Nathan Blake Maddox celebrates after receiving his GED diploma
Emily Connell (right), GNTC’s 2017 EAGLE Delegate, stands with Kerri Hosmer, vice president of Adult Education at GNTC. Connell was the featured speaker for the ceremony
The 2016-17 graduates stand to thank their families and friends during GNTC’s GED Graduation and Awards Ceremony
Isaac Streetman (left) of Rockmart and Persia Suarez (right) of Cedartown line up before Processional
Georgia Northwestern Technical College held its GED Commencement Ceremony on Thursday for students who have earned their General Educational Development diplomas.
The ceremony was held at the Conference Center on GNTC’s Gordon County Campus in Calhoun to accommodate students and families from all nine counties of GNTC’s service area.
The evening began with a welcome and introductions by Kerri Hosmer, vice president of Adult Education at GNTC. Ms. Hosmer recognized the friends and family members in attendance at the ceremony and thanked the organizations that provided GED scholarships.
Those organizations include: Calhoun-Gordon Council for a Literate Society, Catoosa Citizens for Literacy, Conasauga Drug Court Program, Dalton-Whitfield Community Foundation, Endless Opportunities, LaFayette Presbyterian Church, North Rome Church of God, Polk County Rotary Club, Rome-Floyd CCCY, Rome Rotary Club, Shaw Industries, Tallatoona CAP, WMC Rotary Club, and the GNTC Foundation.
C. Pete McDonald, president of GNTC, encouraged graduates to continue with their education.
“I encourage you to not think of tonight as the end of your education,” said Mr. McDonald. “This is just one more step up the mountain and you have to keep pursuing education
y our lifetime to be able to provide better for your families and for yourselves.”
Emily Connell, GNTC’s 2017 EAGLE Delegate, delivered the keynote address. She received her General Educational Development diploma in January 2016 and is currently pursuing an associate degree in social work at the Walker County Campus of GNTC. Upon graduation, Ms. Connell plans to continue her education and pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work and her career goal is to work with veterans.
“Once I am done I will never have to worry about who will provide for me and my son because I know that person will be me,” said Ms. Connell.