The Center for Adult Learning at Trinidad State serves approximately 80 students each year. This year ten of them completed the program and graduated on June 11 with their high school equivalency degrees (also known as GED). This achievement is notable because the tests and study materials were upgraded two years ago making them much more difficult and geared toward college bound students almost exclusively. “Your scores show that you are college ready,” Director Anna Mae Rael-Lindsay told the graduates. “You should be proud because half of the current high school graduates would not be able to pass these difficult exams.” Beginning in July two other less challenging test options will be offered to students who do not plan to move on to college.
Rael-Lindsay credited her staff for their work with the students as she said, “Teachers are the core of education.” Kathy Woolbert Park who teaches reading and language arts and science said, “It’s more than teaching. There’s a counseling element. Students who come to this program have often had some challenging educational and life experiences. I have them write a lot. It helps them get it out of their systems. I love the students.” Gary Petty, who has been teaching math for the program for 13 years, says he was offered a math teacher position but turned it down because he really enjoys the one-on-one work he does. “Each student can work at his own pace,” he said. “I really enjoy what I’m doing.” Mary Richards is the newest staff member. She teaches reading and language arts and social studies. Melissa Montoya assists with office management. Rael-Lindsay is President-elect of the Colorado Adult Education Professional Association. Her involvement with adult education helped to insure, not only the continuation of the program, but the addition of two other test choices for those seeking their high school equivalency in Colorado. For her efforts she received the Award of Excellence for the state of Colorado from the MPAEA (Mountain Plains Adult Education Association) which covers a nine-state region with one director recognized in each state. Rael-Lindsay was chosen from a pool of 34 Adult Education Directors in Colorado.
Keynote speaker, Trinidad State President Dr. Carmen Simone, asked herself how she could inspire a group that was so inspiring to her. “There are days when we all want to give up,” she said, “but this is about people helping people to reach their dreams. You’ve accomplished one dream. Now you can go on to the next. There are people here who can help you toward your goals.” Simone awarded each student attending the graduation ceremony two $250 scholarships for the following fall and spring semesters. “Thank you for inspiring me. We are really proud of you,” she said.
Garet Middleton surprised his family and even himself by completing the four required subjects successfully in only one month. “I got kicked out of the house,” Middleton said. I had to get a job and get serious about my future. I’m thinking about studying graphic design.” He added, “Sometimes we all need a little push. I’d like to thank my mom and these teachers for giving me the push it took to get me here.” When the audience was asked to share remarks, Garet’s older brother added, “This (program) is exactly what I wish high school was.” He then turned to his brother and said, “Congratulations, Garet. I love you.”
When Dora Peregrino moved to the United States with her family, none of them spoke English and she had never used a computer. Neither Peregrino nor her family thought she would be able to learn enough English to master the exams, but after three years of dogged determination, she has succeeded. Her son, who earned a two-year degree in diesel mechanics and welding at Trinidad State in 2011, tearfully told the crowd how very proud he is of his mother. He talked about how tough life has been for the family and how hard they have worked to move forward. A bouquet, a bear hug and kisses for his mom followed his poignant remarks.
Patience Malueg simply wanted a degree. Her brother, Josiah, graduated from the program several years ago. Both were home schooled and came to the Adult Education Center to earn the equivalent of a high school degree. Malueg plans to begin her education at Trinidad State and is interested in being a Certified Nursing Assistant and also wants to study Cosmetology. Her dad, who admires what this program offers so many, requested a standing ovation for Rael-Lindsay and the audience enthusiastically complied.
Robert Gallegos, who moved here from Phoenix, joined the program because he wanted to better his life for himself and his son. He will now move on to the Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA) at Trinidad State and become a police officer.
Public schools were not a fit for Brooke Stuebs, who had tried four schools. She appreciates the opportunity to complete her degree with this program and she wants to study industrial and commercial design as well as be a tattoo artist. Pushing herself to complete the program as quickly as possible, Stuebs passed both her social studies and language arts exams the same day. “I learned more here than I learned in my whole high school career and I didn’t feel pressured,” she said.
Public schools didn’t work for Robert Ford either. He said this was the best experience for education with the best teachers he has ever had. He said there is no stress here and the material covered is practical. After Ford registered for the program, his brother, Jesse Wik, decided to join him. They encouraged each other. “Those two are smart,” said Rael-Lindsay. “Although many of the students received college ready honors in several subjects, Wik received honors in all four subjects - math, science, social studies and language arts.”
Anthony Salas has been earning a good living working construction, but he has always been a rock hound and loves to collect rocks. He wants to be a geologist. He realizes things could be tight temporarily, but he’s willing to make the sacrifice to be able to pursue his dream.
Mackenzie Frady and Loretta Love also graduated with this class but were not present for the ceremony. At least four of the graduates have chosen to begin their college careers at Trinidad State.