NILES — The path to high school graduation for Haylei Shepard was not without obstacles.

Shepard had dropped out of traditional school in 2014. While working two jobs and preparing for the birth of her daughter, she was able to finish her high school education, thanks to the Adult Education program.

On Tuesday night, dressed in a graduation gown and cap, Shepard said the care and dedication of the program’s teachers were a guiding force that helped her to graduate.

Shepard was among the speakers who addressed the more than 100 people that gathered at Michiana Christian Embassy for the Niles Community Schools Non-Traditional Education graduation commencement.

Standing at a podium, Shepard addressed the 56 graduates from Niles Community Schools Non-Traditional Education program, encouraging them to not give up on their dreams.

“I will always encourage those who say they can’t to try,” Shepard said. “There is never a wrong time to go back to school.”

More than 100 people packed the Michiana Christian Embassy for the commencement ceremony. Prior to getting their diplomas and switching their tassel from one side of their cap to the other, students and their families heard a number of encouraging talks from administrators and peers, commending students for succeeding in the face of adversity that many of them had faced.

Students also got a chance to thank teachers and loved ones. Those who wished to speak were given the chance to say thank you and present a white carnation to those who helped them on their journey.

Shepard told the crowd she wanted to thank those close to her and the staff at the program.

“The staff at the Adult Education [program] helped me out so much,” Shepard said. “I was six months pregnant, working 40 hours a week and the teachers there always checked on me. They cared about my education and my well-being.”

Graduates also heard from Kenneth Brook, 2001 graduate of the Adult Education program who did not have the opportunity to attend his own graduation.

Since completing the program Brook has gone on to join the Army. He is now a staff sergeant and recruiter in Chicago. He has also served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and assisted on missions throughout the U.S.

Brook congratulated students and said he knew that many of them in the audience that night had faced obstacles similar to his own.

“I remember working a third shift in a warehouse on Chicago Road while taking Adult Education,” Brook said. “I get it. It’s rough. But you took a huge step. Where you go from here is up to you.”

Before he left the stage, John Fonash, the program principal handed a 2018 tassel to Brook to commemorate the graduation he did not get to attend 17 years ago.

Like Brook, other administrators who spoke Tuesday night reminded students that their graduation was a first step.

Fonash also addressed the crowd, advising students that teachers and administrators would always be there to help them, even after they tossed their graduation caps in the air.

“While we celebrate this achievement, we know this is just the beginning and the start of what you can become,” Fonash said. “So, whether you are moving on to college or work training, we wish you well.”

Students also heard encouraging words from Niles Community School District Superintendent Dan Applegate and President of the Board of Education Dana Daniels.