Capital District Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) graduates celebrated their accomplishments at the 46th annual EOC graduation ceremony held in the McDonough Sports Complex at Hudson Valley Community College.
Three hundred and fifty-seven certificates of completion from the EOC’s academic, business, service, and technical programs were awarded.
Timothy Sprigs, a Building Trades graduate, inspired his classmates and their families as the 2012 student speaker. “Before coming to the EOC, I suffered a brain injury that almost claimed my life,” he said. “After a year of intense treatment, I regained my ability to walk and speak correctly.” Sprigs said he chose EOC to further his skills and learn a trade.
“My deepest emotion is gratitude,” he said. “To anyone thinking about furthering their skills or education, or maybe you just have a need or desire to do better, take it from me, a person that before this never had a chance to wear a cap or gown, it is possible and EOC is a great place to start.”
The EOC serves nearly 1,000 students each year and has awarded close to 25,000 program certificates over the years. Students enrolled at the EOC can pursue academic instruction to achieve their GED or to prepare for attending college or can elect to receive training in a variety of vocational fields including culinary arts, welding, building trades, cosmetology, medical office administration and nursing assistant. The EOC also offers students the opportunity to study English as a Second Language.
Each student at EOC has a story of his/her own: a story that includes overcoming challenges and finding success. Gloria Peek, an Academic Enrichment and GED graduate, came to the EOC seeking a new direction in her life. She first enrolled because her boyfriend asked her to. She remembers at her orientation her counselor saying, “You can’t do this for someone else, you have to do it for yourself.” Gloria quickly found she enjoyed her classes. She gained confidence and realized that she truly wanted to pursue personal goals.
During her time at the EOC, she faced multiple health issues. Despite those challenges, Gloria persevered and maintained perfect attendance in both of her programs. And now she’s enrolled in the EOC’s Culinary Arts program for the fall bringing Gloria and her boyfriend one step closer to reaching a mutual goal of together opening a bed and breakfast.
“Our students work very hard to reach this moment of celebration. While they are enrolled, they often juggle attending class with family, work and other responsibilities. We are proud of their accomplishments,” said Dr. Lucille Marion Vice President at Hudson Valley Community College and Executive Director at the EOC.
At 31 years old, Kuwarn Boyd went back to school and enrolled in EOC’s Academic Enrichment program. Through his commitment, effort and persistence, he earned his GED and then enrolled in the Building Trades program where he received the University Center for Academic and Workforce Development Certificate of Achievement, the National Work Readiness Credential, the Microsoft Digital Literacy Certificate, the OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification, Hudson Valley’s Basics of Building Science and Environmental Education certificates and placement on the EOC’s Honor Roll.
Before finishing the Building Trades program, he was offered full-time employment with Securitas, a security company in Troy. Still interested in pursuing his education, Kuwarn used the EOC’s College Connections department to help him enroll in Hudson Valley’s Criminal Justice program.
The EOC offers free academic and vocational training to eligible New York State residents, 16 years and older. Registrations are accepted on a continuous basis. For further information about the EOC and its programs, call 273-1900.