Record number complete Wallace State Adult Education, Workforce programs

Hanceville, Ala. — Wallace State Community College celebrated the accomplishments of hundreds of students who over the last year have earned more than 2,000 individual certifications and degrees through its Adult Education, Workforce Development and Skills for Success programs.

“Graduates, congratulations all that you have accomplished,” said Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics. “We are very proud to be a part of your story and wish you continued success as you move forward in your education or career.”

“Collectively, you have earned 2,298 individual certifications and degrees, including 72 high school diplomas, 745 industry-recognized credentials/certifications and 1,293 ACCS Skills for Success certifications,” said Suzanne Harbin, Vice President for Advancement and Innovation at Wallace State.

“While each of you may have traveled a different path to be here tonight, your accomplishments are great, and Wallace State is honored to have been a part of your journey,” Harbin said.

Adult Education Director Patti Wilkins encouraged those graduating with their GED and Alabama Career Essentials (ACE) Certifications to continue their education.

“Please do not stop here,” she said. “We have many resources to help you pay for tuition to earn a degree or certification that will help you enter the workforce with a bright future. We are here to assist you and stand ready to support you in transitioning into a training or certification program. Tonight marks the beginning of the next chapter in your journey.”

Wilkins also presented two instructors with Gold Star Teacher Awards during the ceremony — GED and ESL instructor Vicki Leggett and CDL instructor Steven Adams.

Two graduates were chosen to speak about their journey — Kayden Howell who earned a Phlebotomy certificate and Tiffany Hanes who earned her GED.

Howell said he first took the phlebotomy course out of curiosity. His experience in the program provided a boost in confidence and has inspired him to continue his education at Wallace State, where he will apply to the Nursing program. “I have found a passion I didn’t know I had and I’m more excited to see where it takes me,” Howell said.

Hanes began taking GED and ACE classes at The Link of Cullman County while recovering from addiction through the Restoring Women Outreach program. “I’m now two years sober and I have this exciting opportunity to pursue my dream of going to college,” she said. “Finally, I found my worth and I’m reaching for my dreams despite my fears.” She plans to start taking classes at Wallace State this fall, and her long-term goal is to earn a degree in counselling.

They were followed by guest speaker Lindsay Cline, the Southeastern Regional Director at the U.S. Navy Maritime Industrial Base.

“To sum up my life, well, it did not go as planned,” Cline said. “I’m honored to be here and tell you about that and to tell you what lies on the other side of a life that doesn’t go as planned when you just refuse to quit.”

Cline said every graduate has experienced struggles, but they made the choice to persist.

“Not a single person in this room had it easy,” she said. “Every last one of you has struggled. Every last one of you has experienced something so tough that you may not have even talked about it. And every last one of you have been in a situation that required tremendous courage to overcome. And all of you had a choice – a choice to quit or the choice to persevere. You chose to live, and you chose to be here.

“Not everyone is blessed with the critical opportunity to learn the lessons that folks who don’t have it easy get to learn,” she continued. “You’re different. You’ve been given a chance that not everyone receives. The chance to use all of those struggles and all of those stories and all those heartbreaks to build the life of your dreams.”

As is tradition at Wallace State graduation ceremonies, several graduates are spotlighted to share their success story.

Cynthia Lara

Lara successfully completed the phlebotomy program in December 2024 while also serving as a volunteer firefighter with Hanceville, Harbin said. She demonstrated exceptional dedication and compassion in her clinical training. She is currently employed as a phlebotomist at Decatur Morgan Hospital.

Zackery Pritt

Pritt began his career exploration in the Skills for Success program.  After completing multiple classes, he built a strong foundation and interest in learning more. He went on to complete a Welding Boot Camp, where he gained practical skills and industry knowledge. Now preparing to start work in the welding field, Zackery is also finishing his GED. He plans to enroll in the Wallace State welding program this fall to continue advancing his education and career goals.

