GED grad an inspiration to others thinking of dropping out of school

By Eloria Newell James, community@laurelleadercall.com

November 22, 2008 11:51 am

— Making sure every student is given the opportunity to graduate from high school is the goal of the Laurel Public Schools.
That goal is shared by many, and 17-year-old Isiah Pierce of Laurel realized that goal Thursday.
Pierce, who after two years of trying did not pass ninth grade, said he was ready to give up.
“I really wanted to drop out after last year,” Pierce admitted. “I really didn’t want to come back.”
Pierce said after talking with his mother and school officials, he decided to take the GED so he could receive his Graduate Equivalent Diploma.
“I took the GED and I passed everything but math. I needed 10 more points,” Pierce recalls. “I went back last Tuesday (Nov. 11) and took the test again and I found out today (Thursday) that I passed.”
Pierce said Marsha Smith, who conducts the Laurel School District’s GED program, really helped him.
Pierce said the achievement of his GED is fulfilling.
“I feel great,” he said. “I finally made it.”
Laurel School District Superintendent Dr. Glenn McGee introduced Pierce to sixth through twelfth grade students taking part in the Laurel School District’s first Dropout Prevention Rally Thursday.
The rally, which was a part of the state’s dropout prevention initiative of ‘On The Bus,’ encourages students to stay in school. The program was designed to inspire students to graduate from high school and excel in life.
McGee said it’s important for the students to realize that there’s always hope.
“There’s still hope in Mississippi. There’s still hope in Laurel,” the superintendent said. “Just talk to people, especially your teachers. There is all kinds of resources available.”
Smith, who taught English for 34 years in the Laurel School District before taking on the GED Program five years ago, said Pierce’s achievements is one of many success stories for the program.
“I think Isiah’s story is tremendous. This is why I do what I do,” Smith said. “We’ve had great success with the program. It’s very rewarding to me.”
She said the district’s GED program “means success for the students.
“It means they have a second chance,” Smith added. “They can go through the program, take the test and then they can go on to college or a vocations program.”
McGee said motivating the students to complete high school is the district’s goal.
“I would tell anybody thinking about dropping out to keep trying,” Pierce said. “Go to your teachers, talk to them, and just stay with it. ... Keep on going for it and don’t give up.”
McGee said because of his commitment, Pierce will now be a member of the Laurel High School Class of 2009.
The superintendent said Pierce’s story is evidence that “schools have got to become more individualized.”
Pierce said because of his success, he plans to enroll in Jones County Junior College and pursue a college education.

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