Lake Orion High School honored 51 students last Thursday night at their annual Adult Education and Learning Options graduation ceremony.
The 26th such class included 25 Adult Ed. grads and 26 Learning Options grads.
‘We have a lot of really great stories,? said MaryAnne Thorndycraft, supervisor of adult education. ‘It’s a really rewarding time.?
The ceremony included guest speaker Rosemary McBride from the GM Orion Assembly Center and Orion Chamber of Commerce, as well as a performance by the North Oakland Concert Band.
As customary each year, the graduates themselves also get a chance to speak during the ‘Graduate Reactions? portion of the program.
‘I think that’s what makes our graduation different than most,? Thorndycraft noted.
Thorndycraft and Learning Options Director Lauren Sanborn said their 2007 classes were persistent, hard working and worthy of their success.
‘A lot of the graduates have been working and raising a family,? Thorndycraft said.
Chrystal Stevens, who took classes at the UAW-GM Skill Center, is just one of the many examples that took center stage during the ceremony.
‘It’s incredible,? Stevens said. ‘I never thought this day would come.?
‘My family and my teachers and my bosses wouldn’t let me quit,? she added.
Stevens has six children ranging in age from 33 down to 18, and has also been taking care of her mother. She is a licensed EMT with plans to take college classes in Saginaw and become a flight medic.
‘It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it,? Stevens said.
The ceremony will be shown on ONTV every Sunday through July 1 at 5 and 9 p.m. Copies are available by calling the studio at (248)693-3377.