| Ohio Hi-Point Adult Education recognizes 126 GED graduates at emotional ceremony |
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| Written by Scott Stockdale | |
| Friday, 06 June 2008 | |
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Sometimes in life obstacles get in the way of the plans we set for ourselves. For those who chose to be a part of Ohio Hi-Point's GED Program, the goal was to get back on track. 126 students this year took a step in that direction by being part of the Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) GED Program, as they earned their Ohio High School Equivalence Diploma (GED). Many of them attended a special graduation ceremony held on the campus of Ohio Hi-Point Thursday night and received long-awaited recognition. "All of our students have unique stories and unique life situations. It wasn't easy for any of them to take this step and work towards their GED, but they are all better because of it," said Sharon Halter, OHP's ABLE Coordinator. "We have students young and old who have accomplished something significant. Now they each have the opportunity to accomplish whatever they wish." An example of the opportunities awaiting them came in the presence of keynote speaker Stacey Christensen, a 2005 graduate of the GED program offered through OHP's Adult and Continuing Education Division. Christensen dropped out of high school after learning she was pregnant, leaving behind her high school diploma. "For nearly four years after my daughter was born, she was the focus of my life, but I realized after awhile that if I wanted to build a solid foundation for her, I had to build a solid foundation for myself," Christensen offered to the graduating class. "I decided to go back and earn my GED and begin a new chapter in my life." That chapter has included Christensen's impending graduation from Columbus State Community College next week. Earning an associate's degree in psychology, Christensen has also become a certified drug and alcohol counselor and plans to continue her education and eventually earn her master's degree. She has also accepted a position with Maryhaven in Columbus as a counselor. "It wasn't easy for me to go back. I experienced a lot of embarrassment and feelings, but I soon realized I was doing what few ever thought I could or would do. From that point on I have only ever looked back to smile," offered Christensen on her decision to return to get her GED. Perhaps the highlight of the evening came when students were given the chance to speak about what the evening meant to them. Many tears were shed and stories shared by the students, who have overcome great odds and worked through hectic lives to reach this milestone. The one common theme shared was the pride in the fact that they were getting back on the pathway that would lead them to a successful life. The next GED orientation sessions scheduled are for June 10 and 12 at 5 p.m. at Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, July 7 and 8 at 5 p.m. at the Kenton Rhodes State Learning Lab, and August 5 and 7 at 5 p.m. at OHP. For more information visit www.ohiohipoint.com in the Adult Education section or contact Sharon Halter at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 937-599-3010, extension 406. Photos of the ceremony can be seen on OHP's Flickr Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ohiohipoint/sets/72157605467300309/ |
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