14 Aiken County Detention Center Inmates Earn GED Diplomas

At the Aiken County Detention Center, 14 students earned their GED diplomas last week. The May 27, 2025, ceremony marked the largest graduating group since the program's start. 

"They have developed a big work ethic – because, as they said during the ceremony, getting your GED is very difficult. And so, they've had to work really hard, not just during my class time, but during their rec time and things like that, they've had to do book work," said GED teacher Kathleen Ross to WRDW/WAGT.

Success comes through partnerships. The detention center works with Aiken County schools and state education officials. Students must pass tests across different subjects to earn their diplomas.

Sheriff Marty Sawyer spoke directly to the graduates, as reported by the Aiken Standard, "You've achieved one goal today. Set the next goal and achieve it. We don't want to see you back here anymore. We want to see you working and being productive in society."

These new graduates join five others from last year's class.