The Adult Education program at Chattahoochee Technical College celebrated over 100 GED and ESL graduates with a ceremony held Saturday, June 15, at the college’s Appalachian Campus.
“To see our students work so hard throughout the year – and sometimes across multiple years as life happens and they have to stop and then start again – to meet such an important educational goal is inspiring,” said Chattahoochee Tech Director of Adult Education Chris Hord. “The GED and ESL graduation ceremony is one of the highlights of my year, and I know that is true for all Adult Education faculty, staff and others at the college.”
Chattahoochee Technical College President Ron Newcomb congratulated each one of the graduates crossing the stage at this event. Delivering the keynote address was Taryn Sikes, the college’s 2022 EAGLE (Exceptional Adult in Georgia Literacy and Education) winner.
“Growing up and going through traditional school, I was always told that I was a failure because I didn’t learn like everyone else,” said Sikes. “With determination and a bit of trepidation, I decided to go to Chatt Tech to get my GED.” Sikes not only earned her GED, she continued with her college education at Chattahoochee Tech and is now only three classes away from earning an Associate degree in cybersecurity. “I wanted to lead by example for my two daughters,” said Sikes. “So, I made a choice to take charge of my destiny and pursue my dreams, no matter how challenging they may seem.”
The Chattahoochee Tech Adult Education program offers free classes at the Marietta and North Metro campuses to prepare students for taking high school equivalency tests. Free English as a Second Language classes are offered throughout the year. Learning centers also are located in Bartow, Cherokee, Gilmer, Paulding and Pickens counties. The Adult Education program helps adults learn the skills needed to take the next step, whether it’s to enter college or start a career.
