90 earn diplomas, GEDs at NWSCC adult education graduation
MUSCLE SHOALS — Returning to school wasn’t always easy for Laprasia Smith. Raising five children, she recalls attending their sporting events with one hand on her laptop keyboard — refusing to miss a game or an assignment deadline.
Smith received her high school diploma Thursday night at the Northwest Shoals Community College Adult Education graduation ceremony.
The ceremony recognized 90 students receiving either a nontraditional high school diploma, General Education Development (GED) or citizenship.
“Completing my education through adult education has been one of the most rewarding accomplishments of my life,” Smith said.
She received her diploma through an online program, allowing her to work full-time and spend time with her children.
“I wanted to build a better future not only for myself but also to show my children that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.”
While currently working full time, Smith plans to continue her education at NWSCC to complete the radiologic technology program.
Miranda Thomas received her GED Thursday night. She currently works full-time as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Lawrence County.
Thomas also plans on continuing her education at NWSCC to pursue her nursing degree.
“The program was very accommodating,” said Thomas, who completed her GED through a mix of online and inperson classes.
She said there were typically very few students in the classroom, and the close connection with faculty was a great motivator.
Thomas also credits her children with inspiring her to pursue her GED.
“I’ve wanted it for a long time, a really long time,” Thomas said of returning to school.
Nick Moore, the Alabama Community College System’s (ACCS) director of adult education, attended the ceremony as the keynote speaker. He emphasized that individuals have the tendency to compare themselves, their timelines and their accomplishments to those of others.
“You are not behind, you are right on time,” Moore said to the group of graduates.
He acknowledged that adult education programs nationwide have faced declining federal support, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating measurable workforce results.
“In Alabama, that’s not going to be the case. We’ve got a good foundation to build from, but there’s always more to do,” he said. “Earning an adult education diploma is not just about passing an exam, it’s about making a decision that your future will be bigger than your past.”
