Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) held its annual GED Graduation ceremony on Thursday at the Forum in Rome for students who have earned their General Education Diploma during the 2013-14 fiscal year.
This was the second GED Graduation that GNTC held this year, the first ceremony took place in Ringgold on June 12. Two ceremonies were held this year to accommodate students and families from all nine counties of GNTC’s service area.
This year, 677 students graduated with their General Education Development diplomas from July 1, 2013 to April 30, 2014.
The evening began with a welcome and introductions by Connie Smith vice president of Adult Education at GNTC. Smith recognized the family members in attendance at the ceremony.
“Thank you for supporting these students as they pursued and accomplished this very significant milestone in their lives,” said Smith.
C. Pete McDonald, president of GNTC, encouraged graduates to continue with their education and to not look at this ceremony as the end of their studies.
“We want more college graduates in Georgia so we can have a better economy,” said Dr. McDonald.
Ru Zhen Zou, winner of GNTC’s EAGLE Award for 2014, delivered the keynote address in sign language while Sheila Parker, ADA and Disability Services Coordinator at GNTC, provided translation for the audience.
“I am the EAGLE representative for the Adult Education program, but to me each one of you are like an EAGLE also and I hope you continue to soar high as you pursue your goals and dreams,” said Zou.
Graduates recognized during the June 26 ceremony in Rome included: Wesley Bailey, Molly Jackson, Lagena Ballinger, Julio Jacobo-Hernandez, Teresa Barksdale, Jacquelyn Jenkins, Gloria Barrios Gonzalez, Mckayla McClain, Maria Bautista, Jason Moore, Sierra Benton, Harrison Norman, Brittnay Buttrum, Tiaunt Orr, Wilian Campos, Chant’a Pearson, Aaron Carver, Raquel Perez, Billy Coger, Juan Pineda, Frank Coley, Kayla Reniker, Delenia Conner, Alisha Roberts, Cristie Crider, Christopher Rogers, Arielle Deems, Yesenia Sanchez, Cherish England, April Sarge, Lindsey Ferguson, Cristina Segura, Sonata Ford, Christopher Stanley, Shannon Francis, Randy Sullivan, Bailey Garner, Emily Sweet, Jessica Gates, Marla Taylor, Teresa Gonzalez, Amy Thrift, Beverly Hanners, Sonya Tidmore, Christina Hensley, Clifford Whatley, Jose Hernandez, Morgan Williams, Brittany Hilley, Bathsheba Willis, Andriana Holmstroem, and Laci Wilson.