Local residents return to school in aftermath of shutdowns By ROBBY LUCKE Staff Editor's Note: this article is the first in a series on continuing education and literacy in Alleghany County. In the aftermath of recent plant closings, some employees who have found themselves suddenly jobless are working on getting their long-delayed high school diplomas with NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) funding. Those who agreed to be interviewed said they find enjoyment and satisfaction from learning and progressing. Some, however, expressed concern that funding will not be sufficient. Stella Mae Love of Whitehead, Barbara Revis of Sparta and Helen Reedy of Piney Creek were all employed at Bassett Walker when it shut down last spring. Reedy had been there 28 years, Revis 10. Love was at Bassett Walker four years, following 34 years at Sara Lee.

Instructor Melinda Isner (standing) coaches (from left) Barbara Revis, Helen Reedy and Stella Mae Love in their studies as the three work toward their high school diplomas.

"Most jobs now, you have to have a high school education," said Reedy. "That's why I came back, hoping to get a job."

"It's a good opportunity to get a free education," said Love. "There are no jobs, so many factories are closing."

Revis said she wanted to upgrade her education as well. "When all the new factories come in, we'll be ready for them," she said.

Love had dropped out of school at the end of the ninth grade to help support her large family. Revis dropped out in the 10th grade, Reedy at the end of 11th.

Melinda Isner, who is employed through Wilkes Community College and teaches adult education classes at the center, said the majority of her students are at fourth to sixth grade levels when they arrive. "In a very short time, they skyrocket," she said. "With commitment and dedication, those levels come up fast."

Revis said she progressed eight grade levels in about six months. Reedy has advanced three levels in less than a year. All three have passed the N.C. Competency Test, a requirement for graduation.

"I think I'm a little bit smarter now than I was when I came," said Revis. "I think my brain was asleep all those years. I woke it up." Love's experience is similar: "When I came, I didn't think I could learn fractions and decimals. I found that I can. The first day I was scared. I wanted to turn around and go home," she said.

"I have more confidence in myself," said Reedy.

Isner said, "It's almost a transformation that takes place."
 
 

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