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Rio Hosts NAEHS Induction Ceremony March 10
Rio Salado College is proud to host the National Adult Education Honor Society (NAEHS) induction ceremony on Thursday, March 10, 2022, from 6-7 p.m. at the Rio Conference Center and via live stream.
The 23 students nominated to join the honor society are recognized for their dedication, determination and persistence toward their educational and career goals.
Meet Student Speaker Amanda Wood
Rio Salado student Amanda Wood is the induction ceremony’s student speaker. She began her Rio Salado journey by taking GED® test preparation classes in May 2021. She also co-enrolled in Rio’s new Medical Administrative Assisting (MAA) partnership program with Phoenix College.
Through the exclusive program, adult education students have access to training as a medical administrative assistant at the same time they are working toward their high school equivalency (HSE) diploma or learning English.
Wood’s road to her current path did not come easy. She previously struggled with addiction and financial security but made the decision on her own to go back to school and earn her HSE.
“Rio gave me the tools and knowledge to accomplish skills in the medical field that I'm taking classes in,” Wood said. “My favorite part about the programs are the teachers. The instructors really care and help you when you need it.”
Now 22 months clean and sober, Wood is thriving in her newfound success.
“Amanda has not missed a beat when it comes to staying focused on her education,” said DeAnna Springer, one of Wood’s HSE instructors. “She has made an incredible amount of progress in these past few months. Her caring heart and commitment to achieving her goals made a strong impression on me.”
Springer is especially impressed with how Wood’s transformation is affecting others.
“Amanda’s commitment to her education is positively influencing her family and community,” Springer said. “She is showing her young children the true meaning of resilience, perseverance and grit. They are watching her work hard every day to accomplish her goals. She has overcome many obstacles and is becoming an excellent role model for them.”
After completing her current program, Wood hopes to work full-time as a recovery coach and help others in need. She also plans to continue her education by pursuing a bachelor’s and master’s degree.
“Never be afraid to try something new, and always believe in yourself,” Wood said.
Rio Salado’s NAEHS Induction Ceremony Event
Date: Thursday, March 10, 2022
Time: 6-7 p.m.
Location: Rio Salado College Conference Center, 2323 W. 14th Street, Tempe.
Live stream: The live stream link will be posted on RioCentral.
About the National Adult Education Honor Society
The NAEHS mission is to provide meaningful recognition to deserving adult education students, to improve student employment opportunities, to develop student ambassadors for local adult education programs and to create adult education awareness with school administrators and state legislators.