The Hometown Treasure November 2013 | Page 25

“Impact” Locally Ina Hostetler, from Shipshewana, recently received her GED certification from Impact Institute. She mentioned that she wanted to continue her education after eighth grade, but it wasn’t an option at the time. After Ina married and started a family, she thought it would be a good time to further her education. Her husband was busy teaching and she wanted to be able to help with family financing. Ina had seen a sign advertising GED classes in Shipshewana, so she wrote down the phone number made the call and that was the start toward her GED. When Ina started her classes she found that she was impressed by the encouragement and communication that her teacher Mr. Marks (Jim Marks, retired Westview teacher, coach and guidance counselor) provided while she pursued her GED. She also was pleased with the flexibility that the program afforded her. Flexibility in doing school work away from the classroom setting so that she could take care of family obligations. She did mention that she valued the classroom experience as well, because it was much quieter with fewer distractions and that Mr. Marks and his assistants were readily available to help with Impact Institute By The Numbers LaGrange County students enrolled in questions. Ina was also impressed classes: (2011-2012) = 68, 2012with the genuine interest that Mr. 2013 (through July 18, 2013) = 198 Marks had in students success in the an increase of 191% program. She had to miss some class time during her participation and LaGrange County Adult Basic while gone she was contacted to make Education students enrolled in sure that she was keeping up with her classes: (2011-2012) = 24, (2012homework and to make sure that she 2013) = 163 an increase of 579% was keeping accountable. GED completion of LaGrange County Now that Ina has earned her GED Students: (2011-2012) = 43, (2012she is interested in furthering her 2013) = 72 an increase of 67% education after her children are all in school. Ina’s interest is bookkeeping. Impact Institute also offers adult education in the workplace. Recently, through cooperation with K-Z RV in Shipshewana, Impact Institute offered Automotive Technology GED classes at the K-Z plant. Sixteen Auto Body Collision Repair individuals received their GED through Computer Aided Drafting that program. Knox expressed that he Construction Trades was very impressed that these people were willing to stay two more hours Cosmetology after their shift to pursue their degree. Criminal Justice There is no charge for GED classes. Culinary Arts The only cost for GED students is the Interactive Media GED test fee. In the Topeka and ShipPrimary Healthcare shewana area, GED classes are held at Health Occupations Education Meadowview Elementary School. ImHeating Ventilation/Air Conditioning pact Institute is located at 1607 DowlPrecision Machining ing Street, Kendallville. Contact them Marine Mechanics at 888-349-0250. Visit their website at www.impactinstitute.net. Welding Impact Institute High School Vocational Programs Rod Lantz Sales Associate (260) 463-6652 Cell (260) 463-2881 Office (260) 463-7051 Fax www.YoderIns.com 2575 N SR 9 - PO Box 239 LaGrange, IN 46761 260-768-4547 [email protected] 8015 W US 20 • Shipshewana, IN NW Corner of SR 5 & US 20 November ‘13 · The Hometown Treasure 25