You are in: Latest News » 14 graduate in Tucson Amphi's 2nd GED ceremony of ...
Released 7 October 2009
by Captain David Kauffman
On the evening of September 28, 2009, the second graduation ceremony of the Tucson Amphi Corps GED program took place at the Westin La Paloma Resort located in beautiful northwest Tucson. Attending the ceremony were about 100 people, including graduates, their families and friends, as well as Tucson advisory board members, officers, volunteers, and friends of the Salvation Army. According to Jean Closs, Tucson Amphi Corps Education Director, "The need arose for a second graduation ceremony for 2009 because we were graduating so many."
The first ceremony, held in March, was for 14 graduates, culminating a rolling registration stretching over two years. Since then, 14 more students have graduated, making a grand total of 28 graduates over the life of the two-year program!
Guests from Southwest Divisional Headquarters included Divisional Commanders, Lieutenant Colonels Doug and Rhode Danielson, and Divisional Secretary for Program, Major Patti Brooks. Territorial Secretary for Program, Lieutenant Colonel Eda Hokom, was honored for her contributions from the program department officers and staff. They offered encouragement, both financial and programmatic, to the GED/ Education program. The keynote speaker for the evening was Arizona State Senator Al Melvin, who gave wonderful encouragement to the graduates and offered a charge to "keep pressing on toward your goals!"
Captain David Kauffman, Tucson Amphi corps officer, stated, "This program came as a result of the Percept demographics program offered to all corps. We noticed a great disparity in the neighborhood and the schools we serve between income, crime, and unemployment, and the levels of education that most people in that area possessed. As a result," Kauffman continued, "the Amphi Corps Advisory Council, Corps Council, and staff of the center launched into ‘vision' and ‘action' modes simultaneously to put together the Education Department." Enlisting the help of Tucson City administration, Divisional and Territorial Headquarters, money from the T.L. Williams grant was accessed, and education of the children and adults began.
Adults are offered the opportunity to pre-test, study, and practice test for their GED. After satisfactorily completing the prerequisites, they are able to take the test free of charge through a partnership with Pima Community College. There are currently 375 adult students enrolled, and the corps is hoping to graduate 10% by the end of 2010.
The Salvation Army is known worldwide for its charitable services. While the Army will always be around to provide an emergency food box, it's so rewarding to empower individuals to become better citizens of their community.