Adult learners honored on June 10
A wide variety of students were recognized at the WEST Adult Education Consortium’s Honors Ceremony in Discovery Auditorium on Tuesday, June 10.
One highlight of the program was the recognition of dozens of individuals who earned their General Educational Development (GED) certificates, a credential equivalent to a high school diploma. Nineteen of those individuals were present at the ceremony, and two of them, Rachel Darrow and Danielle Stover, spoke about their path to earning their GED.
In addition to the GED graduates, about 50 individuals attended the ceremony to receive Adult Learner Achievement Awards highlighting their accomplishments in a range of activities, from learning the English language to improving their skills in math and reading. Student speakers Nancy Delgadillo and Shihu (Eric) Gong shared how the Adult Basic Education program helped them grow in their confidence and abilities.
The ceremony also included recognition of West ABE volunteers, as well as special music by Char McDonnell. BHM Community Education Director Eric Erlandson and West ABE Manager Julia O’Neil welcomed those in attendance and provided introductory comments.
About ABE
Adult Basic Education (ABE) is a free state-wide program that serves those working toward high school credentials, learning English, improving basic skills like reading and math, and preparing for post-secondary education or employment. Locally, the program is facilitated by Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Community Education.
While there is no cost to participants, funding for the program is provided by both state and federal sources. In Minnesota, the programs are provided through 34 regions that encompass school districts, correctional facilities, businesses and community organizations.
WEST ABE’s services area stretches from Foley in the north to Glencoe in the south, and from Orono and Albertville in the east to Annandale and Howard Lake in the west. In the 2024-25 program year, WEST services were delivered across 16 school districts, the Monticello Career Force Center, three local businesses and four county jails. It served over 1,800 students from 62 countries. Those students studied more than 45,000 hours.
For more information on the local program, contact Terrisa Fisher at 763.682.8509, or visit the WEST website at www.westabe.org.
