The season of celebration continued at Fox Valley Technical College as 108 students recently reached a major milestone, earning their high school diplomas through FVTC’s Adult Education programs.
Over the past year, these students put in the work to achieve their goal, taking one of two paths to get there. Some earned their General education Development (GED) credential, while others completed the Wisconsin High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED).
To mark the moment, graduates gathered on campus with family and friends for a completion ceremony. The event included remarks from FVTC President Dr. Chris Matheny, along with an address from student speaker Skye LaPlante, who earned her HSED.
Graduates also heard from someone who has been in their shoes. Maria Barrera, who earned her HSED in 2019 and just graduated earlier this month from FVTC with her associate degree in Substance Use Disorder Counseling returned to share her story and offer some encouragement for what comes next.
My advice for all of you today is don’t stop here, you have already done the hardest part. You have already proved to yourself that you can manage your time and that you can reach your goals. Never compare yourselves with anybody. Don’t worry about being behind anyone else. The new chapter in your life is not a competition; it is about one step at a time. Hold your head high, celebrate your hard work, and get ready for the amazing thing you are going to achieve next.
Many in this year’s group are taking Maria’s message to heart. More than 40 graduates have chosen to continue their education at FVTC, enrolling programs ranging from IT to healthcare fields such as Nursing Assistant and Phlebotomy.
Congratulations to each of these graduates as they take the next step forward.
Read Maria’s inspirational message to graduates
Looking around this room, every student sitting in a cap and gown today has a story. Each of you has a unique story of how you reached this goal and how you made it to your graduation day.
How many of you have balanced family responsibilities, full-time jobs, and personal challenges that would make most people quit? How many of you came to class after a long shift of work? Or after taking care of your children, your parents and the never-ending chores at home?
Good afternoon, faculty members, families, friends, and most importantly, the graduates of 2026. My Name is Maria Barrera.
I’m standing here today because I know exactly what it feels like to finally cross that finish line. I graduated in 2019. I remember that mix of feelings I was having that day, the excitement and relief, also wondering what is next?
By completing my education and obtaining my HSED, a door of opportunities opened for me. Here at Fox Valley Technical College, we have instructors and advisors who truly help students find the right program for their future education.
When I look back at 2019, I realize that graduation day wasn’t just about a diploma. It was the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
I kept telling myself to stay focused on moving forward, I realized it was up to me what I wanted for my future. I ask myself, should I just be content that I got my HSED, or should I keep going and pursue a career?
I chose to keep going. I decided to pursue a career in Substances Use Disorder. I want to help people that are struggling with addictions regardless of their age, culture, or ethnicity. The same determination that got me through my HSED was the same strength I needed to succeed in a professional career.
My advice for all of you today is don’t stop here, you have already done the hardest part. You have already proved to yourself that you can manage your time and that you can reach your goals. Never compare yourselves with anybody. Don’t worry about being behind anyone else. The new chapter in your life is not a competition; it is about one step at a time. Hold your head high, celebrate your hard work, and get ready for the amazing thing you are going to achieve next.
CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2026!
