Summer grads get diplomas

Kathryn Sooksanguan should’ve received her diploma from Culpeper County High School along with her peers in 1983.

Instead, the 41-year-old Culpeper mother of two walked across the stage Thursday with students half her age.

Nearly 20 participants — with about 200 family and friends cheering them on — received their general equivalency diplomas or general diplomas from CCHS at the Germanna Community College Daniel Technology Center during the 2008 Summer Commencement ceremony.

Sooksanguan was determined this time.

“I finally decided that I wanted to do better for myself,” said Sooksanguan, who received her GED 25 years after her high school graduation. “I have children now to encourage and to lead them in the right way.”

Sooksanguan, who wants to become a full-time para educator die Culpeper County Public Schools, has a daughter in the sixth- and a son in the third-grade in Culpeper.

The determined mom even donned a cap and gown for Thursday’s festivities.

“I think this is a wonderful opportunity for lots of people,” she said of the alternative programs offered by the school system. “I’m excited. I’m so happy.”

The 25-minute ceremony was filled with congratulations and encouragement for the students to continue pursuing a higher education.

CCHS student Courtney Shanks sang a soulful rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” before the presentation of diplomas.

The stage was decorated with colorful balloons and the participants ate cookies and drank an orange beverage from a fancy punch bowl after the ceremony.

Alternative Education Coordinator Janet Simpson quickly briefed the participants before the graduation in a hallway on where to walk and stand during the commencement service.

“I get excited about watching (the students) strive for excellence in their lives,” Simpson said.

On stage, CCHS Principal Jeff Dietz welcomed the participants and directed the audience to stand during the Pledge of the Allegiance.

After that, he congratulated the students for “never giving up” on their goals.

“It would have been easy to walk away and not finish,” he said. “But here they sit today with lots and lots of hard work and never giving up.”

Dietz said this is just the beginning.

“Continue your education so that you can achieve the goals that you’ve set for yourself,” he said.

Acting Superintendent Larry Carter agreed.

“It’s not over,” he said. “Every day you will learn something. Every day an employer will ask you to learn how to do something different and expect you to cooperate with them and work with them just as you have getting this diploma.”

“These diplomas represent the fact that you have earned the credits. You have passed the tests. It also says that you were able to commit and dedicate 13 years of school.”

Interim Director of Instruction Jim Allen said the location of Thursday’s ceremony was the perfect setting for those participants who want to seek more learning.

“Here we are at Germanna Community College,” he said. “Think about what you want to do next. Whatever you do, continue your education.”

Eastern View High School Principal Roger Mello told the students to keep in mind that a lot of people helped them get to where they are today.

“Make sure you give them your thanks,” he said.

Keynote speaker Mark Jarvis, director of the Champion Learning Center, shared three things he believes it takes to become successful.

He told the students to always be honest, have a good work ethic and to get a coach to help lead them in the right direction.

“Everybody needs somebody to come into their lives to help them,” he said. “It takes a team to really accomplish something great.”

Rhonda Simmons can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 125 or .