Asked to serve as a speaker at the Aiken County School District's adult education ceremony, Tracey Fulmer didn't hold anything back.
As the mother of four children, she had left school at 16. In recent years, Fulmer began to worry that if she didn't have her own school degree, her kids might not take their education seriously.
At the commencement ceremony at Midland Valley High School on Monday, a total of 36 adults earned high school diplomas. Another 19, including Fulmer, received GEDs - another program that allows them to meet school education requirements.
Fulmer told the graduates and others in attendance that she had made poor choices earlier in her life. With four kids of her own, she still wouldn't have changed anything. Fulmer worked hard as a waitress, and she has managed to support her children. However, they didn't have the extras she knows they deserved.
After the program, her kids and other family members gathered around her, smiling with appreciation as Fulmer celebrated her cap and gown. She plans to continue her education at Aiken Technical College.
"I had to prove myself," she said. In addition to her family members, "I got so much support from my teachers. I can't thank them enough for pushing me to do more with my life."
Another diploma graduate, Madison Hood, was recognized for having achieved the highest grade-point average. Garrett Kyles received a certificate as the GED student with the top grades.
Shamar Martin was awarded a $2,500 scholarship through the nonprofit Dollars for Scholars program. Volunteers raise funds every year for the organization, which also provides grants for a deserving student at each of the District's high schools.
Pat Keating, the adult education department director, said it's always gratifying to see young people persevere when they begin classes for their diplomas or GEDs.
"Remember that education is there for everyone," he said. "Your journey is never done, and we want you to be lifelong learners."
Adult education brings together students of varying ages with similar stories. Shantown Brown, 21, should have paid more attention when she attended South Aiken High School.
"I skipped days, and toward the end of school I didn't have enough credits," she said. "I have a different perspective now. It was now or never, and I plan to go into the Army."
Luke Driggers, a GED recipient, is heading to ATC for the welding program.
"I kept making mistakes as a teenager about 20 years ago," he said. "I've been struggling with low-paying jobs. It means more now, and it's special to be able to wear the cap and gown."
Rob Novit is the Aiken Standard's education reporter.