Wednesday, May 19 • 6 p.m.

Watch HSE CERTIFICATION CEREMONY Live

Program

Program options

Feel free to download or view program information on this page.

Southwestern Illinois College Board of Trustees

Chair John S. Blomenkamp, Freeburg; Vice Chair Nick Raftopoulos, Granite City; Steve Campo, Belleville; Charles Hannon, Swansea; Robert G. Morton, O’Fallon; Richard E. Roehrkasse, Red Bud; Sara Soehlke, Collinsville; Student Trustee Mya Gill, Granite City

Southwestern Illinois College BOARD APPOINTEES

Beverly Fiss, Garrett Hoerner, Missy Roche

SWIC President

Nick J. Mance

HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY CERTIFICATION WALK-THROUGH CEREMONY

PROCESSIONAL 6 P.M.*

Pomp and Circumstance – Edward Elgar
National Anthem: Star-Spangled Banner – Recording

INVOCATION

Minister Daris Hicks
Gateway Area Bible Fellowship Apostolic Church, Cahokia Heights

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

Director of Adult Education and Literacy Lisa M. Atkins

AWARDING OF CERTIFICATES AND HONORS

Literacy Director Jenny Margarida –Announcer

BENEDICTION

Minister Daris Hicks
Gateway Area Bible Fellowship Apostolic Church, Cahokia Heights

*Walk-through ceremony only, no seating of attendees.
** Recorded music is played throughout the ceremony

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP AND AWARDS

BELLEVILLE NEWS-DEMOCRAT GED ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

2021-2022

Ashley Brooks – St. Clair
Juanita Burrage – St. Clair
Hope Desmond – St. Clair
Efoe Gnassia – St. Clair
Christopher Kopp – St. Clair
Konnisha Lockett – St. Clair
Jarrett Tebbe – Madison

ELMER AND JOAN KIRCHOFF ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

2021-2022

Emily Marie Cooley – Monroe

DR. VALERIE THAXTON AWARD

2021-2022

Melissa Brooks – St. Clair

MARTHA GIORDANO BOOK AWARD

2021-2022

Daniel Edwards – Madison
Marilee Miller – Madison

TAYLOR, WHISMAN, ROBICHAUX AND WILLIAMSON AWARD

2021-2022

Arthur Stanley – St. Clair
Ianita Walton – St. Clair

SHERIFF MEARL J. JUSTUS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

2021-2022

Ariana Tout – St. Clair

TOP 20 PERCENT TUITION SCHOLARSHIP

NATIONAL ADULT EDUCATION HONOR SOCIETY

ADULT EDUCATION INSTRUCTORS

ADULT EDUCATION ADMINISTRATORS AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

SUPERINTENDENTS OF REGIONAL OFFICES OF EDUCATION

Messages from your legislators

“Congratulations on earning your High School Equivalency Certificate from Southwestern Illinois College. Thirty-three years ago, in 1988, I walked across the stage to receive my diploma from Taylorville High School. Little did I know that the education I received there would start me on the path to becoming a Member of Congress. In today’s world, an education is the key to success, and you should be proud of all your accomplishments.

Please accept my best wishes as you celebrate this momentous occasion. If I can ever do anything to assist you or your family, please do not hesitate to let me know. It is an honor to serve you in the United States Congress.”

– U.S. Congressman Rodney Davis
R-Illinois

“Congratulations on the completion of your studies at Southwestern Illinois College! This accomplishment is a testament to the years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance you’ve shown. Your achievement is a great benefit to both you and our society. As your State Representative, I am proud of your accomplishment and hope that you will continue down a path of success and will always strive for greatness.

Completing your studies during the year that we’ve had is something you should take pride in. During unprecedented times you continued steadfast down your path. Despite all the challenges you’ve had to overcome, take pride in being able to take to the stage and receive your diploma with your head held high.

You are moving on to a new and exciting chapter in your life. I wish you all the best for the future that lies ahead. I hope you’ 11 be able to look back with fond memories about these years. Congratulations again on this academic achievement!”

– Representative Amy Elik
111TH District

“I am pleased to extend my congratulations to you as you graduate from Southwest Illinois College. Your hard work and determination have paid off. You stepped out with purpose, planning and spirit and accomplished your goal.

I wish you every success as you continue to aim for, and reach even greater heights. Today opens a new chapter in your book of life and I encourage you to remember the past but live in the present as you prepare for the future.”

– Representative Latoya Greenwood
114th district

“Congratulations on your recent graduation from Southwestern Illinois College.

Achieving your High School Equivalency Certification is an impressive accomplishment. Academic success requires motivation, dedication, hard-work, and most importantly a willingness to learn. The work you have put in to reach this point is admirable and has undoubtedly helped you grow as an individual. You should be immensely proud.

Once again, congratulations on your graduation. I know you have a bright future ahead.”

– Illinois GOVERNOR J.B. PRITZKER

“Congratulations, graduates! Be proud of your accomplishments, as it was your hard work and resilience that led you to this point. May you enjoy health, joy and prosperity as you enter your bright future.”

