Woman persists in getting degree

Heather Anglin was a senior at Chaffee High School in spring 2000 when she suffered a miscarriage and lost all interest in school.

A few months later she was told she had been absent too many times and wouldn't be able to graduate with her class. Devastated and feeling hopeless, Anglin dropped out of school.

Today, a year and a half after she was scheduled to graduate from Chaffee High School, the 19-year-old will receive her diploma along with three other students from the Alternative Education Center in Cape Girardeau.

"This young lady has really overcome some adversity in her life," AEC director Al McFerren said. "She's become a role model for so many students here."

After dropping out of high school, Anglin attended general education development classes and worked full time, but nothing she did gave her a feeling of satisfaction.

In August 2000 she decided the only thing that would help her regain self-confidence would be to get her high school diploma, so she enrolled in the AEC. But Anglin still had a few obstacles to overcome.

In March 2001 Anglin was expelled from the center for fighting, but five months later she returned to ask for a second chance.

Back on track

"Our motto is: 'If you need a second chance, this is the place for you,'" McFerren said. "When Heather came back she had done a 360-degree turn."

Anglin, who was five months pregnant when she returned in August, hit another barrier when she became homebound due to complications with her pregnancy in October.

Anglin said her baby was the motivation she needed to keep trying. Her brother Bruce also attended the AEC and brought Anglin her homework each week.

"I knew I had a son coming and I would have to be educated to educate him," Anglin said. "I didn't want to grow to be 30 years old and wish I could have done something when it was right there in front of me."

Anglin's parents, grandmother, brother and fiancé's family will be at her graduation at 10 a.m. today.

"They're all so relieved that I finally made it," Anglin said. "They've been looking forward to this for a long time.'"

Ishamel Blackmon, Matthew Besand and Aaron McNeely also will receive their diplomas today.

hkronmueller@semissourian.com

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