Big crowd for HS21+/GED

A 30-percent increase in students completing a high school diploma or GED at Big Bend Community College in 2015-16 resulted in an overflow crowd at an annual recognition ceremony June 8.

The 700-seat Wallenstein Theater couldn’t accommodate all the students and well-wishers for the high school diploma and GED completion ceremony, as people stood along the walls. It didn’t dampen the enthusiasm for the accomplishments of the students.

This year 188 students earned high school diploma credentials or a GED, and 110 of them attended the ceremony. Last year there were 144 completers, and 110 attended the ceremony.

If the numbers continue to grow, the venue for the ceremony might need to be moved to the DeVries Activities Center (gymnasium), according to college officials.