Panola College to Hold GED Ceremony

On November 5, 2005, the Panola College Workforce and Economic Development Department will be recognizing forty-seven students from Panola, Harrison, Shelby and Marion Counties who have obtained GED certificates during 2005.  A commencement ceremony is planned to recognize the hard work and dedication these students have put forth to reach their goal.  “We are very proud of these students and their accomplishments.  The entire faculty and staff at Panola College strongly supports life-long learning and strives to assist students in reaching their educational goals,” said Melissa Pinero, Associate Dean of Workforce & Economic Development.  

This will be a special time for the students, as well as their families.   The ceremony will include “Pomp and Circumstance” performed by a brass quintet from Panola College’s music department, a commencement address from Professor Freddy Mason, Chair of Fine Arts, and recognition of the graduates by Dr. Gregory Powell, President of Panola College. The ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Q.M. Martin Auditorium with a reception to follow.

For many students, the GED opens the door to new opportunities.  The General Education Development (GED) program at Panola College provides area residents with the opportunity to improve academic skills necessary to pass the General Education Development (GED) test.  Upon successful completion of the GED, graduates are able to enroll in college, qualify for jobs requiring a high school diploma, and/or receive a job promotion that was previously denied due to a lack of education. 

Panola College currently offers eight GED classes free in Carthage, Marshall, Center, Jefferson, Hallsville and Shelbyville through various Texas Education Agency Grants.  For more information, contact Laura Wood, Adult Basic Education Director or Rebekah Burkhalter, Adult Basic Education Coordinator at 903-693-4650.