TTC graduate Renette Gonzalez skipped work on January 17 to represent TTC at the Vermont Legislature’s annual Adult Education Day celebrating Vermont’s LearningWorks adult education system (it’s OK, her boss knows!).
Renette is a true TTC Success Story — at TTC she earned her high school diploma in our High School Completion program, completed our Bridge to College and Careers program, was a YAP youth agriculture worker for one summer and then rose to assistant crew leader for a second summer! Since leaving TTC, she is now enrolled at CCV and studying for an associates degree in either liberal arts or medical technology. Not one to stay idle, she also works at the West Mountain Animal Hospital in Doggie Daycare. You go, girl!
Approximately 175 adult ed students/grads attended this special day. Renette was accompanied by TTC’s Adult Education Manager, Janice Leslie.
Renette’s role was special. Renette was one of five adult ed students/grads chosen to testify (that means she made “official” comments!) to the House Education Committee, speaking about the The Tutorial Center’s High School Completion program and how that program supported her in earning a high school diploma from Mount Anthony Union High School in Bennington.
Renette testified that her experience at the The Tutorial Center was extremely different from her experiences at her former high school where she did not feel supported or encouraged. Through the wide mix of activities offered at TTC, she was able to find “her path.” She said she benefitted from the hands-on activities she was able to do, and the warm environment at the The Tutorial Center.
The day included a tour of the Vermont State Capitol building, and Renette attended the House Assembly gathering where Rep. Anne Mook of Bennington introduced Renette and Janice to the entire Assembly! Renette and Janice also met with Bennington Rep. Brian Campion. Both are great supporters of the work we do at TTC. Rep. Campion also sits on the House Ed Committee.
Renette’s visit to Montpelier concluded with a visit to the Vermont Supreme Court to view the lobby art show by artist Ken Leslie (yes, Janice’s brother-in-law!), followed by a visit to the Vermont History Museum.
Kudos, Renette, and thanks for telling your Success Story!
