By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
At 7 p.m. tonight, Rio Salado College will honor the hard work and determination of students who have completed their high school equivalency (HSE) diplomas.
Watch the 2025 HSE Commencement Ceremony Live 7 p.m. June 18
The graduation ceremony will take place at Phoenix Baptist Church and will feature student speakers Vanessa Tulley and Juan Jesus Ramirez, who each bring powerful stories of perseverance, transformation, and hope.
For both students, what began as a journey to earn an HSE diploma turned into something much bigger.
“I was looking online to find somewhere to take courses to complete my GED (courses),” said Ramirez. “College was never part of the plan. I found Rio Salado and was introduced to the many education possibilities available.”
That sense of opportunity and discovery is echoed by Tulley, who took classes at Rio’s Southern location. “Rio offers you more than just your HSE diploma,” she said. “You can not only further your education, but have many career pathways to choose from. There is always someone there to guide you.”
For Tulley, originally from the Navajo Reservation in Window Rock, Ariz., the path to graduation was deeply personal. “I am Diné, born into the Towering House Clan, and come from a strong line of women,” she said. “I have the Lord, Jesus Christ our Savior, to thank for pulling me out of the dark place I was in. I am very grateful to say I am four and a half years into my sobriety and going strong.”
Ramirez also experienced a shift in mindset thanks to the encouragement he received at Rio. “The instructors were my favorite part of this whole journey,” he said. “Having instructors who encourage you and believe in you makes a world of difference.”
In addition to earning their HSE diplomas, both Tulley and Ramirez have already begun preparing for what comes next. Tulley plans to enroll in Rio’s Adult ACE program this fall to pursue a career in residential electrical work and welding. Ramirez has completed industry training programs in retail and IT and is now working toward an associate degree in cybersecurity.
Their advice to fellow students? Stay the course.
“Never give up on yourself and always believe in yourself,” said Tulley. “Keep that faith in yourself even when it seems to be frustrating. Step away and take a breather then go back to it. Ask questions, and don’t overthink anything.”
“Earning my HSE diploma is a huge weight lifted off my shoulders,” Ramirez added. “It feels great knowing that I can finally move on to the next stages of my life.”
Join us in celebrating these inspiring graduates and all of the students who have worked so hard to earn their diplomas. The ceremony is free and open to the public.
Event Details:
What: Rio Salado College HSE Graduation Ceremony
When: Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 7 p.m.
Where: Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012
Watch the Live Stream