GED HIGHEST ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT FOR 2008 ANNOUNCED

Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris was in Weyburn today to present Cheryl McGrath with the 2008 General Educational Development (GED) National Award for Outstanding Achievement for the province of Saskatchewan. Norris presented the award with Craig Brown, President and CEO of Southeast Regional College (SERC).

"Saskatchewan is thriving and opportunities for skilled workers have never been better," Norris said. "The GED Grade 12 Diploma is recognized by post-secondary institutions and employers as a prerequisite for entrance into further training or employment and I congratulate Ms. McGrath on her outstanding achievement."

The GED award is presented annually to the individual receiving the highest total score of nearly 1,400 people writing the GED tests in the province during the year. Ms. McGrath tied with another winner for the highest score in the province with a score of 3,640 out of a maximum of 4,000 points. The other award recipient will be announced by Minister Norris in the coming months. In 2008, 794 people received their GED Grade 12 Equivalency Diploma.

"We are very pleased that a student from the Weyburn area is receiving this honour," Southeast Regional College President and CEO Craig Brown said. "The college provides students opportunities to write their GED examinations numerous times throughout the year at each of our campus locations."

GED provides adults with 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 five GED tests, which last more than seven hours over two days, also measure communication, information processing, problem solving and critical thinking skills.

Since 1971, more than 57,000 Saskatchewan adults have earned their GED Grade 12 Equivalency Diploma.

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For more information, contact:

Marieka Barrie
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3170
Email: marieka.barrie@gov.sk.ca