Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute held its annual Adult High School and GED graduation exercises on Thursday evening, May 10, at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center.  Some 318 students received their diplomas during the evening’s events. Student speakers during the event included Adult High School graduate Ana Fleming, a native of Guatemala who earned her degree through CCC&TI’s program at the Family Resource Center in Lenoir. Kathleen Harper also spoke at the graduation. Harper dropped out of high school in 1965 and after 30 years in the workforce was laid off from her job.  Harper enrolled in the CCC&TI’s GED program at Mulberry Recreation Center, and despite having to overcome test anxiety, she completed her GED and is now working toward a degree in nursing from CCC&TI. Adult High School graduate Amber McGuire was also a student speaker. McGuire came to CCC&TI after her freshman year of high school with her cousin. While the two struggled to stay focused in the beginning, McGuire said that early successes helped give them the confidence to keep moving forward. Kristy Taylor, a native of Boone, concluded the student speaker portion of the program. Taylor said that getting an education wasn’t a priority for her in high school but after much encouragement from her older sister, she decided it was time to earn her GED. After just four months in the program, Taylor earned her degree and now plans to enroll in CCC&TI’s Culinary Arts program. Presentation of diplomas were made by CCC&TI President Dr. Ken Boham, Superintendent of Caldwell County Schools Dr. Steve Stone and Superintendent of Watauga County Schools Dr. Scarlet Davis. Friends and family members of graduates filled the 1,000-seat auditorium in support of students. A reception in honor of the Class of 2012 was held following the ceremony. For more information on CCC&TI’s Adult High School and GED Programs, call 828-726-2230 or visit www.cccti.edu/basicskills.