Pathfinders alternative, adult grads ‘finish the race’
Published 10:25 am Thursday, June 11, 2009
By By KAREN PUGH
A record 41 graduates received diplomas and GED certificates in the Pathfinders Alternative and Adult Education fifth annual graduation held on Monday evening, June 8.
An overflow crowd of family and friends attended the ceremony, held at Southwestern Michigan College Mathews Conference Center East.
After introducing the Pathfinders staff, Director Larry Schmidt recognized DUHS administrator Randy Yoder; Assistant Superintendent of Schools Hal Davis; Pathfinders tutor Nancy Parker; Lovona Morgan, a Pathfinders student; and 2005 graduate Taylor Falk.
Superintendent of Schools Peg Stowers reminded some of the students that she had been their principal at Patrick Hamilton. She encouraged graduates to stay involved in their communities and to continue learning.
Graduation is not an end, but preparation for the next step. She closed with a brief reading from "Oh, the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss:
"You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know.
You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure where you step. Step with care and great tact
And remember Life's a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.
And will you succeed? Yes you will, indeed!
(98 percent guaranteed)."
Each year, Southwestern Michigan College awards a full tuition Life Long Learning Scholarship to each of the Adult and Alternative Education programs.
The choice of a recipient is left to each program director.
Schmidt explained that the decision this year was especially difficult because so many students had written excellent essays and were good candidates. Karen Pugh, Pathfinders instructor, announced this year's recipient, Devon Wallace. In addition to full tuition, Devon will receive a $100 book allowance for each semester.
Pugh explained that scholarship recipients have four years to complete a two-year degree because many attend college part-time while working and meeting other responsibilities.
A DVD presentation of The Race: Life's Greatest Lesson by Dee Groberg, was shown after Schmidt explained that he asked Barbara Groner, GED test administrator, and Ken Jordan, counselor, to read it aloud.
Both refused because, as Barb said, "I would just cry."
The Race tells the story of a foot race in which a boy competes, hoping to win and make his father proud. During the race, he falls not once, but three times and his father encourages him to keep getting up and trying again. "For all of us life is like that race, with ups and downs and all. And all you have to do to win is rise each time you fall."
As a parting gift, each graduate received a copy of the book and the DVD.
Before acknowledging the graduates, Schmidt recognized the successful completion of GED certification of 18 students from the High School Equivalency Program (HEP), a federal migrant education program sponsored by Michigan State University and the Van Buren Intermediate School District.
Schmidt introduced the graduates; Randy Cuthbert, president of the Board of Education, presented diplomas and certificates; secretary Jodi Badder turned tassels.
Diplomas were awarded to Toni A. Allen, Kayla Ashby, Chelsea Thompson, Quinton Thompson and Naketa Ashley-Nicole Wilson. Not in attendance were Kaela Deuel, Tyler Engler and Kyle Heidenreich.
GED certificates were awarded to Thomas Ashby, Jossalyn Baisch, Tracy Boyer, Nichole Carrizales, Tyler Dodson, Angela Drane, Johnny Fonseca Jr., Audriannnah Linn, Mallory Miller, Kayla OKonski, Donald PeGan, Lance Shelton, Shayla Shembarger, Donald Stapleton, Christine Vanallsburg, Jordan Vanallsburg, William Vermiler, Amanda Vogler, Devon Wallace, Lyndsay Wetzel, Austin Wilson and Joseph Yoder.
Students who completed GED certification but did not attend were Matthew Bussler, Mark Flowers II, Scott Kovalak, Sandy Osborn, Ramiro Pompey, Brandon Richey, Eric Richter and Martha Sanchez.
In closing, Schmidt reminded each of the graduates that their experience at Pathfinders began with an interview with him, and his last question to each of them was, "What do you want to be doing in five years?" Whatever the five-year goal was, it included getting a GED or a diploma. He congratulated them on accomplishing that goal and asked, "What's next for you?"
Helping Pathfinders students move on to the next step has been a priority for the Pathfinders staff and many students have become actively involved in their futures by visiting colleges, attending college classes and actively pursuing trade schools. Many graduates have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which will determine their eligibility for grant and loan money for college.
Schmidt congratulated graduates and told them to stay true to their plan and to never give up.
"Remember, life is not about waiting for the storms to pass; it's about learning how to dance in the rain."
Pathfinders staff members also assisting with graduation were Sheryl Nugent and Melissa Stanger, instructors, and Carole Gillesby, GED testing administrator. Darryl Smith provided the music; Pathfinders students Breanna Clark, Marty Henslee and Mayra Rodriquez served as greeters.