This weekend, more than 150 inspiring individuals from Harris County will proudly don caps and gowns as they cross the stage to receive their high school equivalency diplomas (HSE), proving that it's never too late to rewrite your story. The Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) will host its annual Adult Education Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, June 21, 2025, honoring adult learners who completed their HSE requirements during the 2024–2025 academic year.

This year’s ceremony marks the third graduating class to complete their HSE prep courses entirely online—a testament to resilience, adaptability, and determination in a digitally evolving world. The class of 152 graduates ranges in age from 17 to 59, with each graduate carrying a unique story of perseverance and hope.

For many, like 53-year-old Nereida Rivera, this milestone is more than just a diploma—it's a launchpad toward renewed ambition. Rivera, who once held a professional role in Venezuela, now works as a custodian for Pasadena Independent School District. She enrolled in HCDE's Adult Education program as a strategic move to reclaim her professional aspirations in the U.S.

“It has been an emotional ride because you have to challenge yourself,” Rivera shared. “You say, ‘I’ve done it once, I can do it again. I am 53 years old, but who cares?’ Your brain has a great way of remembering things—and it did.” Notably, Rivera’s journey was one of family support and shared success, as she pursued this goal alongside her daughter.

HCDE’s Adult Education program is among the oldest and largest in Texas, serving as a vital gateway for thousands of adult learners striving to advance their careers, pursue higher education, or simply achieve a long-deferred dream. In the 2023–2024 academic year alone, the program empowered more than 5,700 Harris County residents through a robust menu of offerings including HSE test prep, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, career certifications, citizenship preparation, and personalized career services.

“Our graduates are the embodiment of courage and determination,” said Eduardo Honold, HCDE’s Senior Director of Adult Education. “They remind us all that education is not bound by age, and the desire to grow and achieve is timeless.”

The graduation ceremony—taking place from 11 a.m. to Noon on June 21 at the Harris County Department of Education—will be a joyous celebration of resilience, transformation, and the power of second chances. Families, teachers, and mentors will gather to cheer on the graduates, many of whom are now setting their sights on industry-recognized certifications, vocational training, and career advancement.

As Houston continues to evolve and diversify, HCDE’s Adult Education program stands as a beacon of opportunity—uplifting individuals, families, and communities one graduate at a time.