CHARLES TOWN — Last Friday, Jefferson County Schools celebrated the incredible accomplishments of the 2025 Adult Education graduates.
Over 30 students from all walks of life completed their high school education, creating a better future for themselves and their families.
JoAnn Washington is a retired financial manager from Georgetown University, yet never had the chance to finish her high school degree. It was through her experience working at Georgetown University that she realized she enjoyed learning, but between work, starting a family and being there for her kids, she never had the time to complete her education until now. The graduation ceremony marked a new beginning for her and her family.
“For me, it’s more about rebirth,” Washington said. “This is a new beginning for me. Sometimes, life takes over with being a new mom and so many other things going on. I finally had this opportunity, and I’m so thankful, because some people don’t get the opportunity to finish.”
Washington is thankful to Jefferson County Schools’ Adult Education program for giving people like her the chance to finish their education. She is now working in real estate and is working on gaining her licensure in several states. She hopes to set up a new program to help people pursue their professional goals.
During the ceremony, Jefferson County Schools Director of Responsive Education Ian Hillman shared a few words, congratulating the graduates and reflecting on everything the program has gone through in the past few years. After the Adult Education building burned down, the program found a home at Corner Connection, where it has hosted classes for the past two years. Starting this coming year, the program will move to the old Ranson Elementary School.
Hillman thanked Mara Bauserman, owner of Corner Connection, for supporting the program and providing the things needed to learn.
“Oftentimes, when Adult Education students are discussed as a whole, people speak about walking through the door being the hardest step,” Hillman said. “For a variety of reasons, high school wasn’t completed successfully, and mustering a desire and motivation encouraged to enroll in a program can be a real challenge. When people say how hard taking the first step is, I’ve always agreed and admired those who that do. However, I think it’s the next steps that are even more difficult.”
Graduates also heard from previous Adult Education students who completed their education and are finding success, including Lisa Gibson and twins Dedrik and Tremaine Shafer. They talked about how their lives changed because of this program and encouraged the new graduates to reach their goals.