The McDowell Adult Education Center in Columbus is planning a celebration to recognize students who earned high school equivalency diplomas in 2020, 2021 or 2022.
The ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. May 11 in Columbus North High School’s auditorium.
Students from the previous two years have been invited to take part in the event, as it was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, said school director Megan Shaff.
The event is not mandatory for students who earn their equivalency but is a celebration of their achievement, she said. The ceremony will be brief, with some remarks from Shaff and student speakers. Individuals who choose to participate will be recognized with certificates.
“We do not wear caps and gowns in this ceremony, but we do march in and sit in the stage in the auditorium and conduct it in a very, hopefully, respectful and celebratory way,” said Shaff.
There will be a time for refreshments and pictures after the ceremony. Additionally, Rep. Ryan Lauer, R- Columbus, has been invited to the event and is planning to attend.
Shaff estimated that about 25-30 individuals have confirmed their participation so far, and the number may continue to grow, especially as more students earn their equivalency each week.
“It’s not a full-on formal graduation ceremony, but it is an accomplishment that we are so proud of the folks that have had the courage to come do and complete, that we want to definitely celebrate them,” she said.
