Search | Menu High school completion grads inspire with 'it's never too late' attitude
When Rodrigo Carapia received the call asking him to be the keynote speaker of the Madison College High School Completion Program graduation ceremony in June, he wanted to do it, but hesitated.
Rodrigo graduated from the program years before and was eager to motivate others, but he didn't think his English was good enough to speak in public, up on stage, in front of all those people.
But Rodrigo's perspective shifted a couple of days later. “I thought, why not? It's important to take on challenges, even when you think you're not ready. I started thinking about what inspires me, and then I realized that my inspiration is all of you. Being up here tonight, sharing this special moment with you means a lot to me.”
383 graduates celebrate
At the June Madison College High School Completion Program ceremony, 383 graduates celebrated completing their high school credentials. Many thought it wasn't possible, facing unexpected obstacles, but they persevered with strength and determination to earn their diploma.
Rodrigo, who moved from Mexico to find a better life in the U.S. and graduated with the highest academic score in the HEP program, is now a successful artist with murals all over Madison and his home country.
Opportunities to learn
HEP, High School Equivalency Program, is one of several high school completion programs offered at Madison College to migrant and seasonal field workers and their families.
As all the graduates walked up on stage to get their diplomas, Rodrigo urged them to exceed their expectations: "Remember, your community believes in you, your family believes in you, but most importantly, you have to believe in yourself. Big things are coming, and you need to be ready for them.”
Madison College School of Academic Advancement helps adults 18 ½ years and older earn a high school credential by taking the national General Education Development (GED) exams or completing a High School Equivalency Diploma program (HSED).
Murla Chappell was one of those June graduates. She successfully battled cancer a few years ago and, blessed with a new lease on life, enrolled in the high school equivalency diploma programs to get her diploma at age 60. Murla, like many of her fellow graduates, will now transition to college, enrolled in summer classes or preparing for their fall program.
Sixty-five-year-old Sedenia Furlow also celebrated earning her high school diploma, not only for personal satisfaction but to inspire her children and grandchildren. She says it’s never too late in life to learn.
