Mayor Kenney honored Adult Learners at 2023 Citywide Graduation

PHILADELPHIA , July 10, 2023—Nearly 70 adult learners who accomplished personal milestones by completing their high school equivalency certifications were recently honored at a graduation ceremony at the Bonnell Auditorium on the campus of Community College of Philadelphia at 17th & Spring Garden streets.

The new graduates heard inspirational remarks from Mayor Jim Kenney, Dr. David Thomas of Community College of Philadelphia, Executive Director of Adult Education Christine Pivens, fellow graduate Amira Sloan and bestselling author, journalist, radio host, and Urban One Philadelphia radio Community Affairs Director Solomon Jones.

Mayor Kenney praised the graduates for their tenacity in completing their degrees--despite life’s obstacles. “All of you who are graduating today and receiving the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma made the important and life-changing choice to continue your education and pursue a new career path,” the Mayor said. “You chose to invest in yourself, and that, deserves to be recognized and celebrated. I know it’s not always easy to go back to school--some of you may have kids or work full-time. But your motivation and desire to succeed, whether that meant passing an exam or earning 30 college credits, is exactly why you’re here today. You are all examples of academic success and are living proof that, it’s never too late to ‘go back to school.’”