On December 18, Heath Woods became the first person to earn a high school diploma through the Gateway to Success Program at the North Campus of Southern State Community College, in Wilmington. It is a partnership that includes Southern State Community College, Hopewell JOGS, Great Oaks, and school districts that are affiliated with Great Oaks.

Because he lacked two credits, Heath was unable to graduate from Wilmington High School with his class. Heath and his grandmother, Peggy Kendall, knew that he needed a diploma in order to pursue college and career opportunities, so they visited the Southern State campus in September where they were informed about the Gateway to Success Program.

They discovered that Heath was qualified for the program since he had been out of school for over a year and his class had graduated. Heath began attending the program on a regular basis and was able to complete the Wilmington High School graduation requirements in early December. Heath took his coursework online and received instructional support from Debbi Frantz, Gateway coordinator, and Janet Schwartz, Career Specialist, of Hopewell JOGS.

A celebration for Heath and his family and friends was held on December 18. Representatives from Southern State Community College, Great Oaks and Wilmington City Schools were also on hand to recognize Heath’s achievement and enjoy a lunch provided by Generations Pizzeria.

Ron Sexton, current superintendent of Wilmington City Schools, was principal of Wilmington H.S. when Heath was a student there. He presented the diploma to Heath and said, “Heath was always a good kid, but he had some barriers to overcome. I hope he will serve as a role model to others. I want to thank Heath for his efforts, and I also thank his family and others who pushed him.”

John Joy, dean of Corporate and Community Services, awarded a certificate for a free course at the college.

Heath said that he was glad the Gateway to Success program made it possible to earn his diploma. “Gateway to Success is convenient because you get to choose when you come in. I would encourage others who need to get their diploma to take the initiative and come in. You need the diploma. It is the key to the future.”

The Gateway to Success program is a unique initiative to help young adults age 18-21 earn their high school diploma.  Unlike a more typical GED program, Gateway to Success leads to an actual high school diploma.  Classes are free and offered at area college campuses, which allows students the chance to be on campus with their peers.  Students can begin the program anytime, and work at their own pace to graduate.  For more information, call Debbie Frantz at 937-382-6645 x 4565.