The Delaware County Literacy Council recently celebrated the success of a group of adults who, despite all the obstacles, have achieved their goal of earning a high school equivalency diploma, according to a staff report from the Delaware County News Network.

Chester City Councilwoman Elizabeth Williams congratulated the GED graduates on taking a major step in their lives, as graduation opens the door to so much more.

DCLC Instructor Ann Gilligan commended all the graduates, describing them as role models for their families and communities.

“Because they worked hard for their GEDs and were successful, others may have the courage to go to a GED program and get their degrees,” said Gilligan.

GED graduate Jean Badou of Brookhaven shared his journey from West Africa to earning his GED in Delaware County, and he emphasized the importance of taking action and never giving up.

“You have to go for it and not be afraid. Even to learn to walk, you have to fall down again and again,” he said.

Other graduates include:

• Charmaine Hawkins, Darby
• Venice Rochester, Chester
• Tatianna Washington, Crum Lynne
• Prince Dalieh, Darby
• Jaqueline Nagy, Upland
• Emily Branca, Prospect Park
• De′Vante Edmonds-Williams, Chester

Read more about the celebration at the Delaware County News Network by clicking here.