Meet 2024 HSE Graduation Student Speaker Xander Westfall
Rio Salado College will hold its 2024 High School Equivalency (HSE) graduation ceremony on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. The ceremony begins at 7 p.m. at the North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix.
The two students chosen to serve as speakers at the ceremony are Xander Westfall and Adriana Franco. Today, meet Westfall.
Xander Westfall Finds Confidence to Return to School Through Rio
When Xander Westfall started in GED® test prep classes as part of Rio’s Adult Education program in July of 2023, he was apprehensive because he had been out of the school environment for a decade.
“I dropped out of school in eighth grade and was initially intimidated to go back,” Westfall said. “But scoring well on the adult education assessments gave me a morale boost.”
He got another boost when encountering the supportive staff and positive environment at Rio Salado’s Surprise location.
“I initially chose Rio Salado because of how accessible and economical it was, but I stayed in the program because the success coaches and instructors were incredibly kind and encouraging,” Westfall said.
While studying to earn his high school equivalency diploma (HSE), Westfall participated in a career training program and earned a certificate in Retail Industry Fundamentals.
“I chose the retail certification because it could help me support myself as I transitioned from college to career,” Westfall said. “I truly feel like it taught me the skills necessary to succeed in a customer service environment.”
Westfall earned his HSE diploma in November 2023, and secured a part-time front desk job at RSC Surprise helping new students navigate the HSE journey. He is currently taking classes at Estrella Mountain Community College where he is pursuing an
associate degree in surgical technology.
About the Rio Salado Adult Education Program
Rio Salado College is Arizona's largest provider of Adult Education, helping students receive the training and career-ready skills they need to move forward professionally. Each year, Rio's adult education classes help thousands of people positively affect their lives. Rio Salado can help adult learners:
- Prepare to earn a high school equivalency diploma through the GED® test or other pathways
- Improve English language skills
- Gain essential employability skills
- Train for an exciting career
- Transition to college
Dedicated instructors, success coaches, college and career navigators, tutors, and staff have helped students reach their individual learning goals, prepare for in-demand careers, and successfully prepare for and transition to college. Learn more online or register today!
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