Ben Moon is enjoying a whirlwind winter. He completed high school equivalency requirements, got engaged and joined the U.S. Army.

The first of the big steps for Moon, 17, of Waukomis, was to complete adult education. It was a promise he made to his father.

The Moon family relocated from Oklahoma to Ohio when Ben was 11. He admits to struggling with school. Moon was then homeschooled. The family moved back to Oklahoma and enrolled Ben in adult education at Canadian Valley Technology Center.

The free course is offered throughout the school year. Students can finish in several weeks. Some take up to a year, said Truda Hibbs, CV Tech Adult Education and Family Literacy instructor.

“We ask students to write a paragraph about themselves as a part of the enrollment process,” Hibbs said. “I was a little surprised that as a 16-year-old (at that time), Ben had a very specific goal for the military.”

Moon wrote that his preferred military occupational specialty is wheeled vehicle mechanic. Soldiers are responsible for maintaining and repairing various types of Army vehicles. They ensure they are in proper working condition for military operations.

“I must say that Truda is a wonderful person, and she did a magnificent job in helping us,” said David Moon, Ben’s father.

Moon completed his HiSET® exam in October 2023. He is enlisted in basic combat training at Fort Jackson, S.C., and is on course for graduation in mid-April.

Prospective adult education students may choose to attend classes at CV Tech’s Cowan Campus in Yukon or at the El Reno Campus. Classes are also provided at Etta Dale Junior High School in El Reno.

Classes prepare students for the GED®, TASC® or HiSET® exams. Classes are free, but the exams require a fee. Those who pass either GED® or HiSET® will receive the state’s official high school equivalency diploma, a credential issued by the Oklahoma Department of Education. To find out more, call Hibbs at (405) 345-2536.