LILLINGTON - Elizabeth Covington, of Harnett County, has had to overcome a lot in her life: becoming a single parent at the age of 18, having brain surgery because of a seizure disorder, and now, at age 45, struggling to raise her nine-year-old twins while going through a divorce.

Instead of giving in to discouragement, Covington has faced these challenges by working harder. She is now earning her diploma through Central Carolina Community College's Adult High School program and just received her Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) through the college's Human Resources Development Program.

Covington told her story at the college's Career Readiness Certification Recognition Ceremony Sept. 25 at the college's Harnett County Campus. Twenty-two students were honored for earning their CRCs.

"I overcame a lot of things over the years," she said. "These circumstances just pushed me even further to better myself, so receiving my CRC at the Silver level is a great honor for me. This lets me know that I can accomplish just about anything."

Career Readiness Certificates are issued based upon the scores of three ACT WorkKeys(R) assessments: Reading for Information, Applied Mathematics, and Locating Information. Certificates are awarded at the Bronze, Silver or Gold levels. The assessments address three fundamental workforce skills: applying math to work-related problems, reading for information/comprehending work-related materials, and locating information from materials such as diagrams, floor plans, tables, forms, graphs, and charts.

The assessments are based on ACT Inc.'s WorkKeys national job skills assessment system. These three job skill areas have been identified by employers nationwide as being essential foundational skills for job placement, career advancement and the development of an overall qualified workforce.

Earning the certificate can enhance employability because employers use the certificate, along with other education, experience and background information, to make employment, training, and promotional decisions.

"The CRC program is something everyone should be aware of, as well as be a part of if they plan to obtain employment after graduation," said Suzannah Parker, who also received her Silver Certificate. "I do not want to be limited in my goals so, as long as I can, I will strive to obtain anything within my reach to be successful."

N. Carnell Robinson, City of Dunn Mayor pro tempore, was the guest speaker for the event. Patricia Stone-Hackett, CCCC's Career Readiness Certificate coordinator provided an overview of the program. Dr. Pamela Senegal, CCCC vice president of Economic and Community Development, and Phyllis Huff, dean of Continuing Education, also spoke during the recognition.

The following persons received N.C. Career Readiness Certifications:

Gold Level - Brandi Baker and Amanda Byrd; Silver Level - Sharon Bullock, Josh McCorquodale, Dominic Carucci, Renee Mendoza, Elizabeth Covington, Bobbie Novell, Michael Fike, Roger Parker, Ruby Guzman, Suzannah W. Parker, Aaron Keil, Marsha Sander, Lucinda Lagas, Douglas Stephenson, Ashley Locklear, and Kaella Mortenson; and Bronze Level - Mariaeyesa Barron, DeAndre Council, Beyonka Moore, and Nicole Thomas;

For more information about Career Readiness Certification, contact Patricia Stone-Hackett at phackett@cccc.edu, 1-800-682-8353, or 919-777-7716.