A policy change at Brandywine Community Schools is allowing students in the district’s alternative and adult education program get a head start on their future.

Instead of waiting until the spring to get their diplomas like in years past, students get them upon completing required coursework.

This allows them to immediately take advantage of things requiring a high school diploma, like entering college, trade school or the military.

“They were putting their lives on hold for a few months rather than getting started right away on the rest of their life,” said Michelle Wruble, director of Bell Education Center. “Our students are actually excited about it because they don’t have to wait.”

The first round of graduates under the new procedure were awarded their diplomas at Monday’s school board meeting.

Graduate Douglas Alasadi used his diploma to enlist in the U.S. Coast Guard, while Nanette Manley and Vonda McKay are enrolling in college next semester.

Supt. John Jarpe said they would hold these ceremonies anytime an alternative/adult education student graduates.

“If we had done it business as usual he (Alasadi) wouldn’t have been awarded it until commencement time, so it is a huge advantage,” Jarpe said. “And these two ladies are able to enroll in community college in January instead of waiting until summer or even fall as they would have in the past.”

McKay, of Edwardsburg, said she is anxiously awaiting an acceptance letter from Southwestern Michigan College.

Her long-term goal is to work as a radiologist or ultrasound technician.

“Working in a hospital interests me and there is no shortage of jobs in health care,” said McKay, who dropped out of high school in her sophomore year.

Now a 36-year-old waitress, McKay wants to find a higher-paying job and set a good example for her two kids, ages 10 and 14.

“I want to show them that if there is something out there that you want, you can set goals and keep working to get it,” she said. “I am really happy I didn’t have to wait until May because I wanted to get going right away.”

Wruble said 20 to 40 students graduate from the Bell Education program depending on the year.

Anyone interested in finishing high school and earning a diploma should contact the Bell Education Center at (269) 683-8805.