MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College recently celebrated the success of 37 graduates who received their GED or High School Diplomas over the summer and fall quarters during a ceremony inside the Wallenstien Theater on the BBCC campus.
More than 700 students enrolled in the Transitional Studies Programs at Big Bend have earned diplomas during the last four years (2014-19).
“This isn’t your last step. This is a milestone that you’ve accomplished and there is so much more that this opportunity is going to open doors for you to do,” said BBCC Dean of Transitional Studies Faviola Barbosa when addressing the crowd. “Consider college. It’s possible, and we want to encourage you and see you go to the next level and continue to grow.”
The graduation ceremony, held each June and going forward each December, is typically one of the most positive and emotional events held on campus. 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.
Among those who spoke was graduate Maria Garcia, who congratulated her fellow graduates and expressed gratitude for the program’s instructors.
“I finally decided to do it this year,” she said. “I want to thank my teacher Emily (Anderson). If it wasn’t for her supporting me and telling me I did such a good job, I wouldn’t have had that belief in myself. So thank you.”
During the ceremony students also heard from keynote speaker and program instructor Christopher Browning.
For more photos, visit the Big Bend Community College Facebook album HERE!