Throughout a commencement address Thursday night, Larry Prowant implored his fellow High School Equivalency (HSE) graduates to persevere through the tough times and never give up.
Prowant’s life story spoke even louder than his words.
The 57-year-old Prowant overcame Traumatic Brain Injury, multiple heart attacks and being disowned by his beloved daughter to successfully pass his High School Equivalency on the first try. Along with nearly two dozen classmates, he was awarded a certificate of completion from Dr. Don Tomas, SCC’s President, in a room packed with proud family and friends.
A native of Florida, Prowant’s health issues began in 2017 when he contracted a severe sinus infection that traveled to his brain. His heart attacks all happened last year, and he was pronounced dead three times while traveling in a helicopter to a hospital.
He also talked openly about the pain of his daughter disowning him after he left a religious movement with which he no longer agreed.
“It got to a point where I couldn’t even function,” Prowant said. “I couldn't shop on my own, and I couldn't even pay my bills, and I couldn't really do anything. I had to have help through all of that, and it was amazing how many people looked at me and said, well, you could do something if you wanted to. And it really was just pure determination and reliance on Heavenly Father to help me through it.
“I did not think I would graduate the first time around,” Prowant added. “I just knew it was going to take me three or four or five times. But I actually did it the first time. I’m just ecstatic.”
Possible next steps for the latest graduates could include enrolling in college classes or finding new or better employment.
Next up for Prowant? He wants to help others in the same way that others helped him while also continuing to work toward improving his own life.
“Peer support (through Appalachian Community Services) helped me so much when I was incapacitated from the brain injury, so I want to become a Licensed Peer Support Specialist – and a (HSE) is required for that,” Prowant said. “I’m making really good money delivering auto parts right now, and that leaves my afternoons free for study – so I can finish my peer support classes (from North Carolina certified peer support specialist program). After that, I’m looking at maybe taking some classes here at SCC.”
Adults who had their high school education interrupted for any reason can enroll in HSE classes that Southwestern offers year-round throughout the college’s service area of Jackson, Macon, Swain Counties and the Qualla Boundary.
“Larry’s story resonates with a lot of people, and our hope is that anyone who still needs to get a high school diploma will follow his advice to never give up,” said Heather Stephan, SCC’s Director of College & Career Readiness. “Anyone who’s ready for a fresh start can contact us and get started immediately working toward a better life.”
For more information about SCC’s High School Equivalency prep classes, contact Stephan at 828.339.4272 or h_stephan@SouthwesternCC.edu.
