Twenty-nine students received their High School Equivalency (HSE) diplomas this week through the Youth Success Academy (YSA) at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC).
Seventeen students graduated at the YSA Commencement Ceremony at GNTC’s Floyd County Campus in Rome on Tuesday, June 9. Twelve students graduated from GNTC’s Walker County Campus YSA program at Peavine Baptist Church in Rock Spring on Thursday, June 11.
At the Floyd County Campus program graduation, Daryl West, Youth Services instructor at GNTC, welcomed attendees. Lindsay Hardin, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) youth instructor aide at GNTC, and Jessica Master, Youth Services instructional aide at GNTC, recognized the honor graduates. Hardin presented the graduates and Dr. Angela Shuman-Smith, Youth Services instructor at GNTC, awarded the diplomas.
“This diploma is not the end of your story; it is the beginning of a new chapter,” Dr. Shuman-Smith, commencement speaker at the Floyd County Campus ceremony, said in the charge to the graduates. “You get to write what comes next, and what comes next can be anything.”
“Remember that your future isn’t defined by where you started,” Dr. Shuman-Smith said. “It’s defined by the choices you make, the effort you invest and the belief that you have in yourself. This Class of 2026 has already shown what is possible when people refuse to quit.”
Listed are the Floyd County Campus YSA graduates showing (from left) the graduate’s name and hometown. This list does not include students who have graduated, but did not participate in the ceremony: Valeria Alvarez, Rome; Omiajah Barton, Rome; Nash Bryant, Rome; Faith Causey, Rome: Addelyn Crider, Rome; Trinity Ellison, Silver Creek; Kailee Hames, Rome; Lilyan Huckaby, Rome; Lucas Lackey, Rome; Bryson Law, Rome; Jamie Locklear, Rome; Jacob Moody, Canton; Jasly Mims, Silver Creek; Kira Schonder, Rome; Kylie Studdard, Rome; Andrew Taylor, Rome; and Haley West, Lindale.
At the Walker County Campus YSA program graduation, Tammy Pence, WIOA youth specialist at GNTC, welcomed attendees. LaRae Eveans, WIOA youth instructional aide at GNTC, gave the charge to the graduates.
Vince Stalling, WIOA Youth Services coordinator at GNTC, saluted the graduates. Hope Gold, Youth Services instructor at GNTC, gave the commencement ceremony’s address and closing remarks. Eveans presented the graduates; Stalling and Gold awarded the diplomas.
“As you move forward, I hope you remember three things. First, be courageous and brave,” Gold said. “Courage is not the absence of fear. It’s moving forward, even when fear is present. Remember, that growth happens when we step beyond what is comfortable.”
“Second, be kind,” Gold continued. “Never underestimate the impact of a kind word, a helping hand or a moment of compassion. Success is meaningful; character is what leaves you a lasting legacy. And third, be resilient. You will face disappointments. Every person does. Resilience is the ability to get back up after being knocked down.”
Listed are the Walker County Campus YSA graduates showing (from left) the graduate’s name and hometown. This list does not include students who have graduated, but did not participate in the ceremony: William Gabe Abbott, LaFayette; Jasmine Cardozo, LaFayette; Khloe Davis, LaFayette; Alexzander Edgeman, LaFayette; Julia Finch, LaFayette; Brayden Gibson, Chickamauga; Autumn Godfrey, LaFayette; Beau Jackson, Dalton; Ahlecksa Johnson, Chickamauga; Zoey Laney, Rising Fawn; Elizabeth Nicoson, LaFayette; and Andrew Owsiak, LaFayette.
The Floyd County YSA program recognized the following organizations who provided support for the program: Floyd County Board of Education, Floyd County Family Connection, Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center, Northwest Georgia Regional Commission, Rome City School Board of Education and Transform Ministries.
The Walker County YSA program recognized the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission and Pearson Vue Test administrator for their support for the program.
YSA, sponsored through a partnership with GNTC and the Northwest Georgia Regional Development Center, is specifically designed for out-of-school youth who wish to attain a HSE diploma and a technical education. Students in the program prepare for the HSE exam and participate in job readiness trainings, as well as workshops and leadership activities.
The Youth Success Academy offers several programs including HSE diploma testing. The academy assists adults up to the age of 24 with college expenses, help with college enrollment and assistance in gaining experience in different career fields. For more information, contact the Floyd County Campus YSA at 706-295-6940 and the Walker County Campus YSA at 706-764-3783.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College delivers high-quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students can pursue associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in a wide range of career pathways, including aviation, business, health, industrial and public service. Over the past year, 14,082 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. The college has an annual credit enrollment of 9,342 students and achieved a 100 percent placement rate. An additional 4,740 individuals are served through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start® programs