Seventeen students celebrated a major educational milestone this week as they received their High School Equivalency (HSE) diplomas through the Youth Success Academy (YSA) at Georgia Northwestern Technical College.
The graduates were recognized during a commencement ceremony held Tuesday, June 9, at GNTC’s Floyd County Campus in Rome. The event honored students who completed the academy’s HSE program, which is designed to help out-of-school youth earn their diploma equivalent while preparing for future educational and career opportunities.
Daryl West, Youth Services instructor at GNTC, welcomed graduates, family members and supporters to the ceremony. Lindsay Hardin, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) youth instructor aide, and Jessica Master, Youth Services instructional aide, recognized the program’s honor graduates. Dr. Angela Shuman-Smith, Youth Services instructor at GNTC, presented diplomas to the graduating class.
Serving as commencement speaker, Dr. Shuman-Smith encouraged graduates to view their achievement as the beginning of a new journey.
“This diploma is not the end of your story; it is the beginning of a new chapter,” she told the graduates. “You get to write what comes next, and what comes next can be anything.”
She also praised the students for their determination and perseverance.
“Remember that your future isn’t defined by where you started,” Dr. Shuman-Smith said. “It’s defined by the choices you make, the effort you invest and the belief that you have in yourself. This Class of 2026 has already shown what is possible when people refuse to quit.”
Graduates participating in the Floyd County ceremony included Valeria Alvarez, Omiajah Barton, Nash Bryant, Faith Causey, Addelyn Crider, Trinity Ellison, Kailee Hames, Lilyan Huckaby, Lucas Lackey, Bryson Law, Jamie Locklear, Jacob Moody, Jasly Mims, Kira Schonder, Kylie Studdard, Andrew Taylor and Haley West.
Program officials also recognized several community organizations that support the Floyd County Youth Success Academy, including the Floyd County Board of Education, Floyd County Family Connection, Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center, Northwest Georgia Regional Commission, Rome City Schools Board of Education and Transform Ministries.
The Youth Success Academy is a partnership between GNTC and the Northwest Georgia Regional Development Center. The program helps young adults earn their HSE diplomas while participating in job readiness training, leadership development activities and career exploration opportunities.
In addition to HSE preparation and testing, the academy assists eligible students up to age 24 with college enrollment, educational expenses and workforce development opportunities.
For more information about the Floyd County Youth Success Academy, contact the program at 706-295-6940.