Local students earn GED certificates

Vantage Career Center information

Persistence despite obstacles was the theme of the Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE)/GED Recognition Ceremony held May 31 at the Van Wert Civic Theatre.  Fifteen students, along with their families and friends, were in attendance, as well as Adult Education and Vantage staff and administrators.

In addition to acknowledging the 31 students who earned GED diplomas this school year through Vantage Career Center, other students were recognized for perfect attendance, academic achievement and perseverance.

The Van Wert County Foundation was gratefully acknowledged for providing a grant to fund the $40 GED testing fee making the GED available to all qualified residents of Van Wert and Paulding Counties.

Laura Ball, the West Central Ohio ABLE/Transitions coordinator, quoted a surprising statistic in her introduction: 30 percent of high school graduating seniors in the GED publisher’s control group fail the GED Test. Sara Ricker, Vantage ABLE/GED coordinator, seconded Ball’s remarks and added that she suspects many college graduates would have a hard time passing the test.

Guest speaker and former student Julie McMichael emotionally described the many roadblocks to attaining her current job as a Nursing Assistant, which requires both GED and STNA certification.  Crediting much of her success to Job and Family Services mentors Ann Bashear and Mary Beth Holtsberry; and to ABLE/GED teachers, Sara Ricker and Jody Wilson; Julie said earning her GED was just the first of many accomplishments in a future much brighter than the one she faced when she began her GED studies.  She went on to challenge the audience to step outside its comfort zone to pursue its dreams.

After the GED certificates and certificates of ecognition were awarded, Aissa McVicker of Delphos, accepted the GED Memorial Scholarship.  Established by Larry Esmonde in memory of his wife Susie, a long time and much loved ABLE staff member, the GED Memorial Scholarship is awarded to one deserving student each year to be used to pay for books and materials not covered by other grants.

Refreshments were served in the VWCT basement and students had an opportunity to exchange congratulations and discuss their future plans. Many plan to pursue further education and all look forward to more employment choices.