Northeast State honors new Adult Education graduates

Northeast State recognized a new class of graduates from the Adult Education program at a commencement ceremony held Tuesday afternoon.

Adult Education program director Anita Ricker welcomed the students, their friends, and their families to the graduation ceremony held May 12 at the amphitheater on the Blountville campus. The Adult Education program prepares students to earn their high school equivalency diplomas through the High School Equivalency Testing (HiSET) exam.

Adult Education program graduates who attended the graduation ceremony were Marantha Alderman, Julieta Aragon, Anabelle Armstrong, Victoria Banta, Amanda Bays, Danielle Bentley, Margaret Blakley, Suzanne Blevins, Kaylee Brooks, Vicky Carnes, Kaylei Catherman, Michael Cedeno Wheatley, Hannah Cohen-Schaus, Randall Cross, Brandon Cutshaw, Brooklynn DeFreece, Amira Faurot El-Bekar, Ethan Fillers, Brenner Fitzpatrick, Cameron Flanagan, Cierra Fleming, Caleb Fletcher, Harley Forrester, Kristen Garland, Braiden Hale, Cynthia Harmon, Kirsten Harmon, Kaydee Heston, James Hughes II, Caleb Hyatt, Shelby Isabell, Samuel Jarrett, Justin Jennings, Ronni Kelley, April Kenyon, Devin Lunceford, Rowan Medley, Shaylee Miller, LeAnn Morgan, Landon Neeley, Allen Nelson Jr., Chelcey Rainbolt, Greg Reed Jr., Michael Reed, Christopher Roark, Elissa Shelton, Gregory Shoemaker, Joshua Stewart, Summer Stover, Danielle Swan, Atticus Sweet, Matthew Sweet, Zayden Tillman, Tyler Tinley, Phillip Walker, Karen Wheeler, and Mason White.

Northeast State’s Adult Education team serves the state’s District 1 region, including Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties. The program serves adults over age 16 seeking to earn a high school diploma. A diploma gives students better employment options and allows them to pursue a college degree or technical certificate.

The Adult Education program recorded a total of 192 graduates for the program year of 2025-26.

The high school equivalency diploma opens opportunities for graduates to pursue successful futures in college, a career, or the military. Program staff assess applicants’ level of education and provide instruction to bolster skills in math, science, social studies, reading, writing, and job opportunities.