Delco GED graduates celebrate at commencement ceremony
MARPLE » Mussa Kromah of Sharon Hill earned his GED in December and just six months later was addressing other GED graduates at a combined graduation ceremony for those earning their high school equivalency diplomas during the 2016-2017 school year.
The ceremony, was held at Delaware County Community College on June 22, honored nine adult students who passed their GED through the Delaware County Literacy Council, along with ten graduates from DCCC’s GED program, and 19 graduates from PathWays PA’s GED program.
“In Africa we have a saying,” Mussa told the crowd. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Mussa also told the audience that he took the English portion of the GED test five times before passing it. “That taught me a good lesson — keep working. Keep working, and one day you will succeed”
Other student speakers at the event were Leonard Johnson, Jr., of the PathWays PA program and Ernest Gomer of DCCC’s program.
The keynote speaker was John Linder, former mayor of Chester city, DCLC board member, and DCCC adjunct professor.
Professor Linder praised the graduates, telling them “Now you’re in the degree family. Now you have something you can use to participate in life, something you can use to compete.” He also said, “It’s clear sailing from here. It’s not necessarily smooth sailing, but it’s clear…. Don’t stop now. Go to the next level.”
Founded in 1975, DCLC offers free one-on-one tutoring and instruction in reading, writing, math, GED preparation, and English as a Second Language (ESL). DCLC’s programs are free to local adults and are available through the generosity of a countywide network of volunteers. For more information about DCLC or about becoming a volunteer, visit www.delcoliteracy.org