HSE and ESL Class of 2022
High School Equivalency
&
English as a Second Language
C E R T I F I C A T I O N C E R E M O N Y
Wednesday, May 18 • 6 p.m.
Ceremony Images
Program
Program options
Feel free to download or view program information on this page.
Southwestern Illinois College Board of Trustees
Chair Nick Raftopoulos, Granite City; Vice Chair Steve Campo, Belleville; John S. Blomenkamp, Freeburg; Charles Hannon, Swansea; Robert G. Morton, O’Fallon; Richard E. Roehrkasse, Red Bud; Sara Soehlke, Collinsville
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
Elder Ron Cooper
Love Church, Belleville IL
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
Director of Adult Education and Literacy – Mereadith Shivers
AWARDING OF CERTIFICATES AND HONORS
English as a Second Language Director – Leslie Wagner
Program and Assessment Coordinator – Lachelle Dowell
BENEDICTION
Elder Ron Cooper
Love Church, Belleville IL
*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
2022-2023
Dorriauna Adams – St. Clair
Joan Slayton – Madison
ELMER AND JOAN KIRCHOFF ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
2022-2023
Kathleen Sebeck-Marquez – Monroe
DR. MARTHA GIORDANO ENDOWMENT
2022-2023
Ashley Brooks – St. Clair
Herrera Martinez – Madison
Arthur Stanley – St. Clair
Regina Wissler – Monroe
DR. VALERIE THAXTON AWARD
2022-2023
Tiffani Cummins – Madison
TAYLOR, WHISMAN, ROBICHAUX AND WILLIAMSON AWARD
2022-2023
Kimmya Morris – St. Clair
TOP 20 PERCENT TUITION SCHOLARSHIP
| Jackson Evan James Blansit | Madison |
| Cheyanna Littlestar Durant | Madison |
| Joss Elizabeth Espinoza | Madison |
| Christian Tyler Miller | St. Clair |
| Jacqueline E. Payne | Madison |
| Mark Alan Reeves | Madison |
| Peter M. Walsh-Burrell | St. Clair |
| Phoenix N. R. Werner | Madison |
NATIONAL ADULT EDUCATION HONOR SOCIETY
James Avary
Cher’Ami Burnette
Cheyanna Littlestar Durant
Rita Edwards
Joss Espinoza
Daniel Gomez Jr.
Tenesha Hudson
Mason Miller
Nia Miner
Kimmya Morris
Jacqueline Payne
Mark Reeves
Jacqueline Romero
Ah’Reishia Stanley
Phoenix Werner
Amy Wuebbels
ADULT EDUCATION INSTRUCTORS
Derrick Ballard
Elizabeth Baumgartner
Natalie Casey
Stacey Claspill
Marie Davis
Patricia Davis
Mary Delabre
Susan Durk
Jennie Fowler-Williams
Gina Hamm
Montriett Harris
Cynthia Jenkins
Christopher Leicht
Cheryl Manker
Angel McCain
Susan McDonald
Kimberly Mohr
Christen Murphy
Caron Proffer
Melissa Rumph
Karen Schneider
Anna Stephens
Cecelia Struckhoff
Valorie Toberman
Mary Kaye Tonnies-Graves
Susan Tyler
Melanie Warfield
Janet Wolf
ADULT EDUCATION ADMINISTRATORS AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
| Mereadith Shivers | Director |
| Cynthia Jenkins | Assistant Director |
| Leslie Wagner | English as a Second Language Director |
| Jenny Margarida | Literacy Coordinator |
| Melissa Snelson | Construction Training Coordinator |
| Torrin Suedmeyer | Adult Transition Services Coordinator, Granite City |
| Lachelle Dowell | Program and Assessment Coordinator, Belleville |
| Megan Henke | Youth Services Coordinator, Belleville |
| Karen Schaller | Youth Services Coordinator, Red Bud |
| Karen Schneider | High School Equivalency Coordinator, East St. Louis |
| Edward White | Karen Schneider |
| Jennifer Wiegers | High School Equivalency Coordinator, Granite City |
| Mary Kaye Tonnies-Graves | High School Equivalency Coordinator, Online |
| Elizabeth Farar | Vocational Coordinator, Belleville |
| Valorie Toberman | Torrin Vocational Coordinator, Granite City |
| Charlean Paige | Student Data Specialist |
| Tanja Anglin | Administrative Assistant, Belleville |
| Michelle Carroll | Administrative Assistant, Granite City |
| Stacie Carpenter | Instructional Services Secretary |
| Karen Hiles | Literacy and English as a Second Language Secretary |
| Janet Rinehart | Office Assistant, Granite City |
| Sakeenah Pearson | Pearson VUE Test Proctor |
SUPERINTENDENTS OF REGIONAL OFFICES OF EDUCATION
Madison County
Monroe-Randolph County
St. Clair County
Robert W. Werden
Kelton Davis
Dr. Mark Eichenlaub
Messages from your legislators
“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 past 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
“To commemorate your hard-earned accomplishments, I write to congratulate you on obtaining your High School Equivalency Certificate. This is no small feat and a well-deserved honor. Your HSE can serve as a foundation for the rest of your life.
