On Thursday, May 8, Literacy Pittsburgh hosted our annual GED graduation, this time at the beautiful Point Park University!
We were thrilled to welcome 25 of 42 recent graduates from the past program year. Grads, along with their families and friends, celebrated this incredible accomplishment!
Our keynote speaker was Janel Griffin, a 2024 GED graduate who was recently accepted into a nursing program. Janel delivered an inspiring speech, congratulating the graduates and reminding them that this achievement is only the beginning of their journey.
We at Literacy Pittsburgh continue to be amazed by the resilience and determination of our students. After walking across the stage, graduates were met with hugs and handshakes from the teachers and tutors who supported them along the way.
In true Literacy Pittsburgh tradition, we concluded the event with an open mic session. Family members, friends, and supporters lined up to share their pride and words of encouragement.
Congratulations to all of our 2025 graduates! We can't wait to see what you do next.
Graduate Messages
Iliana
What has been your greatest accomplishment since earning your GED?
Being an example for my kids
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Ms. Emily and Ms. Hannah
Tiara
What has been your greatest accomplishment since earning your GED?
My greatest accomplishment since getting my GED was showing my son to never give up on his goals.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I really would like to thank Laurel for everything she has done for me during this process. All the tutors that helped me get this GED—Frank, Christina, Maura—I really thank you all because it’s been a journey and it was not easy. I couldn’t have done this without you guys. I’m truly thankful.
Joseph
What has been your greatest accomplishment since earning your GED?
The opportunity to attend college classes in the U.S. and Canada
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Luke Fredland and Valerie Binette
Brittnay
What has been your greatest accomplishment since earning your GED?
Opening better doors including the opportunity to further my education for a better job
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
First and foremost, I would love to thank all three of my teachers, Luke, Emily, and Mary, because also without them and God, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the push from them as well as my family support.
Tajah
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Ms. Emily—she never let me stop!
Elisabeta
What has been your greatest accomplishment since earning your GED?
I’ve been working toward getting my SAT score and finding a job at the animal shelter.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I’d like to thank my tutor, Naomi, who spent countless hours trying to teach me negative vs. positive. And of course, I couldn’t have done this without my service dog, Miles. Thank you for coming to school even when you wanted to be there less than me.
Aubriana
What has been your greatest accomplishment since earning your GED?
Feeling accomplished. Ever since I started middle school, it was difficult and it didn’t help that the school was racist, BUT despite it all...I did it. <3
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
My mom, my grandparents, my boyfriend, his parents, my coordinator, Mrs. Leah, my core 7, and my teacher Mrs. Sue. They have all been my backbone throughout this whole process.
Ian
What has been your greatest accomplishment since earning your GED?
Getting a job
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
My mother and Mr. Terrel Williams
Nikyla
What has been your greatest accomplishment since earning your GED?
Looking into different colleges and majors
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
My mom, my friends, my Angels, my Universe
Jerrae
What has been your greatest accomplishment since earning your GED?
Finding a summer program
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Leah Patterson and my tutor Sarah
Christin
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I’d like to thank my tutor Dave Oster, my coordinators Katy Critchfield, Miguel Diaz, and Vania Arthur, my husband Rob for helping me with homework, and my friends for their support. Thank you to Literacy Pittsburgh for providing me with all the guidance, resources, and encouragement that made it possible for me to be here today.
Sylvia
What has been your greatest accomplishment since earning your GED?
Now I can get the career I wanted.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
God, Literacy Pittsburgh and my teachers, my family,friends and everyone who supported me through prayers and encouraged me to keep going, thanks all.
Sophia
What has been your greatest accomplishment since earning your GED?
My greatest accomplishment is that I have persevered and I have achieved. There were good times and bad times but I never gave up.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Thanks to Ms. Terra my RLA teacher who convinced me that I can do it. She never gave up on me. Thanks to Ms. Emily, my math teacher, who is always my greatest support. I am nervous about doing exams. She encouraged me to be relaxed do some breathing exercises, and I definitely did it and it paid off.
Faith
What has been your greatest accomplishment since earning your GED?
Motivating and inspiring my mother to go back to school
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
My mom, my grandmother, my significant other, my sister and family/friends
Gabriel
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Deborah Howells, Lynn Aspiotes, Prof. Kristin Roeschenthaler Wolfe
Mariana
What has been your greatest accomplishment since earning your GED?
Being able to start college
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
My family and teacher
Tanasha
What has been your greatest accomplishment since earning your GED?
Just got it the day before graduation but I’m just proud of me right now!!!
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I’d like to thank my kids for being quiet while I tested. All the people who told me I can do this. God! And my wonderful devoted teacher Mrs. Emily, who stayed on me and encouraged me to get this done!! She went above and beyond and always believed in me!! I’m forever grateful. I love ya’ll all so much!!
Kevin
What has been your greatest accomplishment since earning your GED?
Looking into getting my ASL Interpretation license
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
My teachers and my best friend Nicole Wall
Coreyne
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Sandy Wise and Ms. Emily
Antwone
What has been your greatest accomplishment since earning your GED?
Finishing it
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
My wife, family, teachers, tutor, and Jesus
Literacy Pittsburgh (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council) helps create better lives through learning. Recognized as a national leader in adult and family literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh is the largest provider of adult basic education in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. Last year, Literacy Pittsburgh helped more than 4,000 individuals acquire the skills needed to reach their fullest potential in life and participate productively in their communities. Literacy Pittsburgh provides free, personalized instruction in workforce readiness, high school diploma test preparation, digital literacy, English language learning, math, reading, and family literacy through one-to-one and small class instruction. Founded in 1982, it serves local adults through numerous neighborhood locations and its Downtown Pittsburgh Learning Center.
