LA PLATA, Md. — Twenty-two graduates of the College of Southern Maryland’s Adult Education Program received high school diplomas during a ceremony October 30, 2025, at the La Plata campus auditorium. The event recognized completers of the National External Diploma Program and General Educational Development tests, with faculty, staff and family members filling the space to applaud the milestone.
The program supports adults seeking credentials through flexible skill-building in reading, writing and mathematics. Classes run in small groups, available in-person at the La Plata campus or virtually, allowing participants to balance work and family. Shaunda Holt, executive director of Adult and Community Education, described the setup as tailored for individualized support. “Our classes are intentionally small and flexible, offered both in-person and virtually, to ensure that every learner receives the personalized attention they deserve,” Holt said.
NEDP completers, like Latoya T., earned diplomas via a computer-based assessment of real-world skills, bypassing traditional classes or high-stakes exams. The Maryland state-approved option targets adults 18 and older, evaluating competencies in math, language arts, science and social studies through portfolios and online modules. Latoya, who managed family and job duties alongside her studies, addressed fellow graduates on the persistence required. “This has impacted my life in a major way; I am officially a high school graduate! I led by example and showed my children that you are in control of your destiny,” she said. Reflecting on delays from life’s demands, she added, “Getting my diploma has always been on my ‘To Do’ list but as the years passed on this goal became further away in the rear-view mirror, and less of a priority. The journey to completion was not easy; it required time, effort, patience, and dedication. Overall, I’m so proud of myself for staying the course and accomplishing this life goal.”
GED graduates, including Ninfa S., passed four subject tests after preparatory instruction. The credential, recognized nationwide, validates high school equivalency for employment or further study. Ninfa, 45, navigated language barriers after moving from El Salvador, where she held a diploma difficult to verify in the U.S. Motivated by her older children’s college graduations, she pursued the goal to inspire her younger ones. “Life is not easy for many students, which is why a lot of students don’t complete their high school diploma. But it’s never too late to follow your dreams,” Ninfa said. “Life is a journey and sometimes the journey is not what you planned but it’s never too late to achieve what you want to do. There might be bumps along the road, but treat them as pauses, not endings.”
CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson opened the program by commending the group’s resilience. “For many of you, this has been a dream delayed, but not a dream denied. Because here you are, relishing in your special moment, celebrating an extraordinary milestone that required you to stretch and grow in ways that you may not have imagined,” she said. “You’ve proven that perseverance pays off. You’ve shown that with access to opportunity, with momentum behind your goals, and with mobility as your focus, you can change your life.”
Wilson announced $500 scholarships from the CSM Foundation for each graduate toward associate degrees, certifications, trade programs or continuing education. The awards aim to sustain progress in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties, where adult learners often seek pathways to local jobs in healthcare, trades or administration. She also named Daisy H. as recipient of the $250 Richard Fleming Scholarship, honoring National External Diploma Program achievers in memory of the former vice president and Prince Frederick Campus dean.
Laura Ostrowski, GED administrator and Adult High School Program supervisor with the Maryland Division of Labor, closed remarks by acknowledging support networks. “As you take photos tonight with your support networks of family and friends, advisors and instructors, know that we recognize the challenges that brought you to the celebration, and we could not be happier or more inspired by your success,” she said.
The event drew about 150 attendees, including representatives from the Maryland Department of Labor, highlighting interagency collaboration. As cheers of “I’m proud of you” and “you did it” faded, the graduates posed for photos, marking a step toward expanded opportunities in the tri-county region.
