With his GED in his rucksack

The lure of the west has been a siren call for many over the generations, and it has sounded loudly in Gabriel Riley’s ear for some time now.  As many others have, he responded to the call, deciding to uproot himself from his parents, Nene and Polly, and head west to seek his fortune.  Before he packed his bags, however, he and his parents realized that leaving without his high school diploma, or its equivalent, would make his future and his ability to earn a living much more difficult.

In preparation for his westward journey, Gabe considered his options and decided to earn his GED Certificate, knowing it would lead to more and better employment opportunities.  Or, if he eventually decided to go on to college, which he has thought about, a GED Certificate would be the key needed to open that door.

Gabe’s decision was the best fit for him, and the support and programs offered by Northeast Kingdom Learning Services were a great match. Gabe successfully completed the battery of tests in a short two months at NEKLS’s St. Johnsbury Community Education Center.  In choosing this course, Gabe joins tens of thousands throughout the US who have completed their secondary education requirements this way.  A GED Certificate has allowed many to go on to even greater success, like Bill Cosby or Dave Thomas, the founder of “Wendy’s”.  Others have gone on to higher education.

As he moves into the adult world, Gabe will be able to draw on his talents and work skills.   His plans are taking him first to Sedona, Arizona, where he will link up with a childhood friend.  “I like restaurant work,” he said, “and my friend will help me find work in this area.” Gabe has thought about culinary school, and his GED Certificate could help him to get there.  Gabe has also developed his construction skills and knows that he can rely on these to help find work.  “My mom is a builder and I learned a lot about the trade as I was growing up,” he said, adding, “I like trying to figure out how to build something out of whatever materials someone has to use.”

Gabe said he will stay in touch with the staff at the Learning Center regarding his progress and career accomplishments.  But whatever his decision, Gabe proudly says that “having my GED certificate will definitely make it easier for me.  I know that now.”

All of it was broadcast live on radio and television, and within minutes of the broadcast going on the air, Corey’s and Devin’s cell phones began ringing. Folks back home in Canaan were witnessing the entire event and felt like they wanted to share the moment. The excitement of meeting the president overshadowed many other aspects of the day: listening to Miro Weinberger, the recently elected Mayor of Burlington, introducing his now almost legendary predecessor in that office, Bernie Sanders, one of our current two U.S. Senators; the Senator giving one of his signature speeches about the requirements of a fair society; Grace Potter and The Nocturnals entertaining the crowd and getting it fired up for the main attraction; our Governor, Peter Shumlin, leading the assembly of 4,500 in singing Happy Birthday to our other U.S. Senator, Patrick Leahy; and finally, Barack Obama entering and beginning his speech with “I am here” and the crowd not letting him get another word in for a couple of minutes, at the end of which he smiled and quipped, “I should quit while I’m ahead.”

Corey and Devin arrived back home at the end of the day to something resembling a heroes’ welcome. The parking lot at Canaan High was filled with cars of friends and classmates waiting to hear their stories. As for potential long-term impacts of this unique experience, Devin is looking ahead. “After graduation this year, I plan on attending the United States Coast Guard Academy and taking part in a Government major once there.” Corey is taking a different course with a somewhat more immediate impact. Asked whether this experience will compel him to get more involved in government, his response is immediate. “Yes, I will be more involved in the Democratic Party.”

Northeast Kingdom Learning Services, Inc.  (NEKLS) and its Newport Community Education Center held its summer graduation last Thursday, June 30th. The well-attended ceremony took place in Newport’s Gardner Park.

Graduation speaker Carla Watson, Special Projects Coordinator at Northeast Kingdom Learning Services, addressed the graduates and guests. “Think for a moment what it took to sit where you are tonight; the countless papers, all the reading and the math; the hours and the sacrifices that came along with this endeavor. You did this. Your desire, your work and your commitment placed you here. Sitting here tonight is no small thing,” Watson said.

Among the graduates this summer were students who completed their high school studies through the High School Completion Program (HSCP), students who successfully passed their GED exams and students who completed the requirements through the Vermont Adult Diploma Program (VADP).

The Newport Community Education Center graduated 51 students during the 2010/11 school year; the number of graduates for all four NEKLS Learning Centers (Newport, St. Johnsbury, Canaan and Hardwick) this year was an impressive 114.

Congratulations to all NEKLS 2011 Graduates!