LEWISTON, ID — A total of 32 students earned their General Educational Development (GED) diplomas through the adult learning program at Lewis-Clark State College and were recognized during a commencement ceremony Tuesday at the Silverthorn Theatre.

Graduates honored during the ceremony included students from across the region who completed their GED requirements through the college’s Adult Learning Center. The program serves approximately 200 students each year, with 90 students graduating over the past year.

Joseph Taylor, one of three student speakers during the ceremony, reflected on the support he received while completing the program.

“My path led me here, to the Adult Learning Center, and what I found here was more than just a place to earn my GED,” Taylor said. “I found people who believed in me before I believed in myself.”

Terri Lynn McNeill and Kimberly Ruth Lake also addressed graduates during the event. Faculty Senate Chair and assistant professor of engineering technology Charles Bell spoke at the ceremony, while Senior Vice President and Vice President for Student Affairs Andrew Hanson conferred the diplomas.

Christine Hagedorn Reilly, program director of adult education and GED with the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education, also attended the ceremony.

Michelle Nelson, interim director of the Adult Learning Center and assistant dean of Career & Technical Education, said the ceremony serves as a way to celebrate student achievement and encourage graduates to continue pursuing educational opportunities.

The Adult Learning Center is located at 400 Main Street in Lewiston.