Clarendon County Adult Education honored its winter graduates Tuesday evening during commencement exercises held at Old Walker Gamble Elementary School, celebrating academic achievement, family connections and perseverance during a ceremony that highlighted the program’s statewide success and the personal journeys of its students.
Adult Education Director Lara Kolb opened the ceremony by welcoming graduates, families and guests, noting that the program serves students from Clarendon and surrounding counties, including Sumter, Florence, Williamsburg, Orangeburg, Darlington and Richland.
“We are a very busy place,” Kolb said, describing a program that operates nine classes across four locations and partners with organizations such as SC Works, Eckerd Connects, WIOA, vocational rehabilitation and regional technical colleges. “But when I say we are proud of our graduates and what they’ve accomplished, we really mean it.”
Kolb said this year’s theme, “The Year of the Family,” emerged organically as the class took shape. Among the graduates were twin sisters, a mother and daughter, half siblings and brothers-in-law, reflecting how family connections often lead students to adult education.
“Our best advertising is our graduates,” Kolb said. “When people go out and say, ‘I went to adult ed — it’s not that bad,’ that’s what brings others in.”
Kolb also highlighted the program’s recent statewide recognition, noting Clarendon County Adult Education ranks among the top 15 programs in South Carolina for success among students ages 16–29, top five for high school diploma completion rates and top three overall for program success. Kolb was also named South Carolina Adult Education Director of the Year.
Guest speaker Dr. Lisa Justice, director of Florence One Adult Education and a former Clarendon County Adult Education director, delivered remarks focused on inspiration, gratitude and pride, weaving together audience participation, personal reflection and a deeply personal story.
Justice shared that her father was a graduate of adult education in 1958, a path that ultimately shaped her own career in education.
“What you thought maybe was punishment was actually preparation,” Justice told the graduates. “This is not the end — this is just the beginning of some great things to come.”
Justice emphasized that adult education students often share more in common than they realize, encouraging graduates to take pride in their accomplishments and to recognize the support systems that helped them succeed.
“I am very proud of you,” she said. “Your teachers are inspired by you every day.”
The ceremony also recognized students earning National Career Readiness Certificates, GED honors distinctions and membership in the National Adult Education Honor Society, which acknowledges academic success, attendance, cooperation and perseverance.
Graduate Jeffrey Puckett, the student speaker, shared his 11-year journey to completing his education, encouraging others to keep going despite setbacks.
“I started, I quit, I started again,” Puckett said. “Life happens. Bills come. But if you keep pushing, you can do anything you put your mind to.”
A rose ceremony followed, during which graduates presented roses to individuals who played a meaningful role in their success.
The evening concluded with the formal recognition of the Class of Winter 2025, as graduates crossed the stage and turned their tassels.
Graduates recognized were:
Annika Rhea Anderson; Brittany Barnes; Caitlin Browning; KeyMonty Brown; Braden Triggers; Jamari Fulton; Elaine Green; Nicholas Burns; Keyanna Johnson; Savannah Johnson; Herbie Trenton McDonald; Princess Miller McCoy; Tiana Thompson; Jeffrey Puckett; Damon Rawls; Jennifer Swett; Lori Swett; Michelle Terrell; Elisa Vivanco; Kayla Watford; and Tahira Wells.
Kolb closed the ceremony by reminding graduates that they remain part of the Adult Education family.
“Once you’re an adult ed student, you’re always an adult ed student,” she said. “Come back and see us. Let us know how you’re doing.”
A reception followed the ceremony, allowing graduates and families to celebrate together.
