November 2006
Contact: Dorothy Wills-Raftery
(845) 255-1400 xt. 1209

Eighty-Two Receive GED

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There's something rather special about a person who, against not inconsiderable odds, is absolutely determined to finish his or her high school education as an adult. It takes a dogged determination to enroll in a program, take and master the coursework, then take and excel on the exams when all the responsibilities of adult life compete for time and attention.

This exactly describes the accomplishment of eighty-two of the most tenacious people you'll ever meet -- all honored at a joyful ceremony as they received their General Equivalency Diplomas for completing the requirements to do so during the 2005-2006 year. All were enrolled in the Ulster BOCES Adult Career Education Program.

Surrounded by their loving and proud families and friends, the 16 graduates in attendance were inspired by keynote speaker Irene Morosky of Ellenville, who also completed her high school education as an adult. She went on to earn not one, but two masters degrees, and to open her own businesses: Glass Benders and Bagel Benders in Woodridge. "You guys have done something really special," she told the graduates. "There's so much more out there. Don't settle...become a doctor, a lawyer, a software tycoon...just don't stop." They're on the move!