Omega School Grads Overcame Barriers

Wisconsin State Journal
Friday, June 10, 2005
Danielle Corcoran Wisconsin State Journal


Susan Krieger said she left school in 11th grade after a teacher told her that she "wouldn't amount to a hill of beans."

But at a ceremony Thursday night, she got the last word.

"I'm 56 years old and I'm proud to be a graduate today," Krieger said as she accepted her GED from the Omega School, a private, nonprofit organization that provides basic education to returning adults and, on a contract basis with area school districts, to credit-deficient seniors who aren't on schedule to get a high school diploma.

Each Omega School graduate knows a thing or two about obstacles; many overcome learning disabilities, drug or alcohol problems or homelessness in order to complete their educations.

"The next time you face something in your life that looks hard, think back to when you sat here tonight in your cap and gowns," Omega School Board President William Thielmann told the approximately 35 students in attendance, who represented a graduating class of more than 80.

Although the journey to the graduation stage was a long one for some students, Omega Principal Oscar Mireles said the average person who earns a degree at Omega fulfills all the necessary requirements within three months.

A high school education took far less than the traditional four years for Joshalynn Campbell, whose list of recent accomplishments includes regaining custody of her son, remaining drug-free for two years, and passing all of her tests without much preparation. "If you don't got the patience to study and go to class, believe in yourself and wing it," she joked.

"This is like church. I'm asking you to come to the altar," Mireles said. "If some of these people haven't inspired you, nothing will."