Thirty students in the Adult Education program operated by Carroll Community College celebrated their program completions in a ceremony in the Scott Center on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009. The students had completed either the General Educational Development (GED) or National External Diploma Program (NEDP) and earned their high school diplomas.

The U.S. House of Representatives designated Oct. 18 to 23, 2009 as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week to raise public awareness of adult education and family literacy, assist adult learners in need of literacy services, and support increased access to adult education and family literacy programs. Carroll’s Adult Education ceremony took place at the closing of this Congressionally-designated week.

College President Dr. Faye Pappalardo was the keynote speaker at the ceremony. Board of Trustees Chair Barbara Biller and County Commissioner Julia Gouge also offered congratulatory remarks.

Three student speakers presented their experiences in the program and discussed the importance of receiving their high school diplomas. John Feny began the National External Diploma Program to earn his high school diploma before his 18-year-old son earned his. He also wanted to qualify for a position with the National Park Service. Nancy Puffenbarger had worked in food service for 30 years since dropping out of high school at age 14. She was motivated to earn her diploma to open up more job opportunities and set an example for several family members who are considering getting their high school diplomas. Mark Rumsley completed the National External Diploma Program in eight months while working over 40 hours a week as a company foreman for a local contractor. He is currently in the process of completing college applications.

“It is so special to have the opportunity to publicly recognize the achievements of our graduates at this event,” said Becki Maurio, director of the Adult Education Program. “To have our diploma recognition ceremony coincide with the nationally-designated Adult Education and Family Literacy Week only serves to further highlight the importance and impact of our program at the local level and beyond.”

Beginning July 1, 2007, the college began offering Adult Education classes after receiving a state grant to partially fund the program for eligible Carroll County residents. Prior to that, the Carroll County Public School System administered Adult Education in Carroll County.