(Photo courtesy of SDC)

Men and women ranging in age from 19 to 50-plus bore big smiles and carried an aura of pride as they walked across the stage to receive their High School Equivalency Diploma as part of the Social Development Commission (SDC) education and training service program. Graduation was held the afternoon of Thursday, December 17, at the National Guard Armory in Milwaukee.

Students received instruction from educators from the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and the Social Development Commission over the course of 16 weeks. The degree program focuses on math, communication, and pathways. “To see the growth of the students over the past four months and to witness the level of pride they have in their accomplishment, along with the excitement of their friends and families, underscores that what we are doing at SDC has a positive impact on people’s lives,” stated SDC CEO George Hinton.

The graduation’s keynote speaker, Alderwoman Milele Coggs, shared her educational journey and the path she took to fulfill her passion for public service. She stated that while this achievement was their own, it also belonged their families. To students, Coggs said, “Discover your purpose and follow the path that leads you to your purpose.” She closed with her motto, “It is the responsibility of us all to give back to the community that makes us who we are.” The audience responded with thunderous applause.

The Social Development Commission’s HSED program is one of the largest in Milwaukee County.

Alderwoman Milele Coggs was the graduation’s keynote speaker. (Photo courtesy of SDC)

(Photo courtesy of SDC)