Dr. John Combs and Ida Terry. Photo by Echo Day
Two months ago hundreds of Tipton County high school seniors graduated and emotions, as they always do at graduations, ran high.
Two more people received different, but just as important, diplomas Monday afternoon in front of the Alternative Learning Center in Covington and it also was a very emotional event.
Ida Terry, a 75-year-old with eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, and Hannah Poindexter, a mother of four young children, received their HiSet, also known as GED, diplomas in front of family, friends and Tipton County Schools administrators.
“I feel grateful, very emotional,” said Terry, who will enroll at Tennessee College of Applied Technology this fall to study computer information technology. “I’m glad I got here. It was a long way getting here, but I’m so glad I’m here.”
Poindexter was joined at the ceremony by all of her children and her husband. An Atoka resident, Poindexter said it took about a year to complete the program because of COVID-19 restrictions and the birth of her youngest child. She plans to become a registered nurse.
Adult education classes are available in person right now at ACL and there are also virtual options. Once school starts, classes will be held at Munford, Austin Peay and Drummonds elementary schools. More information is available here or by calling 475-3479.
The cost of the test, which is offered once a month, is $75, but state vouchers are available to those in need.
Director of Schools Dr. John Combs, just like he did last May, handed out the diplomas Monday.
“To see these two smiling faces, what they accomplished and how courageous they are, it’s very special,” Combs said.
After receiving her diploma, Terry offered some advice to any young people who could be thinking about becoming high school dropouts.
“I say this to everybody: Get your high school diploma. Please stay in school. You can’t even get a job without a diploma. Don’t wait until you’re 75 to get it.”
