Not everyone makes it to the end of a high school career with a swinging tassle and a rolled–up diploma.

Many students get derailed from the course by family hardships or simply bad decisions. When the latter happens, Central Alabama Community College steps in with adult education classes.

“Someone who gains a GED is much more likely to be able to find a steady job and succeed in life,” said CACC Director of Adult Ed Bert Sims.

Sims said the college is proud of its recent top three ranking among adult education programs in the state. CACC offers free GED classes in both Calera, at the old senior center, and in Columbiana, next door to the School of Technology.

Lonnie Boothe is from Vincent. She has two children and cares for them as a single parent. Boothe decided just a month ago that her life wasn’t what she wanted it to be, and that she was ready to enhance her level of education. She said she was happy to see that CACC was ready to help her do that.

“They really want you to succeed,” Boothe said. “I went in there at the end of June, and I’m taking the test July 28. They’ve also even helped me prepare to enroll in classes with CACC.”

Sims said the credit goes to CACC’s dedicated teachers and staff.

“Our teachers and staff do a great job of holding our students to high expectations, while at the same time offering them the encouragement and support that they need to succeed.”

Boothe said she wanted to get her GED and go on to college for her two kids.

“Of course, my schedule is crazy so they always work with me to make sure I have a babysitter before they schedule anything. But I want to do this to better life for myself and my children.”

Classes are open ended and designed for students to receive personalized instruction and be able to work at their own pace. The classes often focus on math and writing, which are two key components.

“If someone feels like their skills are real low we don’t want them to be scared off,” Sims said. “We’re not going to make them go up and do an Algebra problem in front of a class.”

Classes are offered in Calera Tues.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and on Mondays and Thursdays from 5-8 p.m. In Columbiana, classes are held from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and from 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. For further information, contact Brett Pritchard at 256-215-4254 or by e-mail at bpritchard@cacc.edu.