Special to the Times
Laughter, tears, and triumphant smiles filled the auditorium of Union County High School Thursday evening as 37 students crossed the stage to receive their high school diplomas, many after years of determination, sacrifice, and second chances.
The 2025 graduation ceremony for the Union County Adult Education Center was more than a celebration of academic achievement—it was a testament to resilience, grit, and the human spirit’s capacity for growth.
“These guys’ resilience and their determination to keep plugging along—we are so proud of them,” said Chris Mecusker, Director of Union County Adult Education. “A lot of them have had different life events and obstacles they have had to overcome.”
The Union County Adult Education Center offers an alternative path for those who were unable to complete a traditional high school experience. With a flexible, student-centered approach and dedicated staff, the program prepares adult learners for the GED exam, which now earns them an official Florida high school diploma—signed by state officials.
“Our Adult Education Center serves adults who, for one reason or another, through events in their lives, weren’t able to get a traditional education,” Mecusker explained. “They come to us. We do live teaching three nights a week, three classes a night, and we have live teachers teaching math and reading. Basically, we prepare them for the GED exam.”
Unlike a traditional 174-day school year, students at the center work at their own pace—some finishing in a few months, others over several years.
“We try to get them in and out because it’s our job to help them try and get their diploma. That’s our job,” Mecusker said. “We help them set goals and then help them achieve them.”
This year’s graduation marked the end of an era for longtime educator and program coordinator Eugene Dukes, who is retiring after an astounding 51 years in education. Dukes has been a tireless advocate for the recognition of trade school paths and technical careers, offering students a broader vision for their future beyond traditional academia.
“There are so many students who, for whatever reason, fall through the cracks,” Dukes said. “For many years, we’ve had a one-way street. Everybody was supposed to go to college, everybody was supposed to do the same thing over and over and over, but you were getting the same results—which was not very good.”
Dukes passionately emphasized that the diploma students receive from the program carries the same weight as any traditional high school credential.
“We still call it a GED, but it hasn’t been a GED in years. It is a Florida high school diploma,” Dukes explained. “You can take our diploma and do anything that you want to do with it. You can pass the ACT or the SAT; you can go to the University of Florida tomorrow. Or if you want to go to Lake City or Santa Fe.”
Before stepping off the stage for the final time, Dukes extended a genuine thanks to the community. “I want to thank the citizens of Union County for allowing me to be here fifty-one years,” he said.
Among the night’s standout stories were those of students who had battled incredible odds and emerged stronger than ever.
Makinly Lacy, who spent two and a half years in the program, credited her best friend for helping her stay the course.
“My best friend. She really helped me and she reminded me all the time that I’m important and I know what I can do,” Lacy said. “If I believe in myself, I can succeed.”
Lacy now plans to pursue a career as a 911 dispatcher—a meaningful role she is excited to embrace.
For Casey Crawford, who spent three years working through the program, the journey was deeply personal. “I feel accomplished. I feel great. I feel like a lot of weight is off my shoulders,” she said.
Her toughest challenge? Math.
“I’ve been working on my math; that was my last test I had. I took it five times, and I finally passed it on the fifth time,” she shared.
But it was her late father and grandfather—both in law enforcement—who fueled her determination.
“My dad kept me going. My dad passed away and that’s the whole reason I am where I’m at today. Thinking of my dad,” Crawford said. “My papa also passed away. Thinking about my dad and my papa kept me going.”
She now has her sights set on a future in criminal justice or possibly welding—two paths that would allow her to honor her family legacy and passion for hands-on work.
Brothers Ashtyn and Chayce Latocha also took the stage together. Ashtyn, who started the program first, inspired his brother to follow in his footsteps. He now plans to pursue a career in the technology industry.
Chayce, who initially enrolled with Florida Virtual School but struggled to keep up, found a lifeline through the Adult Education Center. With his brother’s encouragement, he completed the program and is now looking ahead to a bold future—perhaps even in professional wrestling.
Another graduate, Haiden Barringer, has a clear vision for what’s next: plumbing. His path is one that reflects the growing respect for skilled trades as not only viable but lucrative and fulfilling careers.
As Mecusker noted, “HVAC, plumbing, EMT—all of those are technically not college programs, but yet they start at sixty, seventy, eighty-thousand dollars [per year].”
The evening was a stirring reminder that success doesn’t follow a single path—and that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
“We have one graduation at the end of the year,” Mecusker said. “And every year, we are inspired by the lives we see transformed through this program.”
With friends, family, and proud instructors looking on, the Class of 2025 proved that determination, support, and a second chance can be a powerful combination. Their journeys weren’t easy—but they finished strong.
As the applause echoed through the high school auditorium, it was clear this night wasn’t just about diplomas. It was about hope. About new beginnings. And about 37 individuals who chose to believe in themselves—and now get to write their next chapter.
