460 Graduate With a High School Diploma for Adults

This month, 460 Nova Scotians will celebrate reaching both personal and professional goals after receiving their high school diploma from the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning.

Carrie Martell of Porters Lake, Halifax Regional Municipality, a single mother of two small children is one of those graduates. Ms. Martell wanted to return to school to create a better future for herself and her family.

"I had all of these dreams and goals, but I just didn't know how to make them real," said Ms. Martell. "What I did know was I needed my high school diploma. Once I started the Adult Learning Program, I realized that many great opportunities exist out there for me and I now have the confidence and skills I need to grab a hold of those opportunities."

Ms. Martell is currently awaiting acceptance into a dental assistant course with the Nova Scotia Community College.

"I can not wait to walk across that stage and step right into a great program that will help me begin my career in the dental field," said Ms. Martell. "I would encourage anyone to take, and stick with the Adult Learning Program. It really changes lives."

The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning is an initiative of the Department of Labour and Workforce Development. It contributes to the social and economic development of the province by ensuring that more adults, like Ms. Martell, have the necessary skills, knowledge and credentials to succeed at home, in the community and in the workforce. Since its inception in 2001, 3,000 Nova Scotians have graduated from the program.

"Because of the dedication and effort these talented graduates have put into their studies, many more doors should begin to open for them," said Margaret MacDonald, deputy minister of Labour and Workforce Development.

"An educated workforce leads to a stronger economy, and these graduates are contributing to the continued prosperity of this province. I am looking forward to hearing about the great things they will accomplish in their communities, at work and at home."

The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning co-ordinates a range of education programs for adults who want to improve their literacy skills or complete their high school diploma. Programs are tuition free and offered at more than 150 sites across the province in partnership with the Nova Scotia Community College, regional school boards, Université Sainte-Anne and community-based learning organizations.

"We are very proud of the achievement of this year's graduates. Their hard work is a real testament to their commitment to improving their futures," said Karen Gatien, acting director of Adult Education. "The commitment of the students and support of their teachers and administrator's really is the key to the success of the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning."

Convocations will take place across the province through to June 24.

Visit www.gonssal.ca/press-releases.shtml for a full list of graduation ceremonies.