Abbie Lewis

At the age of 2, Lewis lost her father to violence and the years that followed were filled with trials, transitions and searching for belonging, stability and love. But she held on and hoped. At 16, she found her forever family, who not only gave her a home, but their hearts. They believed in her, supported her and helped her believe in herself. Today, she has earned her GED and plans to pursue a degree in cosmetology.

Katie Holmes

Holmes struggled in school due to various health issues and became homeschooled during elementary school. She since became a wife and mother but had always desired to get her high school diploma with the goal of possibly starting a career in the medical coding field. She learned of the GED program in Arley from her brother, who completing his GED and decided to enroll. Still struggling with health concerns, Holmes pressed forward and has successfully earned her GED. She thanks her instructor, Krista Givens, whom she calls a godsend.

Haley Copeland

Through her training and hands-on experience, Copeland has developed a solid foundation in both clinical and administrative aspects of pharmacy operations.  After completing the program, she began her career at Specialty RX Pharmacy in Cullman, a closed-door pharmacy that demands precision, independence, and strong collaboration skills. She has shown exceptional proficiency in pharmacy software systems, meticulous attention to detail, and outstanding organizational skills.

Taylor Mullinax

Through hard work and determination, Mullinax achieved significant milestones: earning her high school diploma, the Alabama Certified Employee (ACE) certification, the Healthcare MAP certification, and the Skills for Success Mental Health Worker certificate. These accomplishments reflect her perseverance and the support of Compass Ministries’ Compass Group volunteers, workers, and leaders.

Devon Clark

Devyon began his journey with Wallace State as an Adult Education student and has excelled through multiple Workforce programs with outstanding determination. His growth, commitment, and eagerness to learn have made a lasting impression on everyone who has worked with him. He is graduating tonight with a record breaking 10 Skills for Success credentials as well as completing Diesel Boot Camp and was named the Outstanding Adult Education and Workforce Student of the Year. He is currently enrolled at Wallace State taking his prerequisites for the physical therapy assistant program. 

Mary-Tarisa Jimenez

Over the past three years, Jimenez demonstrated strength in overcoming hindrances to complete her GED. She has remained focused on her educational goals, consistently demonstrating a genuine passion for learning, and a willingness to help fellow students. Additionally, Jimenez has set an inspiring example by actively seeking feedback to improve her understanding of challenging subjects. Her journey is an ideal example of what can be accomplished through a positive attitude, hard work, perseverance, and dedication. She was named the Outstanding Adult Education GED Student of the Year.

Mario Nunez Gonzalez

Last year, Gonzalez was selected as our Outstanding English Language Learner of the Year. He has shown extraordinary dedication and resilience in his educational journey and His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of support systems in the workforce. This year Wallace State is excited to honor him as a GED graduate.

For more information about Wallace State’s Adult Education courses, visit www.wallacestate.edu/adulted or call 256.352.7859. For more information about opportunities available through the Center for Career and Workforce Development, visit www.wallacestate.edu/ccwd or call 256.352.7451.

Registration for the summer and fall semesters is currently underway. Summer classes begin May 27 and fall classes begin Aug. 19. For more information, visit www.wallacestate.edu, call Lion Central at 256.352.8236 or come by the Hanceville or Oneonta campus centers. Current and incoming students may schedule an advising session with the Center for Student Success at www.wallacestate.edu/advising.

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About Wallace State

Wallace State Community College (Ala.), a member of the Alabama Community College System, is a comprehensive community college in north central Alabama offering more than 200 options in academic, health and technical programs of study leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer, as well as workforce-credit training and adult education. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as a Rising Star for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, ranked by Southern Business and Development among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and the National Security Administration, rated the Top Online Community College in Alabama, a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School, Wallace State is an outstanding place for students to pursue their education and career goals. Classes are offered online and on campus, day, evening and on weekends, with numerous start dates each year. Visit Wallace State’s beautiful main campus located on 300-acres in Hanceville, Ala., our satellite location in downtown Oneonta, Ala., find us online at www.wallacestate.edu, or call 256.352.8000.