The WCC Adult Transitions GED Pathways program held its recognition ceremony on June 22 with 35 of the program’s 74 eligible participants taking part in the festivities. Along with preparing students for GED testing, the Adult Transitions program offers academic skills training, individual tutoring, college and job skills development and other support services.
“The Adult Transitions program is not just about earning a GED,” said program manager Bonnie Truhn, who was recognized during the ceremony for her contributions to adult education in the state and region. “It’s about helping students use their GED credential as the jumping off point to college and careers and ensuring that they leave our program with skills, knowledge and a network of resources,”
Student speaker Robert Kester said he tried many times to complete his GED through the years while he was working.
“Adult Transitions was exactly what I was looking for,” he said. “I finally got the skills I needed to move forward.”
Fellow student speaker Elizabeth Jarson added, “You have the power to control your life and make it everything you want it to be.”
Felicia Hull, paralyzed at the age of 10 in a drunk driving accident, said getting through the program was tough, but like most things in life if you push through you make things better.
The ceremony also included a tribute to Brandon Cross by classmate Sharieff Reese. Cross, a 19-year old student in the program, was killed on April 2 in Pittsfield Township.
WCC Trustee Dave DeVarti, Student and Academic Services Vice President Linda Blakey and Truhn also addressed ceremony attendees.
“Education is one thing that no one can ever take away from you,” DeVarti told the graduates.
For more information on the Adult Transitions GED Pathways program, visit wccnet.edu/services/adulttransitions.