NPC Adult Ed students among top 25 in state
Four Adult Education students at National Park College earned scores among the top 25 in the state this year in General Education Diploma testing.
More than 3,600 students earned Arkansas High School diplomas in 2016. Jenna Hamilton, Andrea Peterka, James Gifford and another who wished not to be named were each notified of the recognition last month.
“We are proud of all of our students, many of whom overcome enormous obstacles to complete their diploma,” said Bill Ritter, NPC Adult Education director. “But, we are especially proud of these talented young people. With more than 3,600 students statewide, to have four students score in the top 25 is incredibly rare. We are honored to have played a part in their journey to success.”
Hamilton, 17, had the 18th-best score in the state last year. She attended Lake Hamilton schools through the ninth grade and was home-schooled for one year.
After 10th grade, her mother, Sherry, noticed she was performing college-level work and enrolled her in the GED program to earn a diploma and start college early. Hamilton said she was surprised and honored to receive the recognition.
Hamilton said the Adult Education staff was helpful and encouraging in helping her complete her studies. She plans to attend NPC this fall.
Her goal is to transfer to Henderson State University in Arkadelphia to complete a master’s degree in English. Hamilton said she is “passionate about learning,” wants to help others learn and hopes to teach as a
college instructor.
Peterka, 18, had the 19thbest score in the state last year. She was born in Hot Springs and moved at the age of 12 to the Czech Republic, where she spent four and a half years before returning to the United States her senior year.
Rather than attend one year of high school, Peterka opted to complete her GED at NPC. She says the Adult Education staff was really nice and supportive of her unique situation. Peterka is still deciding her future plans, but she said she loves helping people and would love to own a business of her own.
Gifford, 20, is from Little Field, Texas, and earned the
12th-best score in the state. He moved to Hot Springs and earned his GED after struggling in high school. Gifford said he was not a “premier student,” but all of his teachers described him as smart.
After being out of school for two years, Gifford said he was uncertain about returning. He said he was proud of his accomplishment, stating,“It showed me how far I could go if I put my mind to it.”
Gifford said he is appreciative of the Adult Education staff for helping him overcome obstacles to complete his goal and said he enjoyed his time there. He has relocated to Texas and plans to enroll in automotive school. Gifford said he hopes to own his own auto business and pursue his passion for music.
The Department of Career Education will host an award ceremony May 10 at 10 a.m. in the Old Supreme Court Room of the state Capitol in Little Rock. Hamilton and Peterka said they plan to attend.