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For Immediate Release Students receiving GED SANFORD — Five area students were recognized for receiving their GED certificate during a graduation ceremony held May 30 in Sanford. Certificates were presented by Dr. Matt Garrett, president of Central Carolina Community College, and were earned by participants through a program cosponsored by the college and LCI Inc. Those earning their GED this spring were: Carmelito Cruz, 17; Christopher Headen, 19; Lamonte Parks, 16; Michelle Wood, 33; and Ashley Young, 18. All are residents of Sanford. By earning the GED, or General Educational Development credential, students demonstrate they have achieved academic skills at a high-school level. The credential is awarded for passing a series of academic tests in language arts, social studies, science and math, and is widely accepted as the equivalent of a traditional high school diploma. CCCC Director of Continuing Education Dr. Teronda McNeil gave a keynote address during the ceremony, speaking of her experience as a teenage mother living in a very difficult personal and family situation. Her life changed, she said, when she earned her own GED and then attended college. McNeil encouraged the students never to give up in life and told them she was proof that people can succeed, even when circumstances seem overwhelming and others believe it's impossible. That was a critical message for everyone to hear, says Crystal McIver, who manages the GED class for LCI, because these students were told over and over again that they couldn't reach such a lofty goal. But each developed an educational plan and followed it through to the graduation ceremony. "Now the doors have been opened to them and they have proven to themselves that they cannot let other people direct their success," said McIver. "Now they know that the key to success lies within themselves." The five students receiving certificates were the first graduates of a GED class created as part of LCI's "Higher Me!" initiative, which offers services to help economically-disadvantaged youth obtain a solid education and meaningful work. Founded in 1967, LCI primarily serves residents of Lee, Chatham, Harnett and Moore counties. The nonprofit organization provides manufacturing assistance and trained employees for business and industry, helps people with disabilities enjoy their greatest possible independence, and produces a full range of trophies, awards and engraving. — 30 — Media Contact Photos More on the Web |