Press Release

South Central Tennessee Workforce Board  #8 Public Square, 2nd Floor  Columbia, TN  38401
Phone: (931) 375-4201 Fax: (931) 381‑7643

For Immediate Release

Date:          July 30, 2009
Contact:     Paige Liggett
Phone:        (931) 375-4209
Fax:            (931) 381‑7643

GED Graduation is held at Columbia State campus

Saturday, July 11th, 40 students participated in the GED graduation ceremony held on the Columbia State campus.  An estimated 200 family and friends anxiously awaited for their loved one to cross the stage with diploma in hand presented by  Project Learn Director, Sheryl Jordan.  County Mayor Jim Bailey announced to the graduates a proclamation of noble achievement on behalf of TN State Representative Ty Cobb.  Mayor Bill Gentner also encouraged students to use the GED as a stepping stone to continue their education.

Graduates were further inspired by guest speaker David Stone, Henry County Trustee and former GED graduate.  Mr. Stone spoke of how he had dropped out of high school during his senior year to provide for his family.  Later, he lost his job in manufacturing and decided to go back to school and obtain his GED.  He then continued his education and ultimately was elected to public office.

 There were an additional 100 graduates who did not participate in the ceremony for a total of 140 GED graduates this program year at the Project Learn site in Columbia.   “Over 17 million people have earned a GED credential since the GED program started 67 years ago in 1943.  Some of the  noted graduates include Gretchen Wilson, Bill Cosby, Christian Slater, Michael Fox, Peter Jennings, and Dave Thomas to name a few,”  Director Sheryl Jordan stated in her closing remarks.  “The GED is demanding and an incredible achievement for which you should be very proud.”

Project Learn, an initiative of the South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance, provides free GED classes to the citizens of Maury County.  Please call 931-490-3811 for more information about obtaining your GED.

South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, age, mental or physical activity, veteran status or national origin in educational and employment opportunities.  Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.  WIA/LWIA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Any inquiries and/or complaints should be directed to the Equal Opportunity Officer, South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance, #8 Public Square, 2nd Floor, Columbia, TN 38401.  Funding is provided under an agreement with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.