Guillermo Hernandez, adjunct Barbering instructor at Savannah Technical College, was one of two honored with the 2015 GED Graduate Outstanding Achievement Award at the Technical College System of Georgia annual Fall Adult Education Conference awards luncheon. Hernandez received his GED through Savannah Technical College in 2011.  Sheknita Smith-Davis of Macon also received the award.
 
“We applaud the accomplishments of our exceptional graduates, who represent thousands of Georgians who have chosen to transform their lives and pursue their GED diplomas,” said Commissioner Gretchen Corbin. “These outstanding students are a testament to the hard work of our teachers and administrators, as we work together to achieve our goal of a fully literate Georgia.”  
 
After obtaining his GED Hernandez enrolled in the Barbering program at STC and received his diploma in 2013. That same year he passed the state licensure examination, earning his master barber certification. In 2014, he was appointed to the adjunct Barbering teaching position at the College, after volunteering to help current students. In addition to his adjunct position, Hernandez works in a barbershop in Pooler.  He also participates in a multitude of service projects for his Savannah community, which includes providing free haircuts for students and senior citizens.
 
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a person with a high school or GED credential earns $10,000 more per year than a non-high school graduate. The income level increases substantially more for those who go on to complete a college certificate, diploma or degree program. There are more than one million Georgians who are 25 years of age or older and do not have a high school education or GED diploma. Savannah Tech’s Adult Education Program serves those who need to improve their basic literacy and math skills, improve their oral and written English, practice for the GED test to attain a high school equivalence degree, and prepare for college. Instructors also help students with science and social studies test preparation for GED testing.