Halifax CC GED grad achieves the desire of her heart

Glenda Marks is a GED graduate who finished the program in January 2007. “It was a desire of my heart for about 30 years,” she said. “You have to have it to progress.”

“I give God the praise,” Marks continued, who held on to scriptures from the Bible to meet the challenge of going back to school. Marks completed her GED in five months, taking a test each month and meeting a personal goal. Her motivation was getting a better job. “I had to have discipline and needed to stay motivated,” she said. Balancing personal and professional obligations with school can be demanding.

Before earning her GED, Marks worked at a furniture store for 26 years, but wanted a change. She started a cleaning service and at the same time, decided to increase her education and get a GED. Currently, she is continuing to work in her business and take computer classes at HCC.

“HCC is a great place. They have the nicest people there. They helped me every step of the way and I received a lot of encouragement,” said Marks.
 

“I wanted to help those who have families,
are working and still going to school.”

Halifax Community College Medical Office Administration Instructor Deborah Boone has established the Boyce Alston Memorial Scholarship at HCC. The annual award will recognize and promote academic achievement for a student enrolled at HCC who is in need of financial assistance.

Scholarship recipients will be chosen based on various criteria. These include a display of academic promise by maintaining a 2.5 grade point average, enrollment in a degree program at HCC in at least two classes, demonstrated financial need and two letters of recommendation recognizing the applicant’s qualities of citizenship and demonstration of community involvement through volunteer activities or other leadership roles. Applicants must also work a minimum of 32 hours per week.
Boone, who resides in Whitakers, is in her third year at HCC. She established the scholarship in honor of her father, who was originally from Halifax County. She also wanted to help students who attend college part-time. “When I was in school, I found that there was a lot of money for full-time students, but nothing for part-time students. I wanted to help those who have families, are working and still going to school,” said Boone.