Southeastern Community College celebrates High School Equivalency Diploma Graduation Class of 2025
Southeastern Community College (SCC) celebrated perseverance, resilience, and new beginnings on December 18 during its High School Equivalency Diploma Graduation, hosted by the College’s Transitional Studies department. The ceremony honored 21 graduates who earned their high school equivalency diplomas, each representing a powerful story of determination and forward momentum.
In addition to completing their diplomas, six graduates also earned workforce credentials through SCC’s Basic Skills Plus academies, combining academic achievement with job-ready training in high-demand fields including HVAC, Nurse Aide I, Medical Office, and Intro to Early Childhood.
The ceremony opened with a welcome from Veronica Powell, Associate Dean of Transitional Studies & Prison Education, who recognized the graduates’ commitment to returning to education and choosing a new path forward.
“This occasion represents the culmination of perseverance, commitment, and determination,” said Elizabeth High, Dean of Student Learning & Innovation. “Our graduates have demonstrated resilience and a dedication to personal growth, and today we proudly recognize their accomplishments.”
A highlight of the evening was an address from student speaker Sarah Todd, a 2022 high school equivalency graduate whose journey continued well beyond earning her credential. Todd now serves as an intake caseworker with the Columbus County Department of Social Services, and returned to SCC to encourage graduates with a message rooted in lived experience.
“This isn’t just your graduation—this is a room full of stories, full of people who kept going when life didn’t make it easy,” Todd said. “That piece of paper holds every tear you cried in silence. It holds every time you chose discipline over comfort. It holds every moment you kept going for someone who was counting on you.”
Todd reminded graduates that progress does not always follow a straight line, encouraging them to trust the journey ahead. “Delayed does not mean denied, and a detour does not mean defeat,” she said. “Your past does not decide your future.”
SCC President Dr. Chris English closed the ceremony by recognizing both the graduates and the team that supported them along the way, including the transformational leadership of the Transitional Studies staff.
“Earning your high school equivalency diploma represents far more than completing coursework—it reflects the choice to come back, to start again, and to stay committed,” English said. “This is not the finish line. This is a foundation. At SCC, we meet you where you are, and we help you go as far as you want to go.”
Workforce Credential Earners
- Basic Skills Plus HVAC Academy: Timothy Haynes Boyd, De’vin McKay Graham, Tony Lee Shaw
- Basic Skills Plus Nurse Aide I: Keyandra Sharda’ Frazier
- Basic Skills Plus Medical Office Academy: Maleshia Dashawn Johnson
- Basic Skills Plus Intro to Early Childhood: Na’Zyia Nyela Troy
High School Equivalency Diploma Graduates – Class of 2025
Colby Lynn Allen, Timothy Haynes Boyd, Keyandra Sharda’ Frazier, Kasia Alexandria Freeman, De’vin McKay Graham, Maleshia Dashawn Johnson, Valerie Marie Maultsby, Serwaa Iveaon Menser, Alexis Michelle McCleary, Andrew Michael McCleary, Nicholas Michael McGinnis, Bobby Allen Nichols, Madison Page Northham, Dion Li Phillips, Trevor Michael Sage, Tony Lee Shaw, Shakita Denise Strickland, Na’Zyia Nyela Troy, Lyla Jane Todd, Kenneth Ray Ward, Jasmine Faith Wynn.
For those interested in earning a high school equivalency diploma, it is never too late to take the next step. Southeastern Community College’s Transitional Studies program provides supportive pathways tailored to meet students where they are and help them progress. Learn more at https://sccnc.edu/short-term-training/transitional-studies-program/.
