Cheers and clapping filled the auditorium at Ichabod Crane High School as 28 adults received their high school equivalency diploma June 16.
Questar III District Superintendent Dr. Gladys I. Cruz and Director of Strategic Initiatives Jim Church spoke the graduates and congratulated them on their achievement. Several graduates also spoke at the ceremony.
English for Speakers of Other Languages student Zinnie Benschop said during his remarks that while learning English, he now understands several phrases that aren’t quite what they seem.
“Now I know when someone says ‘come again’, I don’t have to leave. Just say it again,” Benschop said.
There was an audible “aww” from the audience when Kari Baird came off stage after her speech and her son ran up to her and gave her a hug and a kiss.
The High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma is available for anyone aged 19 or above without a high school diploma. Statistics from the New York State Education Department show unemployment rates are about four percent lower for individuals with a high school diploma or HSE, and salaries are on average about $10,000 higher per year than individuals without a high school diploma or HSE.
Congratulations to all the graduates!
For more information from NYSED about the HSE process, visit this link.
To see photos from graduation, visit our Facebook page.
