To the Editor:

Seventeen. Seventeen, as a number, doesn't normally mean much when compared to other numbers, does it? But, seventeen was a very significant number May 2 as 17 Haywood Community College (HCC) GED graduates were awarded refurbished computers from the PCs for GED program at HCC. They were clearly thrilled to briefly interrupt their post-ceremony celebrations to load their computers into their vehicles. Best of all, though, is that these worthy graduates have further dedicated themselves to continuing their education by enrolling in a wide variety of programs offered by HCC and other schools.

Thank you to this year’s PCs for GED program supporters and contributors, who provided hardware, time, talent, and even monetary donations to the program through the HCC Foundation. You enabled us to surpass last year’s total number of refurbished computers by 70 percent. New this year, and because of the generosity of the HCC Foundation, all 17 computers are running Windows 7, a significant software feature that will help with classroom and online coursework.

We are also truly thankful to the many generous individuals and area corporations — including Crown Capital Associates Inc., Asheville Eye Associates, Pigeon Multicultural Development Center, and Southpaws Pet Sitters — who have contributed either through our standard dropoff point at the HCC Learning Resource Center, at special on-campus events like Jammin’ at the Mill Pond, or by special arrangement. It is time to continue our work toward sustaining these PCs for GED awards for years to come. 

With continued support from the greater Haywood County area, we look forward to providing future GED graduates with one of the best tools to aid them as they further their education and become better prepared for careers in the Western North Carolina area.

Marc Lehmann

On behalf of HCC’s PCs for GED Program

Clyde