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Image of an adult education graduate accepting their HiSET diploma from president Tribley

Sheridan College to celebrate Adult Basic Education graduates July 25

Sheridan College will recognize 37 students in its Adult Basic Education (ABE) program who have earned their High School Equivalency Certificates at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 25 in Kinnison Hall on the Sheridan College campus.

This year’s ceremony will also mark a special milestone for High School Equivalency (HSE)/English Language Acquisition (ELA) Instructor Billie Rae Charles, who will celebrate her final ABE graduation after 17 years of dedicated service to Sheridan College and its students before retiring.

Academic Dean Dr. Sarah Jo Sinclair said that throughout her career, Charles has helped hundreds of students achieve their educational goals. “By providing instruction, encouragement and unwavering support, Billie Rae has helped countless students earn their high school equivalency credentials and move toward brighter futures,” Sinclair said. “We will miss her deeply and are committed to carrying on in her footsteps.”

In addition to student stories that will be shared by Adult Education Director Stephanie Zukowski, the ceremony will feature remarks from Walt Tribley, Sheridan College President and speaker Dr. Estella Castillo-Garrison, Sheridan College Vice President of Academic Affairs. A distinguished higher education leader with more than two decades of experience and a first-generation college graduate, Castillo-Garrison will share how education has shaped her life and career.

Sheridan College HiSET and ABE instructor, Billie Rae Charles.

“By providing instruction, encouragement and unwavering support, Billie Rae has helped countless students earn their high school equivalency credentials and move toward brighter futures,” Sinclair said. “We will miss her deeply and are committed to carrying on in her footsteps.”

Sheridan College’s Adult Basic Education program provides free instruction to students aged 16 and older seeking to improve their reading, writing and math skills or prepare for the High School Equivalency (HiSET) exam. The program also helps students develop college and career readiness through resume writing, cover letter development and job search strategies.

Students who successfully complete the HiSET exam earn a Wyoming High School Equivalency Certificate, opening doors to higher education, technical training and expanded employment opportunities.

In addition to academic support for the HiSET, Dr. Tribley has offered all Adult Basic Education graduates the opportunity to claim a $1,000 scholarship to continue their education at Sheridan College, helping remove financial barriers as they pursue certificates, degrees and career training.

“The Adult Basic Education program transforms lives by providing students with the tools and confidence to reach goals they may have once thought were out of reach,” Sinclair said. “This ceremony celebrates not only academic achievement, but also perseverance, determination and new beginnings.”

The community is invited to join Sheridan College in celebrating the graduates and recognizing Charles’ years of service and lasting impact on students throughout the region.

For more information about Sheridan College’s Adult Basic Education and High School Equivalency programs, visit www.sheridan.edu or contact Sheridan College (307)-675-0505.