WILLISTON, N.D. - David Wilson, a WSC student, was recognized at the state capitol September 24 for receiving the top 2014 GED score for North Dakota with a 724.

The North Dakota Association for Lifelong Learning (NDALL) yearly fall conference for Adult Education and Alternative Education was held in Bismarck, September 23-25. The award luncheon Thursday, September 24, honored five categories: Student of the Year for Adult Education, Student of the Year for Alternative Education, Educator of the Year, Outstanding Leadership/Service, and Highest Average GED Score.

The 2014 GED exam is composed of four test subjects: Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. In order to pass, test-takers must earn a minimum score of 150 on each exam. Wilson averaged 181, placing him in the top 4% in the estimated national class rate.

Last year Wilson was enrolled at WSC as a dual-credit student after moving to Williston from Idaho with his family. "I was previously enrolled in an online high school when we moved, and it was not challenging me enough," Wilson explained. "My dad suggested looking into WSC's dual-credit program to get credit for both high school and college courses. I was placed in math and sciences courses at WSC. I soon realized that I still had a lot of credits to make up from high school, and not having a diploma was holding me back from pursuing my Associate in Science at the rate I wanted."

Luckily for Wilson, WSC provided a solution with their Adult Learning Center and their GED program. Wilson began taking practice exams early in the fall. After working with Laurel Kaae, Director for WSC's Adult Learning Center, he soon felt comfortable enough to take the exam. "David worked hard and is very deserving of this award," Kaae stated.

Now enrolled full-time, Wilson is on course to complete both his Associate in Science and Associate in Arts by next year. Though unsure of what his next career or academic step might be after he receives these degrees, he is happy with how everything has worked out. "WSC is a great place to get a good education. I am happy my dad suggested the dual-credit program, because it has given me the opportunity to be challenged and emerge successful."

For more information about the Adult Learning Center contact Laurel Kaae at 701.774.4221
For any information regarding WSC, please visit www.willistonstate.edu,
call 1.888.863.9455, or stop by 1410 University Avenue, Williston, ND.