Early voting April 25- May 3
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
ELVIS
Vol. 75, No. 17
The international translator
By Jim Bardwell While music can build bridges throughout the world, it is Elvis who appears to be the International Translator. About 40 Elvis fans from Germany traveled to Gladewater last week as part of American Music Tours. They stopped in Memphis and Shreveport before pulling into Gladewater - one of Elvis’ early hangouts as he honed his skills. “What a great time we had in Gladewater, said tour director Werner H. Michels. “Thank you for your warm welcome and hospitality and Elvis’ banana pudding! We will be back next year.” The Gladewater Museum served up two of Elvis’ favorite snacks banana and peanut butter sandwiches and Billie Perryman’s banana pudding - and gave tours of the museum, especially the room that features Elvis. While the guests filled up on Billie Perryman’s banana pudding, her husband Tom, legendary radio DJ and the man who brought Elvis to East Texas in the 1950s and helped him survive those lean years, signed copies of his book about those days that made Rock-’n-Roll history and shared intimate stories about the King of Rock-’n-Roll. Perryman took the tour group to his old studio on the fourth floor of the Lee Building, where he and Elvis spent many hours recording and visiting whenever Elvis was in town. He also showed them the old Gladewater High School gynmnasium, where Elvis performed. Gladewater was an important part of Elvis’ life and career, as evidenced by international music fans who travel thousands of miles to East Texas to pay homage to The KING! “Thanks for all the information and friendly welcome. We felt very welcome. We love it,” said avid visiting Elvis fan Aviva Martin.
1 Section, 12 pages Billie’s (Perryman) Banana Pudding Elvis Style 3/4 cup sugar 2 Tbs. flour 1/4 tsp. salt 2 cups milk 4 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla Nabisco Vanilla wafers Sliced bananas (she used a lot of bananas because Elvis loved them) Prepare first five ingredients in a double boiler. Cook stirring constantly until thickened (about 1012 minutes). Line a large bowl with a layer of wafers and sliced bananas. Pour in pudding. Repeat layers until all is used. Top pudding mixture with vanilla wafers. Refrigerate and serve when cooled.
50¢
Day of Prayer event May 5 The National Day of Prayer in Gladewater will be observed Thursday at noon, May 5 at the downtown War Memorial. Everyone is warmly invited to attend and intercede for our nation. The event is sponsored by the Gladewater Ministerial Alliance.
City selling land to maybe fix Lee Library
By Jim Bardwell The Gladewater library’s roof has been leaking for years, with private donations going toward patching leaks temporarily. At last week’s Gladewater Candidate’s forum councilwoman Lana Niemann told the gathering the city was working on obtaining extra funds to fix the roof, but wouldn’t elaborate on details. At Thursday’s council meeting, mayoral candidate Mark Carpenter told the council during the “citizens comments” portion of the meeting, that they shouldn’t wait until extra funds are available. He said the building belonged to the city and should not be neglected. Following an executive session Thursday night, councilman Sonny Anderson Continued on Page 10
PHOTO INFORMATION CLOCKWISE - Tom Perryman was at KSIJ when he brought Elvis Presley to East Texas and gave Elvis some of his first work. It was also at KSIJ that Tom met Jim Reeves, Floyd Cramer, and Johnny Horton. Tom took 37 German Elvis fans to the old radio studios located in the top floor of the Lee Building at 800 Broadway Ave. off US 80 in Gladewater and told them many stories of Elvis’ early days in and around Gladewater. Perryman signed his book “Keepin’ It Country” for German fan Haju Habermann at the Elvis exhibit at the Gladewater Museum last Tuesday. Habermann heads the band Johnny Reb and the Rebels in Wiesbaden, Germany whose music can be accessed on YouTube. The Perrymans hosted Elvis often in their home in Gladewater during the early years of his career. Elvis rocked their daughter in the rocking chair that is in the museum exhibit. Werner H. Michels, interpreter and managing director of American Music Tours of Germany enjoys one of Elvis’ favorites, banana pudding as he visits with museum docent Gloria Turner. The group was also served the King of Rock ‘n Roll’s well-known diet staples of peanut butter and banana sandwiches and apple fritters. Their next stop was at the old Gladewater High School gymnasium, where Elvis performed and the famed Louisiana Hayride was broadcast from back in the 1950s. One devoted fan from Germany poses next to a life-size Elvis in a jacket actually worn by the rocking’ movie star in the film Jailhouse Rock. The group of 37 early rock ‘n roll fans toured the Gladewater Museum last Tuesday. Photos by Suzanne and Jim Bardwell
Kudos to Stephanie and Jeremy Newman for repairing the vandalized bench at the downtown War Memorial. They are an example of citizens making a difference.
