CHERAW -It was standing room only as 34 students draped the stage in cap and gown to receive his or her GED or Diploma on Sunday afternoon at the Robert Small's Adult Education/Family Literacy Center, located on Front Street. At least 25 of the students received a GED and nine students received a high school diploma. Chesterfield County Executive Director of Adult Education/Family Literacy, Freida Ellerbe, Executive Director of the Chesterfield-Marlboro EOC, Samuel D. Bass and Chesterfield County Coordinating Council member, Lenora Powe, were all present to proudly award, commend and encourage the students for the hard work and effort that he or she has given to achieve their goals. All of the students had an opportunity to express his or her feeling of accomplishment through smiles, tears and laughter as he or she shared their successes.

"For whatever reason it was for you to drop out of school in the past, let's forget that. We are looking at the future now; your future and today is the first day of the rest of your life," encouraged Powe. Bass also addressed the group, as he stressed, "You are never too old to learn. Equip yourself with as many tools as possible now. Continue to read, build your mind and develop your mind. Consider going to Northeastern Technical College. Equip yourselves now because now is the time. Therefore, when that good job comes to you, you will have the certification that you need to get that job."

Powe highlighted on the idea of the studentsachieving a nursing career as she echoed Bass and also encouraged them to pursue a college degree, such as in the medical field.

"Two years ago, I believe that a nurse made $24 an hour as an R.N. If she or he had an Associates in Arts degree in the field; it was $19 an hour. Today, it is much more than that. The biggest thing I am asking you to do, is to encourage others, such as your children and your grandchildren to get an education," continued Powe. Ellerbe concluded the ceremony with an excerpt from a poem that she compassionately read to the graduates, leaving them with the thought of his or her own individuality.

"No one else can think your thoughts, dream your special dreams, or look at life from your point of view. No one else can give the world

the precious, priceless gifts of heart, soul and mind that make you, "you", highlighted Ellerbe.

A reception was also held following the commencement.