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The Goodwill Excel Center Celebrates 10 Years of Providing Quality Education at January Graduation

Graduates with bright eyes and even brighter aspirations walked across the stage on Jan. 16 to earn their high school diplomas, marking the largest January graduating class in the ten years that the Goodwill Excel Center (GEC) PCS has been serving adult learners in Washington, DC.

“When I walked across the stage, the vibes were just so exciting and happy. Everyone was in a good mood. I was so nervous, but we got through it,” said the school’s Salutatorian, Malick Curry.

With this graduation, GEC has now helped 860 adult scholars walk across the stage, giving them a way to continue their educational journey. The 55 graduates who earned their diplomas at the ceremony were a part of the largest January graduation in the school’s history. From its very first graduating class of 17, GEC’s growth and impact are a powerful testament to how far the school has come.

As an adult, pursuing an education isn’t always easy. With childcare, work, and many other obligations, it can be difficult to find the time to prioritize attaining your diploma, especially when you feel like the opportunity has passed you by. The newly minted graduates at GEC had an answer for that.

“Take your time. It’s not a fast pace, and you’re never late in life,” said GEC graduate, Shanita Womack.

While Womack offered the advice to take it one step at a time, her classmate praised the school that allowed her to reach this moment, and offered her own words of encouragement.

“Anyone [who] needs to go back to school needs to come to GEC. It’s amazing, and you can do it. If I can do it, you can do it,” said 61-year-old graduate Karen Frost.

Students in adult public charter schools in DC continue to prove that it’s never too late to pursue your education, and that determination will always win in the end. In his speech to the GEC community, Curry touched on that sentiment. 

“We are proof that hard work matters.”

To hear more from the graduates at GEC, and see more highlights of their recent ceremony, visit both the DC Public Charter School Board social media and Goodwill Excel Center’s.