Debra Sills, Bobby Wimberly and Tywanda Batten were presented with certificates of recognition for obtaining their GED. The Early County Literacy Task Force hosted a recognition ceremony Thursday, Oct. 18 for local GED graduates.

Held in the middle school cafeteria, the graduationstyle ceremony provided Early County graduates an opportunity to be recognized by their community.

Irene Bush, Early County High School principal, gave the address.

She spoke of the struggles she faced in obtaining her education and encouraged the graduates to "define their circumstances" rather then be defined by them.

At the graduation ceremony in Bainbridge, Early County graduate Bobby Wimberly was announced as the recipient of the Jane Long Award. Local GED instructor Sam Williams presented the award to him as part of Thursday night's ceremony.

The Jane Long Award is presented as a memorial to Long, who devoted her career to adult education. The award is given to the student who best embodies the qualities and spirit of Mrs. Long.