Diploma Program's First Commencement Ceremony Held

Photo by Richard McCorrison

At the first Commencement ceremony, 10 adult graduates received a Warren County High School diploma for completion of the Warren/Forest Higher Education Council (Hi-Ed) pilot Diploma Program. The event was held on June 5 at the Warren Area High School. Successful completion of the Diploma Program requires participants to pass the General Education Development (GED) Exam before or during the 169-hours of course work. Each graduate completed a portfolio, including certificates of completion for pre-algebra, comprehensive reading and computer courses, and non-credit college-level certificates for science, nutrition, leadership, public speaking, ethics and etiquette, LEAN 101 training, CPR, first aid, and entrepreneurship.

The graduates are, from left:  Adam Peterson, Randal Murvine, Rebecca Morrison, Nadean Jones, Jobly Yaegle, Shane Mintzer, Thomas Sweet, Jr., Heather Williams, Jacqueline Harkins and Meghan Ward.

“The Board of Directors and staff at the Warren/Forest Higher Education Council are extremely proud of all the individuals who were justifiably recognized and presented with their diplomas last Friday. Their hard work, perseverance, dedication and diligence were an inspiration to all involved and they are to be commended accordingly. We wish them the very best and are confident that the same characteristics that led them through the completion of their diploma requirements will serve them well in all their future endeavors,” commented Duane Vicini, Hi-Ed Board of Directors Chair.

The Diploma Program provides those who want to earn a high school diploma the opportunity to bridge the gap between the GED and skills needed for better job opportunities, a new career, or a successful college experience.

“I am very proud of the accomplishment of these adults. It not only shows their desire to achieve, but to explore and continually gain new knowledge,” said Jeff Lockett, vice-president of the Warren County School Board. “If there is any question if this program is needed, you only have to look at these fine Warren County citizens. They are an inspiration for other adults who wish to get their diploma,” Lockett said.

The Hi-Ed Diploma Program is presented in cooperation with the Warren County School District, Penn State Behrend, Jamestown Community College, Dale Carnegie, Jamestown Business College, University of Pittsburgh-Bradford, NWIRC and Venango Technology Center.

The Program is funded by Blair Corporation, Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry, Warren County School District and the Venango Training and Development Center, Inc.