129 students receive GED or high school equivalency

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College (BBCC) celebrated new beginnings Wednesday night along with 129 students and their families who received their General Equivalency Diploma (GED®) or High School Equivalency at a celebration ceremony inside the Wallenstien Theater on the BBCC campus.

More than 600 students enrolled in the Transitional Studies Program at Big Bend have earned diplomas during the last four years (2014-18).

“This is one of the two days that you will remember,” said Dean of Transitional Studies Faviola Barbosa when addressing the crowd. “We want you to know that this is just the beginning of your journey. You now have the ability to move forward with your education and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.”

The ceremony is typically one of the most positive and emotional events held on campus each year. The college loans caps and gowns to the honorees, which makes for a more meaningful ceremony, good photographs, and memories.

A highlight of the evening is always an open microphone for high school diploma and GED recipients to tell their stories and thank their families as well. This year’s group of honorees ranged in age from 18 to 79. 

“It is so inspiring to hear the stories of our students and how they have been able to overcome challenges to reach this point in their lives.  We are very proud of them.  Now that they have earned their diploma and know how to succeed academically, we hope all of them continue with a college education,” said Vice President of Learning and Student Success, Dr. Bryce Humpherys.

At last night’s ceremony students heard from keynote speaker Lina Neel as well as their fellow classmates Yaxica Martinez Paz and Rocio Ramirez, both of Quincy.