Accomplishments of literacy program graduates recognized at 30th annual ceremony

On Wednesday, May 22, OCM BOCES held its 30th Annual (Syracuse-area) Adult Literacy Celebration and program graduation at the Palace Theater in Syracuse. Hundreds of graduates from  OCM BOCES GED, External Diploma and literacy programs attended and were recognized for their accomplishments in front of their families, friends and the community.

Emotional and inspirational testimonials were given by graduating students Ilhan Gowdha and Muhaimin Muhammad.

Ilhan Gowdha, originally from Somalia, has lived in Syracuse for just over one year. Before coming the United States, she spent two years in Kenya, where she was a representative for Somalian refugees. This included counseling victims of violence, and disseminating information and resources to her community. She  also performed interpreting duties for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Shortly after moving to Syracuse in February 2012, she enrolled at OCM BOCES and obtained her GED in March of 2013. She currently volunteers at the Northside Learning Center, and is very active in the Syracuse community. Ms. Gowdha plans to take pre-med classes at Syracuse University starting this summer.

Muhaimin Muhammad a native of Newark, New Jersey, is the second oldest of 13 children, son of Muntaqim and Latifah Muhammad. In 2000 Muhaimin moved to Rochester, New York. For the past 12 years, he has been a devoted and loving husband to Alnisa Muhammad and a loving and compassionate father of four children - two daughters, 21 year-old Khadijah and 20 year-old Haneefah Muhammad, and 13 year-old twin boys, Muhaimin and Samad.  He is also a grandfather to five beautiful grandchildren, whom he adores very much. Muhaimin is a very determined and hard working person. While he admits he has stumbled many times, he never gives up, finding strength within himself, GOD, and his family.

OCM BOCES also recognized the Onondaga County Department of Correction as their 2013 Partner is Literacy and Reginald Dennis, a 2012 OCM BOCES graduate, was acknowledged for having been named by NYACCE (New York Association for Continuing/Community Education) as a student of the year for 2013.

Congratulations to all graduates!