School’s August move-in on target
The Gladewater letter carriers will be hosting a food drive Saturday, May 14 which will benefit Manna House. Donors may leave donations at their mail boxes.
By Suzanne Bardwell The GISD school board approved checks totaling $1,817,763.31 to Brady Environmental, Huckabee and RLM for school construction costs. With 49.62 percent of bond funds expended there is a balance of $13,813,129.94 still available. Superintendent Dr. J.P. Richardson reports that the construction is still on target for the August move in. He also said that furniture is being put together for Weldon at this time. The move-in into the new building in the middle of May then the current Weldon area will be remodeled for Broadway to move in during August. A stadium update reported that the sound system should be finished soon for baseball and softball. A security system is also being
installed in the baseball/softball field areas.. Financial Director Susie Stephens reports that there are $820,878.47 in delinquent taxes owed the district. Teacher Appreciation Week is scheduled for May 2-6. The district’s end-of-year service awards dinner is set for May 16. Professional employees recommended for 2016-17 employment included Ann Broyles, Tracy Wells, Brandon Bonds, Maria Ferguson, Rachel Haynes, Tony Valladares and Natalie Hennessy. Robert Chadwick has be hired for the remainder of the 2015-16 school year. Resignations accepted included Jerry Barry Jr., Jamie Cook, Kourtney Long, Melinda Moran, Donna Patterson, Antonio Trevino. Retiring are Margaret Doonan, Stephanie Griffin, Lillie Holmes and Dale Lange.
Page 6B, The Gladewater Mirror, Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Gipson, Blalock honored by Rotary
Union Grove High School’s Malinna Gipson and J.T. Blalock were recently honored as Rotary Students of the Month. Malinna has been active on the UIL Debate team for
three years. She won first at district for CX debate and attended the state debate meet in Austin. She is currently third in the state of Texas. Malinna works at Etex Te l e p h o n e C o o p e r a t i v e
as an accounting assistant student worker. The straight A student plans to further her education at Kilgore College and continue at the University of Texas at Tyler with a major in secondary education. Her
GHS’ Martin, Blackmon named Students of Month
Gladewater High School Rotary standout Students of the Month are Summer Martin and William Blackmon. In GHS Spotlight Summer was voted “Best Personality”. She was also honored as Football Sweetheart this year and was a sophomore homecoming duchess and as a freshman JV Cheer Sweetheart. Serving as a cheerleader all four years of high school Summer has been named to Who’s Who for Cheer; selected as a member of the National Cheerleading Association’s National All Star Team and presented the coveted WOW award for outstanding cheer performance as a junior. She has also been a member of the East Texas All Star Professional Cheer Team for three years. Summer has been active in FFA horse judging and the Skills & Quiz team. She won third place with her show rabbits as a sophomore. She is manager of the baseball team and will graduate as a Texas GLOBE Scholar with Merit. After graduation Summer plans to attend the University of Texas at Tyler and major in kinesiology with the goal of becoming a physical therapist. Her parents are Lisa Martin and the late Tony Martin. William Blackmon has been very active in band excelling in solo and ensemble competition. This year he earned a one at contest earning a performance position at state competition later this month. He also received a one and advanced to state as a junior. As a freshman William earned a one on stage and sight reading. He has served as drum major of the Sweepstakes winning GHS marching band.
parents are Glenn and Christy Gipson. J.T. Blalock has the distinct achievement of four years of perfect school attendance. He participates in athletics and band and has participated on the state level as a tuba musician. He is the recipient of the KYKX football scholarship and the Eastman scholarship. His future plans are to attend Kilgore College in the Industrial Maintenance Program and possibly participate in the band program.
