Metro North Adult Basic Education (ABE) recently hosted a heartwarming graduation ceremony, marking a significant milestone for several adult learners who received their adult diplomas or GEDs. The event was attended by numerous family members and friends who came together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of these dedicated individuals.

The ceremony was a culmination of hard work, perseverance, and determination exhibited by the graduates throughout their academic journey. For many, obtaining an adult diploma or GED represents more than just an educational accomplishment; it signifies a gateway to new opportunities, personal growth, and enhanced prospects for the future.

Amidst cheers and applause, each graduate walked across the room to receive their well-deserved recognition. Special guests included Julie Jeppson, Anoka County Commissioner; Cory McIntyre, Anoka-Hennepin Schools Superintendent; School board members, Jeff Simon and Kacy Deschene; Michelle Trelstad, Executive Director of Community Education and Government Relations; and Tracy Knighton, Community Education Director.

The significance of the Metro North ABE graduation ceremony extends beyond the conferral of diplomas; it symbolizes the transformative power of education and the unwavering support of a community dedicated to uplifting individuals of any age toward success.

As we continued to settle after the pandemic, each Adult Basic Education site celebrated their graduates separately. 68 adults earned a high school equivalency through Metro North ABE in the 2022-2023 school year. 

Each graduate overcame challenges and reached new heights. The story above shares the story of Shane and Autumn Ritter, a father and his daughter, who crossed the threshold of higher education together.

"It is not about the timeframe, it's about the destination," said Blaine Learning Lab site director Meagan Hymes. All of the Metro North ABE graduates have worked hard to make their destination.

A long-awaited celebration played out with all the pomp and circumstance Metro North’s Adult Basic Education graduates deserved. It was June of 2019 — before COVID-19 — when the last in-person graduation took place. More than two years later, students from three different graduating classes were given the opportunity to be recognized for their hard work.

Sporting caps, gowns and tassels, those who chose to walk the stage on September 16 collected their GED or adult diploma with huge smiles on their faces. Meantime, enthusiastic cheers and rounds of applause came from family, friends, and staff who were there to support them.

“We’re here to honor and celebrate your successes,” said Theresa Zingery, Community Education Manager. “Not only did you meet the standards required to get a GED or high school credential, you also demonstrated true determination, courage, strength and persistence in pursuing your dream, particularly in a year as challenging as the one we’ve just been through.” 

Anoka County Commissioner Mandy Meisner spoke about the perseverance and determination it took for these non-traditional students to achieve their academic goals.

Several graduates also spoke about their educational experiences during the ceremony. Jake Johnson was a year into his studies and testing when the pandemic changed everything.

“Pursuing my goal to get my GED became a much harder task. I learn more efficiently in a classroom setting, one-on-one with a teacher or tutor, but suddenly I had to become familiar with distance learning at home which took from me a new level of discipline,” said Johnson.

Each story was a testimonial to the many hurdles these graduates faced. Belle Larson described her early years as tumultuous. At 15, she left home and dropped out of school due to family problems. Larson overcame domestic abuse, moved halfway across the country alone, and raised six children as a stay-at-home mom. Through it all, she carried with her one central goal of furthering her education.

“While the plans we make in our youth don’t often play out in the ways we’d like them to, we are sometimes afforded the second chance needed to realize our success and overcome obstacles,” said Larson. “Metro North ABE gave me the chance to rekindle my passion for learning and to believe in myself again.”

Due to the state health guidelines and direction from the Minnesota Departments of Education (MDE) and Health (MDH), and the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC), we were unable to hold an in-person ceremony in 2020. Instead, a virtual celebration event was held to honor graduates.  

During these challenging times, it’s important to take the time to celebrate the joys and successes in life. We were excited to honor graduates at a Metro North Adult Basic Education (ABE) virtual celebration, which was held on the same date and time that the ceremony was scheduled.

The celebration was held live on Wednesday, June 3, 2020.

• View the video on YouTube

• View the event program (pdf)
  
  

Congratulations on your accomplishments.

Stay safe, stay healthy!

Metro North ABE staff

Metro North Adult Basic Education (ABE) was proud to present over 100 graduates with diplomas and GEDs this year. Approximately 30 graduates were in attendance at the graduation ceremony on Wednesday, June 5, at Anoka High School.

Metro North ABE is a partnership between eight community education programs in the north metro, offering free adult basic education classes to develop academic skills for adults ages 17 and up, who are not enrolled in a high school program. Eight consortium partners with locations across the north metro provide ABE classes and programs, making it convenient for students to pursue their goals close to home or work:

Metro North ABE hosted its 2018 Graduation Ceremony at Anoka High School on Wednesday, May 30, 2018. All Metro North ABE students who earned their GED, State Diploma or Credit Recovery Diploma in the past year were invited to participate. Metro North Adult Basic Education (ABE)  presented over 28 adult learners with their GED or a diploma on Wednesday, May 30 at Anoka High School. 

Keynote speaker Kristen Stuenkel, Columbia Heights School District Community Education Director opened the event and two student speakers shared their personal stories of their journey to graduation. Randy Thoen, a Metro North ABE Volunteer, closed the ceremony with his message of gratitude for the experience that brought them to this point and for the future opportunities that they may enjoy.

After the ceremony, the graduates along with their family and friends, Metro North ABE staff, volunteers, and community members enjoyed an on-site reception with cake, lemonade, pictures, and shared their joy of the event, looking forward to all the new experiences to come.

We were pleased to have a photographer from Lifetouch on site to photograph this momentous event. We are happy to share them with our community.

Congratulations to all the students who received their GED or Adult Diploma in the past year!

View our original story. 

Metro North ABE hosted its 2017 Graduation Ceremony at Anoka High School on Thursday, June 8, 2017. All Metro North ABE students who earned their GED, State Diploma or Credit Recovery Diploma in the past year were invited to participate.

Keynote speakers Al Ickler, Anoka-Hennepin School District Community Education Director, and Darcy Hokkanen, Program Coordinator at Anoka County, delivered words of inspiration to the 34 graduate participants. Five student speakers from 3 different sites took to the podium and spoke about how Adult Basic Education has positively impacted their lives. After the ceremony, the graduates along with their family and friends, Metro North ABE staff, volunteers, and community members, enjoyed a festive reception with cake, lemonade, pictures, and many heartfelt words of congratulations.

Congratulations to all the students who received their GED or Adult Diploma in the past year!