Aledo, IL – Six students achieved a major milestone Thursday as they graduated from the High Roads Advantage program, a local initiative dedicated to helping individuals obtain their GED and develop skills for career-oriented goals. The graduation ceremony, held at the program’s building on the east edge of Aledo, was an emotional and inspiring event.
The High Roads Advantage program, now nearing its 25th anniversary, was originally established by Barb Milburn in 1999, with classes beginning in 2000. After a complete staff turnover in 2020 due to the pandemic, Jeanne Conaway took on the role of Student Support Specialist. Conaway, who is passionate about education and young adults, has been instrumental in fostering the program’s positive and home-like atmosphere. The program operates out of a bright blue building on Southeast Third Street in Aledo.
Graduates took the opportunity to reflect on their journeys, many shedding tears as they spoke about the transformative impact of the program. They praised the positive atmosphere and encouragement they received from both instructors and peers throughout their time at High Roads Advantage. This supportive environment helps students overcome barriers to education and employment, including the lack of a high school diploma.
Victoria Bush, one of the graduates, shared her thoughts on the program: “I like that it has full of supply and full of help and just a lot of encouragement and a lot of building blocks there to build your future.” Reflecting on her journey, she added, “I didn’t finish my senior year three years ago, so I’m just here to finish and start a new life. I’m excited. I got a little one to go with me, so just gonna see where life takes us.”
Another graduate, Chase Flowers, expressed similar gratitude. “What I like about High Roads, I like the people here. They really, they brung me in. They made me feel at home here,” he said. Reflecting on his educational experience before joining High Roads, Chase explained, “I went to Mercer County High School, and it wasn’t a very good learning place (for me). When I got here, I learned a lot more than I did there.” Looking ahead, he shared his aspirations: “I want to be a farmer. I’ve done a lot of farm work, so I think I can do it, and High Roads will help me.”
High Roads Advantage is more than just an academic program; it’s a workforce development initiative that emphasizes employability skills and treats each class day as a workplace environment. The program also provides conditional opportunities, such as driver’s education, for enrolled students demonstrating progress.
During the ceremony, the legacy of Ryan A. Klick, a former student who passed away shortly after his graduation, was honored with the presentation of the Ryan A. Klick Resilience Award. This award recognizes a student who embodies resilience and a focus on the future, qualities that defined Ryan’s journey. The award also includes a small scholarship, recently funded by community supporters such as New Boston Ambulance.
Conaway expressed deep gratitude to the local community for their unwavering support. From lending chairs for graduation ceremonies to providing work experiences and funding the Ryan Click award, the community’s contributions have been invaluable to the program’s success.
For the graduates, today’s ceremony marked more than just an academic achievement—it was a testament to their resilience and determination. High Roads Advantage continues to be a beacon of hope for those in the community seeking a brighter future through education and skill-building.