POMEROY — Achievements of students enrolled in the Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) program in Meigs County were recognized in recent ceremonies held at the Fultz Center of Rio Grande Community College.

Those who have completed requirements for their Ohio High School Equivalence Diploma, (GED) and those who are still working toward that goal, their families and friends were guests for a recognition dinner hosted by the Middleport-Pomeroy Rotary Club.

Dr. John Costanzo, director of the Athens-Meigs Educational Service Center, extended the welcome with Carol Brewer, Meigs coordinator, speaking about ABLE, the dedication of its instructors, and its successes.

The awards for the students, provided by the Rotary Club, were presented by the instructors Lois Knadler at the Tuppers Plains ABLE Center, and Susan King and Charla Oden, instructors at the Middleport ABLE Center, with words of praise and encouragement.

Four of the ABLE students recognized were GED graduates of the 2009-2010 years. They were Michael Coleman, Dorothy Hill, Charley Nutter and Bryan Stewart.

Coleman and Stewart spoke following the presentation about their experiences in the ABLE program in appreciation of the help received in completing requirements for the GED diploma.

“Education at the Middleport Able Center provided a second chance for me,” said Stewart, whose plan now is to further his education at Hocking College. He credited education with providing him a new way to solve old problems, and expressed appreciation to his wife and extended family for their love and support.

Coleman spoke of the “great appreciation” for the Middleport ABLE Center and the instructors who helped him obtain his GED. “I am now pursuing a career in business which has been opened to me because of Charla Oden and Susan King,” (ABLE instructors), commented Coleman.

On behalf of ABLE and the Educational service Center staff, Brewer recognized Susan King for her 16 years of service to the Meigs County ABLE program.

More information about the program is available by calling Coordinator Brewer at the Meigs Office of the Athens-Meigs ESC, 992-5592, or the Middleport Center, 992-5808.