West Piedmont Regional Adult Education Blog

A Henry County GED Success Story

Tommy Ferguson’s story is similar to many others in the West Piedmont region. He worked as facility maintenance mechanic for 18 ½ years at Eden Yarns, where his wife, Janice, also worked. Then last November, Hanesbrands, Inc. announced that it was closing the Eden Yarns facility. Suddenly, husband and wife were both out of work.

Like many teenagers, Ferguson left school in the 10th grade because he wanted money to buy a car. Even though a high school diploma was considered important back then, it took second place to his desire for a car. He enlisted in the navy and registered to take the GED test while stationed in Naples, Italy, but a snafu kept him from taking the test. He put getting his GED credential on the back burner where it sat until he lost his job in November.

Tommy Ferguson chose to turn the event into a positive experience instead of becoming angry or depressed about losing his job. He immediately began studying for the GED exam even before he could enroll in class.

“I have always wanted to be a police officer,” Ferguson explained. “So I went to GED class, passed the test, and now I am at Patrick Henry Community College studying administrative justice. I never dreamed I’d find myself back in school – but it feels good in a lot of ways. I appreciate school more now than I did when I was a kid. I’m hoping to get a job doing what I’ve always wanted to do. Plus I feel that I am setting a better example for my son, Clifton, who’s 16. I want him to finish high school and go on to college too.”

Ferguson attended GED classes at the Center for Community Learning located at the old Figsboro Elementary School. He credits the faculty and staff there for helping him prepare to take the GED test. In particular, he says Lynn Fitzgibbons and Ann Yale constantly offered encouragement. “If I had known that classes would have been interesting and that the test was not too bad, I would have gotten my GED certificate years ago. I would encourage anyone today who has not gotten theirs to sign up for GED classes – and if you live in Henry County, go see Ms. Fitzgibbons.”

The Center for Community Learning is located at 340 Ridgedale Ave, Martinsville, VA 24112 Telephone 276-638-1668

New Year’s Resolution?

Many of us practice the New Year tradition of making a resolution to improve ourselves…dieting, stopping smoking, exercising. Why not make a resolution to get your GED credential? Studies show that adults with a high school graduate or GED certificate earn, on average, at least $7,000 per year more than someone who has no credential. Why wait? There is no time like the present to start working on your future.

Pittsylvania County GED Tests

GED Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts, Reading tests. Candidate must register in advance to take the tests. To register, call 434-432-9416.

Pittsylvania County GED Tests

GED Math and Language Arts, Writing tests. Candidate must register in advance to take the tests. To register, call 434-432-9416.

Henry County GED Tests

GED Math and Language Arts, Writing tests. Candidate must register in advance to take the tests. To register, call 276-638-1668.

Patrick County GED Tests

GED Math and Language Arts, Writing tests. Candidates must register in advance to take the tests. To register, call 276-694-6542.

Patrick County GED Tests

GED Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts, Reading tests. Candidates must register in advance to take the tests. To register, call 276-694-6542.

Henry County GED Tests

GED Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts, Reading tests. Candidates must register in advance to take the tests. To register, call 276-638-1668.

Martinsville GED Tests

GED Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts, Reading tests. Candidates must register in advance to take the tests. To register, call 276-656-0224.

Martinsville GED Tests

 GED Math & Language Arts, Writing Tests. Candidate must register in advance. To register, call 276-656-0224.