Dow representatives along with the Killona community recently celebrated the first two GED graduates, Aaron Williams and Shantelle Smith (shown in middle) in the Killona Adult Education program. Shown in picture: State Representative Gary Smith; Shirl Cook, St. Charles Parish School System Adult Education Coordinator; Jerry Darensbourg, President of the Killona Civic Association; Richmond Edwards, Killona Adult Education Initiative Program Instructor, Aaron Williams and Shantelle Smith, the first two GED graduates of the Killona Adult Education Initiative Program, Dr. Rodney Lafon, Superintendent of St. Charles Parish Schools; and Stanley Dufrene, St. Charles Operations' Community Relations Manager.

Students were recognized for their educational accomplishments since enrolling in the program which began in March.

Shantelle Smith, one of two students that earned a GED through the program, said she looks forward to continuing her education and being a role model in the Killona community.

"I've had a lot of people ask me about the program. I tell them that if they have the will to do it, they can with the one-on-one attention and encouragement from the instructor," said Smith. "I'm planning to go to school to become a medical assistant and will volunteer to work with other Killona students. Since most of the students know me already, it will be much easier to help them through the program."

As part of the program, the learning center is open four days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Killona Fire Department to allow students to work around their schedules.

"Whether it's writing a resume and preparing for a job interview or earning an academic upgrade or GED, this program helps students navigate their way through the social system," said St. Charles Parish School System Adult Education Coordinator Shirl Cook.

Class instructor Richmond Edwards said he believes the program has been an invaluable tool for the Killona community.

"I'm very pleased with the success of the program," Edwards said. "This program has given residents the special opportunity to enhance their education and their lives in their own community."

In 2004 Dow donated $45,000 to start the Killona community program and worked with the Killona Fire Department to supply the facility. Dow had previously awarded a $5,000 grant to the Killona Civic Association to set up computers and a computer skills training program for Killona residents. This program has been very successful and is also housed in the Killona Fire Station.

"Dow is proud to be a part of this educational effort," Stanley Dufrene, St. Charles Operations' Community Relations Manager said. "We have worked hand in hand with Jerry Darensbourg, president of the Killona Civic Association, over the last several years to help build capacity for improvements in the Killona Community. We value our relationship with our neighbors and look forward to continue working with the Killona community."

Darensbourg said he is surprised with the positive response from the community.

"We went door-to-door handing out flyers and thought, at best, we would have five or six students," said Darensbourg. "But, we had as many as 31 students sign-up to participate in the program."

Killona residents interested in enrollment for fall can contact Richmond Edwards, Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., at the Killona Adult Learning Center at (985) 783-2956.

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