The atmosphere inside United Education Institute (UEI) Morrow on Friday was filled with warmth, pride, and celebration. Graduates, families, faculty, and community leaders gathered to honor an important milestone — the successful completion of career training and the beginning of new opportunities.
The evening featured two distinguished guest speakers who delivered messages of resilience, purpose, and personal growth.
A Powerful Return: Councilmember Hue Nguyen
City of Morrow Councilmember Hue Nguyen returned for the second time to celebrate with UEI graduates and their families — a testament to her continued support of the campus and its students. Her presence extended beyond the podium; she stayed until the very end of the ceremony, personally shaking hands with each graduate as they crossed the stage.
In her heartfelt remarks, Councilmember Nguyen shared a deeply personal story. Early in her life, she was told she could not learn — a statement that could have defined her future. Instead, she persevered.
“Now, here I am,” she said proudly. And turning her focus to the graduates, she added, “Here you are.”
Her message reminded students that no matter the obstacles they’ve faced, their presence on that stage was proof of determination and growth.
She encouraged graduates to:
- Reflect on the road they traveled to get here
- Seek meaning beyond just a paycheck
- Recognize that the importance of people skills cannot be overstated
Her words emphasized that success is not measured solely by income, but by impact, relationships, and personal development.
A First Visit and a Message of Intentional Growth
Joining UEI Morrow for the first time, Clayton County Chief Operating Officer Detrick Stanford shared his enthusiasm for celebrating alongside the graduates and expressed his excitement to visit the campus again in the future.
COO Stanford offered high praise for UEI’s staff and faculty, acknowledging their dedication to preparing students for meaningful careers. He also recognized the families in attendance, noting that their support played a vital role in the graduates’ success.
Drawing inspiration from the poetry of William Ernest Henley, his remarks centered on a journey shaped by knowledge, skill, and intentional design. He spoke about the importance of taking ownership of one’s path and using education and training as tools to build a purposeful future.The ceremony was more than a celebration — it was a reflection of perseverance. Each graduate in the room had overcome challenges, balanced responsibilities, and committed to investing in their future.
From the encouraging words of community leaders to the cheers of proud family members, the night reinforced a powerful truth: success is possible with resilience, support, and determination.
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