All flowers don't bloom at the same time, but it certainly doesn't mean they won't bloom. Such is the case with Lee Gray, a recent GED graduate of Lenoir Community College's Community Learning Center at Sampson School.

Gray is quick to tell you that he never dropped out of school. " I have a learning disability and was put in LD classes in high school, " he said. After completing 12 years of school and receiving a certificate, Gray said he realized he would not be able to get the type of job he wanted or advance in employment without an official high school diploma or GED.

He heard about the WIA program at LCC and immediately got in touch with Tezra Egleton. After counseling with Gray, who was employed part-time at the time, Egleton referred him to the Community Learning Center at Sampson School Complex because of itsr flexible accommodations for students who work and go to school.
"Although the classroom instruction at Sampson was good and was able to work at my own pace, I was still haunted by the same problems I had in high school. I needed more individual attention, especially in math", Gray said. "Ms. (Olene) Solomon told me about the Adopt One Teach One Component of the Learning Center where volunteer tutors from the community work with students one on one. I was excited because I knew this was what I've always needed."

Gray was paired Glenn Clark from the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and they were a perfect match. With the classroom teacher, supplemental instruction on the computer, and Clark tutoring Lee in math, he was able to pass the math portion of the GED test.

Clark retired from the United States Marine Corps and is currently employed by Lenoir Memorial Hospital as Manager of Safety/Security. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Southern Illinois University.

When asked why he thought it was important to volunteer, Clark said, " I believe volunteering is simply caring for our neighbor. As a volunteer tutor, you are able to work one on one with students, which helps them build confidence in their own abilities. The true reward for me is being allowed to interact with students who have the desire to learn. Lee had an intense desire to achieve. I'm just grateful he allowed me to share in his experience of achievement. I feel good knowing I played a part in assisting Lee in getting his GED. I am also grateful to Olene Solomon for introducing the program to members of my organization."

Gray was inducted into the National Adult Education Honor Society in May and plans to pursue a career in Water Resources Management in the fall at LCC.