The Beaufort County School District’s adult education program has been recognized with three statewide awards.

Students in the district’s adult education program can earn their South Carolina high school diplomas, WorkKeys certificates or high school equivalency diplomas (GEDs).

The annual state Spearman Innovation Award, named after State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman, is presented to one South Carolina adult education program for an innovative practice, program, service or initiative.

Beaufort County Adult Education won the statewide honor for having a significant number of its teachers and staff earn Global Career Development Facilitator certifications.

The district’s adult education program has South Carolina’s highest number of GCDF certifications.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>Staff holding certification are Director Juanita Murrell, Jeffery Briggs, Terrianne Capers, Peggie Darien, Brenda Glaze, Garner Jones Sr., Marie D. Lewis, Otis Smith, Patricia Spivey and Jannie Williams.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

GCDF certification is the nation’s most prominent credential for career development professionals. Its holders have received extensive training that aids them in helping people find good jobs and productive career paths.

In addition to the Spearman Innovation Award, Beaufort County Adult Education won an Adult Basic Education Performance Award for being one of the Top 10 programs in the state with the highest percentages of students earning Career Readiness Certificates.

Program Director Juanita Murrell was inducted into the state Director Hall of Fame for her service in adult education.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

“This is not the first time that our adult education program has been recognized for its outstanding performance,” Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said in a release. “We congratulate Dr. Murrell and her entire staff and thank them for the valuable work they do in helping their students move forward with their careers.”