GED Graduates Share Laughter and Tears
Asheville City Council member Robin Cape speaks to A-B Tech's GED and Adult High School Diploma graduates about their persistence in completing their studies.
One thing is guaranteed at A-B Tech's GED and Adult High School Diploma graduation. There are many stories to tell. The 2006 recognition ceremony was no exception.
Harry Lunsford came to A-B Tech to improve his reading level so he could pass the commercial driver's license test. He had gone through school with undiagnosed dyslexia and was promoted to each grade because he was a "good kid." He eventually dropped out of high school in the ninth grade.
Lunsford spent 25 years working at the same plant, being passed over for promotions because he could not read well or fill out paperwork. After the plant closed, he decided to earn his GED at A-B Tech.
"It didn't take the staff long to realize Harry was much smarter than his reading level indicated," said President K. Ray Bailey. "Harry reached a high reading level in early May and scheduled the final test. He worked long and hard, and our instructors held their breath with him as they waited for his scores to return. When they did, we discovered that not only did Harry pass, he passed with flying colors."
"It's been a long struggle," said Lunsford, who spent two and half years working and studying to get his GED. "But if you don't face your fears, you don't know what you can do."
The 2005-06 A-B Tech GED/AHS graduating class had about 469 students, with 100 of them participating in the June 15 ceremonies in Ferguson Auditorium.
Among them was Kye Ketter, a woman from Korea, who had to gather the courage to enroll at A-B Tech to earn her GED. "Having been born and raised in Korea, my biggest challenge has been the ever-present language barrier," she said. "The thought of going to school knowing that I would have to struggle with that challenge terrified me."
After Ketter's three children graduated from high school, and then two from college, she decided to enroll. "I would love to say I breezed through my courses with ease, but that was not the case. I struggled with everything from English to Science, and at times I thought my frustrations and insecurities would get the best of me. It was only through the grace of God, and the constant support of my wonderful teachers that I am able to graduate today from the GED program," she said. (See Kye's speech in its entirety below.)
Graduate Mary Warren acknowledged her GED had given her the power and authority to get what she wants out of life. "Before I had to take what they gave. Now I can get what I want," she said. "Sometimes I got discouraged, but I stayed in there. The teachers encourage you. They love you."
Asheville City Council member Robin Cape spoke to the graduates. "You are someone who understands the value of a high school diploma. What this world needs is people who will look into themselves to find persistence and determination."
Graduates Shawn Moore and Nadia Kolodich were awarded College Bridge Scholarships from the A-B Tech Foundation to enter Curriculum programs. They were presented by Foundation Development Officer Libby Hodan.
GED Graduate Kye Keeter: 'How do I look?'
Kye Keeter, a GED graduate, speaks about conquering her fears and returning to school to earn her GED and go to college.
"One of my favorite things to watch on TV is a show called How Do I Look. In this show they take ordinary people that are fashion challenged and they give them makeovers. Throughout the process of the show they are asked to choose between three different makeover packages and whatever package they choose becomes their new look. At the end of the show, having been completely transformed, they stand in front of their family and friends and they ask the question, "How do I look?"
"I am standing here today having completed one of the biggest makeovers of my life. For years my dream has been to earn my GED and go to college. However, there was always one thing that kept me from pursuing my dream; that thing goes by the name of fear. Having been born and raised in Korea my biggest challenge has been the ever-present language barrier. The thought of going to school knowing that I would have to struggle with that challenge terrified me. So I decided to do what any other red-blooded American would doŠ.I procrastinated!
"I procrastinated through my three kids' high school graduations and straight on through two college graduations. I finally decided it was time for me to overcome my fear, and I enrolled in GED courses here at A-B Tech. I would love to say I breezed through my courses with ease, but that was not the case. As I had expected, I struggled through every subject. I struggled with everything from English to science, and at times I thought my frustrations and insecurities would get the best of me. It was only through the grace of God, and the constant support of my wonderful teachers that I am able to graduate today from the GED program. I am standing here having been made over into a more confident and driven person. Having conquered my fear, I am finally able to close this chapter in my life, and I have started a new chapter. I am now enrolled at A-B Tech taking classes to earn a degree in business administration, and I am excited about the new opportunities that await me.
"To those of you who are thinking about getting your GED at A-B Tech, I would like to encourage you not to hesitate. Start as soon as you can, and do not let your fears stand in your way. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "You must do the very thing you think you cannot do." Trust me, if I can do that, so can you. In closing, I would once again like to thank my teachers for being so patient and understanding with me; and to my friends, family and fellow graduates, I would like to leave you with this one questionŠ.HOW DO I LOOK?"
Middle College Graduation
Principal Meg Turner welcomes guests during Buncombe County Middle College commencement ceremonies. Twenty-three students graduated June 10 in Ferguson Auditorium on the A-B Tech Asheville campus. President K. Ray Bailey was the featured speaker. A partnership between A-B Tech and Buncombe County Schools, Middle College allows students to graduate with a high school diploma and college credit.
Four A-B Tech Students Receive Datatel Scholarships
Four A-B Tech students received scholarships for the 2006-07 school year from the Datatel Scholars Foundation, an independent tax-exempt foundation, which awards scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students attending eligible Datatel client institutions.
This is the first time that an A-B Tech student has won a Datatel scholarship according to Joyce Moncada, financial aid assistant. All four students recommended by A-B Tech received an award.
Kim Wilson received the Returning Student Scholarship for $1,500. This scholarship is given to a student returning after a five or more year absence from school.
Timothy Holton received an Angelfire Scholarship for $1,000, which is awarded to honor soldiers and their families who served in combat.
Morgan Norris and Sara Schober each received a $1,000 Datatel Scholars Foundation Scholarship for Outstanding Students.
Since its establishment in 1990, the Datatel Scholars Foundation has helped scholars meet their education goals by awarding over 3,000 scholarships totaling nearly $4.5 million. For 2006-07, if awarded 334 scholarships for a total of $551,800.