Life is full of challenges.  186 Southwest Georgia residents removed one of those challenges by earning their GED this year.  On Thursday July 26th, surrounded by family and friends, approximately 50 of the graduates walked across the stage at the Decatur County Coliseum and received their hard earned certificate.

District Attorney Joe Mulholland encourages graduates that this is just the beginning

District Attorney Joe Mulholland was keynote speaker for the evening. DA Mulholland spoke to the graduates about the paths that life presents and the choices we make. He spoke personally, about his modest up bringing and his temptation to drop out of school during his middle school days.

“People are measured not by how they respond in comfort but how they respond in times of crisis.” Mulholland said, “You will be faced with times of crisis.”

Prior to the presentation of awards, LIFE Director, Debbie McIntyre recognized a group very committed to bringing the Certified Literate Community Program (LIFE) to the area. In 1999 members of the Decatur County Chamber of Commerce  set to work to raise money and awareness about literacy in our community. Ms. McIntyre recognized Joan Shiver, Billy Barber, Mary Gant, Dick Ivey, Kay Lynn, Spencer Davis, Joe Battles and Cile Warr for their work.

Honor Graduates Jeremy Wilkerson and Paul Jennett

Special awards were presented by Director of Adult Education Kay Lynn with Ms. McIntyre assisting. The first presentation was for the 2006-2007 Honor Graduate. To pass the GED examine a student must score 2,250 or above. To be an Honor Graduate the scores must total 3,000 and above. This year there were 2 students that exceeded the 3,000 required to be an Honor Graduate. They are Jeremy Quinten Wilkerson and Paul Michael Jennett, Jr. The highest score went to Mr Jennett.

Left to right: Channell Jackson, recipient of Directors Award; Kasey Wilford and Haley Hyatt with Examiners Award

Channell Angelique Jackson was presented with the Directors Award which is given for the student for outstanding achievement and dedication. Haley Michelle Hyatt and Kasey Howard Wilford received the GED Examiners Awards. Students for the Examiners Award are chosen for those who have completed the course while overcoming major obstacles.

The fifth annual Jane Long Award went to Bobby Wimberly of Early County. Wimberly exemplifies what this award represents. He is a husband, father of 5, minister, fire fighter and now GED graduate. He plans to continue his education and become an EMS tech.

The Jane Long Award is given in memory of Ms. Long, who for 35 years worked in the Adult Education field, always showing kindness and compassion to everyone. Wimberly's instructor at the Early County site, Samuel Williams, accepted the award for Wimberly who was out-of -town.

Hats off for the graduates

Following congratulations, Bainbridge College President Dr. Tom Wilkerson encouraged them to not stop here with their education.  It was the moment some had waited decades for. It was time for Mary Gant, GED Chief Examiner, and Gwendolyn Conyers, GED Examiner to present the certificates.

They walked across the stage as their names were called. Cameras flashed as they accepted their prize for hard work and lots of determination.  Applause, cheers and tears filled the coliseum as families and friends showed their support.

Bainbridge Rotary provides reception to graduates, families and friends

Following the ceremony, everyone gathered in the lobby for refreshments sponsored by the Bainbridge Rotary Club.