GED graduates receive diplomas
Warren County’s Adult Education Program held its first GED graduation ceremony in three years Thursday night with 22 of the 91 graduating students in attendance. The graduation included students from both Warren and Cannon counties.
Adult Education director Dr. David Walker commended the students for their efforts and on making the decision to return to school and earn their GED.
‘I want to thank you all very much for all your hard work,’ Walker said, noting he and the adult education teachers respect the students and enjoyed being a part of their success.
‘It’s such a blessing to work with people who are grounded,’ Walker said. ‘Who knows what they want out of life. One of the wonderful things for us is we can help you with that. We can help prepare you for life, even if life is maybe not exactly what you expected. We can help you get the tools you need to go out there and be a success.’
The keynote address was given by County Executive John Pelham, who listed adult education as part of his campaign platform. Pelham, along with Walker, were instrumental in putting the GED scholarship program in place in Warren County as a way to help those who have might have problems paying for the GED tests.
‘One of the things I enjoy most about my job, and I do love my job, is the opportunity to go out and speak about the good things that are happening here, and about our future in Warren County,’ Pelham said. ‘And I truly do believe our future is bright.’
Pelham said he was thrilled to be a part of the ceremony, and to see what the program had accomplished since he came into office.
‘This event is very important to me, in part, because I realize the vital role that an educated workforce will play in the success of Cannon and Warren County,’ said Pelham. ‘Education is a primary focus of my office, and has been since being elected. It is the single most important factor necessary for the continued growth of our counties I believe.’
Pelham talked about the importance of education to recruiting industry.
‘One of very first thing they will ask, if they don’t already know, is what the graduation rate of your workforce is,’ Pelham said. ‘So this is a tremendously important tool for our community in recruiting industry.
‘Each of you, through this accomplishment, is strengthening the very foundation of our local workforce,’ Pelham continued. ‘And I want you to take pride in that, not only what you’re doing not only for yourself, but for your community.’
The students themselves, who ranged in age from 17 to 53, had some stories of their own to tell. One student, single mother Samantha Cope, graduated with honors, as did around 75 percent of the students, according to Walker. Cope stood out even among these, scoring a perfect 800 on one of the test segments. Cope says the GED has provided her with a way to improve her life.
‘It means a lot,’ Cope said. ‘It’s really helped me out as far as providing for me and my son. It’s a great experience, and I just loved it. I’m so glad I got it.’
Joyce Myers, an articulate and determined 53-year-old, said the program meant a lot to her, giving her a chance to complete the education she had put aside for family early in her life.
‘I decided it was time for me,’ Myers said. ‘I had always put myself behind, and put others in front. I quit school and got married, had two kids, and had to take care of my husband who suffered from seizures. They took up most of my life, but when my husband passed away in 2004, I suddenly had nothing to do. So I’ve worked at night and gone to school in the daytime to get my GED. And I’m proud of what I’ve done. This was important to me.’