Seventy-five graduates of the Dawson County Adult Education Center's General Educational Development program were honored at a reception July 25, including three who received scholarships to continue their education.

Barbara Massei, Cindy Corbin and Shannon Erb each received scholarships for their hard work and desire to further their educations.

The scholarships were awarded by the Dawson County Woman's Club, the Dawsonville Lions Club and the Reading Education Association of Dawson County, or READ.

Sandy Lipkowitz, executive director of READ, said the students worked hard and were deserving of the scholarships.

READ chose Cindy Corbin to receive its scholarship, and Lipkowitz said Corbin shows the positive attitude necessary for success in the GED program.

"Cindy was just enthusiastic and showed a strong desire to succeed and a dedication to hard work," Lipkowitz said. "In meeting and talking with her, it was very obvious that she is going to accomplish her goals."

Seven of the 75 graduates from the education center's GED program were from the Dawson County Detention Center.

"We don't turn anyone away," Lipkowitz said. "If any adult wants to read better or learn to do math better, we offer help as long as they want help."

"The door to the Adult Education Center is always open," Lipkowitz added. "We are all about helping people improve their lives through education."

Lipkowitz also noted 401 students have attended classes at the education center since July 1, 2010, and while 75 out of 401 may not seem like a large percentage, life must be taken into account.

"Some of them come when they can, most have jobs and families, or they get a job while they are enrolled and have to limit how often they can come in," Lipkowitz said. "But they all want to keep trying and keep improving their education.

"Our goal is give everyone who wants it a chance to further their education."

The reception was sponsored by the Dawson County Woman's Club and the Adult Education Center.