ABGC Summer GED Course Completes with Graduation
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Graduates at the Ceremony. L-R: Chad Afriat, Tia Boots, Barry Hunter Buckshot, Cordy Cole, Presley Mitchell, Ty Montour, Devon Oakes, Justin Quiroz, Cheyene Summers and Steven Thompson.
The summer GED program, held at the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club, held a graduation ceremony on Friday, August 23, 2013. The ceremony, which included 13 graduates out of the 35 who completed the program, recognized the students achievements and marks the opening of a door. Speakers for the event included Jessica Cree-Jock, who during her speech addressed the students, encouraging them to follow their dreams and continue their education if that’s their wish. Cree-Jock wrapped up her speech by thanking her staff.
Chief Ron Lafrance addressed the graduates next, thanking them for taking the next step. Lafrance cited the courage and dedication it takes to make that decision. Lafrance told the story of his father, Ron Lafrance Sr., his mentor who received his GED in the late 70’s and went on from there to acquire a Bachelors, Masters, and PhD.
Chief Lafrance said, “You guys are all young people and I am glad you have taken this next step. Don’t stop, because the world is your oyster, and if you don’t like shellfish, then let this be your hamburger, but don’t stop.”
Laura Montgomery, the teacher for the GED Program since 2007, also spoke to the graduates and told them how proud she was of them.
Barry Hunter Buckshot is seen here receiving his special award from Annie Cook.
Montgomery said, “You’ve done it, it takes a lot of hard work, time and dedication to get your diploma. The first step was deciding to get your diploma, so congratulations to you all.”
Annie Cook was recognized for her contribution to the program, and Cook presented the special award. This year’s special award went to Barry Hunter Buckshot, who came in shy and unsure of himself. Over the course of the class, Buckshot transformed into a model student and went on to get the highest grade in the class, receiving a 3130.
Some students Like Chad Afriat took this course and used it as a stepping stone to further education. Afriat plans to continue his education, and is already enrolled at Canton. It is great to see the program allows the hard work these students put in to pay off and open doors for their future.
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