Describing the students she has helped in the past two years brings Jennifer Jeancake to tears.

In her adult education classroom at the Pinecrest Center in Aiken there are students with gray hair and others who are barely old enough to drive.

Last year she and Aiken County schools adult education director Suzanna Maroney set out to have 100 students complete their GED.

Only 43 students had completed the program the previous year.

There's barely time for Mrs. Jeancake to sit at her desk or go home for down time because after-hours are spent working with students on essays or spelling, or teaching another group.

Last spring, Aiken County met the 100-graduate mark.

"It's been such a blessing to know that we're breaking new ground," she said. "It's almost like an immediate effect."

In the past school year, the adult education program's enrollment jumped almost 64 percent, with 1,121 students enrolled.

With Mrs. Maroney at the helm, educators are energized about sharing the program with the community.

"This is making a difference in people's lives, and it's opening doors," Mrs. Jeancake said. "It has shown me that you have to have a passion for this; it isn't just a job."

The adult education program has partnerships with 11 facilities to offer classes for a high school diploma, GED and the WorkKeys exam for those who want a technical profession.

This fall, the program will expand into the old Byrd Elementary School facility in Graniteville to offer more classes. Mrs. Maroney said she hoped splitting young adults and older adults would encourage more people to sign up for the program.

The work really begins in the classroom with teachers such as Mrs. Jeancake and Barbara Nuessle.

Since 1978, Mrs. Nuessle has instructed high school diploma candidates in English, science and math. Her students are a few credits shy of completing a diploma; some even attended school all 12 years only to fail a few classes the last year.

The increase in the number of dropouts in Aiken County shows in her room, but once they start the program, Mrs. Nuessle makes sure they get a diploma.

"If you miss a day, she'll call you," said Mario Williams, 19. "There's nobody checking on you in the high school."

Mr. Williams was three credits short of completing high school and decided to come back because he could attend school in the morning and work second shift at a tire plant.

The scheduling convenience also appealed to Brittany Williams, 19.

"I wish I could have stayed in high school, but there are special situations that I couldn't help," she said. "Mrs. Nuessle understands my home life, and she's willing to work one-on-one with me; that wouldn't have happened before."

Each morning students complete the next chapter in their assignments, and Mrs. Nuessle goes over each lesson with the individual student. A student who isn't ready can't move to the next chapter.

"Once they get here, though, they are ready to focus," Mrs. Nuessle said.

"They are finding a niche here, which is great, because without a diploma or GED they are going to be lost out in the world."