Union Grove High School’s J.T. Blalock and Malinna Gipson were recently honored as Rotary Students of the Month in April. Photo By Jim Bardwell
Rotary Union Grove High School Students of the Month Madison Hunt and Chase Cameron Day are both extremely active students. Madison is a member of the Spanish Club, the FFA and has participated in UIL academic competition. She has been a member of the varsity softball team for four years, powerlifting team for two years and the shotgun team for one year. She qualified for state in powerlifting this year. She served as a flag runner during football season and has been a member of NHS for three years. Madison plans to attend Kilgore College and then transfer to Stephen F. Austin
Rotarians honored Union Grove High School Students of the Month Chase Cameron Day and Madison Hunt. Photo By Jim Bardwell
Hunt, Day students of month
Gladewater High School Rotary standout Students of the Month are Summer Martin and William Blackmon. Photo By Jim Bardwell William is also a member of NHS and active in FFA showing animals at both the Yamboree and Harvest festivals.
William was nominated for Band Beau and is president of the National Honor Society. William’s parents are Rickie and Karen Blackmon.
University to major in nursing. She is the daughter of Jeanna Speed. Chase Day is a proud 13-year Lion who has been involved in football, basketball, baseball and golf all four years of high school. In football he has been recognized as district first team linebacker, first team offensive line, first team punter and All State Honorable Mention linebacker. In basketball Chase was awarded second
team All District his junior year and first team All District his senior year. In baseball he received All District second team infielder his junior year and honorable mention his sophomore your. Chase is also involved in UIL academic competition, the Culinary Arts program and archery competition. He plans to attend Tyler Junior College to become an athletic trainer. His parents are Jody and Angela Day.
GT fourth and fifth grade students of Mrs. Davis at Weldon developed “Smarter Texans Save!”posters for the Financial Literacy Month poster contest. The Center for Economic Education and Financial Literacy at the University of Texas at Tyler (CEEFL) and Region 7 sponsored an art contest for Region 7 area schools. The contest is to celebrate Financial Literacy Month and to encourage students to use art to display the “economic way of thinking” about money concepts. Courtesy Photo
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Page 4, The Gladewater Mirror, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016
Lions defeat Cayuga in district opener By Ellis Hayden The Union Grove Lions improved to 4-1 on the season and stand at 1-0 in District 10-2A Division I with their 32-23 victory over the Cayuga Wildcats. The Lions will travel to Malakoff Cross Road for a Thursday night game against the Bobcats who are winless on the season. The Lions jumped out to a 7-0 lead after one quarter with quarterback Austin Owens capping a 69 yard drive with a 14 yard touchdown run and Parker Thornton successful point after touchdown kick. Later in first quarter, Owen connected with wide receiver, Union Groves #4 Parker Thornton snares a pass form Tanner Stanley on a 83 yard MECH.UTH.160803B A toinZforGladewater_Santoro Lion QB Austin Owens goes a touchdown in the touchdown toss. The extra Size 5.15” x 10.5” second quarter. The Lions beat Cayuga, 32-23. point attempt failed. The Photo by Kim Hill Lions added a third score in
the first quarter when Dylan Borden score from nine yards out. The Lions had a 19-0 lead. The Lions continued to roll in the second quarter when Owens and Thornton hooked up again with 25 yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 26-0. Cayuga finally got on the scoreboard, when Ryder Sparkman ran the ball in for a touchdown with the extra point to follow. At halftime the score was 26-7 in favor of the Lions.
Cayuga took advantage of an interception to set up it next score. Colton Bock’s 14 yard touchdown run narrowed the gap. But Owens answered with 7 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to extend the lead to 32-15. Cayuga scored late in the fourth quarter which made the score 32-23, which proved to be the final score. Austin Owens rushed for two touchdowns and passed for two more to lead the Lions in scoring. The senior
quarterback rushed 17 times for 80 yards and completed 6 of 13 passes for 207 yards. Dylan Borden rushed six times for 50 yards and a touchdown. Tanner Stanley had two receptions for 124 yards and two touchdown.. Defensively, the Lions were led by sophomore Mikie Webb who had 21 tackles with a tackle for loss. Tristan Chavers and Alec Mayhan each had 10 tackles. Parker Thornton had an interception.
Front
AtoZ
from our FAMILY MEDICINE DOCTORS
WOULD YOU LIKE TO QUIT SMOKING?
HERE’S A GAME PLAN. Do you smoke? Have you thought about quitting? Stopping smoking is difficult, but you CAN do it!
You can combine a long- and a short-acting nicotine replacement for better results. For example, you could wear the patch and chew nicotine gum.
Most people know smoking is bad for you. Cigarette smoking is the No. 1 cause of preventable deaths in the United States and worldwide. The most common diseases caused by smoking are heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Prescription medications are also available to help you quit smoking. These include varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion (Zyban or Wellbutrin). However, these medications have risks as well as benefits, so talk to your doctor before taking them.
