September Riggles Graduates from PHCC Middle College

2012 Aug 6

September Riggles of Martinsville is one of 29 students who graduated from Patrick Henry Community College's Middle College program Friday night in the Frith Exhibit Hall on PHCC's campus.

The Middle College program offers a college opportunity to individuals ages 18-24 who might not otherwise attend college. The program allows students to simultaneously pursue a GED, enroll in PHCC classes, explore future career options and complete a workforce preparation course to earn a Career Readiness Certificate.

"I'm extremely proud of the graduates of the Middle College program. Each of them has overcome countless obstacles to reach this goal," said Christy Yaple, the Middle College program director. "Many of them see this as the beginning of a new journey and will continue their education, enter the workforce or the military. Through their hard work and determination, our community will benefit from having a more educated and skilled workforce."

Bertha Cobler, a Middle College administrative assistant, served as the graduation ceremony's keynote speaker. City councilman Mark Stroud also spoke, as did 2011 Middle College graduate Justin Nichols and 2012 Middle College graduate Kalitha Davis.

Friday's Middle College graduates were: Kiesha Bowman of Collinsville, Victoria Branch of Bassett, Brianna Brust of Martinsville, Christinia Campbell of Penhook, David Courtney of Stanleytown, Timmy Craig of Bassett, Kelly Craig of Bassett, Kalitha Davis of Collinsville, Mario Dillard of Martinsville, Brittany Fitzgerald of Bassett, Christopher Gasper of Martinsville, Junerose Hairston of Martinsville, Torrye Jones of Ridgeway, Sommers Jordon of Ridgeway, Kevin Lamers of Martinsville, Jon'Nika Martin of Martinsville, Gordon Martin of Martinsville, Matthew Nance of Bassett, Justin Nichols of Bassett, September Riggles of Martinsville, Asia Simmons of Martinsville, Quinnesha Singletary of Martinsville, Micheala Smith of Axton, Nicole Stanley of Bassett, Kayla Turner of Ridgeway, Monisha Venable of Collinsville, Star Via of Martinsville, DiNeshia Walton of Martinsville and Amanda Wolfe of Ridgeway.

The Middle College is part of PHCC's Department of Developmental Education and Transitional Programs, and Friday marked the third graduating class of the program. For more information, contact Christy Yaple, site director, at 656-5490 or cyaple@patrickhenry.edu.

Photo cutline: Left to right. Jon Nika Martin, Asia Simmons, Kelly Craig, Sommers Jordon, Kayla Turner, September Riggles, Matthew Nance, Dr. Angeline Godwin, Torrye Jones, Nicole Stanley, David Courtney, Kalitha Davis, Kiesha Bowman, Justin Nichols, Christopher Gasper