NIC celebrates GED diploma recipients

North Idaho College recently celebrated the achievements of 200 students who earned a GED diploma during the summer and fall 2019 and spring 2020 semesters.

A masked, physically distanced, GED graduation ceremony took place Sept. 10 in the Boswell Hall Schuler Auditorium. The graduates, whose ages spanned 35 years, are students who attended the NIC Adult Education Center as they prepared for the GED test, a battery of five exams designed by the American Council on Education to measure high school equivalency.

“Adult education students each have a unique story to tell and have overcome many obstacles to complete their GED studies. Earning their GED was a proud moment, and is the first step to continuing their education at North Idaho College,” said Laura Umthun, director of the NIC Adult Education Center.

Eight graduates were named GED Students of the Year, in recognition of their dedication and attendance: Lucas Cox, Bonners Ferry; Kaelon Curto, Sandpoint; Alexis McLaughlin, Silver Valley; and from Coeur d’Alene, Hayden Blanks, Faith Giltner, Sarah Kitchings, Henry McDaniel, and Mariah Williams.

In addition, 11 students were awarded scholarships from the NIC Foundation: Hayden Blanks, Lucas Cox, Kaelon Curto, Kenneth Neville, Jon Kellum, Henry McDaniel, Hannah Gilbertson, Carissa McTighe, Kay Patrikas, Laurali Strong, and Sara Kitchings.

NIC’s Adult Education Center is a program designed for individuals 16 years of age and older who have withdrawn from public school and want assistance to prepare for the GED Test. The center also serves adults who have graduated from high school but want to upgrade their fundamental skills.
Potential students can enroll and start any time. Tuition is free and most learning materials, including books, are provided. Students can progress at their own pace and small-group instruction helps them to achieve their individual goals.

For more information about the NIC Adult Education Center call 208-665-5099 or visit nic.edu/aec.

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