July 19, 2019
Lanier Technical College held its 2019 GED Commencement at the College’s Ramsey Conference Center, and 346 graduates received their certificates. Dr. Ray Perren, President of Lanier Technical College presented the awards with the help of Vice President of Business Administration, Les Salter.
Hall had the most graduates with 111, followed by Lumpkin County with 64. Jackson County had 55, and Forsyth had 45 graduates. Barrow County with 43, and Dawson and Banks Counties had 21 and 7 respectively. Lumpkin County had the youngest 2019 GED graduate at 16 years old, and the oldest graduate at 57!
Stanley Pierce, professional vocalist and a Lanier Tech Commercial Truck Driving Instructor, started the commencement with a beautiful rendition of The National Anthem.
Tim McDonald, Executive Vice President, introduced, Janis Mangum, Sheriff of Jackson County, a past GED graduate, who shared her journey with the graduates. Sheriff Mangum, one of only two female sheriffs in Georgia, inspired the new graduates that their perseverance to earn their award was well worth the effort and would allow their lives and careers to flourish.
Dr. Ray Perren, Lanier Tech’s President, introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Cayanna Good, Technical College System of Georgia Assistant Commissioner for Adult Education.
After the inspiring addresses to the graduates, Dr. Ray Perren congratulated the graduates and conferred their awards.
One of the new graduates excitedly shared, “This day changed my life. I am so excited about my possibilities now.” Everyone was beaming with pride about the accomplishment of every graduate.
