Central Carolina Community College’s Compensatory Education Program at its Siler City Center held its annual Thanksgiving Awards Luncheon Nov. 12 at Bestfood Cafeteria in Siler City. Students who attend the CED program at the Center and Chatham Trades were recognized for their participation and achievement.

CED is designed specifically for adults with developmental disabilities. The course of study includes seven major subject areas: language, math, social science, community living, consumer education, health, and vocational education. They also receive training in computer skills, problem solving, self-advocacy, and job readiness.

Jessica Godfrey is the CED instructor at Chatham Trades and Della Newkirk is the Siler City instructor.

“One major focus of CED is to steer the individuals to independence so that they may be as self-directed as possible,” Newkirk said. “The students are given the opportunity to acquire basic functional and life skills.”

Motivational speaker Michael Murphy, program director for N.C. Disability Action Network, was the speaker for the event. The mistress of ceremony was case manager Joanne Horak. Also in attendance were Erika Gabriel, Chatham County Health Department health educator; Lara MacCallum and Jenna Witcher, music therapists from Voices Together; Sara Lambert, CCCC Chatham County Basic Skills coordinator; Phyllis Huff, CCCC senior director for Basic Skills and Extension Education; and staff, family, and friends of the students.