New Beginning for GED Graduates at GPTC

66 Adult education students at Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC – Formerly DeKalb Technical College) received their General Education Diploma (GED) at a commencement exercise Saturday May 5, 2012 at The Tabernacle in Decatur GA.  GPTC is Georgia’s largest adult education program, and one of the largest GED testing locations in the state.  Dr. Martha Coursey - Dean of Adult Education says “The goal of our program is to give people a pathway to success.  These are people who may have gotten off the traditional educational track.”

DeKalb County Sheriff, Thomas Brown

This year’s commencement speaker was DeKalb County Sheriff, Thomas Brown.  He offered a message of encouragement, not only for the graduates, but for the family, friends and supporters of the graduates who Brown gives credit for getting the graduates to this point.  Brown offered the graduates five points to live by as they move into the next phase of their lives.  Among the messages were challenges to take risks in life, get involved in your community and be the cause of change.  His most resonant message was, “Always listen to the genuine within yourself, so you can see the genuine that is in others,” says Brown.  He adds, “Learn how to be alone, and not be lonely so you can plot your own course for where you want to go.”  Brown was a former graduate of Georgia Piedmont Technical College.

Last year 1432 people got their GED from Georgia Piedmont Technical College according to Cory Thompson, Public Relations and Information Director.  “One out of every five GED graduates transitioned into the college’s credit program.  This will enable them to continue their educational growth and move further down the highway of success,” says Thompson.  293 (20.5%) of last year’s GED graduates are now taking courses in various credit programs the college offers.

Graduates at GED ceremony