News from Project Learn of Summit County

GED Graduates Honored for Accomplishments

Thirty volunteers and students awarded for

dedication and perseverance

More than 185 Project Learn students have earned GED diplomas since last June. On Tuesday, about 45 of them attended a graduation to honor their accomplishments.

One of the graduates, Samuel Potter, dropped out of high school 14 years ago. He once considered himself an "under-achiever" who was more interested in making money than learning.

However, in 2008, Potter realized he wanted a change in his life. He came to Project Learn for help earning his GED. His goal was to become more competitive in the job market. Not only did Potter earn his GED, but he is now the CEO of his own computer software company and will release a science fiction strategy game next month.

Potter was also honored with an award for being Project Learn's top scholar for the 2008-2009 program year. He earned this distinction by scoring 752 out of 800 possible points on the official GED test.

"Getting my GED gave me the confidence to do what I never did, and the credibility to be great in life," Potter said.

The graduates were amazed by Potter's dedication and amazing achievement. They also enjoyed listening to Maurice Thomas, a former Project Learn GED graduate.

"You are the community leaders of tomorrow," Thomas told the graduates. "But tomorrow is today and the will to achieve comes from within. You just proved you have that will."

Thomas participated in the agency's first GED graduation ceremony. Since earning his GED in 2006, he has received his associate's degree in fire protection. Thomas will receive his bachelor's degree in emergency management this December.

Project Learn's GED program targets adults who are at least 16 years old and officially withdrawn from school. Since the agency's first GED graduation ceremony in 2006, it has helped more than 585 students earn their diploma.

"What students like most about Project Learn are the dedicated staff, teachers and volunteers because they care about their progress," said Marquita Mitchell, director of development and workforce solutions.

Our students are taught to apply what they learn into everyday work and life, Mitchell added.

"I am proud and humbled to be standing in front of such an accomplished group of people," said David Jennings, executive director of the Akron-Summit County Public Library, in his keynote address. "You are testimonies that life's obstacles don't have to win."