John Wood Community College graduates 21 from GED program

QUINCY — John Wood Community College recently celebrated the achievements of 21 students who earned their GED (General Educational Diploma) credential throughout the 2023-24 academic year.

The GED consists of four sub-tests in language, social studies, math and science. It is equivalent to a high school diploma.  Students receiving instruction from JWCC may simultaneously enroll in career and technical certificate coursework while completing their GED to jump-start a career path.

During the June 21 graduation ceremony, Mahoganee Gay was a featured speaker and honored with the Adult Education Scholarship, which she plans to use to cover future college tuition costs. GED graduate Amber Borrowman received the Paul R. Heath Scholarship. Other student speakers were Ella Hogge, Ashley Dawson, Dayven Cissna and Amy Escamilla.

“The students put the work in. They put the effort in,” JWCC president Bryan Renfro said in a press release. “They feel the support and encouragement from the teachers and staff at John Wood, and they accomplish something many thought they never would in their lives. It is really exciting to watch as now they go onto the next chapter but now, they have confidence, the confidence and a feeling that can do something they’ve never done before.”

The next GED classes will begin the week of August 19 at locations throughout the JWCC district. For Information on class times and locations or to sign up for an orientation session, go to www.jwcc.edu/ged or contact Lisbeth Lefler by phone: 217-641-4951, text: 573-494-2114 or email llefler@jwcc.edu.