Dawson County adult education advocates are celebrating a new round of GED graduates.

Reading Education Association of Dawson County (R.E.A.D.) hosted a GED reception and Honors Night for its twelve newest graduates.

"Although this number is down from previous years, the total number of graduates is down across the state," said R.E.A.D. Executive Director Sandy Lipkowitz. "There were only 165 GED graduates in the Lanier Tech seven-county service delivery area this year as compared to 600-700 in previous years."

Lipkowitz said she believes the drop in numbers is due to the recent change in testing.

"This is due mainly to the more challenging 2014 GED Test Series," she said. "An average student requires 100 classroom hours plus outside hours in order to pass the four tests."

Lipkowitz said that the program couldn't do what it does without community support.

"R.E.A.D. thanks all the Dawson County residents and Big Canoe residents for their support of these students," she said. "We especially thank our volunteer teachers and tutors, also. We have such a wonderful community."