Smokers who quit generally live longer and are less likely to develop these deadly diseases. Even smokers with tobacco-related illnesses can improve their health if they quit smoking.
Studies show that a combination of medication and counseling is the best way to quit. Many healthcare providers – including UT Health Northeast – offer smoking cessation counseling.
How can you quit? Setting a “quit date” is a good way to start to the process.
1-800-QUIT NOW is a free hotline that provides counseling and follow-up support. Websites like smokefree.gov can provide more resources to help you quit.
First, pick a date within the next two to four weeks when you will quit smoking. Then tell your family and friends of your plan so they can support you and hold you accountable. Quit on that date and remove all cigarettes and tobacco products from your home and workplace. Nicotine replacement is a common overthe-counter aid that can help you quit. The nicotine patch is long-acting, while the gum and lozenges are short-acting. A nicotine inhaler and nasal spray are short-acting agents that are available with a prescription.
If you’ve tried to quit before, but haven’t been able to, don’t give up! When you ARE ready to quit smoking, talk with your doctor to see what options are best for you! This column is published bi-monthly in the Gladewater Mirror. You can submit a medical question for consideration in future articles by mailing your question to: A to Z from Our Family Medicine Doctors, UT Health Northeast, ATTN: Office of Public Affairs, 11937 U.S. Highway 271, Tyler, TX 75708.
Carah Howe, M.D. UT Health Northeast Family Medicine Residency Program
For more information or to schedule an appointment:
(903) 877-7000
Healing Just Feels Better Here. We accept Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and most commercial insurance.
Healing Just Feels Better Here.
2808 South Main Street, Suite T & V, Lindale
Union Grove’s #11 Kase Smith takes down Cayuga’s Taylor Vincent, with #8 Wesley Atkison and #52 Colby Christian charging in to assist. Photo by Kim Hill
Sabine still in search of a win
The Sabine Cardinals began District 8-3A Division I competition at Redwater in the hopes of turning their season around. Unfortunately, the Redwater Dragons defeated Sabine 33-21 and keeps the Cardinals winless on the season. The search for their first victory of season doesn’t look to promising this week, as the Cardinals travel to White Oak to play the #6 ranked Roughnecks, who are undefeated this season. Sabine battled back from a halftime deficit of 14-7 to tie the score by Glenn George’s eight yard touchdown run.
The Cardinal’s Kobe Renfro set up the score with a fumble recovery in Redwater territory. Unfortunately, on the Dragons next series, their quarterback sprinted for a 79 touchdown to retake the lead. The Cardinals started the fourth quarter backed up deep in their territory with Redwater threatening at their ten yard line. But the Cardinals not only held their ground but forced a Redwater turnover. Tragically, Sabine offense fumbled and Redwater recovered in the end zone to take a 27-14 lead. To the Cardinals credit, they fought back. Putting together
a drive capped off by Mauro Gallegos’ 13 yard touchdown to narrow the Dragon’s lead to 27-21. Redwater increased their lead to 33-21 late in fourth quarter. The Cardinals were driving the ball with less than two minutes remaining, but fumbled away their chance for a comeback. George led the offense with 90 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown. Caudle had 48 yards, and Gallegos had 34 and the two touchdowns. The defense played hard and was led by Renfro, who had nine tackles and a fumble recovery. Cheyenne Compton had six tackles.
Page 2A, The Gladewater Mirror, Wednesday, May 4, 2016
EDITORIAL Get involved, be a part of the solution - VOTE
Voting is one of the ways we honor the past and protect the future, and that is the responsibility of every American voter. Please exercise that privilege Saturday - May 7 - and impact the future - yours, mine and our children’s. Please vote for the person who will help Gladewater move forward and put the interests and needs of the people first. We share these quotes with you as you cast your ballot. “Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.” — President John Quincy Adams. “A vote is like a rifle: its usefulness depends upon the character of the user” — President Theodore Roosevelt. “Those who stay away from the election think that one vote will do no good. ‘Tis but one step more to think one vote will do no harm.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson “The efforts of the government alone will never be enough.
