May 21, 2012
BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A young Blount County woman says it's never too late for a second chance at life. Friday Heather McGlinchy graduated as valedictorian of her GED class.
She earned the honor while an inmate at the Blount County Justice Center. From drugs to diploma, McGlinchy has come a long way.
"I really wanted my dad to be proud of me, because I've hurt him a lot with what I've done, and mainly myself, to know I can make things better for myself, and that I am worth something," said McGlinchy. "I don't have to live this life."
McGlinchy has been an inmate at the Blount County Justice Center since March, when Alcoa police found her shooting up various drugs.
"I was so messed up; I was basically on the verge of overdose. If I had done any more pills that we had in the car, I wouldn't be here today," McGlinchy said.
She's used her time behind bars to get clean, and get her GED. She graduates with the highest scores this semester, as valedictorian. "I'm clean. I have been for three months, since I came here. And I plan on staying clean," said McGlinchy, adding she attends Narcotics Anonymous classes.
"We're a program about second chances. Everybody I think deserves a second chance to get an education, to be successful in life," said Carol Ergenbright, coordinator of the Blount County Adult Education Program.
At a ceremony at William Blount High School, the program handed out 55 diplomas. "Heather is certainly exceptional, but all of our students are exceptional in their own way. Each student has a story," said Ergenbright.
"I can't even begin to describe how proud am I of her," said Heather's father, Shawn McGlinchy. He says this certificate is the first step in a new start for his "sweet pea."
"This has been the best thing that happened for her, to get her straightened out and get her moving in the right way. I'm just so proud of it," he said.
Heather's scheduled release is January, but she says work programs may allow her release as early as November. Now she plans for a career, perhaps as a nurse. But first she wants to move others to make a change.
"I thought I had hit rock bottom. I thought I was at the end. I didn't think I could go anywhere," she said. "It's just, it's never too late. Don't ever give up. There's always somebody that's going to stand behind you. There's always somebody who loves you."
For more information on the Blount County Adult Education Program, contact 865-982-8998.
