District 1 Commissioner Freddie Ashmon Jr. said the free SAT practice sessions he sponsored were a huge success, with more than 120 students and their parents attending.

The sessions were held July 25 and Aug. 1 at Lithia Springs High School and gave students in grades 7-12 a chance to practice taking the PSAT, ACT and SAT college preparation tests.

Students received detailed feedback on their performances, including an analysis of their strengths and weaknesses from Yesha McKay, associate director with Kaplan, the test preparation organization.

Ashmon presented cash awards to the students with the highest scores. The winners are Kathlene Gay, Victoria Livingston, Loren Livingston and Samuel Bell.

“I’m extremely proud of the accomplishments of these young people,” Ashmon said. “Their hard work and dedication is what is needed in today’s extremely competitive economy. I have no doubt that these talented individuals will attend college, graduate and lead productive lives.”

The Aug. 1 session was ended with a presentation by Jessica Johnson, executive director of Scholarship Academy’s, “Paying for College 101” financial aid seminar.

Ashmon said many students and parents expressed gratitude for offering the practice sessions. He said the response of Cydney Tidwell, granddaughter of Mary Kochan, stands out in his mind.

“Cydney walked over to where I was standing and gave me a great big hug and said, ‘Thank you for helping us at a time when we needed it most’,” Ashmon recalled.

Ashmon said he plans to sponsor the event again next year and also plans to add a general college fair with exhibitors.

“Invitations will be sent out to a number of local colleges and universities,” he said. “Therefore, upper classmen will be able to speak directly with college representatives and graduating seniors will have a chance to register with the schools of their choice on the spot. I hope to give students and parents all the tools and information they need to get into a good college or university.”