Johnston, SC – One by one they emerged, sheepishly at first, from the back of the room.

Dressed in outfits representing a wide range of professions, from nurses to firemen and doctors to astronauts, the future professionals walked proudly. One “nurse” showed off her pacifier, while the group’s “farmer” flashed a wide grin for everyone in attendance.

The career fashion show, featuring the children of Edgefield-McCormick County Adult Education’s early education classroom at the Johnston Learning Center (JLC), was a highlight during the Monday, September 18, 2023, luncheon celebrating the opening of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. The Open House event at JLC kicked off a week of celebratory events, including guest speakers (9/19), a college tour of Piedmont Tech’s Saluda campus (9/20), a business tour at Generac (9/21) and assessment opportunities for students to earn career-readiness certifications.

It all makes for an exciting week, according to Edgefield-McCormick County Adult Education Director, Vicki Butler.

“Our students began by taking a digital literacy assessment to see if they were ready to go take our career assessments this week and they were able to do that,” stated Butler. “That’s how they wanted to start the week off and it was awesome. Of course, we also had the career fashion show with the children. We will have guest speakers, including one who will speak regarding military enlistment for our students who are interested in the military. We will tour Piedmont Tech and Generac and then Friday is the big test.”

Scheduled testing for Friday includes the GED Ready assessment to prepare students for the GED exam, the GED exam itself and the WIN (career readiness) assessment.

“We work hard, and our students are working hard to achieve their goals,” she added.