JESUP—Five hundred graduates were invited to march across stage on Saturday at Altamaha Technical College’s graduation ceremony at the Kay Cagle Theatre of the Performing Arts. President Lorette Hoover introduced Lisa Eason, Assistant Commissioner of Administration of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), who gave the keynote address. Eason told her personal story of being a young mother who dropped out of high school and her going back to obtain her GED in hopes of finding a better job.

Receiving her GED, she said, “Changed my life and inspired me to always challenge myself to find greater achievement in my education, my job and what I can do for my family.” After graduating with her BBA in Accounting from the University of West Georgia, while still raising her family, Eason began her career with the Georgia Department of Audits in 1995 and joined TCSG in 1999.

“Don’t ever stop learning, don’t ever give up on yourself and never be afraid to take chances,” Eason said.

President Hoover along with Ted Buford, Local board chair, congratulated the graduates as they received their associate degrees, diplomas, technical certificates of credit and General Education Diplomas (GED). Before adjourning President Hoover asked each class of graduates to stand to be recognized. While standing, Hoover encouraged each group to set their sights towards more education.

“This is just the beginning of what you can achieve,” Hoover said.

She encouraged the GED recipients to begin furthering their studies at Altamaha Technical College and the ATC certificate recipients to begin working towards receiving their technical diplomas and degrees. While recognizing the degree graduates

Hoover encouraged them to seek further studies at a two-year or four-year college to work to receive a four-year degree.

“More education is always of value as you advance in your career,” Hoover said.

Members of the graduating class from Effingham County included Chris R. Graham, who received a diploma in diesel equipment technology.