Campus News

August 11th, 2026

Garrett College celebrates latest ABE graduates

41 honored for graduating program between 2024 and 2026

Garrett College honored 41 students last Tuesday night who completed their Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs between 2024 and 2026.

"Earning a high school diploma represents more than completing coursework," said Kaitlyn Glotfelty, Garrett College’s director of community and professional education. "It reflects perseverance, hard work, and the courage to overcome challenges.

"Your accomplishment is one to be proud of, and serves as an inspiration to your families, friends, and community," Glotfelty told the graduates. "Take pride in how far you have come. This milestone opens new opportunities, and we encourage you to keep learning, growing, and pursuing your goals."

Four graduates – 2026 graduates Lilian Baker, Quinn Kroll, and Aereona Wolak, along with 2024 graduate Nevaeh Kerr – spoke on behalf of their classmates during the graduation ceremony.

"They were the stars of the show," Glotfelty said of the student speakers. "They did such a fantastic job talking about their journeys, what led them to our program, and some of the obstacles that they faced. They certainly didn’t have an easy path."

Garrett College Dean of Continuing Education & Workforce Development Julie Yoder and Dr. Leslie Jackson, an adult education program specialist with the Maryland Department of Labor, also spoke.

"Earning your GED represents more than passing a test. It represents your commitment to yourself, your future, and the goals you refused to let go of," Yoder told the graduates. "The perseverance you've shown will serve you well, whether your next step is college, workforce training, a new career, or another dream you've been waiting to pursue."

Kroll completed his coursework while incarcerated in the Garrett County Detention Center, passing the GED test just days before his release.

"This is nothing less than a whole rebirth – this has been one of the greatest things that’s ever happened to me," Kroll said of earning his high school diploma.

Kroll is now employed with Albers Aerospace/Garrett Container Systems and plans to enroll in Garrett College’s welding program this fall.

"I know nothing at all about welding, but I’m a dedicated, curious and passionate hard worker," said the Grantsville resident, who is currently a general shop laborer with Albers.

Kroll said being incarcerated wasn’t a hinderance to earning his high school diploma.

"It wasn’t too much of a challenge. I was pretty motivated while in there to use my time wisely," he said.

Kroll lauded the work of Dr. Michele Buday-Murray, Jeanne Gilbert, and Glotfelty, highlighting Buday-Murray for coming into the detention center to serve as his instructor.

"Those three women are miracle workers," said Kroll.

Kroll thanked Joe Wise, captain of the Garrett County Detention Center, and his staff for their support of his educational pursuits.

"God bless those people," said Kroll. "Everybody working at the detention center works with a deep sense of integrity. They have my gratitude."

Wolak, like Kroll, also plans to obtain workforce training from Garrett College. She expects to go through the College’s diesel mechanic program next year and eventually hopes to complete broader training in the auto mechanic field.

"My ultimate goal is to eventually own my own shop so I can help low-income, disabled, and elderly individuals maintain their cars," said the Mountain Lake Park resident.

Wolak praised Gilbert, her GED instructor.

"She was great," said Wolak. "She was there whenever I needed help and she worked at my pace. I really appreciate this opportunity [provided by the ABE program]."

Notes: The classes of 2024 and 2025 had 12 and 11 graduates, respectively, while the Class of 2026 produced 18 graduates.

"2026 was a pretty phenomenal year for us," said Glotfelty of this year’s class size.

Below is a list of graduates honored by year of completion:

2024: Maggie Allman, Logan Bittinger, Micheal Broadwater, Storm Chapman, Lonnie Corby, Jr., Dakota Garlitz, Kyrstin Hobell, Madison Inman, Nevaeh Kerr, Tina Kimble, Tyler Moreland, Samuel Seeders.

2025: Gavin Bryant, Brookelynn Cline, Brie-Lynn Dalton, Joshua Friend, Gracie Glotfelty, Victoria Kauffman, Amanda Perry, Jada Rinker, David Ruby, David Watkins, Stephanie Wilt.

2026: Lilian Baker, Haily Cosner, Karina Grant, John Kaufman, Haelie Kight, Quinn Kroll, Lindsey Lewis, Gabriel Miller, Gabriel Murphy, Christopher Nair, Gabriel Platter, Levi Riley, Katie Jo Shockey, Katelynn Sweitzer, Trey Tasker, Emma Tyler, Tressa Warnick, Aereona Wolak.