GED to close, party set for ex-students

Officials with the General Education Development (GED) and Literacy Program invite current and former students to a party to observe the closing of the program housed at Community Presbyterian Church.

The party will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, May 15, at the GED classroom at the church's Joint Effort Leisure Ministries center next to the church at 113 S. Alister St.

Toni Somers has been the program's driving force since establishing it three years ago. She said she plans to end the program because her age (73) and health (she has multiple sclerosis) sap her strength so much that she doesn't have the energy she wants to devote to pastimes she enjoys, like writing and art.

The party will be an opportunity to honor Somers, said Alice Marks, one of the program's instructors.

"Somers' passion for helping students and her unselfish dedication to the program have produced numerous successes," Marks said. "During her three years of service, 65 students have passed through the classroom door and have been enriched and inspired in some way by Somers."

Port Aransas Independent School District officials have said they are investigating the possibility of partnering with other organizations in town to begin holding GED classes at PAISD this fall.