Twenty-one students of all ages accepted their GED certificates Tuesday night marking the first annual graduation ceremony of the Plymouth Adult Basic Education & GED Program.
The General Educational Development, or GED, certificate is an alternative to a high school diploma and requires the student to complete five academic tests to prove he or she has high school-level academic skills.
Offering classes at the Work One Center in Plymouth, the GED program is open to anyone in the community. To take the GED test, however, a student must be at least 17. A student must register at the Adult Education office, and has to fulfill hourly requirements as well as meet
test measurement goals, in order to successfully prepare for taking the official GED exam.
Deb Sherwood, GED coordinator in Marshall County, said the program sees all kinds of students ranging from older adults who didn't finish high school to young students who find high school is not right for them. Students also consist of adults who have been out of school for several
years that realize that they need a high school diploma or a GED to get a better job or go on to college or a trade school.
Mayor Mark Senter offered an encouraging speech, recognizing some famous celebrities that have obtained their GED's. Though some say that GED’s have a negative stereotype, the certificate actually opens doors to higher education and employment.
Students come to this program in hopes of a brighter future. They usually have a plan and stick to it. Those with a GED can move onto community colleges, join the military, find a job and even attend some four-year universities.
Life is full of choices. Sometimes things go differently as planned, but this program offers opportunity. Enjoy the pictures of our celebration honoring those who made a choice to working hard for their GED.
Congratulations students!!!
