It’s been a year since ten nursing home residents from Twin Fountains Home went back to school to earn their high school diploma through the GED program at West Georgia Technical College. Since then, two of their classmates died. Despite their loss, they gained three new students; senior adults who live in the community and come to Twin Fountains each week for classes.

A celebration was held recently marking the first anniversary of the program. During that time, the students have been making steady progress according to instructor Jewell Albright, of West Georgia Technical College’s adult education program. “This is one of the best classes I’ve ever taught in my life,” said Albright, who teaches classes twice a week at the nursing home. “The students in public schools could learn a lot from these older students. They come in hurting from their physical ailments and with a lot of pain, but they want to be here.

One of the students, 87-year-old Sara Jones, has improved her writing and reading skills to the level that she wrote a song to share with the group. “Some people have asked me ‘why am I attempting to earn my high school diploma at my age’?” she said. “Well, I am doing it for my grandchildren. I plan to walk across that stage at graduation and show them my diploma.”

Her son, Mickey Jones has been her biggest supporter.  “I am proud of my mama,” he said.

Dr. Edwin Smith, Troup County superintendent of schools, attended the anniversary celebration and presented the students with gift bags donated by WGTC. “You have this desire to build your skills and knowledge,” he said. “I congratulate all of you for continuing to learn. No one does it better than you.”

 Albright agreed. “A doctor tried to tell me that you can’t learn new things past a certain age,” she said. “Don’t tell me learning stops, these students are proof that it doesn’t.”

Annie Hardy, GED student, center receives a gift bag filled with school supplies from Dr. Edwin Smith, superintendent Troup County Schools, right, as Angeline Brooks, social worker, Twin Fountains Home, left, looks on.