Another student has received his high school diploma this week at the library.
The Donald W. Reynolds Library is working in conjunction with the Gale Excel Adult High School. Jami Ellis, Programs Director and Literacy Coordinator for the Library spoke about the program.
“It’s a program that is nationwide,” Ellis said. “It’s for adults who are 24 years old and older who have not completed their high school diploma.
“They do a prerequisite and if I feel they are a good candidate, I can work them a scholarship, so it can be absolutely free to the student. The scholarship is worth $1,100 – it’s a pretty big deal.”
Ellis said the students who participate in this vary in age. They do the coursework on their own time and have two years to complete the program.
“If they have any credits from high school, it counts toward this program. They just have to get me their transcript and I’ll upload it. Also if they have done any GED tests or HiSET, those scores can count toward it, as well. They’ll do the coursework that they’re lacking to get the credits and then they’ll actually received their high school diploma.”
Martinez was able to complete his work in just a few months. Ellis said he lacked only about seven courses to finish his diploma.
“He’s been wonderful,” Ellis said. “He checks in with me frequently.
“I asked him why he wanted to do this and he said that he just wanted to prove to his family that it’s never too late to do something you’ve always wanted to get done. And now he’s looking to further my education, maybe going into criminal justice. He said, ‘I want to be a role model for my children. This is the perfect opportunity and I just wanted to take advantage of it.'”
Ellis said there aren’t any scholarships available right now and there are three more students who are in the process of completing their work.
“But we have a benefactor who donated some money and they set some of it aside for this program. Hopefully that will continue and we will continue to have seats available.”
For more information about this program, you can contact Jami Ellis at the library at jellis@durant.org or by phone at (580) 924-3486.
