Moraine Park Technical College recognized the hard work and determination of nearly 200 students at its 2025-26 GED and HSED Completion Ceremony, held May 21 at the Fond du Lac Campus. More than 60 graduates participated in the ceremony, surrounded by family, friends and Moraine Park staff.
The ceremony celebrated students who completed their GED or High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED), recognizing the perseverance and dedication it took to reach this milestone.
Among the graduates recognized were student speakers Kateri Ferris, Jose Romero and Jenna Armstrong, who each shared personal stories of perseverance, growth and determination.
Ferris reflected on overcoming difficult choices and personal setbacks while learning to build a better future for herself and her family. After facing challenges as a teenager, including expulsion and mental health struggles, she found purpose working in health care and now plans to continue her education in nursing.
“Learning from experience doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck in your mistakes, it means you can grow from them,” Ferris said.
Romero shared his journey from Nicaragua to the United States and spoke about the sacrifices he made to pursue education and learn English. He encouraged fellow graduates to continue striving toward their goals and thanked the instructors, family and friends who supported him along the way.
“You have worked so hard for this moment, and it hasn’t been easy. But you did it,” Romero said. “This is just the beginning.”
Armstrong delivered an emotional speech about overcoming homelessness, addiction and mental health struggles before returning to school to earn her High School Equivalency Diploma. She recently completed Moraine Park’s Emergency Medical Technician program and passed her first national registry exam.
“Here I am, two years sober, proudly completing what I started and more,” Armstrong said. “On May 16, I completed my final emergency medical technician class at MPTC. The woman whose life was once saved by and EMT has now become one. I stand here as living proof that it’s never too late to start over, never too late to dream again and never too late to change your life.”
To learn more about Moraine Park’s GED and HSED programs, visit morainepark.edu/academics/ged-and-adult-education/.
