In the almost three decades since she left school, Renee Harding Spetnagel has experienced a failed marriage, a series of rocky and abusive relationships, drug and alcohol problems and several suicide attempts.
Never one to give up, she went back to school, and at 42, earned her GED, describing the dedication and hard work that brought her to stand at a podium Thursday night to represent her graduating class.
Despite dropping out of school after eighth grade, Harding Spetnagel has been a foster mother and for years has been involved in helping victims of domestic abuse.
She's always encouraged her nephews, nieces and godchildren in their education and decided it was time to pursue her own goals.
After a few false starts, Harding Spetnagel said she found Pima Community College's Adult Education program, starting out at the El Rio Learning Center and moving on to the East Side Learning Center. With a promise from her boyfriend to support her while she studied, Harding Spetnagel was able to finish her GED, two days after getting married.
People are also reading…
She plans to continue at PCC, eventually earn a degree and become a domestic-violence counselor.
"I feel I need to give something back to the community," she said. "I've helped people get back on their feet, and I know they'll help others."
Harding Spetnagel was one of about 200 Adult Education students who joined the graduation ceremony at the Tucson Convention Center Music Hall.
This year, more than 1,200 students earned their General Educational Development diploma through Pima's Adult Education program. The graduates range in age from 16 to 72.
"By and large, they're trying to improve their economic circumstances — not just theirs, but their family's," said Greg Hart, dean of the Adult Education program. "We get lots of people who come in for their kids. They want their kids to know they did it so they can serve as role models."
GED graduates make up about 25 percent of all high-school graduates each year in Arizona, the highest percentage in the country.
Shane Vossough, who at 16 was the youngest GED graduate, said he followed in the footsteps of his three older sisters in bypassing the remainder of high school to get ahead in college.
"It wasn't hard, but it was a good test of your basic understanding," he said. "Homework is key: Focus and don't let the stress get to you."
Vossough, who would be a junior at Catalina Foothills High School in the fall, is already taking classes at Pima and has plans to continue his education and become an architectural engineer, a pediatrician or an oral surgeon.
"It's a good way to go out and learn, be responsible and figure things out for yourself," he said.
U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva gave the keynote address, praising the graduates for their achievement, persistence and discipline.
"Every single one of these graduates represent to me the great American dream," said Grijalva. "These graduates represent that hope, they represent that purpose and they represent a better vision, a just and clear vision for the future."