The gift of teaching ... ]One of my earliest memories is playing school. I was three to four years old and my chubby little hands held chalk as I sat at my ‘desk’ while my Mom did physical therapy with my handicapped brother. As she worked with him she would call out letters for me to make on my chalkboard. Growing up on a ranch with no playmates except my rowdy boy cousins nearby meant that I spent a great deal of my spare time reading whatever I could get my hands on. Friday was ‘town’ day when I was out of school and one of my favorite stops was the local library where I checked out the maximum number of books each week. I loved the crisp feel of those colorful library book covers. Then there were the summer Weekly Reader magazines. I can still recall what they smelled like. My grandmother who taught in a one room school house would rock and tell me stories. She also bought me special books at the ‘dime’ store. Between my teacher grandmother and my school secretary Mom, coupled with a passionate love for the written word it was inevitable that I would become a teacher. I wish I could say that I had a phenomenal public school education. I can’t. But I can say that my first grade teacher Mrs. McQuary was a phenom. My 2nd and 3rd grade teacher Jeffie Hagle (how could I forget that name?) must have been good but I remember her affectionate nature and her hair most vividly. I think I could bounce quarters off that ‘do’. That was it until I had the lovely and dedicated young teacher Anita Murray for junior high English. She cared. About junior high kids. Can you imagine that? In high school there were three dedicated teachers who fought the good fight against the apathy, ignorance and laziness of their students. Nervous Mavis Bennett taught me to type fast and accurately. As a result I was able to work my way through college in clerical rather than food service jobs. I got every job I applied for thanks to Mrs. Bennett’s attention to speed and accuracy. Ettie Belle Robinson, a tragic and romantic spinster (she lost her fiance in WWII and wore her engagement ring on her right hand) dug in and taught the country girls to sew, cook, decorate, dress appropriately for interviews and made sure we had every
In the end, the people must choose and the people must help themselves.” — John F. Kennedy “A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.” — Edward Murrow “Just because you do not take an interest in politics, doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.” — Pericles “There is only one redeeming thing about this whole election. It will be over at sundown, and let everybody pray that it’s not a tie, for we couldn’t go through with this thing again. “And, when the votes are counted, let everybody, including the candidates, get into a good humor as quick as they got into a bad one..” — Will Rogers “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” — Martin Luther King Jr. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
Suzanne Bardwell Red Cross certification that teenagers could qualify. She was special and we took her for granted. But it was Gertrude Russell who lit my intellectual fire. She was a 65-year old widow who came to my high school when her other school had forced retirement for all teachers at 65. Her son, a Vietnam War combat pilot was a POW in the Hanoi Hilton. She took her fears, her loneliness and her need for purpose and taught a bunch of hard-headed, previously intellectually unchallenged country kids to the best of her ability. I had the privilege of her influence for three years of high school. Then she was forced to resign because of disgruntled parents. Needless to say they weren’t mine. She and the school librarian argued about book orders. The librarian saying: “None of these kids will read these books.” Mrs. Russell said: “Suzie Brown will!” And I did. Because smart-aleck that I was, I respected Mrs. Russell. As a result, a world was opened and when I got to college, despite graduating with only 15 students, I found myself prepared. And inspired. I taught public school for 33 years because of Mom, Mam’ma and Mrs. Russell. The teachers in my life who touched my future. In turn I have taught somewhere in the neighborhood of 4,000 students in my career as a public school and community college teacher. I just pray I have touched their lives just a bit as mine was touched. To all the teachers in the trenches: you are my heroes! Do not let the testing, the pressure, the exhaustion, the discipline problems take your eyes off of the truth that you write the future for generations. The FUTURE! What a gift you hold in your hands. What a gift you are!
Letter to the Editor
Say thank you to our public employees May 1-7 is Public Service Recognition Week. Across the country and here in East Texas, federal, state, county and local government employees serve us every day. Throughout the year, but especially during Public Service Recognition Week, we should gratefully acknowledge their service. I want to publicly acknowledge the good work done by 324,807 active and retired federal postal workers that call Texas home. At a time when much of the talk about federal employees is biased or uninformed, let’s use this week to talk about what federal employees really do. They work alongside our military at home and abroad to defend our country. They conduct cutting-edge research to improve health and prevent disease.
