HiSET Graduates Cross the Stage

QCC celebrated with the HiSET graduates in June, congratulating about 30 graduates who completed the program and earned their high school equivalency.

QCC President Gail Carberry spoke to graduates and two graduating students gave moving speeches about their experience at the ceremony held on June 6 in Hebert Auditorium.

“Their stories are always touching, often sad, but always hopeful,” said Laura Tino, Director of Testing at QCC.  “It is the highlight of the year for me to see these people, most of whom never thought they would earn a credential, walk proudly across the stage in cap and gown.” 

This was QCC’s second HiSET graduation ceremony, because the HiSET was introduced in Massachusetts in 2014, following years of GED graduation ceremonies.

The HiSET is a high school equivalency test that is more affordable and accessible than the traditional GED. It can be taken in different languages and formats, and can be more accommodating for people with disabilities or health-related needs.

Ms. Tino said graduates come from the QCC prep program, from other programs in the region or they are just local people who take the test.