Two hundred people I admire

Yesterday over two hundred people received recognition for their successful completion of GED requirements amidst choruses of raucous applause and adulation. This was clearly more than a graduation. This was a rite of passage.

These graduates, coming from all over the Knoxville area, attended programs at Knox County Schools Adult Education, Workforce Connection Ross Learning Center, Pellissippi State Technical Community College Adult Education, Knox County Schools GED Option and the UT WAVE Program.

The event took place at the Central United Methodist Church on Saturday and included three emotional presentations by student speakers detailing the amazing struggle to get their education.

I was the guest speaker; it really should have just ended there.

I have to admit that I have a very special admiration for people who get their high school diploma this way. Life caused these young people (and some older) to wait and then turn around and choose to go back to school and learn. Many people simply get overwhelmed with their own negative thinking about the possibility of really making it happen. These people persevered. They made it happen.

I announced to them that now they know what is inside themselves: the strength, the courage, the tenacity. Now they know the meaning of education: a tool for progress, not status. And now they know the power of purpose and direction. Now they can accomplish whatever comes next. And next. And next. And next.

They now possess the most important ingredient. To pursue education while contending with daily life gives wisdom. And wisdom gives life.

At the end, all these amazing people, bathed in the love and affection of friends and family, filed to the front to receive their public acknowledgement. One by one, I told congratulations, you did it.

This is how real people are made. I applaud them for their hope. I applaud them for their struggle. God bless each one.