2014 Champion Dwayne Barley

Determined to finish Grade 12

The schools are there, take advantage of them, Dwayne Barley advises anyone considering a return to the classroom.

"Don't feel embarrassed," he says, speaking from experience. "Now is the time to do what you have to do. Just get it done."

Tired of being turned away from employers because he didn't meet their educational requirements, Dwayne returned to school in 2012, enrolling at Grand Erie Learning Alternatives -- Adult Education Centre. He was 30 and determined to get his Grade 12 diploma.

Just four credits shy of his goal, Dwayne says he was spurred on by encouragement from his father.

Living in Paris and with limited income from Ontario Works, Dwayne struggled just getting to and from school in Brantford on a daily basis. But, with the help of his mother, he managed to have perfect attendance.

Dwayne graduated last year and worked closely with employment counselors at Career Link who are helping him find a job in the automotive field.

Story by Jaymie Nelson

Photo by Mark Skeffington *Photo of Dwayne not available.