NWTC student becomes first in her family to earn a diploma

For recent High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) graduate Madison Winstead, coming to NWTC was a way to “break the cycle” and “keep moving forward.” 

Growing up in the foster system, Winstead bounced between foster homes before she was adopted. That experience made her feel like she lacked positive role models growing up and led to the decision to drop out of high school as a teenager. At the time, she was focused on survival and did not understand the importance of education. 

A single mother, Winstead quickly realized she needed a change to support her family. That change was education. In 2023 she enrolled in HSED courses at NWTC Shawano and persisted to become the first in her family to complete a degree at the secondary level. 

“Education is the key to overcoming and breaking the cycle,” said Winstead. “I am the first in my family to earn a degree, and it is a fulfilling and empowering experience.” 

With her degree in hand, Winstead is now on a new path to success. She plans to pursue a career in American Sign Language, a language she is already fluent in because her foster father was deaf. Her passion for her family, improving herself, and giving back to others has seen her through tough times and a history-making accomplishment. We cannot wait to see what she will do next. 

Learn more about G.E.D or HSED courses at NWTC.