As the Bartlesville Adult Learning Center's 2008 commencement ceremony drew closer on Sunday, Trudy Green, the Bartlesville Public School District's director of federal programs, checked with some of the soon-to-be graduates to make sure they were ready to walk across the stage and accept their diplomas.

One man – dressed in his cap and gown – noted that he was ready and had been for a while. As a father, he knew what earning his General Education Development diploma meant to him as well as his family. It was important to him to set a good example for his children.

“That was a nice moment,” said Green.

There were plenty of them on Sunday in the Fine Arts Center auditorium on the Bartlesville High School campus, where the event was held. Of the approximately 85 students who earned their GED diplomas this year, around 30 took part in Sunday's commencement ceremony with several friends and family members in attendance. Dr. Gary W. Quinn, the BPSD superintendent, presented the graduates with their diplomas.

Joan Judd, the GED examiner at the Bartlesville Adult Learning Center, spoke during the event while her predecessor, Barbara Helmer, was recognized for her years of service with a special plaque. Helmer, who seemed pleasantly surprised to be called to the stage during the event, retired in 2001.

The printer/building manager at the Education Service Center, Wade Kester took to the microphone and spoke of the importance of earning his GED years earlier.

Approximately 150 people attended the ceremony and refreshments were served in the Fine Arts Center lobby after the event while celebratory photos were taken.

“This was the fifth year that we've had this ceremony,” said Green, “and it's a huge event for the people who have waited so long to get their diplomas. You can really see how proud they are and how proud their families and friends are of them.

“One of our graduates this year is a grandmother.”

Bartlesville Public Schools, David Austin, Community Relations Coordinator