2003 GED HIGHEST ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT ANNOUNCED

Learning Minister Andrew Thomson today congratulated David Ward for receiving the 2003 General Educational Development (GED) National Award for Outstanding Achievement for Saskatchewan. David received the award at a ceremony held today at Cypress Hills Regional College in Swift Current.

"The GED Grade 12 Diploma is increasingly being recognized by post-secondary institutions and employers as a prerequisite for entrance into further training or employment," Learning Minster Andrew Thomson said. "I congratulate the 2003 GED recipients, and in particular, David Ward, for his achievement."

This award is presented to the individual receiving the highest total score of 1,550 people writing the GED tests in the province during the year. In 2003, 765 people received their GED Grade 12 Equivalency Diploma.

David said he chose to complete his GED Grade 12 Equivalency Diploma to meet the entrance requirements for broadcast college, and to fulfill a promise to his grandmother to complete Grade 12.

GED provides adults unable to complete high school the opportunity to earn a high school completion credential, the GED Grade 12 Equivalency Diploma. Candidates must complete a set of five tests covering math, science, reading, writing and social studies. The tests, which last more than seven hours, also measure communication, information processing, problem solving and critical thinking skills.

Since 1971, over 50,000 Saskatchewan adults have earned their GED Grade 12 Equivalency Diploma.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Ernie Lipinski Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-8131