BOOK Program holds annual GED graduation and awards ceremony

On Tuesday, December 10, 2019, the BOOK Program held its annual GED® graduation and awards ceremony at the Tazewell County District 43 Probation & Parole Office in Cedar Bluff, Virginia at 2 p.m. The BOOK Program is offered through a partnership between the Virginia Department of Corrections District 43 Probation & Parole Office and Southwest Regional Adult Education.
The BOOK Program is part of the Department of Correction’s Virginia Adult Re-entry Initiative Strategic Plan. In the program, probation officers refer probationers who lack a high school-level credential to become students who work toward earning a GED® certificate. Probationers who already have a high school-level credential may be trained to serve as tutors in the program. Both student and tutor hours go toward community service work credit and credit toward court fines.
At this year’s ceremony, the invocation was given by Jason Hicks, a Celebrate Recovery leader. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Phillip Ward, a United States veteran and D43 probation officer. Bobby Adkins, D43 Chief Probation Officer, gave the welcome and opening remarks.

There were two GED® graduates recognized at the ceremony. I, Karen Gent, introduced and shared the success story of Derek Keene, the GED® Valedictorian of the BOOK Program. Tammy Brown, Book Program Facilitator, then introduced and shared the success story of Corey Sparks, the program’s GED® Salutatorian.

Tammy Brown continued by presenting a variety of awards to participants in the program. Ashley Miller was named Student of the Year. Keith Osborne was named Tutor of the Year. Billy Lyons received the Leadership Award. The Pay It Forward Award went to both Jason Hicks and ChyChi El-Calleyone, signifying that these individuals are continually working to make a difference in their community. The Hound Award went to D43 Probation Officer Emily Cantrell for her exceptional support of this program.

During 2019, the following participants earned Microsoft Digital Literacy Certificates: Jennifer Sparks, Chris McDonald, Heather Osborne, David Woods, and Sonny Justus. Each of the following individuals earned a National Career Readiness Certificate during the year: Jennifer Sparks, Curtis Dunford, Chris McDonald, Jason Hicks, and Sonny Justus.

After the presentation of awards, Jeff Keen, D43 Senior Probation Officer, made the closing remarks of the ceremony. A reception followed.

For information about earning a GED® credential or participating in an IET (Integrated Education & Training) program, contact Southwest Regional Adult Education at 866-581-9935. Tuition-free classes are offered at convenient times and locations throughout the region.

GED® is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education. Used under license.