Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 23, 1995 TAG: 9506230048
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: LISA APPLEGATE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Adult students from Montgomery County graduate in a ceremony tonight at 7:30 in the Christiansburg High School auditorium. Others will graduate Saturday in front of New River Community College at 6 p.m.
Marfesa Clark, the college's adult education coordinator, said she enjoys students who return to finish high school because they tend to be motivated and focused.
"They understand that they missed an opportunity one time, and they're ready to go on and improve themselves," she said.
The General Educational Development is a five-part test that covers writing, math, social studies, science, and literature and the arts.
In Radford and the counties of Pulaski, Montgomery, Giles and Floyd, more than 300 people took the GED test last year; about 200 passed.
Montgomery County Schools offers free classes to prepare for the GED; classes in the New River area will begin in the fall.
Some adults opt to take full classes for credit to reach their diploma, particularly if they only need a few credits to graduate. Four Montgomery County students chose this route.
A third option, just introduced at NRCC, is the external diploma program. This assessment-based program allows adults to show their academic knowledge, and advance toward a diploma, through life and work experience.
Because students receive one-on-one consultation, a $700 fee is required.
Business professor Jutta Green will present the keynote address for the NRCC graduation. Two students, Betty Bishop and Sunshine Thompson, will share their school experiences.
Jim Sellers, assistant superintendent of instruction for Montgomery County, will speak at tonight's ceremony. Student Ernestine Banks and graduates Donna Flinn and Daniel Gutwein will present the graduation addresses.
by CNB