Photo contributed: Makella Lynn Barlow proudly shows off her High School Equivalent (GED Pathway) Diploma. In the foreground, from the left, her BGEC principal Rowena Dosela, alumnus Makella Lynn Barlow, and alumnus sister Michelle Barlow. Behind, left to right, Tanya Gant, BGEC Teacher, Myron Moses, SCAJRDC Executive Director, Trent Lyon, Gila County Deputy Superintendent and BGEC Principal, Captain O’Brien Goseyun, SCAJRDC Adult Corrections Manager, Rachel Kenton, Apache College Registrar, Mike Kim, A faculty member at Apache University.
Contribution article
The San Carlos-Billagozou Education Center (BGEC) celebrated the first quarter of 2023 with outstanding achievements for its Adult Education Program students who graduated on March 22 with a Diploma of High School Equivalence (GED Pathway). Wrapped up. The GED graduated and Makella Lynn Barlow, Lindsay Hopkins, and Adrian Stevens were honored at a formal graduation ceremony held at the San Carlos Adult/Juvenile Rehabilitation and Detention Center (SCAJRDC) in San Carlos, Arizona.
Barlow, Hopkins, and Stevens thoroughly reviewed five mandatory GED tests: civics, reasoning through verbal arts, social studies, science, and mathematical reasoning. Their teachers, Mrs. Rowena Docera and Ms. Tanya Gant, not only teach the skills necessary to pass the test, but prepare them for college and careers through a variety of learning resources, including adult tests. rice field. Such as Basic Education (TABE) 11/12 and Essential Education study programs. More importantly, the teacher provided in-person and online instruction, specifically in the following areas of focus, as outlined in her TABE learning profiles for individual students and her GED study guides:
“My interest in different subjects began to shift, and before I knew it, I started to look forward to going to class and learning new things,” recalls Barlow. Additionally, she expressed gratitude to the detention center, school, family, and God for helping her reach her educational goals. I thanked my teachers, classmates, detention centres, and school administrators for their adult education programs. he said:
The graduation ceremony began with a procession of graduates, a prayer led by one of the adult students, an Apache national anthem, and a pledge of allegiance. This was followed by a welcome and moving message from the SCAJRDC Executive Director, his Mr. Myron Moses. Captain O’Brien Goseyun, Adult Corrections Manager. Mr. Trent Lyon, Gila County Associate Superintendent, and his BGEC Principal. Tanya Gantt, Adult Education Instructor. Captain Antoinette Henry, SCAJRDC juvenile corrections manager.
The first guest speaker was the Apache College Registrar, Mrs. Rachael Kenton, member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. She tells how she overcame her adversity when growing up on her reservation, earned her bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University (ASU) and her master’s degree from Northern Arizona University (NAU). I have shared how I got it. She called on her graduates to make better choices and pursue higher education.
The second guest speaker was Mike Kim, faculty member at Apache College. He encouraged graduates to apply for jobs through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Program once they re-entered the community. He explained the various job opportunities available by appointment and the college courses available at Apache College.
After special messages from detention center and school staff and guest speakers, graduates received their HSE/GED diplomas and moved their tassels. Barlow and Hopkins also gave commencement speeches.
No graduation ceremony is complete without a special performance by our Adult Education Program students. Barlow, her classmates, and teachers signed “The Climb,” a song popularized by Miley Cyrus in the movie “Hannah Montana.” The song teaches that life is not just about contemplating what you’ve accomplished, it’s about getting to where you’re supposed to be and being grateful for what you’ve been through along the way. Achieving a dream is like climbing a mountain to reach the top.
The boys, led by Hopkins, excited the audience with their energetic Zumba dance to the song “Dreamers” by Jungkook, one of the Korean BTS members, and Qatari singer Fahad Al Qubaisi. “Dreamers” is part of his album promotion for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This song encourages positive thinking and willpower to succeed.
The graduation ceremony ended with congratulatory speeches from the adult students. All in all, the ceremony was inspiring and heartwarming, with BGEC Head Teacher Mrs. Docera officiating the event and acknowledging everyone’s attendance and participation in the special occasion.
