A Graduate – 34 Years Later

Jack Hawkins proves that the cap and gown doesn’t discriminate by age. This atypical graduate at 50 years old proves that personal determination and faithful cheerleaders are a winning combination. Jack’s inspiring story can now be added to the many victories for those served at the Dayton Community Center.

Factories were once the economic lifeblood for the Dayton community and Jack, as many of his classmates, was drawn away from high school to factory employment. Life’s journey then led him to various jobs in construction and ranching out-of-state.

Returning to his hometown several years ago, Jack found it impossible to find employment without a high school education. Dayton’s economy was transitioning to service and technology industries, fields in which Jack just couldn’t compete. Thus, in the summer of 2005, Jack turned to Dayton Community Center to earn a GED.

Jack studied tirelessly, visiting the center mornings and evenings, and studying under the guidance of program director Tom Steigerwald and instructor Eric Goubeaux. Even after a mild heart attack and missing class time, determination brought him right back to his studies.

Jack’s first attempt to pass the overall test was unsuccessful, though by a narrow margin. Many would give up at the first hint of failure, but not Jack.

“Although disappointed, I found out that I did pass the writing and essay portion,” said Jack. “Tom and Eric kept telling me I could do this.”

At the next opportunity to take the test, Jack passed the exam successfully. He graduated in June 2006 and found employment with a medical equipment manufacturing company. He carries a laminated copy of his diploma certificate in his billfold and shows it proudly.