4 Banks County inmates receive GED through new program

Four Banks County inmates recently became the first to graduate from the Banks County Jail’s new GED program. 

 

Dalton Reid, Michael DeWaters, Felipe Perez, and Thomas Gannon received their high school equivalency diplomas in a recognition ceremony Thursday. 

 

All four participants earned their GED through a class offered in partnership between the Banks County Sheriff's Office and the Banks County Adult Learning Center of Lanier Technical College.

 

"I would like to commend all four of the individuals who accomplished this milestone in their lives,” Banks County Sheriff Carlton Speed said during the ceremony. “I hope this opens doors for them and affords them greater opportunities in their lives, all the while knowing they can accomplish anything they set out to achieve."

 

In a press release, Lead Instructor at the Adult Learning Center Sharon Clark, expressed enthusiasm for the program. 

 

"I want to thank the Banks County Sheriff's Department, Sheriff Speed, Major McFaddin, Captain Watson, Lieutenants Segars and Keenan, and the administrative staff for their cooperation and encouragement, " she said. “They have gone the extra mile to support and encourage the inmates to achieve this important milestone. I'd also want to thank the Banks County Literacy Council, our non-profit partners, who work continually to promote

community awareness and to support our students. We are looking forward to awarding more GEDs in 2024!"