ROGERS — New high school graduate Laura Cartagena said she wanted to set an example for her children.

Cartagena, 34, is part of the 10-member inaugural graduating class for the Excel Center at Goodwill Industries of Arkansas’ Springdale campus.

“It was important for me, not only for myself, but also I am raising three young kids,” Cartagena said after Friday’s ceremony at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Supply Chain Hall of Fame. “It felt very hypocritical of me to be pushing my kids to be doing good in school when I didn’t have a high school diploma to be like, ‘Look, I did this. You can accomplish this.’ I did it to set a good example for them and also motivate my children to do well in school.”

The students, wearing green caps and gowns, received high school diplomas amid hugs, happy tears, handshakes and loud cheers from the crowd of about 75 people.

The ceremony featured the traditions of a typical high school graduation. There was a guest speaker. Washington County Judge Patrick Deakins delivered the commencement address. School officials also spoke, saluting the students and encouraging them moving forward. “Pomp and Circumstance No. 1” was played.

But it wasn’t typical because all these high school graduates are adults.

Goodwill Industries of Arkansas opened the state’s first adult high school in Little Rock in 2017, according to a news release from the Excel Center Springdale. Last July, the Springdale branch became the center’s second state campus, according to the release.

Classes are for students 19 and older. Passing a general educational development test was the only option in the state for those over 21 seeking a high school diploma or an equivalent before the Little Rock center opened, according to the release. Students earn a state-certified high school diploma after completing the program.

“You have no reason to doubt your potential now,” Jake Gibbs, the school director, told the graduates. “Now is your time.”

Cartagena’s children, ages 13, 7 and 6, attended the ceremony.

“They’re so excited,” Cartagena said. “They helped me with some of my homework. It was a team effort, a family effort.”

Cartagena, who said she’d attempted to complete the general educational development certification in the past, heard about the Excel Center and decided to give the school a try.

“I encourage anybody who doesn’t have a GED or a high school diploma to at least go talk to the staff at the Excel Center,” Cartagena said, noting that class schedules are flexible to help working adults.

Nursing and business always intrigued her, and she’ll attend classes this summer at Northwest Arkansas Community College, Cartagena said.

Graduate Shannan Brink, 50, said she wanted to show her grandchildren that no matter how old you are or where you are in life, it’s never too late to start over.

The biggest challenge in her diploma quest was “to keep showing up for myself and and not let myself get down when it got hard. Sometimes, I didn’t feel like I was smart enough. I just had to keep reminding myself that I am smart enough, and I could do this. I just had to keep showing up for myself.”

Brink said she’s open to learning everything she can and is interested in information technology.

“You are trailblazers,” said Brian Marsh, Goodwill president and CEO. “You will always be that first class. Your pictures will be on the wall. We urge you to aim for higher goals and to give hope to others in your shoes.”

Deakins encouraged the graduates to stick with their support system of family and friends and commit to being lifelong learners.

“You guys will be called upon, and you can be successful,” Deakins said. “You guys are part of history.”

    Graduates stand Friday during a graduation ceremony for the Excel Center’s Springdale campus at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Supply Chain Hall of Fame in Rogers. There were 10 graduates in the center’s inaugural class. Visit nwaonline.com/photos for today’s photo gallery. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Charlie Kaijo)
  

    Graduate Manuel Morales Jr. (center) hugs his parents, Manuel Morales (left) and Carmen Morales, on Friday during a graduation ceremony for the Excel Center’s Springdale campus at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Supply Chain Hall of Fame in Rogers. There were 10 graduates in the center’s inaugural class. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Charlie Kaijo)