By continuing your education, you’ve opened the door for new opportunities. Whether you’re considering attending college, learning a trade, enlisting in the military or entering the workforce, your HSE puts you at an advantage. I truly appreciate your commitment. I wish you the best in your future endeavors.”
– Representative Rachel Crowe
56th District
“Congratulations on the completion of your studies at Southwestern Illinois College. This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and perseverance you have shown. Your achievement is a great benefit to both you and our society.
As an Illinois 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. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.”
– Representative Amy Elik
111th district
“Congratulations on this momentous occasion and best wishes for all your future endeavors.”
– Representative LaToya Greenwood
114th district 108th district
“Congratulations Graduates! Although I cannot be with you today because of a prior commitment, I would like to take this opportunity to send my congratulations. Your graduation is a spectacular achievement and you should be very proud of the hard work and dedication you have put forward. You have my best wishes for your continued success and happiness.”
– Representative Jay Hoffman
113th district
“Graduates, first let me say: “Congratulations!” What you have achieved is admirable and worth celebrating. America takes pride in being a place where anything is possible for those who are willing to work for it. Today is about feeling pride in the hard work you’ve done and steps you’ve taken on the road toward your goals. You’ve earned that pride.
On behalf of myself and my colleagues in the Illinois General Assembly, I honor your accomplishment today and I look forward to serving as your Representative as you go forward to even greater things. Well Done!”
– Representative KATIE STUART
112th district
Congratulations ESL Class of 2022!
Don’t forget to submit your custom announcement using the Graduation Submission form.
Your custom announcements will be linked to your name below.
- Delio Ruben Barrientos
- Glenda Vicky Bernal
- Bryan Cerna Monterrosa
- Katherine Cruz Monarca
- Kazuyo Darling
- Paola Larrondo Cerda
- Hong Yan Ma
- Sayaka Miyazaki
- Maryam Muhammad
- Abraham Pérez Kiamber
- Gaby Ponce
Congratulations HSE Class of 2022!
Don’t forget to submit your custom announcement using the Graduation Submission form.
Your custom announcements will be linked to your name below.
- Karen Alarcon
- Skylar Cheyenne Alvizo
- Ryan Patrick Anderson
- James Corbin Avary
- Lillie Rose Barr
- Jackson Evan James Blansit
- Ethan M. A. Brayfield
- Maisey E. Breedlove
- Cher’Ami Vai Burnette
- Tyja Gabrielle Bynum
- Ahran B.T. CavanaughF
- Jaden Chambers
- Della M. Coleman
- Steven Cortez
- Tiffani Marie Cummins
- Seth Michael Cuvar
- Stacia Angel Damiano
- Cheyanna Littlestar Durant
- Rita Edwards
- Rose O. Egmon
- Joss Elizabeth Espinoza
- Matthew John Gabbert
- Nerline Gaertner
- Daniel Gomez, Jr.
- Aja J. Gordon
- Kaylee JoAnne Higgerson
- Missy Marie Hoppe
- Candis M. Hozian
- Tenesha Latoya Hudson
- Raymond Jackson
- Emily Jean Lawson
- Katelyn Love Lessmeier
- Sofia K. Liyeos
- Ivan Malagon-Zapata
- Mariona L. Mason
- Mason Miller
- Myla M. Miller
- Christian Tyler Miller
- Nia Michelle Miner
- Kimmya Sharee Morris
- Randallynn Kay Nungesser
- Sierra L. Paul
- Jacqueline E. Payne
- Aunyea D. Prater
- Richard Michael Presley
- Zachary C. Ramsey
- Mark Alan Reeves
- Mazzy Sandra Robertson
- Diana A. Rojas
- Jacqueline Romero Adriel Elizabeth Rutter
- Vannessa L. Skeel
- James E. Smith
- Jamya D. Smith
- Ashlen Marie Soulney
- Emily Kay Spivey
- Patricia A. Spoonnoggle
- Latoya Stallings
- Ah’Reishia K. Stanley
- Drake Anthony Stevenson
- Andrew Joseph Stroud
- Pedro J. Ulibarri
- Joshua M. Vicari
- Peter M. Walsh-Burrell
- Tiffani L. Weller
- Phoenix N. R. Werner
- Alexander Williams
- Amy M. Wuebbels
- Bri’Anna Yarbrough
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
Board Chair Mary Buettner
Board Vice Chair Sue Hoffmann
Finance Chair Matthew Gomric
Finance Vice Chair Samuel Hanger
Barbara Cempura
Jeanne Dalman
Stan Hatfield
Bob Novack
Christopher C. Schroeder
Ex-Officio Members
SWIC Board of Trustees Chair Nick Raftopoulos
SWIC President Nick J. Mance
SWIC Chief Administrative Services Officer Bernie Ysursa
Foundation Board Treasurer Margot Middleton-Holt
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.
