More than 70 women and men took a big first step on the road to realizing their dreams.  They graduated from the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) GED/HSED program.

The graduates completed classwork and testing for the GED or the High School Equivalency Diploma (or HSED) programs with SDC.  Alonzo Kelly, founder of the Kelly Leadership Group, addressed the graduates and their families and friends.  He said they had accomplished something amazing by going back to school and earning their diplomas.  He stated “I am so in awe of you” and added it was an honor to share the day’s celebration with them.

SDC Interim CEO Hannah C. Dugan congratulated the graduates and told them they had achieved something special.  “Your achievement

The graduates included Randall Bordeaux who presented the class address.  He told his peers that they had put in months of hard work to reach the graduation.  He read a poem he wrote for the day that applauded his fellow graduates for their efforts and achievements.  He also urged them to continue to do what is right and to be “the best we can be”.

The graduation for the SDC GED/HSED program was bittersweet.  One of the graduates’ fellow students, Brandon Beckom, was acknowledged as having passed away during the semester.  SDC Education Coordinator Jake Gorges noted that Brandon had achieved perfect attendance in his classes up until his untimely passing.  His classmates gave his widow a standing ovation.

The GED and HSED programs are part of the Education and Training offerings at the Social Development Commission.  The HSED program which is designed for adult students with special learning challenges and is the only such program in Milwaukee County.

Both programs at SDC will in the near future begin using a recently completed state-of-the-art testing center.  This facility will not only be used by the GED and HSED programs but also to do testing for professional licenses and certificates.  It is part of SDC’s Economic Advancement Pilot Program and is designed to help increase employment opportunities for Milwaukee County residents.

The next GED/HSED class will begin at SDC this summer.  To learn more about the program or to find out how to register for the class, visit www.cr-sdc.org/index/Programs–Services/Education–Training/GEDHSED-Testing.htm.