Some of this year’s GED recipients celebrate their achievement at Vita’s year-end ceremony.
Doylestown, PA (August 12, 2014) Vita Education Services hosted a gathering of Vita students, tutors, and teachers from the Literacy Tutoring and GED program to recognize and honor volunteer and student achievements during the past academic year. Over 80 people attended the celebration held at Bensalem Library on August 2.
Mercedes Anderson, Director of Literacy & GED Programs, welcomed the crowd and set the theme for the event, which was a celebration of the faces of success. Attendees included students and their proud families and friends as well as Vita tutors, teachers, staff, and Board members. Mercedes honored the students, paying tribute to their courage, dedication, and hard work, noting the many challenges faced by adult learners.
Also attending were State Senator Robert Tomlinson and State Representative Gene DiGirolamo. Senator Tomlinson spoke about his own challenges in the educational system and the importance of education and lifelong learning. Rep. DiGirolamo talked about his immigrant grandparents, their struggles and achievement, and the importance of education. Both speeches seemed to resonate with the audience, many of whom have overcome numerous obstacles to reach their goals.
Sen. Tomlinson and Rep. DiGirolamo presented Senate of Pennsylvania Certificates of Recognition and House of Representatives Certificates of Achievement to those who received their GED, six of whom were present at the ceremony. 
GED program graduate Roberta Pride was the featured speaker. She reflected on her experiences and inspired the crowd with her story of overcoming obstacles and working hard in Vita’s classes to learn and advance in order to pass the GED test. Roberta described how her life has changed and she now has now secured full-time employment. “I have more than a job; I now have a career,” she told the group.
Vita literacy tutors were honored at the celebration.
Kathy White, Vita’s Tutoring Program Coordinator, recognized Literacy Tutors who volunteer their time to work with students to help improve their reading, writing, and math skills and work toward getting their GED. She thanked them for the hours and hours of volunteer time, noting the accomplishments of their students that came as a result of the commitment and hard work of both tutors and students.
Vita’s teachers were recognized for their dedication and support in helping students achieve their goal. The crowd applauded the success of the students and the contributions made by teachers and tutors.