West Piedmont Regional Adult Education Blog

A Franklin County GED Success Story

“I drove around the building 4 times before I got up enough nerve to go inside! What were they going to think when they saw a 47 year old woman walking through the door, wanting to get her GED?” Diane Bernard finally mustered the courage to go inside the Adult Education Center – West Campus Franklin County High School in Rocky Mount. Seven months later, she walked out those doors with her GED certificate.

“Everyone at the center was very understanding. I took the TABE test and didn’t do very well. I had trouble with fractions and percents. Debbie Hamrick, Laurie Greer, Max and everyone were wonderfully supportive, even to providing large pencils for my arthritic hands.” Diane credits the team, now located at the Franklin Center, with providing her the emotional support along with the knowledge and skill needed to qualify for her GED credential. “Laurie is not just a teacher; this is not just a job for her – or for anyone here. Debbie, Nancy, and everyone here go the extra mile to make a difference in their students’ lives.”

Diane describes September 14, 1971 as the day that changed her life when, at the age of 15 ½ years old, she got married, quit school, and went to work. She had always wanted to go back to school but life, family, and work had always taken precedence. Known around town as the dry-cleaning lady, Diane was forced to leave her job because of medical issues. Looking for a new line of work after 32 years meant confronting that lack of education.

Once the door to learning was opened, Diane didn’t stop with just her GED certificate. She received a certificate from Patrick Henry Community College in Microsoft Technology Applications. After that, she began volunteering at the Franklin Center. That led to more training and certifications in TABE and BEST tests and eventually to a part time job at the Franklin Center. She is now the person that gives the assessments that scared her so much a few years ago.

“The day I graduated was like a spiritual thing for me,” she says. As she walked across the stage, she heard her grown son shout, “You go Mom!” Diane will proudly watch that same son walk across the stage in June at his own GED graduation ceremony.

“Everyone should feel the feeling I had when I walked across that stage. It was a big accomplishment for me. Now I’m adult education’s biggest recruiter.” Diane encourages everyone who does not have a high school diploma to come by the Franklin Center to see what they need to do to be ready to take the GED test. “I’ll be the one who gives you your assessment. We’ll talk. I’ll know what you’re feeling because I’ve sat in your chair. We’ll help you figure things out.”

When asked if she has advice for anyone who needs a GED certificate, Diane replies, “You’re never too old to learn. To get your GED or go to college, you will need the support of your family. They need to understand that you have homework so supper or laundry may be on the back burner today. But that means that when you get your GED, your family should get a pat on the back too. I couldn’t have done this without the support of my husband, Gordon. You’ll need someone in your corner too.”
Diane Bernard is a true GED Success Story. She obtained her GED credentialing certificate and has now become a lifelong learner who wants to help others who need to start down the education highway. Diane says to all “Come on down to the Franklin Center at 50 Claiborne Avenue or call us at 540-483-0179. We’ll be there with you the whole way – from the time you get started until you walk across that stage with your GED certificate in your hand.”

Race to GED Poker Run

Join us on Sunday, June 7 for a bike rally-poker run to help provide GED testing scholarships for area adults. The Poker Run will leave Big Bird’s Big Twins (our sponsor) at 1PM. Big Bird always selects a scenic afternoon drive and a fun place to end the run. The route and end location will be posted closer to the run date. The Spittin’ Kitties will be back with us again this year. If you haven’t heard this band before, you’re in for a treat!

If you live in Franklin, Henry, Patrick, or Pittsylvania County, or the City of Martinsville, VA, please joins us. You don’t have to live in these areas to ride (but these are the areas that benefit from the proceeds). You don’t have to be a biker to ride - follow in your car.

Race to GED Scholarship Golf Tournament

The first annual Race to GED Scholarship Golf Tournament, held April 17 at Forest Park Country Club, was a resounding success. The first place team of Mary Jane and Barry Taylor, Chicken Conner, and David Shough took home the cash prize of $400 for their score of 58.

Sponsored by Scott Home Projects of Patrick Springs, the tournament proceeds will fund scholarships for approximately 135 GED tests for area residents. Hole sponsors for the event were: Workforce Investment Board (Martinsville), StarTek (Collinsville), Stacey Wright (Rocky Mount), Tex’s Barbecue (Stuart) and Dutch Inn (Collinsville), Bobby & Linda Martin (Martinsville), and the Highland Course at Primland (Meadows of Dan). Donations were also made by Little Caesar’s, Lowes Foods, Just Plain Country, Moody’s Funeral Home, and Food Lion (all from Stuart) and Walmart (Martinsville) as well as private donations.

To qualify for the one of the GED testing scholarships, the individual must be 18 years of age or older, not enrolled in public school and must be a resident of Franklin, Henry, Patrick or Pittsylvania Counties, or the City of Martinsville. Adults wishing to learn more about these scholarships should contact the adult learning center in their area or may call 1-888-GED-4-ALL.

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.