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MARSHALLTOWN – Five graduates were recognized at the adult high school equivalency graduation ceremony at Marshalltown Community College last week. The graduates received letters of congratulations presented by Patty Mendoza, Iowa Valley’s Director of Adult Literacy Programs, and a short commentary was read by instructor Kathy Siebring regarding each graduate’s future plans. Iowa Valley chancellor, Dr. Kristy Fisher also addressed the graduates.

Tanner Haus said his biggest challenge was juggling a full-time job and attending class, but that didn’t stop him. During his journey, he was inspired by a lot of people, but namely his mom for always believing in him. He also wanted to thank Sam and Marney for their endless encouragement.

Erika Cruz Arguelles wishes to thank her family for their encouragement, her classmates, and her instructor Ricarda for her individual attention. While keeping up with the reading was a bit challenging, she was successful because she stuck with it. She would encourage other students to stick with it and utilize the instructors for their expertise. She would also recommend that students not get discouraged – just keep working towards their goals. The future is waiting for you!

Earning his HSED during the pandemic was a challenge for Juan Lopez. Though he juggled a demanding job and family life and school, he was successful in earning his degree. He credits his wife and daughters as his inspiration to keep going. He wishes to thank his instructor, Kathy Siebring for her support and encouragement. He is excited that there are new opportunities within reach because he achieved his degree. He wants to tell other students that earning their HSED degree will lift a weight off their shoulders and open doors that would not have been opened without a degree. He wants to remind people that they can do anything they put their minds to.

Courtney Askildsen also balanced a lot in order to achieve her HSED degree – studying and taking care of her family was a challenge that she overcame. She credits her family and her best friend Shania for providing motivation. She eventually wants to become a pediatric nurse. She encourages others to never give up on their dreams of growing and becoming something better.

Alejandra Cervantes divided her time between a full-time job and studying for her degree. Balancing both was her greatest challenge. She hopes to attend college in the near future. Her advice to future students: don’t give up on yourself, and read as much as you can!

Guest speaker Maryna Salas, the Assistant to the Director of the House of Compassion, addressed the graduates and their families and friends. She spoke about her upbringing in Mexico and her journey to the United States. She praised the Education and Training Center’s staff for helping her to improve her English and to earn her High School Equivalency diploma. She then told of her experiences at Marshalltown Community College where she earned her associate’s Degree and Buena Vista University where she earned a bachelor’s degree She concluded by encouraging the graduates to continue with their education and to dream big.

Each graduate received a certificate symbolizing their dedication to lifelong learning. The graduates also each qualify for a New Opportunity Scholarship worth $400 per semester in college, provided they maintain a qualifying grade point average.

Each year, Iowa Valley Continuing Education (IVCE) presents a Director’s Scholarship award to the student who achieves the highest score on the high school equivalency tests. The June graduating class Valedictorian was Cole Chinowth, who may use the Director’s Scholarship to cover full tuition and fees for one year at either Marshalltown or Ellsworth Community College.

Since January 2020, there have been 34 students who have completed their HSED. For information about high school equivalency diploma classes offered through Iowa Valley Continuing Education, call 641-754-1348. Classes are offered in Grinnell, Iowa Falls, Marshalltown, and Tama.