Virginia Green, 52, is preparing for a very special high school graduation, her own.

  • Virgina Green, 52, graduates from high school Saturday
  • Green dropped out of school in the 7th grade to help her family
  • She will attend the International Academy in Daytona Beach to study cosmetology

"I will be graduating from high school receiving my high school diploma, said Green, with excitement.

The road to her high school graduation has been long and filled with obstacles. Green dropped out of school in the seventh grade to help her single mom with eight children. She worked minimum wage jobs in hotels and restaurants.

When she applied for better jobs, she was confronted with a cold reality.

"The always asked me did I have a high school diploma, and it was a letdown, and it bother me,” said Green. “And I'd see all the other peoples going into nursing and all of this, and it was like a failure for me.”

So she sought the help of St. James Ministry and Academy which has helped nearly 400 people get their high school diplomas.

The academy is in Fort Pierce, but Pastor Toni Charles also holds classes in Daytona Beach.

For almost three months, Green took classes in a room inside the Fifth Third Bank in Daytona Beach. In less than a year, Green not only passed the 9th grade, but the 10th, 11th and the 12th, even earning a scholarship.

Green was unaware at first that she and Charles grew up together attending Holly Hill elementary school, which created a special bond between the two.

Although most St. James Academy students must travel to Fort Pierce for their graduation, Charles made sure Green could receive hers in Daytona Beach, where Green will graduate at the top of the class.

"And she will be the only one student that will graduate, and we're doing a full graduation ceremony,” said Pastor Charles.

Green starts classes June 23rd at the International Academy in Daytona Beach where she will study cosmetology.

"My ultimate goal is to get my business, start up my own business in hair design,” said Green.

Virginia Green's graduation ceremony will be held at Saturday at the Halifax Hospital Auditorium with friends and family in attendance.