During the past year Southwestern Community College has awarded 303 General Education diplomas and 13 Adult High School diplomas. On August 7, 2012, a ceremony was held to honor the most recent graduates. Dr. Don Tomas, SCC College President, congratulated the students and handed out certificates.
The speaker for the evening was Ceretta Davis, SCC Culinary Program Coordinator and Instructor. Ms. Davis spoke to students about her own experience earning a GED from Southwestern before returning to earn a Degree in Culinary Arts. She encouraged all graduates to continue their education. “Your education is really important. It helps shape your future and makes you more employable in the job market,” says Davis.
During the ceremony two students were presented with a scholarship for $500. The Race for Literacy scholarship was established by SCC’s Educational Opportunities department in 2005 to help students who earn their GED to continue their education at SCC. Joy Henderson and Andrea Minard both of Sylva were this year’s recipients. Both students earned a North Carolina Career Readiness Certification, their high school credential, began college courses prior to graduation and are now enrolled in classes for fall. Ms. Henderson earned her Adult High School Diploma and is pursuing an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Computer Engineering Technology. Ms. Minard earned her GED and is pursuing an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts.
Graduates attending the ceremony included: London Altman of Whittier, Brandon Ammons of Franklin, Sophillia Bird of Whittier, Avery Bowers of Bryson City, Amelia Dowdle of Franklin, Joy Henderson of Sylva, Jacob Hurst of Franklin, Cassady Ledford of Franklin, Olivia Librado of Cherokee, Thomas Martin of Webster, Andrea Minard of Sylva, Serita Pascual of Cherokee, Brittni Price of Franklin, Kelly Reeder of Cullowhee, Cory Roach of Sylva, and Jeremiah Walsh of Franklin.
For more information on how to earn your GED or Adult High School Diploma, call SCC’s Educational Opportunities Director, Darlene Anderson at 828-339-4361. Classes are free and have open enrollment.
