The Safford City – Graham County Library’s Adult Education Program hosted the first annual GED Community Graduation on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. This ceremony honored 16 past and recent GED test graduates, ranging in age from 16 to 70. It was a packed house with 167 in attendance.
Three motivational speakers shared stories of challenges and perseverance in their GED journey. Representing the graduating class was Kristy Hernandez who spoke about balancing school and personal responsibilities, how growth comes through struggle, and how showing up and putting in the work taught her it’s never too late to pursue her goals. Jeremy Waite, Graham County Deputy Attorney, shared his story of getting his GED and how it allowed him to reach his personal and educational goals. He spoke of surrounding yourself with those who have similar goals and staying healthy. Mysti Gilbert, Safford Library Teen Program Coordinator, shared how typical high school education was a struggle for her and how getting her GED led her to ultimately knowing what she wanted to be when she grew up, which was happy, the greatest goal one can ever achieve. She also presented a slide show she created acknowledging each of the graduates.
Library representatives, Senior Library Technician Araceli Moreno, along with Adult Education Instructor Kristi Apodaca, then presented each graduate with a Certificate of Achievement. Roses were donated by Karen Coppola, who also took pictures of each of the graduates getting their certificates and pictures with their families.
The Safford Library Adult Education Program currently coordinates GED preparation for Graham and Greenlee County students. Fifty students have enrolled in the program since it became locally supported in September 2024. With an in-house teacher available to provide resources and one-on-one instruction, students can prepare for their GED tests in a variety of ways. Testing is available at three locations between Graham and Greenlee County. If you know of someone interested in their GED, please email kapodaca@saffordaz.gov.
