AACC’s School of Continuing Education and Workforce Development recognized 101 students during the GED Graduation and Student Recognition 2016 ceremony in October.

The General Education Development exam is a group of four tests in English, math, science and social studies.

Students who pass the GED test earn the equivalent to a high school diploma.

Platform guests included Program Manager for Basic Skills Rena Burkowsky, keynote speaker Lynne Edwards and Assistant Dean for Continuing Professional Education and Special Populations Sandra Jones.

Jones said she is proud of the graduates.

“We are all very proud of you and we know you will continue learning whether through higher education, job skills or training,” Jones said. “And we know that we will be able to continue to celebrate your many future successes as a result.”

After congratulating the students, Jones invited three graduates to the stage to share their stories of success.

Tershia Richardson described how she passed her GED test after dropping out of high school in her last days of 12th grade.

“It took a lot of discipline,” she told an audience of graduates and family members. “It took a lot of commitment and courage.”

With two “babies who keep me on my toes,” Richardson said she wanted to do better.

In addition to this year’s graduating class, nearly 2,750 students have passed the GED test since July 1998 after attending classes at AACC.