Fifty-seven students who earned GEDs and high school diplomas from Lexington School District Two’s adult education program walked in a graduation ceremony earlier this week, part of a group of nearly 200 students who have attained that achievement this school year.

Families, friends, educators, board members, and Interim Superintendent Dr. Angela Cooper of Lexington Two and Dr. Justin Nutter of Lexington School District Four gathered to celebrate the graduates May 19 at the Lexington Two Performing Arts Center. Representatives from the Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Midlands Technical College, and the SC Department of Education’s Office of Adult Education also attended.

“Watching our students walk across the stage means so much to all of us in Adult Education because we know firsthand what many of them had to overcome to reach that moment,” said Alexis King, director of Adult Education for Lexington Two. “Many balanced work, family, setbacks, and self-doubt while continuing to show up and push forward. Seeing them graduate reminds us why we do this work every day.”

The Lexington Two adult education program, which operates in conjunction with Lexington Four, includes a number of classes  — all free or with a nominal registration fee — for students who left school without a diploma. In addition to GED preparation and high school diploma completion, the adult education program offers academic refresher and a popular English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).  Once students finish the adult education program, there is additional support, including a College and Career Navigator (CCN) to assist students in transitioning from the adult education program to either a post-secondary education option or career placement.  

This year’s class members are heading off to career, college, professional training, and military service.  

“For us, it is about much more than a diploma or GED — it is about perseverance, growth, and students realizing they are capable of more than they thought,” King said.  “It is also exciting to watch them move on to new goals and opportunities, whether that is college, military service, training programs, or better careers for themselves and their families.”

The next adult education session will begin in the fall. Please call the adult education office after July 1, 2025 to inquire about a registration appointment or to learn more about adult education options — (803) 739-4048 (West  Columbia/Cayce location) or (803) 399-7979 (Gaston/Swansea location).

Below: Lexington Two adult education graduates walk across the stage of the Lexington Two Performing Arts Center during the May 19 ceremony.