Spartanburg's Adult Learning Center holds first graduation ceremony since COVID pandemic

Jaron Canty said receiving his GED helped him earn a raise and become eligible for a promotion at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, advancing from hospitality associate to team leader.

Canty, a March graduate of the Adult Learning Center, was among the 2022 graduates honored Thursday. 

And graduates from the 2021 and 2020 classes - finally - had their day to celebrate, as well.

The Adult Learning Center, located at 114 Commerce St. in downtown Spartanburg, held its first GED graduation ceremony since the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Not to take anything away from any other graduates, but when you decide to come back and get your GED, there's a lot of hours and effort they put in, and we wanted a chance for them to get recognized," said Bill Brasington, director of the ALC. "We wanted to give the families the chance to come celebrate them. That's why we do this work."

The number of ALC graduates varies depending on how well the economy and job market are doing, with the graduation rate often increasing when people cannot find work. The 2019-2022 graduates totaled 63, with 19 attending the ceremony held in the Spartanburg County Public Library's James S. Barrett Community Room.

"The level of work that they have to put in to get their GED, we feel as though they would have been cheated if they didn't get to walk," said Beth Hollifield, ALC math instructor.

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Thursday's celebrations ended with recognition of the valedictorian in each graduating class: Anthony Rodgers Jr. for 2019-2020, Kasandra Mauney for 2020-2021 and Eva Rhodes for 2021-2022.

Staff members shared testimonies about their graduates and talked about the challenges they faced. 

"Roger Evans, who goes by JR, hasn't had the greatest time in school or experience with teachers, always feeling like he wasn't smart," said Emily Brown, GED instructor. "However, he comes in and flies through the tests, only needing a little bit of help with math. Watching him with each test get more confident in who he is and his abilities was really neat."

Hollifield spoke about a young mother who brought her baby to class. 

"Nikki Swinton is a young mother with a premature baby, both of whom are here today, who had to stop and start her classes numerous times," Hollifield said. "She was finally able to finish, and the baby was in the classroom crawling around in the classroom while we were doing math. It was amazing to get to know the family over a long period of time."

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Jayme Smith, ALC program manager, shared a story of an individual overcoming disabilities to earn his GED.

"One graduate was in high school in a special needs class, getting moved to a special center for students with disabilities," Smith said. "He worked through his GED for around three years and finally earned his credentials this past December."

Jessica Clary, who earned her credentials last year, also shared her story, crediting the staff and tutors at the ALC for their encouragement and assistance. 

"I started coming in my 20s and am graduating at 36," Clary said. "I gave up and was discouraged, but my teachers and tutors encouraged me and gave me a little more hope."

Around 150 people attended the ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of their loved ones.

"There are over 30,000 people in Spartanburg County who lack their high school diploma or GED," Brasington said. "Just because someone didn't finish high school doesn't mean that they aren't bright or capable, but what it does mean is that opportunities are limited when it comes to employment."

Clary encourages all who are without their high school diploma or GED to consider the opportunities at the Adult Learning Center. 

"Come, join the class and graduate," Clary encouraged. "It's worth it."