In November of 1964, Sister Cecilia Linenbrink started The Learning Source in a church basement with about 187 adult students. Forty-five years later, The Learning Source ( www.coloradoliteracy.org) has grown and now serves more than 2,500 students each year.

The organization recently marked its 45 th year with the graduation ceremony for 45 students who received their GED (General Educational Development) certificates. They were among the more than 300 students who received their GED certificates at The Learning Source this past year.

Nearly 400 friends, family and mentors of the graduates filled the LakewoodCulturalCenter to celebrate the graduates' achievements. "Education is the pathway to opportunity and success," emphasized Lakewood Mayor Bob Murphy, keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony. "Research has shown that people who have a high school diploma or GED will earn more than $260,000 more in their lifetime. It's also very important to communities to have an educated workforce."

Chris Petrolay, alumnus of The Learning Source, also addressed the graduates at the event. "The Learning Source gave me the confidence to continue my education and be better able to provide for my family," Petrolay said. He received a Daniel's Fund Scholarship to continue his education and will complete his associate's degree in spring 2010.

Dave Aguilera, meteorologist from News4, served as the emcee for the graduation event and presented two special awards. Joel Jungers of The Learning Source's BelmarGEDCenter was recognized as Volunteer of the Year, and Candy Aviles, GED graduate, received the Linenbrink Award, named after Foundress Cecilia Linenbrink.

The 45 graduates ranged in age from 17 to their late 40s and many had special obstacles to overcome in obtaining their GED. "This graduating class had several students who are single mothers, some with learning disabilities and one student who is participating in a jail's work release program," says Susan Lythgoe, executive director of The Learning Source. "Many of the graduates are planning to continue their education at local colleges."

The Learning Source is located at 455 S. Pierce St. in Lakewood and operates 26 programs at 14 locations throughout the metro area. For more information, visit www.coloradoliteracy.org or call 303-922-4683,

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Laurie Anderson is a public relations specialist