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Mike Moser GED graduation a source of pride Nothing fulfills the soul like personal accomplishment
and for 10 adult high school students and about three dozen adults
of varying ages, backgrounds and makeup, Friday night was a night
of fulfillment. It was graduation night. But not graduation night in a traditional
sense. In place of faculty and administrators on the stage were
educators who have served as mentors, encouragers and sources
of inspiration. It was GED (General Education Development)
graduation night. It was not the first such ceremony in Cumberland
County, as those working in Adult Basic Education had sponsored
others. But the Adult Basic Education folks are constantly fine-tuning
the entire program and seeking ways to make it better for those
who need that service. This year's program was moved from the center
on Miller Bypass to the Palace Theatre and a reception was sponsored
by Roane State Community College. Organizers were surprised and
pleased by the resulting turnout. The Palace was packed with family members
and well-wishers lining the back walls, filling every seat and
packing the balcony. As honors and accomplishments were recognized,
supporters shouted and cheered and complete strangers clapped
politely. Graduates received their documents draped in blue or
white caps and gowns. One adult high school student's parents drove
all day from Florida to attend the 35-minute ceremony. A lady
nearing retirement age proudly noted that her family from Pennsylvania
had made the trip, just to cheer her on. "The response far exceeded our expectations,"
said program director, Pam Stubbs. "We are quite pleased
with the turnout and with the participation of our graduates
and we are proud of every one of them." There are a host of reasons as to why people
find themselves seeking a GED and while there might be a stigma
about the GED in some areas, the program is a good one and serves
a very important purpose and we should celebrate this program. There were people who had worked at a certain
industry all their adult lives and suddenly their jobs were gone.
To re-enter the job market at their ages, they needed a program
like the GED program. Illnesses, unplanned pregnancies, rites
of youth and lack of early guidance are other reasons. Quite frankly, it takes a lot of guts to go
back to school after being out so long and trying to get caught
up with lost opportunities. What ever the reason those graduates
walked across the stage last Friday night, it doesn't diminish
the accomplishment or the joy in their hearts for succeeding.
That piece of paper is something no one can take away from those graduates. |