REPLAY VIDEO: NOWCastSA webcast live as more than 160 people received their General Education Development certificates in a public graduation ceremony hosted by the City of San Antonio at Edison High School.
The video is archived here so you can come back and watch later.
All but a few of the graduates pursued their secondary education at the city's seven learning centers. The learning centers offer adult basic and secondary education to people who are 18 and older.
The City of San Antonio partners with the San Antonio Independent School District, Texas Education Service Center-Region 20 and North East Independent School District's Adult Education Programs to provide these free educational services. Among the graduates will be four residents of the Haven for Hope homeless transformation campus who also worked diligently and tenaciously to achieve their long-delayed educational goal.
"Congratulations to the 2011 GED Graduates and their families on achieving this educational milestone!" says Vice-Chair of the S.A. Commission on Literacy, Dr. Antonia Castañeda. "The San Antonio Commission on Literacy (SACOL) celebrates each graduate’s successful accomplishment, often against tremendous odds, of her/his educational goal. SACOL is extremely proud of the GED Graduation Class of 2011, of their accomplishments to date, and in the future."
Mayor Julián Castro will offer the commencement address. Four of the GED graduates will share their personal stories, challenges and triumphs as they persisted, pursued and prevailed in this fulfilling journey.
"Sharing in this experience is the highlight of the year for the faculty and staff," said Veronica Ordaz Collazo, social services manager for adult education and literacy for the city of San Antonio. "Hearing the students describe the obstacles they overcame and the rewards they gained is inspiring and uplifting. I am truly privileged to participate in this momentous recognition of the students' accomplishments."
San Antonio Commission on Literacy Commissioners
Antonia Castañeda, Ph.D., D-1
Catherine E. Schneider, D-2
Pamela Toman, D-3
Linda Libby, D-5
Ruben Flores, D-6
Celina Peña, D-7
Nancy Louise O'Malley, D-8
Carol A. Marler, D-9
Janet Knutson, D-10
Rebecca Barrera, Mayoral
Councilwoman Elisa Chan, Mayoral-District 9
San Antonio Commission on Literacy Ex-Officio's
Lydia Martinez, Northside ISD, Director of Adult & Community Education
Guadalupe C. Ruvalcaba, SAISD-Adult & Community Edu. Coordinator
Mary Flannigan, San Antonio Youth Literacy
Becky Gossen, North East ISD Adult Education Coordinator
Eugene Gonzalez, Alamo College WETC
Laurie Gruenbeck San Antonio Public Library Board
Rene Coronado Education Service Center –Region 20