC Adult Education offers assistance to adults who are ready to take the next step toward earning their Illinois High School Diploma. Enrollment is ongoing, and the program can help students explore the pathway that best fits their individual circumstances and goals.
For more information about SIC Adult Education, contact Talbott at 618-252-5400, ext. 2329, or [email protected], or visit sic.edu/ged.
