Eleven children showed up with their parents to last week’s “It came from the swamp” program at the Louisville Library. The children heard several stories, read by head librarian Janice Daniels, about alligators, frogs and other swamp creatures. They also sang songs and made alligator bookmarks at the end of the day. The final event of the Summer Reading Program was held on Wednesday, July 28. The special guest for the Grand Finale was Jeanette Vaughn Waddell, a professional storyteller.

Eason addresses STC grads

Special Report

GED graduates and attendees alike saw a powerful example of success on Friday night during Sandersville Technical College’s General Equivalency Diploma (GED) Graduation ceremony held in the Robert W. and Inez F. Thiele Auditorium on STC’s Main Campus in Sandersville.

Guest speaker Lisa Eason, a GED graduate herself and now the Assistant Commissioner of Administration for the Technical College System of Georgia, emphasized the importance of education to their life, job and future.

She related some of her challenges and struggles to the GED graduates and also encouraged them to follow their dreams and continue their education now that they had obtained this level of success.

“You’ve achieved this moment because you didn’t give up,” said Eason. “For many of us, life put up some unforeseen roadblocks that kept us from finishing high school. We may have even made a few bad choices along the way. But that’s life. And it’s nothing to be ashamed about, because life’s not easy. Those experiences only serve to make us stronger as individuals. You learn from life, but you control your destiny.”

As Eason concluded her speech, she left the graduates with the following advice:

“Obtaining a GED changed my life in ways I could never imagine,” continued Eason, “and it an do the same for you. From this day forward, your future is what you make of it. Don’t ever stop learning, don’t ever give up on yourself, and never be afraid to take chances.”

After completing her GED at age 26, Eason earned her BBA in accounting from the University of West Georgia at age 35. She received the 2008 Georgia GED Outstanding Achievement Award for her accomplishments in education and her career. ?She is married to Jim Eason and has three grown children, one stepdaughter, and ten grandchildren.

After Eason’s inspiring keynote address, the graduates crossed the stage to receive their GED diploma. Although 49 individuals participated in graduation, a total of 141 individuals actually received their GED from Sandersville Tech this past fiscal year.

“We have seen a record number of individuals in the Adult Education program this year working towards and earning their GEDs,” explained STC’s Executive Director of Adult education. “Job loss has forced people to take stock in their education and abilities. For people without a high school diploma or GED, job opportunities can be very limited. The good news is that it doesn’t have to remain that way. If you want to give yourself a better chance for employment, come out and see us.”