In a ceremony at Blackhawk Technical College’s Beloit-Janesville Campus, 26 students graduated on May 12 with their Certificate of General Education Development (GED) or High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED).

Among the graduates, three individuals shared their personal journeys, which were marked with significant challenges and triumphs.

“Thank you, Blackhawk, for offering programs that support second chances,” Passion Haydee Aviles said. “No matter how difficult life gets, success is possible.”

Kenneth Reddish, reflecting on his own experience, said, “I left school in 1972, and that was my mistake. I missed out on so much. But I am a Pastor, and God wasn’t a quitter and neither am I. Thank you for the opportunity to learn again—for the faculty who keep pushing us forward. Perseverance is what you need—do not be a quitter; be a doer.”

“My oldest son is graduating this year as well. I have been through so many trials and tribulations, like many of you,” Ashley Wright said. “I started at Blackhawk in 2024 and am in the ATB (Ability to Benefit) program. I am graduating today and going back to complete my degree with Blackhawk.”

Blackhawk provides flexible and supportive options to complete the GED/HSED requirements. With convenient, variable lab times and instructor-led classes, students have many options to prepare for the GED/HSED tests. Find out more about these learning opportunities at blackhawk.edu/ged-hsed.

The May 2026 GED/HSED graduates are:

• Samantha Anderson, Beloit
• Passion Haydee Aviles, Beloit
• Autumn Bailey, Beloit
• Blazey Bennett, Monroe
• Conner Dean Betts, Beloit
• Azaria Carroll, Janesville
• Cailynne Michelle Cooper-Cowan, Beloit
• Athena Dahlke-Larsen, Jefferson
• Jose Esquivel, Beloit
• Fabiola Esparza, Beloit
• Douglas Gleiter, Janesville
• Lesandro Gonzalez, Beloit
• Tyvan Andrew Hardy, Beloit
• Tina Hartzell, Janesville
• Vincent Heine, Janesville
• Gavin Keller, Brodhead
• Rosadella LaFrance, New Glarus
• Ladrea Lamon, Beloit
• Isaac McCamey, Janesville
• Angel Mendoza, Beloit
• Janitza Pacheco, Beloit
• Skyler Ploof, Janesville
• Kenneth Reddish, Janesville
• Breanna Reitan, Juda
• Aliyah Smith, Beloit
• Ashley Wright, Beloit

Find out more about Blackhawk’s GED/HSED program