Paris Union School District 95 took another step to help adults earn their high school diplomas this past week.

Paris Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Larson announced plans to offer adult education for local residents who are 21 years or older and do not have their high school diploma.

The decision to offer the program came after Larson was contacted by several adults — including single parents — who wanted to not only earn their diplomas but improve their lives by being able to get a better job.

Larson shared privately that one such adult was currently employed in a local industry but because the young adult did not have his diploma, he would have to be terminated at the end of his probationary period. Larson said the young man was a good an employee but needed a diploma.

The new adult program offered by the Paris 95 school district comes exactly one year since the same school district began its Paris Alternative Learning Site (PALS) in cooperation with the Illinois State Board of Education. Since that program was established, 41 students have earned their Paris High School diplomas. Another 29 students — including some from other school districts — are currently attending the class.

The adults who are motivated to earn their diploma may do so by either completing the APEX online courses to earn their final credits or take a high school equivalency test. As the new program got underway this week, the six adults enrolled are opting for the online course.

Each adult who came forward and sought to complete their high school work is providing an important witness to every child, preteen and teenager in our community. Each of those six adults are emphasizing with their commitment the importance of an education.

With a high school diploma, or even better — a college degree —  you’re more likely to land a job that provides a higher salary in addition to health insurance and retirement benefits. A high school diploma can help you land a job that you can call a career well into adulthood.

Thank you to the Paris 95 school district for opening the door for our adult population to earn a diploma.