Nineteen local adults earned their GED this school year through the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Adult Literacy program, and Herkimer BOCES recently recognized their accomplishments during a graduation ceremony.
Herkimer BOCES Coordinator of Migrant Education and Adult Literacy Hanka Grabovica said the students “earned their GED diplomas through dedication, perseverance and hard work.”
“Each graduate’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the belief that it’s never too late to achieve your educational goals,” Grabovica said. “We are incredibly proud of every graduate and wish them continued success as they pursue college, career opportunities and their dreams.”
The Herkimer BOCES Adult Literacy program presented the graduation ceremony for the local adults who earned their GED on Wednesday, June 24, at Working Solutions in Herkimer. The speakers at the event included Grabovica, Herkimer BOCES District Superintendent D.J. Shepardson, Herkimer BOCES Adult Education case manager Jackie Edwards and GED graduate Kimberly Palek.
The Herkimer BOCES Adult Literacy program offers free GED preparation classes, academic support and guidance to help adults achieve their high school equivalency diploma. Local adults interested in earning their GED are invited to contact the Herkimer BOCES Adult Literacy program at 315-867-1592 or hgrabovica@herkimer-boces.org to learn more or register.
The adults who earned their GED this school year through the Herkimer BOCES Adult Literacy program were: Rayne Unell, Lucas Craig, Kimberly Palek, Jacob Ferdula, Dominic Reitz, Samatha Duffy, Hope Lamkins, Jenna Llewllyn, Johana Brownell, Caoimhe Casey, Autumn Young, Michail Pediaditakis, Saraiya Wierzbicki, Sharlatte Dungey, Chasity Hahn, Adriel Jones, Juliana Taratuchin, Jacqueline Hayes and Dante Pate.
During the graduation ceremony, Grabovica spoke to graduates about how they all have their own stories, challenges and reasons for returning to education and that they have now opened many new opportunities for themselves.
Grabovica said the Adult Literacy program is still here to support them as they take their next steps.
“This is only the beginning,” she said.
Shepardson said Adult Literacy students are among the most motivated students at BOCES because they are seeking education by their choice and don’t have to be there, and that means they want more for their lives.
“I know you’re going to do well because you’re motivated enough to be here,” Shepardson said.
Edwards spoke about each graduate having a unique story.
“But the one thing you all have in common is that you’ve never given up on yourself,” Edwards said.
Palek spoke about dropping out of high school in 2017 and moving from Illinois to this area, trying out the Adult Literacy program in 2022 and then again about a year later, but never completing the program.
“The third time’s the charm,” Palek said. “I got it this time.”
Adult Literacy program staff believed in the students, supported them and pushed them, Palek said.
“I always knew there were at least some people here that I mattered to,” Palek said.
Palek then spoke to the other graduates directly – saying anyone who ever doubted them was proven wrong when they earned their GED.
“We are proof you can always go back to school,” Palek said.
Following the ceremony, Grabovica gave additional messages of thanks to everyone involved.
“Thank you to all of the families, friends and supporters who joined us to celebrate this special milestone. Your encouragement and support have played an important role in our graduates’ success,” Grabovica said. “We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to District Superintendent D.J. Shepardson for attending the ceremony and sharing such inspiring words with our graduates. Thank you for recognizing and celebrating their achievements. Finally, a special thank you goes to our dedicated Herkimer BOCES Adult Literacy staff. Your commitment, compassion and passion for helping adult learners change their lives make these successes possible. Your hard work truly makes a difference every day. Congratulations again to the Class of 2026! We are so proud of you!”
Local adults who earned their GED this school year through the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Adult Literacy program and attended the graduation ceremony on Wednesday, June 24, are pictured here, from left: Hope Lamkins, Johana Brownell, Juliana Taratuchin, Jenna Llewllyn, Jacqueline Hayes, Kimberly Palek, Michail Pediaditakis and Samatha Duffy. Other GED graduates for 2025-26 are: Rayne Unell, Lucas Craig, Jacob Ferdula, Dominic Reitz, Caoimhe Casey, Autumn Young, Saraiya Wierzbicki, Sharlatte Dungey, Chasity Hahn, Adriel Jones and Dante Pate. View more photos on the Herkimer BOCES Facebook page at www.facebook.com/herkimerboces.
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Adult Literacy program 2026 graduate Kimberly Palek speaks at a graduation ceremony for local adults who received their GED through the Adult Literacy program on Wednesday, June 24, at Working Solutions in Herkimer.
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Coordinator of Migrant Education and Adult Literacy Hanka Grabovica speaks at a graduation ceremony for local adults who received their GED through the Herkimer BOCES Adult Literacy program on Wednesday, June 24, at Working Solutions in Herkimer.
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES District Superintendent D.J. Shepardson speaks at a graduation ceremony for local adults who received their GED through the Herkimer BOCES Adult Literacy program on Wednesday, June 24, at Working Solutions in Herkimer.
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Adult Education case manager Jackie Edwards speaks at a graduation ceremony for local adults who received their GED through the Herkimer BOCES Adult Literacy program on Wednesday, June 24, at Working Solutions in Herkimer.