In a full auditorium at the Fairfax County Government Center on Friday, Aug. 15, several dozen adults made their way down the aisles to accept certificates from the county’s Adult and Community Education (ACE) program.

At the ceremony, a recent graduate was one of the evening’s student speakers. Donna Rae Ponzette finished the physical therapy aide program last year and returned to speak to the graduates about her experience.

Two years ago, Ponzette found herself looking at a Fairfax County Public Schools ACE catalog that arrived in the mail. She was 40 and described herself as "80 pounds heavier, sitting at home with a baby." Yet, she remembered that she had always loved being a student.

Ponzette called the ACE office to find out more, especially about funding. After meeting Lorraine Obuchon, a career information specialist, she was told she was eligible to participate in a particular program of ACE called Education for Independence (EFI). A full scholarship for her classes would be provided.

Because it is designed for single parents, single pregnant women and displaced homemakers, most of EFI’s participants are women. Men are eligible, Obuchon said, if they have custody of their children. The program has additional requirements. Participants must qualify as low-income, be unmarried, be legally able to work in the U.S. and have an advanced command of English.

Obuchon explained that an application, interview and assessment process also helps EFI determine if a potential student is a good fit for the program. She discovers a student’s expectations and determines her level of motivation. Academic classes are paired with workshops that teach interview tips, networking, professional image and other "soft skills."

Popular fields of study included phlebotomy and dental, medical and administrative assistant training.

Does anyone drop out the program? "It’s kind of a rare occurrence," said Obuchon, because "they’re at a stage in their life where they really, really want to do this. Especially with their kids in mind, they’re the sole provider and they’re thinking ‘I can’t struggle any more.’"

In fact, she said, the program often has a waiting list for admission. Thirty-nine students graduated this year. Many participants have tried different careers and want to move into more economically viable professions than they actually enjoy.

AT THE AUG. 15 graduation ceremony, several infants and young children could be heard in the audience, underscoring the idea that the certificates earned would be affecting many lives.

The commencement speaker, State Sen. George Barker (D-39), reiterated Ponzette’s accomplishments. "But was that the end of her education?" he asked. "No. She’s moving forward."

After graduating in the top of her class, Ponzette went on to secure a student loan, complete her first year at Northern Virginia Community College, volunteer at Mary Washington Hospital and be an intern at a physical therapy clinic.

From the podium, she told the students, "Never settle. ... I hope to go on one day and speak to you when I am Dr. Donna Ponzette."

Later, she said she noticed some graduates seemed to be satisfied with their progress, ready to put away their books. Some walked up to her and told her of how much they had endured. "They think that’s good enough. But if you want to go further, it can be done," she said.

What they don’t know is that Ponzette face other obstacles. A divorced mother of three, Ponzette was caring for her youngest child while attending school. In addition, she didn’t have a vehicle of her own for a long period of time, her laptop was stolen, she suffered a stroke, and the 80 pounds was lost through long walks and gym workouts paid by a friend.

Ponzette found out that employers often were looking for even more training beyond her ACE certificate. "It was not easy. I even went to interviews where people did not show up. I waited for two hours. ... [Students] have to prove themselves to be friendly to people, show they can win people over."

She still calls on her counselor, Obuchon, for letters of recommendation.

"This should be a stepping stone," said Ponzette. "I’ll probably end up going to school for 20 more years."