ABE/GED Assessment Coordinator Adult Basic Education Employee of the Month - May 2013
“I would like to nominate Mary Edwards for the Sterling Silver Award. She is very deserving of this award! Mary is one of the most dependable individuals that I have ever worked with. If Mary is given a task to complete, you know that it will be accomplished with efficient perfection. The GED program is undergoing a major change. This change has involved months of ‘behind the scenes’ preparation. Mary has taken the initiative to overcome any obstacle in this process. The transition will be seamless because of Mary's professionalism, diligence, and conscientiousness. I hope that you will give Mary your strongest consideration. She is a very worthy recipient of this award!”
Michele Jerde, Division Chair of College Skills and Testing Center
“Mary Edwards, NIC’s GED Coordinator, has served over 18,000 students for the past 25+ years by providing GED testing throughout North Idaho’s five northern counties. She and her team have one of the highest student success rates in Idaho and the western region of the United States. Not only does Mary assist students in obtaining their GED, she also orchestrates the yearly GED graduation ceremonies for our graduates and their families. This event continues to be one of the highlights at NIC each and every year.
“Most recently Mary initiated the transition of our GED testing process into the new and computerized GED 2014. Not only did this require many changes to our facilities and testing procedures, but it also required her to become a Certified GED Administrator through Person Vue, the testing agency. She spent many hours studying and preparing for the exam. I am happy to report that she successfully completed her certification and facilitated NIC in becoming an approved testing site. “I have enjoyed working with Mary for the past 14+ years and very much appreciated her work ethic and willingness to help others. Not only is Mary seen as the regional ‘expert’ regarding the GED, she is also a consultant to the state and national GEDTS administrative staff. Besides her involvement in all things GED and Adult Basic Education, she participates on committees and councils for NIC and collaborative community partners. I whole-heartedly recommend Mary Edwards for the NIC Sterling Silver Employee of the Month Award.”
Rex Fairfield, Director of ABE/GED, Adult Basic Education
“Mary Edwards has served North Idaho College for many years. I have always been impressed with her professionalism and dedication to the success of students. As the Assessment Coordinator for the Adult Basic Education and GED Programs, she has upheld the high standards and integrity of the national and state guidelines for assessment to enter basic education instruction and to pass the GED Test. Because the GED program has been so successful, thousands of students have been able to achieve their goals of post-secondary education and career attainment or advancement. A very large number of the students who have graduated from North Idaho College have been able to attend because they first attained their GED.
“The GED Test will change nationally this year and Mary has spent a great deal of time updating our testing location and studying to become a certified examiner. Her extra efforts have ensured that North Idaho College will be able to continue offering the GED exams.
“Mary Edwards has been a great example of how one employee can make a huge difference in the lives of individuals, the mission of North Idaho College, and the betterment of our entire community. I would like to nominate her for the Sterling Silver Employee of the Month Award.”
Gayle Erickson, Administrative Assistant, Adult Basic Education
“I would like to make a statement of support for the nomination of Mary Edwards for the Sterling Silver Employee of the Month Award. I have had the pleasure of working with Mary for over 12 years. She has always been supportive and cooperative while working with the students and with her colleagues. Students have mentioned her pleasant professionalism as their GED proctor at a time when many of them are stressed with the test taking process. Mary continues to do all that is possible, within the set guidelines, to make testing a successful experience. We are very blessed to have her in our region. Thank you Mary for all you do in Region I.”
Elaine Fullmer, Adult Basic Education Instructor, St. Maries ABE Center
“Mary Edwards, otherwise known as the Splendid Diva of the GED, shines for her expertise, efficiency, and helpfulness. We can ask her any question, any time, and when I send an email query, Mary’s reply seems to shoot back before my finger has fully left the ‘Send’ button. We also feel free to refer prospective testers with complicated questions to Mary like, ‘Over the last eight years, I’ve done three tests in three states and changed my name twice. How can I get my transcripts?’ knowing that she will respond promptly and courteously. The state of Idaho, Region 1, Mary’s coworkers and GED testers are very fortunate to have a GED administrator of her caliber working with them.”
Barbara Fairlight, Adult Basic Education Instructor, Sandpoint ABE Center
“North Idaho College is a better place because of Mary Edwards’ unselfish dedication! Mary is a valuable asset to both staff and students, and conveys the highest level of professionalism at all times. She brings to her job energy, enthusiasm, and commitment, and is always willing to go the extra mile. She puts our students first and continually tries to guide them to successful completion of their GED. I have noted, over my years, that successful people are caring and especially positive in their thinking. Mary Edwards exudes these qualities of professionalism and success through her initiative and enthusiasm. You’ll find that same quality in her attitude toward anything she undertakes. In my opinion, there is no better person for your consideration for this award. Her professionalism and commitment and her 25+ years, as an NIC employee, make her a perfect candidate for the Sterling Silver Award.”
Laura Umthun, Adult Basic Education Instructor, Coeur d’Alene
