Record number of Hood River Options Academy students receive GEDs (includes slideshow)

“We are committed to ensuring that GED students are recognized as valued members of our school community,” Carloss said. “Their accomplishments represent significant dedication and perseverance, and they — and their families — deserve to be celebrated for their achievements.”

HROA is part of Hood River County School District (HRCSD) and offers the option of online learning. The GED program “provides an important pathway for students who may benefit from an alternative route to earning a high school equivalency credential,” Carloss said.

GED students are fully enrolled in HRCSD, and eligible to participate in athletics, clubs, dances and other extracurriculars available to all of the district’s students.

The program is coordinated by Paraprofessional Angela Klein, who assists students throughout the process. Students must be at least 16 to enroll, and work towards passing exams in language arts, math, science, and social studies. When they need extra support, they work with HROA teachers — in everything from writing instruction to test-taking skills, with individualized academic coaching. Staff plays a critical role in helping students build both skills and confidence to meet benchmark scores and successfully complete the GED exams.

“We also partner closely with the Firehouse program, also known as HRVHS Community Works,” Carloss said. “Their team provides valuable support and encouragement to students pursuing their GED, and this collaboration has been instrumental in increasing student success and completion rates.”

How successful is this team effort? Two HROA students received their GEDs during the 2023-2024 school year, and four did last year. This year, there are 11 — with the 12th continuing this fall to finish their last exam, thus earning their GED.

Carloss thanked Griffin House owner Claire Griffin and daughter Marlow, business manager, for donating the use of their pavilion.

‘Every student has a story’

Why students enroll in HROA to complete their GEDs vary — as Carloss said, every student has a different story. But the results are the same.

“It feels like a bigger milestone than just a diploma,” said graduate Grace Sandoval, who joined HROA in September. “The school district never felt right to me. But the GED is plain and simple — there’s someone there to walk you through it. Angela was right there, pushing me. It’s beautiful, and it feels really special.”

“I wasn’t 100% sure I would graduate from high school until I started the GED,” said graduate Halo Wymore. “I ended up passing and I graduated, and here I am — it means a lot to know there is more that I can do with my life now, because the GED is the same as a diploma. I know I can do anything.”