They regulate food and drug products to keep us safe. And when natural disasters strike, they are there to provide relief and help us rebuild. Despite popular belief, 85 percent of federal employees work outside of Washington, DC. All around this country, federal employees help seniors get their Social Security benefits, guide airplanes safely through our skies, and care for our veterans and wounded warriors. During Public Service Recognition Week, please join me in recognizing the important work of the public employees in our community and thanking them for their service. Marshall L. Richards Hallsville
Over $1,000 raised in library book sale
The working relationship between GISD and the community The Friends of Lee Library would like to express their sincere is a great blessing! appreciation to the librarians at Gay Avenue Primary, Broadway Friends of Lee Library Elementary and Weldon Intermediate School for the generous President--Pete Adams donation of their discarded books for the Gusher Days FOL Book Membership Chair--Judy Banner Sale. Over $1,100 was raised which will be used to support the Treasurer--Sam Cloud Summer Reading Program for Children. Secretary--Suzanne Bardwell
THE ECONOMIST By Dr. M. Ray Perryman
Credentials work Workforce preparedness is crucial to future prosperity, both from an individual and a societal perspective. One way to demonstrate having the necessary skills and knowledge is by obtaining a certification or license. For some occupations, such credentials are a requirement, while for others, they open doors to higher-paying jobs. We now have some data that allows us to analyze this phenomenon for the first time. There are two major types of credentials, though some involve elements of each. Licenses are awarded by a government agency and convey a legal authority to work in an occupation. Certifications are often issued by a non-governmental body (such as a school, trade association, or other organization). People may have more than one certification or license; people with a license may also have a certification. The Texas Department of Licensing and Registration handles the licensing process for a variety of occupations ranging from air conditioning and refrigeration professionals to electricians to tow truck operators to cosmetologists. For some licenses, the requirements are fairly simple, such as demonstrating adequate facilities and care to become a licensed dog breeder. Others involve tests and apprenticeships, such as for a Master Electrician (which requires 12,000 hours of working under a Master Electrician to obtain). These licenses serve many purposes, including protecting consumers and providing proof of advanced knowledge (and therefore an advantage in obtaining jobs or customers). Certifications also vary widely. To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Texas, you must have a college degree (actually more than a typical baccalaureate degree, because the requirement is 150 college hours including 30 hours of upper level accounting classes), pass a rigorous test, take an ethics course, work for a year under a licensed CPA, and then some. Other certifications reflect specialized knowledge, such as the Medical Imaging Specialization certificate offered by Texas State Technical College, which involves 12 credit hours on top of a Biomedical Equipment Technology Associates Degree. There are also Chartered Financial Analysts and Certified Financial Planners, both of which involve challenging tests and related experience and improve job prospects and credibility with potential clients. Cisco Systems offers five levels of network certification, also only obtained by demonstrating expertise through an examination (among other requirements). Clearly, certificates and licenses are an important aspect of success in many fields, and we now have a new source of information about them. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) began collecting related data last year, and the newly released survey results support the linkage between credentials and better jobs. Almost 18% of the total US civilian population age 16 and older held a certification or license (or both) in 2015, with about 39.2 million licenses and 5.5 million certifications (but no license). They were more common for White non-Hispanics (at more than 18%) than for Blacks (15%), Asians (16%) or Hispanics (11%). They were also more common for employed people, with the proportion rising by level of education. Almost 52% of employed persons age 25 or older with advanced degrees had a certification or license, compared to about 8% of workers with less than a high school diploma. For some occupations (such as health care and technical fields), they were very common. The BLS also found that the median earnings of full-time wage and salary workers with a certification or license were 34% higher than earnings for those who did not hold such credentials. Part of the reason people with credentials earn more is that they tend to have higher levels of education, and people with more education in turn have higher earnings. However, there are occupations where a certification can make a notable difference in pay. For systems engineers, for instance, Monster.com indicates median pay is $92,300 for persons who are Cisco Certified Internetwork Experts, compared to $72,700 for those in the same occupation who are not. Credentials make a particularly notable difference in earnings at lower levels of education. The BLS data indicate median weekly earnings of people age 25 and over with less than a high school diploma who held a credential were $596, 22% higher than earnings of those with the same level of education who did not ($488). However, college graduates with credentials earned only 4% more than those without them (at $1,256 for those with and $1,205 for those without). Having a credential is linked to better pay and a smaller chance of unemployment. While the picture is complicated by the fact that credentials are also linked to educational attainment (which also plays a role in job quality), there is evidence that the right credential can pay dividends even within the same occupation. In addition, credentials are even more important for those with lower levels of education. A certificate or license can be a powerful way to demonstrate that one has the skills and knowledge required for a job, opening doors to higher earnings and greater opportunity.
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