Last month, the Library celebrated the achievements of 85 adults who received their diplomas during the 15th annual Greater New Orleans Adult Education Graduation. The graduating class successfully passed their HiSETs – a high school equivalency exam similar to the GED – after attending one of a number of adult education programs, including one of two offered through the Library, which had 13 graduates participate in the ceremony.

Andrea Gazaway, coordinator of instruction at YMCA Educational Services, said the graduation ceremony is an important acknowledgement of the hard work that adult education students do. Many of her students enroll in YES classes at the Library years after they left school and must clear numerous hurdles and stigmas just to make it through the door. 

Once there, Gazaway said her students often continue to face obstacles that traditional students typically do not. Whether it’s coordinating childcare, balancing work schedules, or taking care of other responsibilities at home or work, Gazaway said obtaining your diploma as an adult is no small feat – which is why she loves the citywide graduation.

“The ceremony allows us to acknowledge the hard work our adult education students do. It lets them and their families celebrate this milestone in their lives, their achievement, and the chance to move forward to even greater things,” Gazaway said.

Additionally, Gazaway said she hopes the graduation ceremony motivates others to follow in her students’ footsteps.

“The ceremony also allows our students to be an inspiration for those who have not gotten their diplomas yet,” she said. “It is never too late to start, and [the ceremony] shows that they have not missed out on the chance to graduate.”