Community Education
Transforming lives:
One Person At A Time
Written By: Freya Pruitt
I picked up the phone one day, and called Carol Ray of The Community Education
department of Fredericksburg Texas. Searching for summer programs for my
grand-daughter, I was greeted with an exuberant voice that conveyed heart, energy, and
great passion- not what one would expect from a reserved, educational department
employee.
I guess we are all victims of stereotypes. I don’t know what I expected, but it certainly
was not Carol Ray! Carol was on fire to help, and she detonated any of my
pre-conceived misconceptions within 15 seconds! Boy was I surprised! I decided I had
to meet this unique individual. And that’s where our journey began.
As I entered her office, she beamed that great smile and walked over to hug me.
She was sincerely excited to tell me about The Community Education program. I
was astounded to hear that the program had been functioning for over 20 years in
Fredericksburg. I asked Carol what the favorite program was, and without hesitation,
she replied: “OH! The GED program-without doubt! The students are so vested in their
commitments. They are in class for a reason-they are very committed and dedicatedand so is our teacher, Peggy Triebs.”
“We have seen so many lives transformed by this GED program. Believe it or not, the
average age for students in this class is 45! These adults are so grateful-they want to
be there, and it shows. We are blessed by being able to give them the gift of education.
I love what I do-I love my job-I am so blessed to be able to serve the needs of the
community, and to encourage people to experience the gift of education-at any age.
I encourage everyone in the community to share their own unique gift with others. If
you have a hobby or a certain passion, call me, and we can develop a spot for you.”
“Fredericksburg is a service oriented community. I look at learning as a life-long
stencil-school in a world of acronyms. I love meeting people and developing long term
relationships. It just doesn’t get any better than this.”
Wow; After talking to Carol I enrolled my grand-daughter immediately in the Theatre
Camp. She can’t wait-and neither can I. If you have a desire to learn ballroom
dancing, painting, computers, piano, foreign language, Yoga, volleyball- just about
anything-call Carol today. Don’t wait another minute to experience the joy of learning!
Achieve that long awaited goal. Nothing feels quite as good as accomplishing a life
long dream. Call Carol and she will show you how. 830-997-7182
Ingram
Veterinary Clinic
Dear Doggy Doctor,
I had a great time staying with all of you. I enjoyed retreating to
my soft bed after a fun-filled day playing with the others. You
made sure I was fed and had all my shots. I had a really good
time and definitely will be back.
We’re all going through a time of change and uncertainties, but one