Education 24 June 2026

Southern State’s Adult Opportunity Center hosts recognition celebration for the Aspire and Graduation Alliance Programs

The Highland County Press - Staff Photo - Create Article

By Elizabeth Burkard
Director of Marketing
Southern State Community College

Area residents who passed the General Education Development (GED) test or completed the Adult High School Workforce Diploma Program were honored recently at the 37th annual Adult Opportunity Center’s Recognition celebration at Southern State Community College’s Central Campus in Hillsboro.

During the 2025-26 academic year, the Adult Opportunity Center served 110 students. Of those students, 52 percent improved at least one academic level with 17 students earning a GED®.

The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Southern State’s Vice President of Enrollment and Workforce Innovation, Amy McClellan. The greeting and introductions were provided by Susan Armstrong, Director of the Adult Opportunity Center. Southern State President Dr. Nicole Roades provided the welcome. 

Students from each county in the Aspire service area who received the highest GED® exam scores were recognized for outstanding achievement. Awardees were Shaunna Librizzi of Adams County, Emma Wachter of Brown County, Elijah Chesley of Clermont County, Ashley Hager of Clinton County, Brian Morin of Fayette County, and Isa Oyer of Highland County.

The “Friends of Aspire” award was presented to Modern Woodman of Ohio Chapter 4288 for outstanding partnership with both the Adult Opportunity Center and Southern State Community College. Accepting this award were Mr. and Mrs. Dan Mayo. Mr. Mayo is the MWA Financial Representative for Chapter 4288. 

Both the Aspire program, directed by Susan Armstrong of the Adult Opportunity Center, and the 22+ program, coordinated by Anya Brennan of Graduation Alliance, provide adult education opportunities through Southern State Community College. All books and materials are provided, and a choice of morning or evening classes focusing on adult literacy, GED preparation, college refresher courses, workforce education, and basic reading, writing and math skill improvement are available.

Southern State’s Aspire and Graduation Alliance programs are state and federally grant-funded and offered free of charge to participants. 

For more information about the Aspire program, please visit www.sscc.edu/specialized/aoc.shtml. 

For more information about the Graduation Alliance program, please visit www.sscc.edu/specialized/22plus.shtml.

To speak to someone directly, call Southern State’s Adult Opportunity Center at 937-393-3431, Ext. 2687. Anyone wishing to enroll in Aspire classes should call the number listed above.  A new class will be starting in July 2026. 

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