PRESS RELEASE: JUNE 23, 2025
SJR State Honors Adult Education Graduates
Oba Carter and family
Miracle Wright
Students earning their high school diplomas through St. Johns River State College were recently honored during the College’s annual adult education graduation. The ceremony represented more than just the passing of an exam, it represented countless individual achievements, struggles and challenges that are the very fabric of every GED diploma.
The graduates included Shanicqua Abner, Kinsey Arthur, Alvanny Baez, Peyton Bardin, Emily Beck, Danila Belardino, Justin Brady, Rebecca Camizzi, Cooper Carroll, Oba Carter, Anikah Cleveland, Travis Cleveland, Ethan Coyle, Jonathan Dees, Trenton Dowdy, Chase Fields, Swacey Flagler, Shain Haire, Marsha Hairston, Emily Hale, Lily Harris, Monica Honor, Autumn Johnson, Breanna Knowles, Lia Landry, Jasmin McGrattan, Taylor Meeks, Zachary Miller, Cody Moody, Eternity Moore, Kayla Moseley, Alexa Moye, Linette Nieves, Jadin Oxendine, Kaylie Oxendine, Iwona Perek, Vladimir Portillo, Jared Robinson, Ryan Rugh, Candyce Sanchez, Joshua Smith, Glenn Snider, Gyasi Strachan, Bailey Swiger, Jordan Therriault, Brooke Ward, Christopher Ryan Webster, Stephen White Jr., Conner Williams, Richard Williams III, Markise Willis and Miracle Wright.
Among the graduates was Oba Carter, a 33-year-old father of six who wants to set an example for his children. After years of overcoming obstacles, Cater has the opportunity to transform his future, increase his access to better job opportunities, higher education, and improved earning potential.
“School was never really my thing… you hear a lot of people say that,” Carter said, but he credits his instructors for helping him through the program and building his confidence. “I got way more fight in me than I thought I did. Instead of giving up, I learned how to fight it through.”
Carter looks forward to continuing his education at SJR State and exploring his options. “I have to keep going and never give up,” Carter said. “I’m searching for something. Something more meaningful. I know it’s not in a job, it’s got to be in a career.”
During the ceremony, 5 students were recognized for their achievements, class leadership, and/or determination throughout the program, including Miracle Wright, a returning student who was recognized by instructor Richard Jones. “Miracle may have started this GED journey as a shy teenager, but she ended up leading peer-to-peer class lessons in science, social studies, and algebra,” Jones said. “She became a cheerleader for those who needed it, and a solid resource for the class at-large.”
Eternity Moore
Instructor Kay Minckiewicz described Eternity Moore as a testament to the power of adult education and the Integrated Education and Training program at SJR State. Moore finished her GED and her IET Microsoft Associate certifications in record time. “Jovial and determined, ambitious and successful. I am in awe of her success,” said Minckiewicz.
Taylor Meeks was recognized by Michael Harris as a standout student, showing remarkable growth.
“Despite facing challenges early in the program, Taylor never gave up, consistently pushing forward with determination and perseverance, while demonstrating a genuine care for supporting others,” Meeks said. “Her commitment to improvement and willingness to seek help ultimately led to her earning her diploma.”
Instructor Detrick Lockhart described Zachary Miller as focused, driven, and respectful. “Have you ever met a student whose character impressed you so much that you wanted to meet the people who raised them?” Lockhart said. “His dedication to his classwork was equal to his devotion toward his family,” he said of Miller, who juggled his studies with caring for an ill family member.
Kayla Moseley attended the Interlachen Adult Education site to obtain her GED. Despite the many obstacles she encountered, instructor Helen Hayes said Moseley came to class every day with the mindset that she was going to graduate as soon as she could. “Kayla demonstrated self-discipline and motivated herself to obtain her GED within a few weeks,” Hayes said. “I am very proud of Kayla and encouraged her every day that the world is her oyster and she has the ability to achieve any and all of her goals.”
The ceremony’s guest speaker was Clyde A. Witherspoon, Juvenile Probation Officer with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE CEREMONY
SJR State’s Adult Education program prepares students to earn a Florida high school diploma through the GED program. The program consists of self-paced and computer-assisted instruction, use of textbooks and handouts, and dedicated, qualified instructors. Registration for the test prep classes is ongoing.
For more information, call the Adult Education department at 386-312-4080, or visit the website at https://www.sjrstate.edu/adulted.
Students earning their high school diplomas through St. Johns River State College were recently honored during the College’s annual adult education graduation