– Illinois SENATOR Rachelle A. Crowe
56th District

“I am honored to welcome you to the High School Equivalency Certification graduation ceremony today.

I would like to extend a special congratulations to the graduates on completing the High School Equivalency Certification program at SWIC. Being a student this year may have looked a little different than normal, but this significant accomplishment is a testament to your exemplary work ethic. I know that your loved ones and community join me in saying congratulations to you for your graduation. I wish you further success in your future endeavors.

My very best to you, your family, and friends on this special occasion.”

– U.S. SENATOR Tammy duckworth
D-ILLINOIS

“Congratulations on achieving your certification – this certificate is a testament to your determination and commitment to your education. Your hard work has paid off and an exciting journey lays ahead. On behalf of your Southern Illinois community, I congratulate you again on your incredible accomplishment and wish you the best of success in all the challenges you conquer in the years ahead.”

– U.S. Congressman Mike bost
12th District

“Messages from your legislators Congratulations on receiving your High School Equivalency Certification. One of my favorite quotes by musician B.B. King is, ‘the beautiful thing about learning is no one can take it from you.’ I hope this is a step forward in a lifetime of learning and achieving your goals.”

– Representative Jay Hoffman
113th district

“Congratulations Graduates! Although I cannot be with you today, I would like to take this opportunity to send my congratulations. Your graduation is an outstanding achievement and you should be very proud of all your hard work and perseverance.

Best wishes for your continued success and happiness. Again, Congratulations!”

– Representative Charlie Meier
108th district

I am happy and proud to congratulate you on receiving your High School Equivalency Certification. You should feel pride in your accomplishment and you should continue to look towards the future with hope and determination. You are moving towards a very exciting part of your life’s journey, and your education will be the backbone that holds you through difficult times, and times of celebration.

– Representative Katie Stuart
112th district

Congratulations HSE Class of 2021!

Don’t forget to submit your custom announcement using the form at the bottom of this page.
Your custom announcements will be linked to your name below.

• Madison Stacey Ayers
• Caitlynn Bean
• Sean Patrick Brennan
• Regan Faith Brown
• Courtney Eliza Ann Cato
• Saigh E. Compton
• Lena Irene Dalton
• Alexia Jordan Davis
• Carley Anna Dortmann
• Daryl Fears
• Brandon L. Floyd
• Alexis M. Fults
• Kelli Michele Gotto
• Lindsay Green
• Olivia Rebecca Holley
• Olga Hovhannisyan
• Dalton Craig Hudson
• Mirahje Gabrielle Hudson
• Jacob Michael Huffines
• Samantha Ann James
• Madyson Paige Johnson
• Kathryn H. Klepacz
• Jamie Marie Kristiansen
• Makenzie Elaine Krushas
• Melony Monique Leonard-Hernandez
• Natasha Marie Logsdon
• Isaiah Q. Loos
• Kiana M. Maloata
• Kenneth Lee Maxey
• Jessica L. Miller
• J. Ines Mojica
• Alberto Carlos Morales
• Shyanne R. Nguyen
• Xavier O. A. Noble
• Felicia G Phelps
• Teresa T Prater
• Robert L. Robinson
• Antonio A. Rodriguez
• Jacob Matthew Roeten
• Justina Nicole Roling
• Paul Edward Schneeberger
• Halle Alyssa Schwalenberg
• Kylie Scroggins
• Jody Alene Short
• Sherrie Ann Smith
• Stacey M. Smith
• Ellis Stanley
• Joanna Naguit Thompson
• Gregory Devon Vasser
• Mickey Klee Wallace
• Karli Hope Young
• Diana Zappa

Foundation

The Southwestern Illinois College Foundation exists to maintain and enhance the quality of life by developing friends and funds for support of the educational, cultural and service goals of Southwestern Illinois College. The Foundation promotes excellence by securing gifts for special educational and cultural activities that are not part of the college budget.

Foundation Board

Norma L. Bellcoff – Board Chair, Mary Buettner – Board Vice Chair, Matt Gomric – Finance Chair, Samuel Hanger – Finance Vice Chair, Barbara Cempura, Stan Hatfield, Sue Hoffmann, Bob Novack, Christopher C. Schroeder, Michael Sutton

Ex-Officio Members

SWIC Board of Trustees Chair John S. Blomenkamp
SWIC President Nick J. Mance
SWIC Chief Administrative Services Officer Bernie Ysursa
Foundation Board Treasurer Margot Middleton-Holt
Foundation Board Secretary Jamie Wheeler
Foundation Executive Director Rena Thoele

The Star-Spangled Banner

O say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watch’d were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Words: Francis Scott Key
Music: John Stafford Smit

Customize your virtual graduation announcement!

You can customize your virtual graduation announcement with video statements, photos and/or text statements by submitting your custom information into the Graduation Submission Form.

Graduation Submissions: HSE

Learn More