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When 92-year-old Sarah Wells walked on stage last May to receive her high school diploma, hundreds of family members celebrated with her.
But none were happier than the Madison College staff and faculty who helped Wells, and other students like her achieve their dream: a high school diploma.
The Annual High School Completion Recognition Ceremony last May honored 435 students; returning adult students who dismissed “I can’t” for “I can.”
The Two Percent Club
National statistics estimate of students who drop out of high school, only 2% return to earn their degree. Each year, Madison College welcomes and works with hundreds of students in its General Educational Development (GED) and High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED), each motivated by their unique reasons. Wells, and other Madison College graduates, are in the sliver of success.
Wells was motivated by a UW-Madison professor at a memoir writing workshop, who encouraged her. “She told me that it was never too late to get my paper, and that is what pushed me,” Wells said.
That same day, she and her daughter Mary contacted Madison College, where they met with Monique Billings, an advisor/transition specialist in the School of Academic Advancement (SAA). Billing explained the HSED process and helped enroll Wells in classes in the spring of 2023.
“Ms. Wells and her daughter came in person to meet with me, and you could tell they were both very motivated from the start,” Billings said. “I was inspired by Ms. Wells' determination and excited to support her through the process."
Mary Wells says the college’s remote learning and wrap-around support set her mother up for success. “Madison College has all the top-of-the-line resources to get her through. We put trust into the college that they would have all she needed, and they did from the moment she enrolled.”
Mary also commended Madison College instructor Tony Cina for making learning accessible to her mother. “My mom has been out of school for 76 years; Tony was able to relate to her and bring it to a spot where she could understand,” Mary Wells said. “He is a phenomenal teacher.”
For her hard work and inspiration to her classmates, Wells was honored with Madison College’s Exemplary Learner of the Year award. "There were times when I didn’t think I would make it with my illness, but I knew I could do it," Wells said.
Resources for Student Success
The School of Academic Advancement provides comprehensive programming and advising to individuals looking to earn their GED (Certificate of General Education Development) or HSED (High School Equivalency Diploma).
"SAA programs help students take their next step to meet their educational or training goals," says Tina Ahedo, Interim Vice President of Student Services.
The program offers high school completion options, skill-building classes, and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. The school provides comprehensive programming, student support and advising for those who want to earn their GED or HSED, take ESL classes, or improve their reading, writing, or math skills.
HSED/GED students can access Madison College resources, including tutoring services, food pantry, emergency funding, legal clinic, dental clinic, and mental health counseling. The cost for most HSED/GED students is a $15 diploma fee, with the rest paid by grants and free to students, including books, testing, and other academic materials.
Investing in a Dream
The husband and wife team of Alex Nickel and Gloria Anderson took on the challenge of earning their high school diplomas with support from their kids. “We wanted to show them that it is never too late to change your life, and my dad always wanted me to graduate from high school,” Anderson said.
The second time around also brought more focus on long-term plans. “I have a family now, and my goal is taking care of them,” Nickel said. "I know I can achieve my goals; I just need to make the time and have patience.”
With a busy schedule of caring for kids, keeping up with household chores, and working full-time jobs, the couple was motivated to stay on top of their schoolwork, taking turns to rally each other when the other’s energy was down. The two were also competitive, trying to get better test scores, which kept things fun Alex said.
Even though it’s been years since either have been in a high school classroom, Gloria and Alex were driven to earn their diplomas. They encourage others who think the process is daunting to try.
“It’s been easier than I thought it would be,” Alex said. “It was a challenge, but it is better to have a high school diploma to help you get further in life.” Gloria agrees, “It’s worth the time to invest in your dreams."
