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.