A father and daughter earned the same reward at the Adult Academic Program’s 16th Annual Graduation Ceremony—their General Education Diplomas. They also plan to go to college together in the fall.
Alan Brandt and his daughter, Shannon, walked down the aisle together last Thursday, fulfilling a dual goal. Alan, a machinist, was laid off in the fall. He decided earning his GED was the only way to improve his chances at getting a new job in this labor market.
When he told his daughter of his plans to go back to school, she decided to attend the program with him. Shannon had earlier left high school just four credits shy of earning her diploma.
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Alan had a much further road ahead of him, having been out of school since 1976, when he dropped out during the 10th grade. He was undaunted.
"His attendance and commitment were amazing,” said Kristine Kelly, Alan’s Language Arts teacher.
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In addition to his high school classes, he also took the program's on-site College Preparatory Class at Hennepin Technical College. Shannon will study business accounting at the college this fall.
Alan credits this class with helping him write well enough to pass his GED writing test. He has also applied to the college's “M-Powered” Math for Machining program.
“I owe the school and the teachers a lot,” said Alan. “They were always there for me. I consider myself a miracle.”
Alan has landed a new job as a machinist in Bloomington, but he’s not done with his education. He is going to go on to study Biotech machining.
“(The program) has helped me become better prepared for whatever comes along,” said Alan.
