PPLD celebrates milestones for new high school graduates and U.S. citizens

Graduation and Naturalization Ceremonies a part of All Pikes Peak Reads celebrations

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - Pikes Peak Library District will celebrate two major milestones for area residents in the next week.

First, PPLD will throw a graduation celebration at East Library for those who finished our GED preparation classes and passed the exam, as well as those who earned their accredited high school diploma through our Career Online High School Program. COHS allows El Paso County residents to earn an accredited high school diploma through online programming, with the assistance of PPLD staff and an academic coach. The program is completely free to participants thanks to PPLD.

One COHS graduate, Ana Bojorquez, has been trying to get her diploma for years. Ana’s adoptive mother changed her age on many of her documents, for reasons unknown to Ana. When she ended back up in foster care, she discovered that she was not 14 years old like her fellow ninth-graders, but was actually 17 years old. This resulted in her removal from school, despite her pleas to remain and finish her classes. She has finally earned her diploma, a goal she’s been working toward ever since, and we can’t wait to celebrate with her.

Then, PPLD will hold a Naturalization Ceremony at Library 21c to celebrate all those who participated in our Path to Citizenship preparatory classes and have successfully passed their citizenship exam. We are expecting about 40 participants in this ceremony. More information on the final number of participants and their countries of origin is forthcoming. This event will be held in partnership with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Both celebrations are a part of the 2018 All Pikes Peak Reads program, celebrating diversity, immigration, multiculturalism, and resiliency. Learn more about APPR and other events at ppld.org/appr.

EVENT DETAILS
COHS/GED Graduation Ceremony
Wed., Oct. 10 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Community Meeting Room at East Library, 5550 N. Union Blvd.

Naturalization Ceremony
Held in partnership with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Mon., Oct. 15 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
The Venue at Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Dr.