Twenty-one students received high school diplomas Tuesday evening at the Barton County Academy. Students came from the Great Bend, Ellinwood and Hoisington districts.

English as a Second Language Director Patty Fletchall introduced four graduates who spoke at the ceremony: Randy Miller, Maria “Lupe” Polina, Amy Arnold and Isabella Rodriguez.

“We did it!” Polina said. “Balancing life’s demands and late-night studies, we’ve shown that learning knows no age. Let’s carry the spirit forward, inspiring others to chase their dreams.”

There were graduates in their 20s and others who were older. Arnold noted she is 43 years old. “We all took different paths to get here, but the common path that brought us here was perseverance,” she said. “We showed the world what we are capable of.”

The commencement ceremony followed graduation traditions, with students in caps and gowns entering to the music of “Pomp and Circumstance.” Fletchall said one student arrived in a limousine.

Others graduating were Crystal Aguilera, Melanie Aytes, Jakob Baze, Jared Clemons, Margarita Cruz, Lilly Drew, Xavier Ehster, Emily Elmore, Cooper Ernsting, Maria Garcia, Griselda Gonzalez, Sierra Killman, Ezben Nuno, Jayelene Santiago, Will Shook, Sherlyn Urquidez, Ella VanScyoc,

During the ceremony, Barton County Academy Director Rachel Ellson also recognized paraeducator Rosa Prieto for her retirement after 22 years of service. “Barton County Academy is going to miss her,” Ellson said.

Barton County Academy is operated by ESSDACK (essdack.org/lc/barton-county-academy) and is located in the Westgate shopping center at 1705 K-96. In addition to the high school diploma completion program, ESL classes are offered to help non-native speakers gain proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.