It was an evening of celebration for the 40-plus GED graduates during a ceremony at MCC, but for one graduate, James Parker, it signaled the first step of a new future.

“I’m glad I got it,” said Parker about receiving the GED. He said he hopes to further his education and earn a degree in drafting and design. “I wanted to make a living for my kids; support them and do something with my life,” he said.

“Because what I had been doing ... it hasn’t been any good,” Parker said.

Parker took his GED test at the Lauderdale County Detention Center; he is currently housed there serving a sentence on possession of methamphetamine with a precursor of intent. His release date is set for May 29.

During the ceremony, Parker was saluted as receiving a perfect score and having high honors. “I took the pre-test and then the test in September,” he said.

Another high honors graduate, Taylor Mills of Laurel, wanted to get his GED so he could advance to college to earn a degree in automotive engineering. “I want to make cars and design them,” he said noting that many in his family were mechanics.

His grandmother, Evelyn Landrum, also of Laurel,traveledtoMeridianbecauseshewanted to see him get his GED wearing his cap and gown.

Forty-five individuals received their GED certificate during this ceremony and four students
– Amy Beasley, who received a perfect score in at least one subject area, Tommy Crockett and Mills, who received high honors accolades and Parker, who received a perfect score in one subject area and high honors on the GED test – were saluted during the Tuesday ceremony.
Participating in the ceremony were Victoria Barksdale, Beasley, Misty Brasher, Tiara Brooks, Jomarro Brown, Lajamian Brown, Ebony Burge, Elena Burnsdide, Yoland Burton, John Cotton, Crockett, Alvin Jean Jr., Jessica Drain, Destini Draughn, Tony Elgin, Jessica Emerson, Jason Felts, Bowen Hairston Jr., MarquitaHall,RonnieHaynes,JefferyHearn, Matthew Herrington, Jermaine Hersey, Leslie Hickman, Qwantaza Hill, Karina Hodges Sims, Kierra Jenkins, Pamela Johnson, Ranada Jones, Tiffany Kish, Adriana Leggett, Elizabeth Lewis, Tanner Luzio, Mills, Tyteshia Norris, Darius Pace, Parker, Courtney Raines, Phyllis Spears, Brittany Sumrall, Shalana Swafford, Anita Thomas, Kalisha Thomas, Rhonetta Witty and ShelbyWoodard.

Many of the students who received their certificates in the ceremony have already enrolled in classes – and many at MCC, said Jennifer Whitlock, director of adult basic education. MCC offers GED graduates a one free course.

Whitlock explained the College’s GED program had 137 people to receive their GEDs from July 1 to Dec. 31. “Many don’t participate in the ceremony, because they have moved out of town or just moved on to the next step. But, for the 45 who decided to participate, we appreciate them, and enjoy giving them the experience of marching in a formal graduation,” she said.

The GED (General Educational Development) Tests are designed to provide an opportunity for adults who have not graduated from high school to earn their high school-level educational diploma by measuring the major academic skills and knowledge – social studies, science, reading, math, and writing.

MCC’s Adult Basic Education and GED program, located in Montgomery Hall at MCC, offers free classes to help students prepare for the GED test. Classes are arranged in the morning, afternoon and evenings. The next class registration date is set for late March, and the GED Test is given every week.

Classes are held at MCC, Wesley House Community Center, Meridian Housing Authority/ Carousel Place and the WIN Job Center.