Special to IFN
Mitchell Community College celebrated the achievements of over 100 graduates from its High School Equivalency (HSE) program on May 15 during a heartfelt commencement ceremony held on the grassy Circle of the Statesville Campus.
Mitchell’s High School Credential Preparation program is part of its Basic Skills initiative, which helps students strengthen their reading, writing, and math skills in preparation for the High School Equivalency test. The program is designed to empower individuals to earn their high school credential and open doors to further education and career opportunities.
“Congratulations to each of our graduates for setting and completing this goal. Savor your success. Encourage someone else – your sibling, your parents, your children, your friend or your neighbors to follow in your path,” said Tim Brewer, president of Mitchell Community College. “Each of you who will graduate this evening, we know that you’ve overcome many obstacles and embraced opportunities that have been provided to you by the college. We’re proud of you and we celebrate your accomplishments.”
Patrick Cline, director of College & Career Readiness, also addressed the graduates.
“Graduates—today is your day. When you began this journey, you had a goal in mind, and you have achieved it. Each of you has given considerable effort. Some of you have overcome significant obstacles. All of you deserve the recognition and celebration this moment brings,” Cline said.
The ceremony also featured powerful stories from graduates who exemplified perseverance and determination.
Karina Solis-Martinez, a selected student speaker who could not attend in person, shared her journey through a message read by Cline:
“This was not an easy journey for me. It’s been 10 years in the making and my fourth attempt to graduate. Balancing school and motherhood meant I had to pause my education multiple times. On my third try, COVID hit, and remote learning just didn’t work for me. On my fourth try, I was determined. Even when I faced housing challenges, I put school first. And here I stand.”
Another graduate, Anduan Lamar Merriman, spoke candidly about his path to success.
“When I was younger, my father passed away, and I lost the desire to try. I only ‘attempted’ but never followed through,” Merriman said. “But I remembered something my father once told me, and it motivated me to start again. I worked part-time jobs, earned my CDL, but still lacked the qualifications for many opportunities. Mitchell’s HSE program helped me get started.”
Despite facing health setbacks during the pandemic, Merriman credited the unwavering support of Mitchell’s faculty and staff for helping him stay the course.
“I promise you, you will not fail. Mitchell will not allow you to,” he said. “I made it.”
The 2025 HSE graduation ceremony was a celebration of resilience, community, and the transformative power of education. Mitchell Community College remains committed to supporting students on their journey to success—no matter where they start.
2025 HSE Graduates
Queen Aiken
Ke’Asha Allbrooks
Kayla Amore
Brittni Andron
Nicolas Andron
Fatima Siboney Avina-Alvarado
John Baker
Chloee Beaver
William Bennett
Molly Berry
Klayton Blevins
Christian Bock
Nikki Branham
Kerri Brooks
Tarrance Brown
Joshua Brown
Ashton Browne
Shameka Caldwell
Joshua Campbell
Bryson Cannon
Heydi Castillo-Olivas
Anthony Castro
Alexandra Corn
Nia Cupp
Amarilys De La Hoz-Ortega
Olivia Dison
Andrew Dubose
Nicolas Eller
Gianna Esculano
Karla Esperson-Perez
Emma Fermin Reyes
Mariana Fernandez
Anastasia Fillmore
Ellie Fish
Migdal Flake
Joseph Fox
Haylee Freeland
Kaylee Freeland
Ana Gama
Elijah Hance
Stacey Hanham
Camden Hardin
Carlos Hernandez
Mariana Hernandez
Sandra Hernandez
AshLynne Hollandsworth
Akia Holmes
Kendra Hooker
Daniel Houston
Kenneth Huffstetler
Christian Hunter
Millicent Ingersoll
Emily Jolly
Michael Kelly
Joshua Lancaster
Wyatt Lasecki
Jadyn LeFaivre Lionheart
Marcano Reinalis Marcano-Gonzalez
Cassidy Marshall Gabrielle
Maus Sarah Mayhew
Yann Wilfried Mbonda-Tamboula
Daniel McCrea
William McDaniel
Anduan Merriman
Joseph Mezzano
Brandon Mode
Bradley Morgan
Justin Moyer
James Myers
Robert Nantz
Christopher Noland
Jativius Odom
Crystal Phillips Olivia Pogue
Zoie Poole
Sullivan Redmond
Dakota Remington
Maddison Rhodes
Tammy Richards
Tyrese Richardson
Nicole Rivero-Marrero
Amanda Rorie
Emily Rosanio
Joseph Ruhman
Ruzaz Salman
Vanessa Sheets
Earl Shrewsbury
Skye Sigmon
Catherine Simeu Nkoutche
Melvin Simpson
Karina Solis-Martinez
Liliana Soto
Brenna Thrush
Trinity Triplet
Nikhale Truesdale
Stacey Valdez-Garcia
Giovani Vallejo
Benson Viard
Caleigh Wachob
Samantha Watson
Colton Weaver
Nathen Weiner
Olandus Whitson
Anari Wilson
Thomas Workman
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