Eight graduates received their Adult Education diplomas in person Thursday. Top row from left are Jicel Galilea Tejeda Bustamante, Cursten Marie Holman, Bryianna Marita Fernandez, Carrie Lynn Gonzales, Brayden Walker Castillo and Dylan James Gregg. Bottom row are Julian Armando Castillo and Austin Ray Irvin Perry.
Photo by Steve Ranson.
For many students returning to school to receive their high-school diploma, it’s receiving a second chance in life.
For students like Carrie Gonzales and Braden and Julio Castillo, their support systems gave them the incentive to persevere and earn another opportunity.
They, along with five other students, received their diplomas in-person Thursday at the Adult Education graduation ceremony at the Churchill County High School theater. A total of 17, however, completed their requirements.
Gonzales said it took her several times to complete her graduation requirements, but her family continued to stand by her.
“I really wanted to change my future and do something for my children,” said the mother of five.
Although she encountered major setbacks, she said that part of her life is over.
“Thank you for never giving up on me,” she said, holding back tears.
Steve Ranson / LVN
Adult Education graduate Julian Castillo, right, reads his speech from his cellphone as keynote speaker Derild Parsons, director of Learning and Innovation, and Chantelle Johnson, director of the Adult Diploma Program, listen.
Gonzales said her plans include taking a college class this summer, and eventually, she would like to become a drug abuse counselor to help others.
Julian Castillo said he didn’t do well in high school, but he realized he needed to receive a diploma and attend college to find a good paying job. Already, he’s charting his future.
“I applied to college, and I’m waiting for the response. Wish me luck,” he said as the audience began to clap loudly.
Castillo said he would like to work in emergency medical services or become an automobile technician. No matter what occurs in his future, Castillo said he’s taking a step in the right direction.
He also thanked his girlfriend and family for pushing him to earn his diploma.
Likewise, Brayden Castillo thanked his mother for never giving up on him.
Derild Parsons, director of the school district’s Learning and Innovation, gave the keynote address and told how his younger years paralleled theirs. He said sometimes individuals have to follow a certain path in their own ways. For whatever the reason, he said people have jobs or families and must take care of those needs before earning a diploma.
“You are what I call nontraditional students,” he said.
Steve Ranson / LVN
Students listen to Derild Parsons, director of Learning and Innovation, give the keynote address. From left are Cursten Holman, Dylan Gregg and Julian Castillo.
Parsons said these are hardworking students with a goal. Coming out of the pandemic restrictions, he said the students paddled through troubled waters.
“Time to celebrate your achievements and tomorrow start looking toward the next,” he said, reiterating the need for goals and how those can be achieved.
Chanelle Johnson, director of the Adult Diploma Program, said she’s enjoyed guiding the students toward their graduation.
“It’s been truly amazing working with each and every one of you,” she said.
Steve Ranson / LVN
Carrie Gonzales receives her diploma from Dr. Summer Stephens, superintendent of the Churchill County School District.
— Brayden Castillo, Julian Castillo, Brenden Conniff, Briyanna Fernandez, Carrie Gonzales, Dylan Gregg, Cursten Homan, Jessica Lusk, Bryson Morrison, Sky O’Donnell, Melissa Parker, Austin Perry, Jonathan Quiroz-Cisneros, Nesly Robles, Jicel Bustamante, Gabriela Valenzuela, and Ethan Withrow.
Steve Ranson / LVN
Derild Parsons, director of Learning and Innovation, gives the keynote address to the Adult Education commencement ceremony.
