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Edison State Graduates Come from Different
Backgrounds
21 Percent of this year’s graduates are from Darke County
Students from all walks of life enter through the doors of Edison State
Community College each semester in pursuit of higher education. As
Edison State’s 44th commencement ceremony approaches, the class of 2019
maintains a diverse student population with a common goal.
There are students like Payton Boshears, of Sidney, who will graduate
from Edison State with an associate’s degree before receiving her high
school diploma. Boshears is highly involved in extracurriculars
activities at Sidney High School and aspires to one day become an
English literature professor and author.
“My love for reading and writing influenced my career path,” said
Boshears. “I’ve always been told to choose a path that I’ll enjoy in
life.”
Students like Boz Howard, of Russia, who will be the first member of
his family to graduate from college. Howard, who is the President of
both the National Society for Leadership and Success and the Student
Senate and Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa at Edison State, will
graduate with a 4.0 GPA. After graduating, Howard will work toward
obtaining a bachelor’s degree in information technology while also
working.
“I’ve always had a fascination with computers and newer technology, I
chose my major because I wanted to learn more about computers,” said
Howard. “I want to be at the forefront of technologies that have
unlimited potential.”
Jennifer Helman, of Piqua, entered the workforce after high school.
Helman never expected to go to college, assuming it would not fit
within her budget. Twenty-one years after graduating from high school,
she started her first class at Edison State and has been a proven
leader in the classroom and at Auria in Sidney where she is passionate
about her career as a Senior EHS Specialist.
“Edison State has helped me with my career in learning how to
communicate to people of all ages and backgrounds,” said Helman. “I
have met people I never would have had I not attended Edison State.”
Edison State also sees many students looking to advance in their
athletic careers. Lauryn Gray, of Piqua, played women’s basketball for
Edison State while pursuing a degree. Gray was part of a sophomore
class that won a record 49 games. After two successful seasons with the
Chargers, Gray signed to continue her athletic and academic career at
Lourdes University.
“Edison State has a great coaching staff who really pushed me to become
a better player and enhance my game over the past two years,” said
Gray. “It feels amazing to be able to continue my basketball career.
It’s something I’ve worked hard for and to finally reach that goal is
so fulfilling.”
Kayla Seman, of Bradford, is a 25-year-old mother, wife, college
student, and Type 1 diabetic. Seman, who will graduate with a degree in
agriculture, is passionate about helping others. She is committed to
raising funds to support younger generations of diabetics and sees
farming as a source for healthy food. Upon graduating from Edison
State, Seman will continue working toward a bachelor’s degree in
agriculture education.
“I am passionate about life and the beauty of our land. I am thankful
to be here today in light of my health struggles,” said Seman. “I love
farming and I wanted to incorporate it into my future career.”
Whether the education they received was stepping stone to the next
destination or the final step in their education, Edison State
Community College has helped Payton, Boz, Jennifer, Lauryn, and Kayla
pursue a future they’re passionate about.
Edison State Community College will hold the 44th annual commencement
ceremony on Friday, May 10, 2019 at 7 p.m. in the North Hall of the
Piqua Main Campus located at 1973 Edison Drive.
The featured speaker at this year’s commencement ceremony is Dr. Cassie
B. Barlow, Interim President of the Southwestern Ohio Council for
Higher Education. Dr. Barlow retired from active duty with the U.S. Air
Force as a colonel in 2014. She was the 88th Air Base Wing and
Installation Commander at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. In that
role, she commanded one of the largest air base wings in the Air Force
with more than 5,000 Air Force military, civilian, and contractor
employees.
Edison State Community College’s Class of 2019*
479 graduates earned 564 degrees or certificates;
40% are career degrees
22% Associate of Arts or Associate of Science transfer degrees
37% 1-year certificates
2% short-term technical certificates
Ages range from 16.7 to 60. Median age is 28.
35 will graduate with honors (GPA 3.5-3.74), 46 with high honors (GPA
3.75-3.99), and 22 with highest honors (GPA 4.0).
58% are female, 42% male.
35% live in Miami County, 21% in Shelby County and 21% in Darke County.
20 Ohio counties are represented.
35 graduates are high school seniors. 1 graduate is a high school
junior.
1 graduate is a high school sophomore.
43% of graduates completed at least one developmental course.
39% transferred credit hours to Edison State.
191 students with transfer credit totaled 7,539 hours transferred,
averaging 39.5 hours per student.
48% of graduates are first generation.
*Figures represent graduates in academic year 2018-19 as of April 26,
2019
Office of Institutional Research at Edison State Community College
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