Posted or edited: 05.09.08 ... PJC Information Services
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The Adult Education and Family Literacy Department at Paris Junior College held GED graduation ceremonies for 59 students Thursday, May 8, in the Ray Karrer Theater on the College campus.

Paris Junior College President Dr. Pamela Anglin welcomed those in attendance and introduced Lamar County Judge M.C. Superville Jr.

Superville shared his background of obtaining his GED and what an important step is has been in his journey to becoming a CPA, attorney and now a county judge. He told the audience of numerous famous persons in business, sports and the entertainment industry who began as GED graduates. He urged everyone in attendance to be life-long learners. “Lifelong learning is not a trite statement,” he said. “It is the beginning of a better quality of life.”

Adult Education Director Louisa Kessel presented awards and scholarships. Tiffany Hughes or Paris was named the winner of the Bobby R. and Imy Walters Scholarship. The Daon Wall Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Courtney Hampton of Paris. Receiving The Rotary Club of Greater Paris Scholarships were Alison Glover and Natalie Fitzgerald, both of Paris.

Named as members of the National Adult Education Honor Society were Alma Merry, Courtney Hampton, Derran Harris, Jeanett Money, Jessica McQueen, Kristoffer Gallander, Melissa Boyer and Susana Thiessen.

Special recognition was given with an Honorary Certificate of High School Equivalency being presented to Thelma Medders. Ms. Medders has been a caregiver since an early age to her family and now to her friends at Legend Healthcare where she resides. Because she was dyslexic, Medders left school after the eighth grade in order to help her mother take care of their large family. It has been her lifelong dream to obtain a high school diploma. That dream was made possible through the efforts of Heather Handy, Activity Director at Legend Healthcare, Callie Thompson, Coordinator of the PJC Testing Center, and Paris Ealy, the GED State Administrator.

Debra Gallender of Kingsville, accepted the diploma on behalf of her son, Kristoffer, who entered the Army before graduation ceremonies were held. She also accepted his recognition of membership in the National Adult Education Honor Society.

Dean of Academic Studies Dwight Chaney and Learning Skills and Teacher Education Director Pam Hunt presented the diplomas.

Students receiving GED diplomas and their hometowns include:

Paris: Heather Adams, Randall Babbitt, Ashley Black, Shyla Burns, William Clough, Natalie Fitzgerald, Marsha Foudray, Alison Glover, Bradley Green, Brandy Guerrero, Courtney Hampton, Candy Hoskins, Tiffany Hughes, Tierra Johnson, Britton Latham, Justin Latimer, Morgan McKnight, Jessica McQueen, Ashley Menchaca, Jearmey Morgan, Randy Offutt, Gary Park, Jimmy Risinger, Tessa Rose, Samatha Simmons, Jarrod Weger, Robert White, Daniel Wims, Victor Woods, Dennis Young

Arthur City: Kristi Hall

Blossom: Melissa Boyer, Clint Mallory, Jamie Reavis

Clarksville: Bradley Brown, Sharee Parrish

Como: Derran Harris, Forrest Hoskins, Jacob Radney

Cooper: Katy Fouse

Cumby: Cheryl Hare, Staci Underwood

Detroit: Robert Whitley

Emory: Joshua Vinson

Greenville: Brittany Skinner

Honey Grove: Susana Thiessen

Kingsville: Kristoffer Gallander

Reno: Matt Mantooth,

Sulphur Springs: Lorena Andrews, Misti Aten, Sabrina Dodd, Yasmin Eskew, Jessica Harrison, Daniel Matheny, Alma Merry, Chelsey Miears, Jeanett Money, Paula Watkins, Joshua Wilkes

Yantis: Joey Trumble