Mitch Langston of Prospect and his family gather after he received his high school equivalency diploma at a graduation ceremony at BC3 Thursday. In the photo, front left, are daughters Julia and Joelle. Next to Mitch is his wife Jessica and brother Kenny.

BUTLER TWP — Forty-nine non-traditional students received their high school equivalency diplomas at a graduation ceremony Thursday at Butler County Community College.

The 37 students from Butler County and 12 from Mercer County who received their general equivalency diplomas through BC3's free high school equivalency program is the largest group since 59 graduated in 2014.

Arthur Stewart, a BC3 instructor and GED instructor at Summit Academy, where several of the graduating students attend, told the class they can now move on to take on more challenges.

“Everybody here bears witness to the culmination of your achievements. This is a beginning for many of you. The only thing that will hold you back is you. You have achieved your academic goals, but others lie before you,” Stewart said.

Student speakers thanked their teachers for encouraging them to earn their diplomas.

“Getting our GEDs allows us to continue our lives with greater opportunity,” said graduate Liam Crowley. “Don't doubt yourself.”

Keynote speaker Belinda Richardson, BC3 vice president for academic affairs, said graduation is the beginning of a new chapter in students' lives.

“Tonight we celebrate the end of one journey and the beginning of a new chapter,” Richardson said.

She said life's circumstances prevent many students from graduating from high school, but they have to work hard to earn GEDs.

“They didn't finish because life got in the way. Earning the GED is not easy. In fact it's hard.” Richardson said.

GED tests cover a “massive” amount of course work from middle school and high school combined, she said.

“You are prepared. You are ready to move on to your next journey. You have victories to celebrate. Everything good is already in you. Let your creativity flow. You are necessary. You are needed,” Richardson said. “Your life and your accomplishments will inspire someone.”

The graduates received diplomas and congratulatory letters from the Butler County commissioners. Commissioners Leslie Osche and Kevin Boozel handed the letters to the graduates on the stage in the Succop Theater.

Bryan “Mitch” Langston, 40, of Prospect was among the class members.

“I was in 10th grade when I dropped out,” Langston said of when he first left high school.

He said he returned to high school some time later, but then quit again.

“It's kind of embarrassing being in school with people younger than you,” he said.

After spending several years working, including in his family's bee keeping business, Langston got married and his family supported his desire to get a GED.

He said he plans to pursue a degree in information technology or robotics at BC3.

“It's close they helped me out. I'd like to return the favor,” Langston said about studying at BC3.