Class of 2022 Graduate Highlight: Khadijah Padgett-Sulton

Aiken Technical College graduate Khadijah Padgett-Sulton “finished what she started” when she returned to school after taking a break and starting her family. While earning her degree, she also made an impact on the community and the school.

Padgett-Sulton earned her Associate in Applied Science: Early Care & Education degree and an Early Childhood Development Certificate in May 2022.

“It was very important to me because I stopped going when I graduated high school. I got married and had kids. Soon as my kids got older and started school, I came back to finish what I had started,” Padgett-Sulton said.

In January 2021, Padgett-Sulton was recognized as a recipient of the Human & Civil Rights Student Champion Award from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration Steering Committee. Then in April 2022, she was recognized by Aiken Technical College with an Outstanding Student Award for the College’s Public Services programs.

Padgett-Sulton enrolled in that specific program because she heard great things about it. She said doors are already opening for her after graduating.

“After graduating, I have a job that is in my field, and not only that, but I plan on continuing my education and getting a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education,” Padgett-Sulton said.

She said earning this degree means a lot to her, and her family is very proud of her for going back to school.

“This was a great experience to come back and finish my degree,” Padgett-Sulton said.