Rockford residents battle through hardship to get a high school diploma

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Several Rockford residents who were enrolled in an online high school program received their high school diplomas at the Nordlof Center on Wednesday.

The Adult High School Program is offered by the Rockford Public Library to support those in the community battling hardship who want to earn their high school diploma later in life.

Over 30% of Rockford residents do not have diplomas because of personal hardships, according to Loomis.

The program’s Development Director, Brook Loomis, said there were over 175 people enrolled this year.

“I feel like every time we come to these ceremonies, it almost feels more like a pep rally,” explained Loomis. “Yeah, it brings you to tears because, you see, multi-generational families graduating together.”

“I think it really takes away those barriers that they might have had before,” Loomis continued. “That’s really what we’ve found with this program is that we allow students to do it on their terms.”

One of the program’s academic coaches could not be prouder of his students.

“I’ve been with this program for about eight years, and to see a lot of our students come from where they were to actually getting a diploma,” said Academic Coach Gibson Garcon. “Some of them didn’t even think it was possible.”

The program will continue to provide Rockford residents a second chance, with 100 people already enrolled for next year’s classes.