June 10 was a very special day for eight students who attend the Edna
Hayden Gwaltney School at Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services. Four
students received their standard high school diploma and four received
their GED. In addition, seven graduates and undergraduates received
their Home Health Care Aide certificate and pin.
Dr. Bill Bowling, Director of Education, presided over the
ceremony held at the Golden Leaf Commons at Southside Virginia Community
College, Emporia Campus. Dr. JoAnn Smart, Director of Clinical
Services, was the commencement speaker.
Two students addressed the members of their class expressing
their thanks to the school and faculty. They challenged their fellow
graduates to build upon the education they received at Gwaltney School.
Six scholarships were awarded to students to help with
college expenses. Nancy Sands, President of the Episcopal Church Women
from the Diocese of Southern Virginia, presented each graduate with a
$100 honorarium.
Over the last eighteen years, 157 students have graduated from the
Gwaltney School with either a diploma or GED certificate. Each year, in
honor and recognition of the student's work, an anonymous donor has
provided a bouquet of roses for each girl, a wallet for each boy, and a
gift card for every graduate. Another donor underwrote the cost of class
rings which were presented to every graduate.
