BHC congratulates 2017 GED®, high school completion grads

Evan-Goswick-2017-GED-grad-speakerBlack Hawk College celebrated the accomplishments of 81 students June 8 at the annual GED® and High School Completion Graduation Celebration.

The event recognized Adult Education and Optional Education students from across the college district who completed all GED® or high school completion graduation requirements during the 2016-17 school year.

GED® graduates Evan Goswick of Reynolds and Ebony Meyer of Rock Island were the featured student speakers.

After losing his father, Evan Goswick found traditional high school difficult. It was not long before he found himself enrolling in Black Hawk College’s GED® program.

“I was met with support, and my teacher cared so deeply for her students and just wanted to see them achieve their dreams,” Goswick said. “Words cannot express how thankful I am to them!”

After earning his diploma, Goswick began working at Black Hawk College through a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act youth grant, where he now performs yard and custodial work.

“Black Hawk has made it possible for me to follow my dreams and I am now college-bound,” he said. Goswick plans to begin studying business and accounting at Black Hawk College in the fall.

After losing motivation in her schooling, Ebony Meyer’s grades began to deteriorate quickly. She remembers falling into a state of depression and completely withdrawing from life. After a few difficult months, she took back control of her life and asked her family and friends for help.

“We made the decision to take a trip to Black Hawk to see what my chances were with continuing my education, Meyer said. “That day I met the most supportive, caring and motivational people I have ever met in my life.”

Meyer entered the GED® program thinking it was going to take her months to finish, but with determination and the support of her family and faculty, she finished quickly.

“I am so appreciative because now there are so many opportunities open to me,” she said.

In her speech at the graduation ceremony, Meyer urged her follow graduates to “always believe in your worth and always follow your dreams because we all have the power to change the world.”

GED® and high school completion classes at Black Hawk College are offered at no cost to students and are conducted in a variety of locations. A new session will begin Tuesday, Aug. 8.

For more information, call or visit one of these learning sites:

Black Hawk College Outreach Center
301 Avenue of the Cities, East Moline
309-796-8216

Black Hawk College Adult Learning Center
4610 Black Hawk Commons Drive, Rock Island
309-794-1072

Black Hawk College Community Education Center
404 E. Third St., Kewanee
309-854-1875

High Roads Advantage
2004 SE. Third St., Aledo
309-582-8181